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Omicron: Alakija’s Heated BBC Interview On Covid Tears Through The Heart Of The West (Video)
An African Union vaccine expert and Nigerian citizen, Dr. Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija, has slammed western countries in a scathing BBC interview, criticising the West for banning Africa over the new Omicron variant first discovered in South Africa and calling for a co-ordinated global shutdown.
The video has been watched over 330,000 times on one of her social media accounts and 80,000 on the account of the South African Foreign Affairs Department spokesperson, Clayson Monyela.
Dr. Olatunbosun-Alakija claimed the world should have been prepared for a new Covid-19 crisis, calling it “inevitable”.
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“Had the first SARS-Covid virus — the one that was first identified in China last year — originated in Africa it is now clear that the world would have locked us away and thrown away the key,” she scathed.
“There would have been no urgency to develop vaccines because we would have been expendable, Africa would have become known as the continent of Covid.
“What is going on right now is inevitable, it’s a result of the world’s failure to vaccinate in an equitable, urgent and speedy manner.”
She criticised countries for immediately introducing travel bans to numerous southern African countries and pleaded to vaccinate Africans urgently.
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“Quite frankly, it is unacceptable, these travel bans are based on politics and not in science, it is wrong”.
“Why are the Africans unvaccinated? It’s an outrage. We knew we were going to get here. We knew this was a crossroads it was going to bring us to. It was going to bring us to a variant, it was going to bring us to more dangerous variants. “Why are we acting surprised? Why are we locking away Africa when this virus is already on three continents?”
“Nobody is locking away Belgium & Israel (where cases were also reported). Why are we locking away Africa?
“It is wrong and it also time our African leaders stand up and they find their voice. African leadership needs to sit up at this moment, our Presidents need to wake up at this moment and realise that this is not business as usual.
“The continent is at stake, our lives are at stake and we cannot allow the world to do this to us”.
Dr Olatunbosun-Alakija recommended a “co-ordinated global shutdown of travel for the next month” but she pleaded, “don’t single out Africa”.
Many countries including the US, European Union, Morocco, Rwanda and Mauritius have banned people from the following countries due to the emergence of a new covid varient discovered in South Africa this past week: Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa itself.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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News2 days agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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News1 day agoHow Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
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News13 hours agoBoko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
