STARrex BLOG

FG Officially Declares Lassa Fever Outbreak, Activates Emergency Response Centres The Federal Government has activated emergency response centres for Lassa fever cases in the country following the official declaration of the disease as an outbreak. Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, announced this in a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday. He disclosed that there has been an increase in the number of Lassa fever cases reported from several states across the country since the beginning of the year. The NCDC boss added that recent epidemiological data shows that the trend usually occurs during the dry season – between January and April. “As at 13 January 2019, a total of 60 confirmed cases have been reported in eight states,” he revealed. “Given this increase in reported cases of Lassa fever, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has declared this an outbreak and activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to c...

Tinubu bombs Obasanjo over attack on Buhari, APC, makes revelations [Full statement] More criticisms have come the way of former president Olusegun Obasanjo over his letter where he chastised President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration, claiming the president was preparing to rig the 2019 poll. In his response to the letter on Tuesday, former Lagos governor and Co-Chair of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaigns, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said Obasanjo was projecting unto the APC the misconduct he would perpetrate if still in power. “Yet, the ways of Obasanjo are not those of the APC. And this difference has meant the better for Nigeria,” Tinubu said in the strongly-worded letter. Asiwaju described the former president as an election rigger without peer. “There is no election which occurred under Obasanjo’s watch or in which he participated that did not involve cheating on his part. Even the late President Umaru Musa Yar ‘Adua admitted he was the beneficiary of a fla...

Fayemi sacks EKSU Vice Chancellor, other Heads of state-owned institutions Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti on Tuesday approved the removal of the Vice- Chancellor (V-C) of the Ekiti State University, (EKSU), Prof. Sam Oye-Bandele. Fayemi performed the function in his capacity as the visitor to the state owned-institution. Fayemi The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, stated this in a statement he released to journalists in Ado-Ekiti. Oyebode said the sack was sequel to the consideration and the adoption of the White Papers on the reports of the Visitation and Fact-Finding Panels by the State Executive Council. Oyebode said the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Dr Kolawole Ogundipe, and the Provost of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Prof. Mojisola Oyarekua were also sacked. Fayemi moves to reposition education in Ekiti According to the statement, the most senior officials are to take over the runnin...

Elections: Possession of weapons at rallies will not be condoned in Lagos—CP The police and other security agencies in Lagos State have said they will deal decisively with anyone found with arms during any political gathering in the state. The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Edgal Imohimin, said this on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the activities of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee ahead of the forthcoming general elections. The press conference was also attended by the INEC’s REC for the state,Mr Sam Olumeko, and the heads of other security agencies. “I have ordered all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to, henceforth, face anyone found to be armed with firearms at political gathering with proportional force which may be the use of arms when necessary. “We assure Lagosians that we have made adequate security arrangements and what we expect of them is their cooperation,” he said. Edgal, who is the chairman of the committee, said that the me...

Why Nigeria’s 36 governors want Buhari to win presidential election – Gov Yari Gov. Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara has said that the 36 state governors of the federation, would for many reasons work to ensure the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in the coming election. Yari, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors` Forum (NGF) stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Forward With Buhari Grassroots Mobilisers Goodwill Ambassadors. He said the organisation was being sponsored by the NGF, and that it was its brain child. According to him, governors across the federation will rather vote for President Buhari even if they belong to opposition political parties. This, he said, was especially so because Buhari had done a lot for the governors irrespective of party affiliation. Yari said one of such things was the bailout fund which was paid to all state governors to off-set workers’ salaries and outstanding arrears. The NGF chairman said this was paid across b...

INEC insists Gov Ahmed remains PDP candidate for Kwara South The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kwara, Malam Athairu Madami has declared that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not make any mistake in listing Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed as PDP candidate for Kwara South Senatorial district election. Madami told Newsmen in his office on Tuesday that Ahmed’s name could not be substituted for another person because he did not apply within the stipulated time. Gov-Abdulfatah-Ahmed NAN reports that the Governor said on Monday that the Electoral body made a mistake in leaving his name as the Senatorial candidate because he duly applied for the substitution of his name with that of Sen Rafiu Ibrahim. Unity solution to division in Nigeria – Dogara According to the REC, deadline for substitution and replacement of names expired on Nov 17, 2018, adding that Ahmed sent his application on Dec 3, 2018. He said INEC wrote to the governor on Dec 31, 2018 rejecting his ap...

2019 election: CAN speaks on endorsement of presidential candidate The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has disclosed that it has not endorsed and will never endorse any presidential candidate. Daramola Joseph Bade, CAN Ag. General, in a statement on Tuesday, stated that CAN is apolitical, non-partisan and impartial. He said its members cut across all political divides and that some of them are even contesting for one post or the other. “So, the idea of endorsing any candidate as favourite does not arise. We have not and will not endorse any candidate for any elective office in the country”, the scribe added. “You will recall that CAN recently met with some leading Presidential candidates in Abuja to interact with them and to present our position of the State of the Nation to them and to listen to their manifestoes and programmes. “At the end of the meeting, we came out with a position without endorsing any of the candidates. “CAN recognizes Nigeria’s multi-religious and mul...

President Buhari Arrives Plateau State For Campaign Rally (Photos) The Presidential flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Jos Plateau State on Saturday, 19th January,2019 in continuation of his campaign tour. Governor Simon Lalong was at the Yakubu Gowon Airport to receive President Buhari and other National Party Executives. The President has campaigned in some states of the federation. His visit to Plateau would afford him the opportunity to once again, seek the vote of the electorates come 16th February, 2019 when Nigerians shall be going to the polls to cast votes for the presidential sit as well as all other candidates vying for State and National Assembly elections. More: https://www.matthewtegha.com/2019/01/photos-president-buhari-arrives-plateau.html

Governor El-Rufai Loses Elder Brother Retired Air Vice Marshal Ali Rufai, the elder brother of the Kaduna State Governor, is dead. His death was announced on Saturday in a statement issued by Governor El –Rufai’s spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan. According to the statement, the Retired Airforce chief died in the early hours of Saturday in Abuja after a protracted illness. Ali who was born on November 10, 1948, in Zaria, got commissioned into the Nigerian Airforce as an officer in 1972. He later retired as an Air Vice Marshal in 2002 after a meritorious military career. “He held different positions and commanded various formations while in service and attended several courses in Nigeria and abroad. “He was survived by his wife, Hajiya Safiya Rufai, six children, brothers and sisters including Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and Alhaji Bashir Ahmad El-Rufai,” the statement said. According to the family, the burial and funeral prayers will take place at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Ungwan Sarki...

Burkina Faso PM Resigns Burkina Faso’s PM, Paul Kaba Thieba. Credit: @mnaEN Burkina Faso’s government and Prime Minister Paul Kaba Thieba stood down on Friday, according to a statement released by the country’s president. No explanation was given for the resignations, though sources told AFP President Roch Marc Christian Kabore wants to breathe new life into the leadership of the landlocked west African country, which is battling a rising wave of jihadist attacks and hostage-taking. Canadian Edith Blais, 34, and her Italian partner Luca Tacchetto, 30, have been missing since mid-December, and late Wednesday a Canadian geologist kidnapped by suspected jihadists was found dead at a remote gold mine in the northeast. “Prime Minister Paul Kaba Thieba submitted this afternoon his resignation as well as that of his government,” the statement said. “The president of Faso accepted the resignation” and expressed “all his gratitude to Prime Minister Paul Kaba Thieba and all its ministers...

Nigeria is not working – Arthur Mbanefo Speech delivered by Chief Arthur Mbanefo Two years ago when Vanguard Group decided to launch this project, the Vanguard Personality of the Year Award, its proprietor, Chief Sam Amuka, an old friend of mine decided to visit and invite me to be the chairman of the event; an honour he no doubt believed as an old and trusted friend who should be relied upon to be obliging to a friend, no matter what. Chief Arthur Mbanefo, Chiraman Vanguard Media LTD Mr. Sam Amuka and General Alani Akinrinade Sam was visibily offended when I courteously declined his invitation. My reason was that I did not share his views regarding some individuals that share his views regarding some individuals that were being considered for such prestigious honour. He seemed more offended and upset when his counter argument meant to convince me did not move me to change my mind. Sam literally walked out on me, angry and disappointed. A few days ago, Friday 11 January, 2019, to ...

Fuel pipeline blaze in Mexico kills 21, injures dozens Firefighters are working at extinguishing the fire at the scene of a massive blaze trigerred by a leaky pipeline in Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo state, on January 19, 2019. A leaking fuel pipeline triggered a massive blaze in central Mexico, killing at least 20 people and injuring another 54, officials said. Omar Fayad, governor of Hidalgo state, said locals at the site of the leak were scrambling to steal some of the leaking oil when at least 20 of them were burned to death.FRANCISCO VILLEDA / AFP A massive fire broke out at an illegal pipeline tap in central Mexico on Friday, killing at least 21 people and injuring 71 more, just as the government wages a major crack-down on fuel theft. Scores of locals with jerry cans and buckets had been collecting gasoline that was gushing from a leaking pipeline when an explosion occurred, according to witnesses. Video taken in the aftermath showed desperate people fleeing the scene, screaming f...

Ortom apologises for supporting Buhari Governor Samuel Ortom has apologised to the people of Benue State and Nigerians at large for supporting the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Governor Ortom gave the apology while interacting with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, at the NKST Church in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area. He stated that just like former President Olusegun Obasanjo had apologised to Nigerians, he was doing same because the President Buhari-led administration had not only lived up to expection but was also condoning the atrocities of Fulani herdsmen across the country. According to him, all complaints for the arrest and prosecution of leaders of Fulani groups that sponsored the killing of people in the state and destruction property fell on deaf ears. Governor Ortom stated that while his kinsmen the late Presidents Shehu Shagari and Umaru Yar’adua appointed several Tiv people ministers in their cabinets, President Buhari has a...

Attacks: 76,000 IDPs At Risk As UN Halts Operations In Rann File Photo: Borno IDPs At least 76,000 Internally Displaced People have been put at risk, following recent Boko Haram attacks which have interrupted the delivery of aid to Rann, Borno State. The United Nations in a statement on Friday said the interruption in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Rann is the direct result of an attack that started at dusk on 14 January 2019 on a military base and continued into the next day. According to the statement by the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, a medical clinic, warehouses with humanitarian supplies and accommodation for aid workers were looted and/or destroyed in the attack, and the market and shelters in the camp were burned down by the attackers. Kallon also noted that several civilian fatalities have also been reported, although the total number is not yet known, and thousands are reported to have fled to Cameroon. READ ALSO: Three Soldier...

Presidency claims Atiku disguised into US, fingers Saraki The Presidency has disclosed why the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has not been arrested following his visit to US. Lauretta Onochie, a media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday alleged that Atiku has not been arrested in America because he entered as an aide of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki. Onochie disclosed this in a tweet quoting “The United States Bureau of African Affairs (AF)” as source of the news. According to her, Atiku has “let down his supporters’ following such information to stoop low as ‘Saraki’s aide’ just to visit US.” Onochie wrote: “This cant be true! I know Atiku and Saraki are low lives but this low? “We cannot apprehend Atiku NOW because of our diplomatic ties with Nigeria, He’s booked as an Office Aide to Nigeria’s Senate President”- US Department of African Affairs. “Atiku has let his followers down, his honesty and respect for Nigerians ar...

CUPP alleges plans to arrest Onnoghen, appoint Justice Tanko Mohammed acting CJN Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has said they have uncovered a plan by the Federal Government to name Justice Tanko Mohammed as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN. The spokesperson of CUPP, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, disclosed this on Friday at a press conference in Abuja. He also said arrangements have been made to arrest the embattled CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, next Tuesday. Ugochinyere said the arrest would be carried out shortly after a bench warrant would have been issued by the Code of Conduct Tribunal against Onnoghen. Details later…Source: http://dailypost.ng/2019/01/18/cupp-alleges-plans-arrest-onnoghen-appoint-justice-tanko-mohammed-acting-cjn/

I’m Bothered Falz Doesn’t Go To Church – Mother Popular Nigerian singer, Falz, recently released his much-anticipated album, ‘Moral Instruction,’ which is a body of work that sheds light on the social ills in the country. Amongst the guests present during his album listening party were his parents, Femi and Funmi Falana. During the event, his mother used the opportunity to express her concern about the fact that her son hardly goes to church. While holding the microphone to speak about his new album, she said, “Folarin, you don’t go to church and I am bothered. I hope you would start going to church this year.” In a chat with Saturday Beats, the singer said his mother was right because he hardly went to church; however, he gave his reasons. “I have nothing against the church or going to church; everyone has the right to practise the religion they desire but personally, as a Christian, it has been a while that I have been to church. It does not make me less of a Christian. “The mos...

Cheaper, faster diagnostic test Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have developed a highly innovative new enzyme biomarker test that has the potential to indicate diseases and bacterial contamination saving time, money and possibly lives. The test, developed by scientists at the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s, can detect enzyme markers of disease known as proteases in humans, animals and food products. Proteases are crucial for microorganism growth and are responsible for the progression of many diseases. NAFDAC destroys N400m substandard drugs in Nasarawa Levels of proteases can be highly elevated in the urine of patients with diabetic kidney disease, or at the sites of infected wounds. In food, proteases produced by bacteria contaminated in meat and dairy products can lead to rancidity, as well as decreased shelf life and quality. Current protease detection methods are costly, time-consuming and are not always effective. Dr Claire McVey, Queen’s researcher...

Warning! Improper Fixing Of Eyelashes Can Cause You This Serious Condition Eyelash (File photo) The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has advised women to always engage the services of optometrists if they have to attach false eyelashes to their eyelids or want to go for contact lenses. The Lagos State Chairman of NOA, Dr John Samssedi, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos. According to him, contact lenses are very good medical devices, especially, for people who are very myopic, and those who are highly astigmatic or highly hyperopic. “There has been a significant growing number of trauma cases arising from people using fake lashes. “Women just patronise anybody to get their lashes fixed and because these people are not experts, they use super glue to fix the lashes on the eyelids. “ This gum is dangerous to the eyes, it can cause severe burns on the cornea and once it has damaged the cornea, the person’s vision will be impa...

Al-Makura reacts to Buhari’s selection of new IG of Police from Nasarawa Gov. Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa State has expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Mr Mohammed Adamu, an indigene of the state, as the acting Inspector-General of Police (I-G). Al-Makura, who spoke with State House correspondents on Friday at the Presidential Villa, said that Adamu’s appointment was based on his professional track record. “On behalf of myself, government and people of Nasarawa State, I will like to sincerely thank Mr President for considering a citizen of Nasarawa State worthy of occupying this important position of the I-G of the Nigeria Police. “I congratulate him and I believe that the appointment is based on his capacity and professional pedigree. “Adamu is someone I have known right from childhood in Lafia and all his life in the police force; he has exhibited tremendous amount of professionalism and commitment to his responsibilities. “I believe that he will ...

VC, Provost, others to face EFCC for alleged embezzlement in Ekiti The visitation panels set up by Governor Kayode Fayemi over the financial activities of some tertiary academic and health institutions in Ekiti State have indicted the managements of the institutions for alleged abuse of office. Among the infractions allegedly committed by the managements, according to the government, were cases of financial recklessness allegedly perpetrated by heads of the institutions. Briefing newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday after the two days State executive council meeting presided over by Fayemi, the Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said the council considered the white paper on each of the institutions and took far reaching decisions on them. He said part of the decisions taken was that, the government must set up functional governing councils in all the institutions to be able to implement panels’ decisions in line with the laws. The institutions are: Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti(...

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Sarri reveals expectation from Premier League clash Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri has revealed what he expects when his side tackles Arsenal on Saturday evening in the Premier League fixture. Sarri says he expects a ‘very difficult’ game against Unai Emery’s side at Emirates. According to the Italian gaffer, Arsenal are dangerous opponent with one of the best attack line in the Premier League. Sarri’s side head to the game following a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United last weekend in the Premier League encounter. “This match for us is a risk and an opportunity. It’s a risk because they are doing very well at home, so it’s a difficult and dangerous match or us,” Sarri was quoted by Metro UK as saying at pre-match. “They are really a good team. In the offensive phase they are one of the best teams in the Premier League, they are really very dangerous, and so for us it will be really very difficult.” Sarri added: “That was a different m...

‘Lukaku Still A Big Part Of Man United’- Solskjaer Romelu Lukaku still has a key role to play at Manchester United despite starting just one match since Jose Mourinho was sacked as manager, says interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The £75m ex-Everton striker has played for just 74 minutes in Solskjaer’s six league games in charge, but started the FA Cup third-round win over Reading. Solskjaer has favoured Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial. But the Norwegian said Lukaku, 25, remains “a big part of the squad”. Only Rashford and midfielder Paul Pogba have scored more than the three goals Lukaku has managed since Mourinho was sacked on 18 December.

Saudi Crown Prince Must Be ‘Dealt With’ Over Khashoggi Murder – US Senator Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Slain Journalist, Jamal Khashoggi A key US senator on Saturday said the Saudi crown prince was responsible for Jamal Khashoggi’s murder and must be “dealt with”, as he threatened new sanctions. Republican Lindsey Graham, an influential ally of President Donald Trump, has previously said that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was complicit in the grisly killing of Washington Post contributor Khashoggi in October. “I have concluded that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States cannot move forward until MBS has been dealt with,” Graham said, using the initials for the crown prince. Graham also threatened new sanctions against those suspected of involvement in the murder during a press conference in Ankara. Western countries including the US, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals as the cas...