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8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 CORONAVIRUS: FG tells Nigerians not to travel to China in new travel advisory By Johnbosco Agbakwuru :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 ABUJA—THE Federal Government yesterday, advised Nigerians to suspend any plans to visit China for now in view of raging case of Coronavirus in the Asian country. Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, gave the advice in Abuja, yesterday, while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Health Minister said that he briefed the council and gave an update on the outbreak of Coronavirus. He said that after his presentation, the FEC approved a travel advisory for Nigerians, stating clearly that all travel plans to China be stopped in the meantime. According to him, the advisory also directed all returnees to Nigeria from China to be quarantined outdoors within for period of two weeks before being fully interacting with their families, adding that the two weeks would be used to monitor possible symptoms on the bodies of the returnees. He added that the Federal Government has also directed all airlines flying into Nigeria to report any passenger with signs of illness to airport authorities upon landing at any airport in the country. He said that all disease control and monitoring agencies in the country had been alerted to be on the look out for any sings of the infection. He said: “In view of the trending stories around the Coronavirus, it has become very necessary to issue a travel advisory to Nigerians. The first is that all Nigerians and all from Nigeria, intending to travel to China should delay their travel plans until further notice, except it is extremely essential for them to do that trip. “All persons arriving from China or any country that has a major outbreak is advised, if they have no symptoms at all, to self isolate, meaning that they stay indoors in their homes for at least two weeks and if they develop any symptoms, like cough, caterrh, sneezing, breathing difficulties within this period, to report to the nearest health facility. “We are also advising all airlines to report any case of a passenger falling sick on-board before the plane lands. That is a requirement in the agreement. Nigerian Port Health Services, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control are on alert at our airports and other points of entry. That is the advisory.” FG to repatriate fresh $321m Abacha loot By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA — THE Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved the commencement of the repatriation of stolen assets from the United States. The agreement on the repatriation of looted funds is expected to be signed next week while the looted assets of $321 million allegedly belonging to late General Sani Abacha are also expected to be repatriated from Island of Jersey. Briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, said that other assets to be repatriated include that of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke and Kolawole Aluko. Malami, said that the Council approved the asset sharing tripartite agreement between Nigeria, Island of Jersey and the United States of America for the purpose of repatriation of looted assets. He said during President Buhari’s first term, his administration succeeded in the recovery of looted asset by over 1,300 percent. He further explained that based on the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, reached by the three parties, the money would be spent on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the 2nd Niger Bridge and the Abuja-Kano Expressway. Malami, however, explained that no figure had been placed on the Alison-Madueke asset to be repatriated. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: Director, National Sugar Institute (NSI), Kanpur, India, Mr. Narendra Mohan (2nd left); High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Mr. Abhay Thakur (middle); and the Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Abuja, Nigeria, Dr Latif Busir, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the establishment of a Sugar Institute in Nigeria between NSI and NSDC, in Abuja yesterday. BOKO HARAM: Senate condemns Plateau killings, abductions By Henry Umoru ABUJA — THE Senate, yesterday, condemned the abduction and killings of Nigerian citizens from Plateau State by Boko Haram insurgents, just as it warned against what it termed, the anti-Plateau hate narrative by bandits which is aimed at dividing Nigerians along ethno-religious lines. The Senate consequently, urged the authorities of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, ABU; University of Jos; and Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi to absorb all undergraduate and post graduate students of Plateau State origin currently studying in the University of Maiduguri as their safety was gravely jeopardized and no longer guaranteed. The Upper Chamber noted that the recent killing of students and people who are of Plateau State extraction by the Boko Haram terrorists has put fear in the minds of many students that are at the moment stranded in Borno State. The resolutions of the Senate yesterday, were sequel to a point of Order by Senator Isifanus Gyang from Plateau State. Gyang who relied on order 42 and 52 of Senate Standing Rules, in his notion said a total of 27 lives were lost on Tuesday in a renewed blood bath carried out by insurgents in Kwattas, Ruboi and Marish in Plateau State. The lawmaker said, “The consequential effects of this defective anti-Plateau narrative have led to the abduction of over six persons, Senate Committee screens Obiora for CBN Deputy Gov post OPL 245: Nigerian witness testifies in Italian court THE trial of Shell & Eni is ongoing in Milan, Italy, Valori, an Italian newspaper has reported. Italian authorities had asked prosecutors to produce Isaac Eke, a Nigerian witness who is a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, in the ongoing probe of the $1.1billion Malabu oil scandal. Eke was brought up by defendant Vincenzo Armanna, former Eni manager, who became one of the main accusers of the current CEO Descalzi and the other managers. Shell and Eni were said to have given out bribes in the bid for OPL 245, one of Nigeria’s richest oil blocks. The oil block’s reserves were estimated at 9.23 billion barrels of crude oil. At the time of the OPL 245 deal between 2010 and 2012, Eke was deputy commissioner of police operations in Abuja. While testifying, Eke said, he met Armannna twice through a mutual friend, Timi Ayei, the first time in 2014. But the Italian prosecutor pointed out that he had earlier said, in his letter, that he met Armanna in 2009 and that he was introduced to him as Victor Nwafor. Although Eke confirmed that his signature was on the letter, he said he has never used the name Victor Nwafor. He said he was unaware the trial would be public but the prosecutor countered him, saying he had said he was ready to testify in the trial. Asked who paid for his flight ticket to Italy, the witness said he did but was told Armanna would pay him for his flights and accommodation. He also said he spoke with the Nigerian security services before he came to the country and was summoned by Babagana Munguno, National Security Adviser. four males and two females. “Three boys including an undergraduate of the University of Maiduguri, were murdered by Boko Haram at close range gunshots. “The anti-Plateau hate narrative is reminiscent of the Nazi Germany episode where the Nazi supremacist regime promoted the demonization of Jews and incited anti-Semitism as a justification for the subsequent gas chambers genocide against the Jews. “The xenophobic and hateful narrative being orchestrated by Boko Haram is intended to set other Nigerian citizens against Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief THE Senate Commit tee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, yesterday screened Dr Kingsley Obiora for the position of Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, urging him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the task of assisting the Bank achieve its mandate of ensuring monetary and price stability, among others. This followed Dr Obiora’s nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari for the position of Deputy Governor of the apex bank. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Uba Sani said that the committee was impressed by Dr Obiora’s credentials and expertise. Senator Uba described the nomination of Dr Obiora as “fitting,” and expressed confidence that the nominee was well suited for the position, bearing in mind the fact that he had been actively involved in the process of monetary policy formulation at both the national and international levels. According to him, the Senate, through the committee, decided to give the screening expeditious consideration, given the sensitivity and critical role the Deputy Governor of the those of Plateau origin.” He added that the killings by Boko Haram are an “attempt by the fanatical sect to whip up religious and ethnic sentiments of unsuspecting Nigerians and to shift attention from its evil acts that have not spared Muslims and other Nigerian citizens of all classes and creeds from North to South, East to West.” The lawmaker added that Nigerians were looking up to the Senate to, not only show concern, but raise a strong voice in condemning the terror unleashed on them by the activities of Boko Haram and bandits. CBN plays in the nation’s economic sector and to plug any gap that might be created with the imminent exit of the out-going Deputy Governor, Economic Policy. In their individual remarks, members of the Senate Committee lauded the competence of the nominee, noting that he possessed the expertise to add great value to the management of monetary policy and indeed the Nigerian economy. The committee, while also commending the quality of the nominee and his patriotic zeal, said the nomination underscored the importance of merit in considering Nigerians for appointments. Responding to the questions posed by the Senate Committee members, Dr Obiora expressed gratitude to the President for considering him for appointment as Deputy Governor. He also thanked the Senate Committee for its kind words and their commitment to the Nigerian project. If confirmed as Deputy Governor, Obiora pledged to contribute his quota to enabling the CBN achieve its mandate.
Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 — 9 :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 PARLEY: Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State (left) receiving a brief from the Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Sen. Basheer Mohammed (2nd left) and his team on the Commission’s report on repatriating Nigerian refugees from Chad Republic in Abuja yesterday. Photo: NAN. Cabals not controlling my government — BUHARI the inner cycle of the A B U J A — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has downplayed the claims that certain individuals among his aides and relatives, often called “cabals,” have an influence on his government. In an exclusive interview with The Interview Newspaper, President Buhari said “I was the one who went round the country on campaigns, and I was the one voted into office as President, twice. No one else did, and no one else took the oath of office, and can exercise the powers of a President.” Recall that some Nigerians, prominent among whom is the First HEALTH TIPS By Sola Ogundipe Lady, Aisha Buhari, have claimed that there is a ‘cabal,’ whose influence on the decisions taken by the President and the presidency, is immense. The First Lady at several instances, had accused these people of controlling her husband at the expense of Nigerians, who entrusted the president with their mandate. It will be recalled that recently, the First Lady had asked an aide to the president, Garba Shehu, to resign or be relieved of his position after she accused Mr Shehu of receiving instructions from the said cabals to the detriment of her husband and the first family. Shehu who had admitted the existence of cabal within Signs your water might be unsafe to drink Most of us don’t think about the water we drink. We just fill a glass and drink. Is the water you’re drinking safe? What can you do if your drinking water suddenly became contaminated? A good rule of thumb is to check for cloudiness. Water that’s safe to drink should ideally be clear with no odour or funny taste. One way to tell if water is contaminated is to look for turbidity, or cloudiness. While cloudy water isn’t necessarily dangerous to your health, it could signal the presence of unsafe pathogens or chemicals. If your drinking water tastes metallic, smells fishy, or comes out cloudy, it could signal the presence of unsafe contaminants. The best way to tell exactly what’s in your water is to have it professionally tested, but there are a few ways to screen for contaminants using your senses. Also check to see if your hands feel slimy after washing them with soap and water. If your water smells like bleach, be wary of excess chlorine. Water that smells like bleach could be a sign of excess chlorine in your local system. Water that smells like sewage or rotten eggs could contain hydrogen sulfide, a colourless gas that can naturally occur in groundwater. When this gas is exposed to certain bacteria, it converts into sulphate, which can cause dehydration or diarrhea. If water smells fishy, it could be a sign of barium or cadmium. A number of contaminants, including arsenic and nitrates, are hidden to the naked eye. In many cases, a single drinking water system will contain more than one hazardous chemicl, making it difficult to evaluate the overall health risk. presidency, however, maintained that they are not “hungry people,” rather, they are “respectable people who deserve respect because they have achieved a lot.” Buhari was further asked why nothing much has been heard from the Doyin Salami-led Economic Advisory Council after its inauguration last October, he said that the committee was fulfilling its mandate in the background and results would soon be seen. “They don’t have to play to the gallery in doing their work. They don’t have to do it on the pages of newspapers, but be rest assured that they are working quietly and efficiently. Results are what matter, and you will see their influence on our economic policies in due course.” On his promise to lift 100 million Nigerians from poverty in 10 years in the face of surging population growth, the president restated the resolve of his administration to meet the target with an assurance that he would hand over the baton to a successor. Industrial unrest in public service caused by lack of communication — FG By Emem Idio Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Office of Y ENAGOA—THE Federal Government has attributed lack of effective communication between employers and employees as the cause of unrest and industrial disputes in the public service, advocating the principles of collective bargaining and mutual respect for sustained industrial peace and harmony in service. Acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan stated this yesterday, during the meeting of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, holding in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Yemi-Esan said the JNPSNC meeting was another opportunity for the representatives of workers and government to interact and formally exchange ideas on some issues generally affecting the growth and development of the public service and particularly the well-being of the entire workforce. The acting Head of Federal Civil Service who was represented by the the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and Chairman of Council, Dr Evelyn Ngige, described the JNPSNC as “a platform for sustained cooperation amongst the respective entities of government and labour at the national and sub-national levels, noting that similar channels of conciliation, mediation and arbitration have been used to facilitate industrial harmony in government and corporate settings.” UTME: JAMB nabs 38 CBT operators over cyber crimes By Joseph Erunke ABUJA—THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, yesterday, handed over 38 operators of various Computer Based Test, CBT, centres to operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for prosecution over cyber crimes. The suspects, who were said to have allegedly indulged in the cyber crimes, using the Virtual Private Network, VPN, are from the six geopolitical zones of the country. VPN extends a private network across a public network, and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing services were directly connected to the private network. JAMB’s Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, speaking at the board’s headquarters, Abuja, where the suspects were handed over to operatives of NSCDC for onward prosecution, explained that the suspects who are operators of CBT centres, extended the VPN to illegal outposts to register some candidates for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, and those seeking admission through Direct Entry, DE. A one-on-one engagement between the Airforce commissions another C-130H aircraft after in-country PDM Kingsley Omonobi ABUJA—IN its continued efforts to boost its airlift and combat support capability for Armed Forces’ operations across the country, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, yesterday, ‘accepted’ back into service another C- 130H aircraft, NAF 913, after a successful Periodic Depot Maintenance, PDM, within the country at the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja, Lagos. ....Hands them to NSCDC for prosecution Emma Ujah A B U J A — DIRECTOR- General of the Bureau for Public Enterprise, BPE, Mr Alex Okoh, has said that efforts were on to resolve the lingering legal tussle over the Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria, ALSCON, Ikot- Abasi, Akwa Ibom State in order to revamp the firm. The Director-General pointed out that if the Smelter Company was functioning, it would have provided about 8,500 direct This brings to two the number of C-130H aircraft successfully reactivated incountry within one year after NAF 917 was commissioned in June 2019 upon completion of in-country PDM. Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, Air Com. Ibikunle Daramola said NAF917 has since been involved in many missions within and outside the country, including delivery of relief materials to flood victims in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, among others. JAMB Registrar, Prof Oloyede and the arrested CBT operators at the board’s headquarters in Bwari, showed that some had registered fictitious names and National Identity Numbers, NIN, with JAMB as staff of the CBT centres. By implication, the fate of all UTME/DE candidates, who knowingly or ignorantly registered at the illegal registration centres is presently unknown as there are no clear indication if they would be allowed to sit for this year’s examinations or other arrangements are out in place to capture them. Oloyede, who frowned at the development, said: “An average parent does not want the child to queue even for 10 minutes. “They will prefer paying these people extra money and they will claim to have done it for them not knowing the incalculable damage that they are doing to their own children. “Even if we have destroyed our own generation, let the incoming generation have the opportunity of building a better tomorrow for us and that’s our position. As s far as we are concerned, a prima facie case of cyber crime has been established against them. “The appropriate security agencies will take over from here and deal with the matter. They will go and give their statements to the law enforcement agencies.'' Efforts on to revamp ALSCON — BPE boss jobs and 35,000 indirect jobs to Nigerians while Akwa-Ibom State would have been the greatest beneficiary. He spoke at a meeting with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, in Uyo, according to a statement by Amina Othman, the BPE spokesperson, yesterday. According to Okoh, since the over 30 years of the Bureau’s existence, it had revamped over 230 previous Public Enterprises in the banking sector, oil and gas, telecoms, pension and debts’ management, among others. On the power sector executed by the Bureau, he said if the privatisation had not been carried out in 2013, the sector would have collapsed by now, adding that the Federal Government was addressing the hiccups ravaging the sector. In his remarks, Governor Emmanuel pledged to support the BPE in its reform and privatisation mandate and called on Nigerians to support the privatisation agency in exercising its mandate. Emmanuel expressed satisfaction with the efforts being put in place by the Federal Government through the BPE.
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