The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recently stirred the hornet’s nest when it asked the Federal Government to purchase two new aircrafts for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Nigerians went wild with anger when the committee’s recommendation came to the public knowledge.

The recommendation was contained in a report of the committee’s investigation into the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.

“The committee is of the strong and informed opinion that considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognising the dire consequences of any foreseen or unforeseen mishap that may arise as a result of the technical or operational inadequacy of the presidential air fleet, it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircrafts as recommended.

“This will also prove to be most cost-efficient in the long run, apart from the added advantage of providing a suitable, comfortable, and safe carrier befitting of the status and responsibilities of the office of the president and vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the report stated.

The committee was mandated by the lower chamber of the national assembly in May to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the aircraft in the presidential fleet to ascertain their airworthiness and technical status.

The assignment followed a motion by the House Committee Chairman on National Security and Intelligence, Satomi Ahmed.

According to reports, Ahmed’s motion followed reports of faulty aircraft in the presidential air fleet, a development that forced the President to use a chartered plane from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia during his recent trip abroad

There was a heated debate on the floor of the House when some lawmakers suggested that the President should travel via commercial aircraft or by road.

But in the end, the Committee was given the assignment to investigate and report to the House the condition of aircrafts in the presidential fleet.

To be on the same page, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Shehu Buba Umar, also supported the recommendation by the lower chamber’s committee.

Ever since the news broke out, Nigerians have been speaking against the move, with many saying the President cannot continue to spend money on luxury and ask Nigerians to be patient with the government.

Others are saying that even if the government wants to buy new aircrafts for the president and vice president, it should not be at this critical period when most Nigerians find it extremely difficult to feed once a day.

Recall that the Organised Labour and the Federal Government have been at loggerheads over a new national minimum wage.

While Labour is pushing for N250,000, the government said it could only afford N62,000 due to economic constraints.

Now, some persons are questioning the rationale behind the move to acquire new aircrafts when the government said it cannot pay a beggarly sum of N62,000 to workers.

Reacting to the development, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, through its national Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba said there was no moral justification to ask Nigerians to make further sacrifices when the leaders don’t care whether the people survived or perished.

Stressing that the government must live by example by cutting luxury items, he said the citizens have been making sacrifices since the advent of the Tinubu administration on May 29, 2023. He argued that asking Nigerians to make further sacrifices amounts to telling them to commit suicide.

“If the government is so reckless in spending, then it has no moral justification to ask the citizens to sacrifice. In any event, the appropriate word is to say to the government, ‘let the poor breathe.’ That would be the right word to say to them.

“There are millions of families in this country that could not celebrate the very special celebration of Eid. They couldn’t celebrate it because they couldn’t afford it.

“So, for the government to nurse such plans shows they are disconnected with the realities on ground, which is that people are dying on a daily basis because they cannot afford food.

“People are dying on a daily basis because they cannot buy medicine. People are dying by reason of the fact that they are frustrated and they commit suicide on a daily basis. And the government seems to be disconnected and averse to the reality in the nation.

“Our own advice as a party is that the President should live by example, by first of all, ensuring that the corruption and the excessive maintenance of their luxury appetites are cut.

“We have said it severally that the government must stop pursuing and funding their luxury appetites. And it comes in the form of vehicles, the nature of vehicles and the number of vehicles.

“The government has no moral justification. Indeed, Nigerians have been sacrificing. They have been sacrificing from day one; since May 29, 2023 when this government came in.

“It started with the rash and ill-thought programme of removing fuel subsidy. Nigerians have been suffering on the basis of that. They have been paying more on electricity tariff, and paying more on multiple taxes being imposed on them.

“These people are suffocating. Telling them to sacrifice more is like saying go and commit suicide. That is what they are saying. It is the government that should sacrifice now. The leadership should show examples.

“And if there is any plan at all to purchase an aircraft, then President Tinubu should perish the thought. Number one, the British Prime Minister flies British Airways. At the last count, we have about seven or nine aircrafts in the Presidential fleet. Former President Muhammadu Buhari came and said he was going to sell all of them; instead of selling, he acquired more,” he said.

Also reacting, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, through its spokesman, Mr Benson Upah accused the Federal Government and the ruling elite of prioritizing luxury over the needs of the Nigerian people.

He said: “When it comes to the comfort of members of the ruling political elite, there is no limit to what the state can do. But, when it comes to the basic necessities of the ordinary Nigerian, they begin to use a calculator.

“As long as the ruling elite consider themselves over and above every other citizen, every need, and every necessity, there will continue to be hunger and anger in the land.

“There is always enough for the pleasures or the passions of the ruling political elite, but never enough for the necessities of the citizenry. Purchasing a presidential jet cannot be a necessity for now, given the complaints or comments from the ruling political elite. It cannot be a priority for now.”

He cited examples of other countries where their leaders fly commercial planes just to save money for their countries.

“We have many leaders, including the Kenyan president, and others, who fly commercial planes,” he said in a statement.

Reacting through his official X handle, former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi said the plan to acquire new presidential aircrafts was unacceptable and a clear show of insensitivity to the suffering of the people.

He advised the government to focus on alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians rather than wasting money on such luxuries.

He said: “At a time when our country is on the front page of global newspapers for facing its worst economic crisis, marked by high inflation, a falling currency, and widespread poverty, the government is contemplating buying new presidential jets. This demonstrates extreme insensitivity to citizens’ struggles.

“With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect that is apparent between the government and the people.

“It is unacceptable as the situation in the country today more than ever before demands a more compassionate use of resources, and prioritising citizens’ welfare.

“It’s on record that our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford basic necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need. Instead of adding to our luxuries, we should be focused on alleviating their sufferings, and finding solutions to their problems.

“For long, our bad leadership has made our priorities as leaders to be at variance with the needs of the society, which is why we are now headed south as a nation.

“To elucidate further, despite dropping down to the fourth largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $252 billion and a per capita income of $1,080, with huge debt burdens and borrowing to service debts, yet, we are spending $15 million for our Vice President’s residence, while the USA, the world’s largest economy with a GDP of $25 trillion, about 100 times our GDP, and a per capita income of $80,000, about 80 times ours, still houses their Vice President in Number 1 Observatory Circle, a house built over 100 years ago, and whose value is less than the $15 million we are spending on our VP’s residence.

“A reputable real estate company reports that the US Vice President’s official residence is valued at about $7.5 million today.

“While we had earlier refurbished the old VP’s residence with $2 million, the over 100-year-old US Vice President’s house has only undergone wide-scale renovations twice, funded by taxpayers’ money in 1993 and 2021. Every new US VP is free to finance any minor refurbishing from his funds.

“It’s, therefore, time to stop this impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness and refocus on the needs of our people.

“We must prioritise education, healthcare, and lifting our citizens out of poverty. Let us work together to build a nation that truly serves its people, not just the interests of a few. Let’s rise to the challenge, and build this new Nigeria which is now more possible than ever before.”

President of the Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, cautioned the president to be more sensitive to the plight of Nigerians and not indulge in extravagant expenditures.

According to him, “He’s supposed to live by example. If the economy is okay, he can buy a presidential jet, and no one would raise an eyebrow. But, given that the economy is in a bad shape and he knows it, he should be sensitive enough not to spend money on things that are not necessary.”

“However, if he can justify to Nigerians that the current jet is in such bad shape, and that his security is at risk if he uses it, we can understand. But, no one has given us such an explanation. As far as we are concerned, it is just one of those extravagant expenditures,” he told DAILY POST.

For the president of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the idea was insensitive to the current economic hardship in the land.

“I am totally not in support of any new aircraft at the moment. Rather, he should stay at home and work or manage the available ones.

“Let us be honest with ourselves, this is not acceptable and Nigerians must not be in support of this idea.

“This is a clarion call; Nigerians must resist and condemn this move. We are just recovering from the SUV for National Assembly members and they are now talking about buying a private jet. No, this is wrong and unacceptable,” he said in an interview with DAILY POST.

[DailyPost]

• He was never Emir of Kano, says gov’s spokesman

Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, yesterday  insisted that  the dethroned Emir, Aminu Bayero, must vacate the Nasarawa Palace where is currently staying.

 The governor’s Media and Publicity Director General, Sanusi Bature, said the Nasarawa mini palace is a graveyard which Bayero must vacate for necessary renovation. He spoke on Arise News television on Friday.

 He disclosed that Aminu Ado Bayero was never an Emir of Kano, but only an Emir of the eight metropolitan local government areas which have been abolished.

 Speaking on the notice given to Emir Bayero to vacate the Nasarawa palace, Bature said the property being occupied by Bayero is not a palace or mini palace but a graveyard for Kano emirs which also serves other purposes as well and would require renovation.

He said, “The Nasarawa palace we are talking about is not a palace. It is actually a cemetery for late Emirs of Kano, not a palace. Another part of it is used as a guest house for very important visitors of the palace. It is where the emir used to rest for a short while when he is coming back from an annual festival during the Sallah celebration.”

 Bature expressed concerns over the safety of Bayero staying in the Nasarawa palace.

 He said: “Aminu is living in a graveyard. He forced himself into that property. We want to renovate it so it can be used for its original purpose and for Bayero’s safety from the defective structure.”

Regarding the deposition of Emir Aminu Bayero, Bature clarified, “Aminu Ado Bayero was never an Emir of Kano. He was appointed Emir of eight metropolitan local governments of Kano city.”

Bature pointed out that with the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Law which had created additional emirates like Bichi, Karaye, Gaya, and Rano, Bayero’s jurisdiction no longer exists as originally intended.

 “With the revision of the law under one united Kano, the emirate that Bayero served does not exist again. The main emirate was bastardised by Abdullahi Ganduje under the 2019 Emirate Law which created Bichi, Karaye, Gaya, and Rano emirates.”

Clarifying the reason for Bayero’s recognition as the 15th Emir of Kano state, he said, “Bayero was 15th Emir of Kano but his jurisdiction is not for the 44 local governments of Kano.  It’s just only for the eight metropolitan governments which are now abolished and the judge in his ruling affirmed the validity of the law.”

 He emphasised the historical significance of the emirate, stating: “The emirate of Kano predates Nigeria and its constitution.”

 Bature criticised the actions of the previous administration under Ganduje, accusing it of politicising and undermining the emirate’s integrity. He asserted, “His excellency, Abba Yusuf, promised to restore the lost glory of the state during his campaign, and he is only fulfilling his promise.”

The governor’s spokesman also discussed legal matters surrounding the emirate, mentioning ongoing appeals and jurisdictional challenges.

 “We have filed an appeal at the appellate court and will pursue this case rigorously. It’s a fight to finish,” he asserted.

 Bature affirmed the reinstatement of Sanusi II as Emir stating: “Emir Sanusi II was duly reinstated under the new emirate law that unified Kano under one emirate.”

 Meanwhile, the police yesterday faulted the Kano State government, particularly Governor Abba Yusuf, on their stand on the emirate crisis.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a police officer said the governor caused the entire crisis because of  his “arrogance and abuse of court orders.”

 The respondent, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), queried the governor and his aides for insisting to evict Aminu Bayero when the case is still in the court.

 “I am not in the position to speak to journalists on this matter, but the CP (Commissioner of Police) and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) have spoken a lot on this saga.

“Like the CP said, obeying the governor’s eviction order would be like jumping the gun.

 “The same government has appealed the case at the appellate court, which is coming up on the 24th of June, 2024. So, why not wait for the outcome in the court? What if the court rules in favour of Bayero?,” he asked.

 Reacting on the state government’s insistence to demolish the Nasarawa palace where deposed Emir Aminu Bayero is staying, the police source said no one would be allowed to come near the property with a bulldozer, except if Governor Abba Yusuf drives a bulldozer and carries out the demolition by himself.

 “Can’t you see that we have barricaded all the four entry points to the area? Where will the bulldozers pass?

 “Except, if the governor drives a bulldozer by himself, given his immunity, we shall allow him to do his wish, but we shall video-record him and file our report,” he said.

He reminded that if Nigeria was operating state police, by now Kano would have been on fire.

 “These are leaders clamouring for state police. This is the second time the governor is ordering us to evict Bayero. The first order was voided by the court, which asked the state government to pay Bayero the sum of N10 million as damages as it affects his fundamental rights of movement and civic liberty.

“Now, he (governor) has come up with another order and even threatening to demolish the place where an emir -whether deposed or on the throne is staying.

 “Now, imagine if the police were under him; officers and men of the Force would have had no choice than to obey his order -to evict or harm Bayero or do whatever he would have commanded them to do against him and Kano would have been in blood by now.

 “However, that not been the case, we have been able to maintain law and order in Kano, protecting the two emirs,” he said.

He praised the Commissioner of Police, Ussain Gumel, for his wisdom in ensuring peace and stability in Kano State up to this moment.

 He regretted that, “Gumel has been promoted to the rank of AIG and will be handing over and leaving on Monday,” he said.

Gov warns security agencies against going outside designated responsibilities

Speaking at the 15th weekly meeting of the Kano State Executive Council held at the Government House, yesterday, Governor Abba Yusuf, cautioned  security agencies in the state against meddling in matters beyond their designated responsibilities.

The governor’s warning follows the state Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, rejection of the order of the attorney general of the state to evict the deposed emir  from the Nasarawa Palace.

The governor in a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature said, “Governor Abba Kabir expressed disapproval of the recent upsurge in Thuggery and clashes involving Yan daba, affirming that the government will not passively observe while unscrupulous elements endanger the relative tranquility and harmony enjoyed by the law-abiding citizens of the state.

 “He reiterated that under his administration, the state government is diligently collaborating with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the populace and their possessions at all times.

 “Furthermore, Governor Abba Kabir cautioned Judges against the unwarranted release of thugs, emphasizing the threat they pose to the welfare of the state’s residents and stressing the importance of prompt and equitable dispensation of justice.

 “Alhaji Abba Kabir also instructed security agencies to strictly adhere to their mandated duty of safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens they serve, warning against involvement in matters beyond their designated responsibilities.”

[TheNation]

In developed democra cies, citizen patriotism is exceedingly high because the right to life in such countries is a priority both in theory and in practice. For example, the US government would take every possible step to stop whatever can bring harm to any American citizen. Indeed, the death of one American citizen especially outside the country ’s shores is enough to lead to war.

Commendably, they generally don’t wait for a calamity before action is taken. This is why the country’s embassies by convention issue periodic advisory releases to serve as early warning signals for their citizens wherever they are. It is therefore not by accident that such citizens are able to develop a high degree of affection for their country.

In the developing world on the other hand, the reverse is the case; not because people have no knowledge of the value of patriotism but because the right to life of a citizen is not similarly a priority in governance. Until the recent creation of the Diaspora Commission, which now seems to put everyone on notice, officials of government were not used to bothering about the fate of their country’s citizens. The common narrative has been that our embassies are frequently hostile to their citizens abroad – a situation that is yet to substantially change. At home, the people are themselves eyewitnesses of daily avoidable deaths which the authorities do nothing about. This seems to explain why Nigerian citizens openly chorus the saying that their country is not worth dying for. 

Right to life is one of the fundamental rights provided for and documented in Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution but in all honesty do our people enjoy the right to life? Hundreds of people die daily from basic ailments and even hunger, yet the same Constitution says the security and welfare of the citizenry is the primary purpose of government. In reality however, it is an open secret that the real primary purpose of government is the luxury of the ruling class. In the last few weeks, cholera, a contagious but preventable disease has been recorded in not less than 30 states in Nigeria with no concerted efforts to stop the fatalities. Painfully, this is an annual occurrence during the rains between December and June.

Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) had announced a spike in cholera in several regions of the world, with about 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the start of 2024, Nigeria is one of the countries that appear taken aback. In Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, Cholera death toll increased to 24 in Lagos State alone some 48 hours ago. Professor Akin Abayomi, the state health commissioner who announced the increase advised residents to ensure personal and environmental hygiene. It is however simplistic to imagine that it is Lagos that has been most hit simply because other states are as usual playing down the epidemic.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1,141 suspected cases with about 40 deaths in 96 local government areas in 30 states have been recorded in the first half of this year. This establishes that right to life is not really a priority of government if these preventable deaths were allowed to happen. If the truth must be told, the priority in Nigeria is politics. In Edo and Ondo states where the governorship elections are around the corner, nothing else interests anyone. Even in states where there are no elections until 2027, it is politics, politics and politics.

In Rivers state, the priority today is whether or not the tenure of local councillors and the chairmen have ended. Already deaths have as a result occurred.

This is therefore not the best time to monitor the status of cholera in Rivers state even though 9 people were reportedly killed a few months back following an outbreak of cholera in Soku community in Akuku-Toru local government area of the state. Some community elders told the media that the outbreak was as a result of bad and contaminated drinking water. Similarly, whether or not there is cholera in Kano cannot be the issue at stake now. Following judicial pronouncements that do not mean the same thing to any two lawyers, the state government has been forced to concentrate on the Emirship of the ancient city. The fact that the court concerned is a federal high court that has chosen to deal with matters assigned to state high courts has also forced the entire nation to see the subject as the matter of the moment.

It is however observed that some efforts have been made in Kano to advise residents against drinking rainwater which the health authorities in the state say can prevent the spread of cholera as the raining season has set in. Other states are also restricting themselves to issuing guidelines on the subject. In Oyo state for instance, the Education Board has asked food vendors and handlers in public schools to follow hygiene practices to prevent contamination. In Akwa Ibom State, the government says it has initiated precautionary measures to prevent outbreak of cholera in the state. Last Friday in Uyo, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, said the state government had commenced sensitisation of residents in all its 31 Local Government Areas on the need to maintain personal and environmental hygiene.

Whereas counselling people on hygiene is good health education, it is important to observe that contaminated water is the only readily available source of drinking water across the rural areas of Nigeria. In the circumstance, is it irrational to conclude that the welfare and security of the people is not the priority of government? This question is relevant when it is realized that the country does not budget enough funds to stockpile certain essential items like vaccines in anticipation of health emergencies. For this reason, Nigeria has remained incapable of providing adequate cholera vaccines to meet the needs of its people. Jide Idris, the boss of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was in fact quoted by the media to have said that the date of delivery of an order placed by the centre for more vaccines from donor agencies is unknown.

Each time a legislator moves a motion on what is usually described as a matter of urgent national importance, it is often about the welfare of the lawmakers and never about the people they represent. Once a speaker is unable to increase the luxuries of his colleagues he is removed. At least 4 speakers have since been so removed in the last one year. But for the timely intervention of Governor Bassy Otu, the current speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Alver Ayambem would have been out. He was saved after a closed-door meeting with the governor where the grievances of the legislators were addressed. Why can’t our legislators use same strategy to get governors to prevent unnecessary deaths of their people from ailments like cholera?

Some of our governors themselves do not believe in the mandate which makes the welfare and security of the masses their priority. Although Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba intends to construct several projects such as schools and hospitals to transform the state, it is instructive that the intention was disclosed at the commissioning of the remodelled governor ’s lodge in Abuja. It would have been salutary if the remodelling of the lodge was thought of after schools and hospitals had been built. Instead, the opening of the lodge got a LIVE television coverage showing clearly that it was considered a priority. From the commendation which Kefas got from Usman Ododo, his Kogi state colleague, it is clear that some other governors would follow the same example while the masses remain in penury and want.

During electioneering campaigns, some contestants always argue that their political ambition is not worth the life of any fellow citizen, yet the same politicians recruit several thugs to harm fellow contestants. While in office, they earn incredible salaries and allowances. Our current federal legislators are spending billions of naira to procure official cars and to construct parking lots for the cars. But the masses are left to live in squalor and be subjected to contagious diseases such as cholera while the ruling class watches on.

Former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, revealed that Jorge Masvidal was the fighter who rattled him the most before entering the Octagon.

Despite being one of the most feared fighters in the welterweight division, Usman admitted to feeling afraid during his title run. The fighter who instilled the most fear in “The Nigerian Nightmare” was Masvidal, who had significant hype going into their first title fight in 2020.

Masvidal earned the 2019 ‘Fighter of the Year’ title with victories over Darren Till, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz, becoming the UFC’s first-ever BMF Champion with a doctor’s stoppage TKO. His record-breaking 5-second flying knee KO of the undefeated Askren stood out as one of the most violent knockouts, leaving Askren unconscious for nearly three minutes.

“I say one of the most violent (knockouts) because of, he was out for almost like two, three minutes,” Usman said of Masvidal’s KO on ‘Pound 4 Pound’.

“He was out. I remember I was there. I remember watching like, ‘He’s still stiff. Not only is he out, but he’s still stiff.’ Then, all that happens, that was 2019 and then I think maybe a year later you and I fight…”

Usman and Masvidal first clashed at UFC 251 under “the craziest circumstances” after title challenger Gilbert Burns withdrew due to COVID-19. Masvidal replaced him on six days’ notice, flying across the world to fight Usman on the UFC’s ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi.

Although it was Usman’s third UFC title fight, the champion felt uneasy heading into this unexpected and risky title defense against Masvidal. The Askren knockout played continuously on every channel and social media platform, adding to Usman’s nerves.

“Of course, we get nervous for every fight, but one of the first times it got to me, everything around me got to me because, bro, they’re playing your viral knockout, one of the most viral knockouts ever,” Usman said of the Askren knockout.

“(Masvidal) f***ing gets to me,” Usman continued. “I’m like, ‘Oh s**t, is he gonna baptize me? What the f**k is it? I’m in a hotel and I’m super nervous for this, especially that – that moment before you go to the arena for the fight, and I’m in my room just like, ‘Why the f**k am I so nervous right now? Get it together…’ I would say that was probably one of the most nerve-wracking fights that I had.”

Usman overcame his fears to win a dominant unanimous decision over Masvidal at UFC 251. After going the distance with “Gamebred” in 2020, the welterweights met again in a rematch a year later.

[Punch]

Lagos is shivering under the outbreak of cholera. A vicious intestinal illness has gripped the state, adding a layer of fear to the already bustling streets. With 24 deaths, 35 confirmed cases and 417 suspected cases across the state as of Friday, July 21, 2024, experts say the outbreak isn’t just a national concern but a local fight for survival, particularly in areas where access to clean water and proper sanitation remains a luxury.

Apart from poor water and sanitation challenges, the plight of citizens leaves much to be desired.

17-year-old Bayo was rushed-in with his frail body racked with chills. His worried mother, Dolapo, wiped his face, a deep fear etched on her face. “Please admit him, don’t reject us. Today is a public holiday, please help, it started yesterday,” Dolapo murmured. “Just stomach cramps at first, but now…” Bayo unfortunately lost his life in one of the private hospitals in the Ago area of Lagos. His case is among the rising number of cholera infections plaguing Lagos.

With limited resources and a densely populated city to contend with, Lagos grapples with controlling the outbreak.

Sadly, water and sanitation remain a challenge in the state. From the end of Makoko to the highbrow areas of Victoria Island in Lagos, potable water remains a challenge despite having water all around the city.

A situation report issued by the state Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, last Friday (EPI Week 25), as of 19th of June, 2024, revealed that the outbreak has swept across the 20 LGAs.

While the highest outbreak occurred in Ajeromi, Kosofe, Epe, Ikorodu, Alimosho and Eti-Osa LGAs, as of 10th of June, 2024, the Commissioner said there was the need to adhere strictly to personal and environmental hygiene to stay safe from infection risk.

However, in what seems like an attack on cholera in countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced a resurgence of cholera worldwide.

WHO said in May 2024, a total of 46,364 new cholera cases were reported from 19 countries, showing 58 per cent increase from the previous month.

It said from January 1, 2024 to May 26, 2024, a total of 194,897 cholera cases and 1,932 deaths were reported from 24 countries across five regions.

WHO said the Eastern Mediterranean region recorded the highest numbers (98,003 cases; seven countries), followed by the African region (92,789 cases; 14 countries), the Americas (2,672 cases; one country), the South-East Asia region (1,328 cases; two countries), and the European region (105 cases; one country).

WHO added that during this period, the African region reported 1,698 deaths; the Eastern Mediterranean region, 256 deaths; the region of the Americas, 13 deaths; the Southeast Asia region, four deaths; and the European region, one death.

The global body’s report comes as Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city and commercial capital, battles a cholera outbreak.

Blame

However, while the disease continues to sweep across countries and states in Nigeria, experts have continued to blame the Nigerian government for paying lip service to water and sanitation.

Today, most communities across Nigeria cannot boast of adequate safe drinking water. The affordability of bottled water, often used as a safer alternative, is also a challenge for many families.

For instance, in Lagos, sachet water, the presumed alternative to borehole water, is sold, in many areas, for N50 and, in others areas, it goes for N30. Five bags of water are sold for N1,500 and in some areas N2,000.

Bottle water goes for N200 per bottle. Sadly, many Nigerians who have resorted to borehole water can no longer boil before drinking due to the hike in electricity tariff.

Public health experts have warned that without improved water, sanitation and hygiene, cholera will remain endemic in Lagos and Nigeria in particular.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Chief, Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, safer water could save 1.4 million child deaths from diarrhoea, 500,000 deaths from malaria, 860,000 child deaths from malnutrition, as well as protect 10 million people from serious illnesses like lymphatic filariasis and trachoma.

She said the current outbreak demonstrates the need for an urgent government focus on ensuring water provided to the population is clean and risk-free.

According to her, good water and sanitation infrastructure play a crucial role in reducing disease outbreaks such as cholera, which causes an estimated 100,000 deaths annually.

Lip service

In an interview with Sunday Vanguard, a public health disease expert, Dr Casmir Ifeanyi, said the country has continued to pay lip service to water, sanitation and hygiene.

“I challenge you to go and dig it up. Of the 30 states already reported to have the outbreak, how many of them have a public potable water supply in place? I can categorically tell you, none. So, we do know that cholera is a disease that thrives where water, sanitation and hygiene are at its low rate,” Ifeanyi stated.

He emphasised the need for improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices, including addressing open defecation and ensuring access to clean water which are essential for preventing future outbreaks.

The public health expert warned that the outbreak, particularly severe in developed areas of Lagos, highlights deficiencies in sanitation and water quality.

According to him, schools with proper hygiene facilities and access to clean water could reopen, after mid-term holiday, with heightened public health education on hygiene practices.

However, expressing concerns about densely populated areas with limited access to clean water, Ifeanyi said: “It must be said that the situation that will sustain this outbreak is quite high. I give you an example. I do not know how much a bag of sachet water is sold in Lagos, but, in most of Nigeria, it is now between N400 and N600 and, if you buy that it should be either 20 sachets. I do not know how long it would sustain families and, besides, the source of this sachet water and also bottled water is also questionable because their conformity to water processing is still very unsure.”

Increased Public Health Measures

Ifeanyi, who is also the National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), urged Lagos State government to prioritize improved detection and surveillance of cholera and cholera-like illnesses. “This includes contact tracing, increased access to cholera testing kits, and a thermal risk factor analysis specific to Lagos,” he said.

Noting that food safety is another critical area, he stressed that the state government should implement stricter food safety protocols, including lab testing of imported and commercially sold water.

“Public health authorities must beef up to detect cholera and cholera-like illnesses and also to put in place a surveillance system that promotes disease tracking. That is to say, if you have an individual whose case is confirmed, then there’s a need to do contact tracing and to evaluate the contact,” the expert said.

Expressing disappointment in the description of the Lagos cholera as aggressive without the proper name of the type, he pointed out that the government has failed to provide infrastructure and facilities for diagnostic testing and typing whenever there is an outbreak.

According to him, there was a need to identify the biotype of the cholera responsible for the outbreak and not use ominous words like aggressive.

Glimmer of Hope

Ifeanyi said the state government should immediately deploy cholera vaccine particularly for school children, adding that individual vigilance remains paramount.

He advised Lagosians to boil or treat drinking water, avoid raw fruits and vegetables, and practice frequent and thorough handwashing.

Corroborating his views, a public physician, Dr Femi Oyekan, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, stressed that cholera outbreaks originate and spread within communities, making community-led and participatory approaches essential for sustainable prevention.

According to him, citizens also have a lot of things to do to help combat cholera outbreak by ensuring proper hygiene, keeping their environment clean, avoiding open defecation, and ensuring proper waste and sewage disposal.

“Ultimately, access to clean water and sanitation is critical in preventing outbreaks. Communities must take collective action to ensure clean water access and maintain good hygiene. Identifying and empowering positive role models within the community can encourage the widespread adoption of healthy

[Vanguard]

A second southern Mexico mayor has been killed in less than a week, local authorities announced Saturday, after he went to visit an indigenous community.

The murder of Acacio Flores, who represents Malinaltepec, comes days after the killing of Salvador Villalba Flores, another mayor from Guerrero state elected in June 2 polls.

The body of Flores was discovered with a bullet wound to the back of the head in the back of a van in Malinaltepec, a human rights campaigner told AFP.

The rights activist had been involved in negotiations to free the politician after he was detained Thursday in an indigenous village.

Guerrero’s public prosecutor said an investigation into aggravated murder had been opened, with a possible land ownership dispute part of the probe.

Since Mexico’s campaign season began last September, around 30 political candidates have been killed, according to Data Civica, a non-governmental organization.

Guerrero, one of the states most affected by drug cartel violence given its location along Mexico’s Pacific coast, recorded 1,890 murders in 2023.

AFP

The combined operatives of the Nigerian Embassy and a Senegalese-based non-governmental organisation have rescued 24 Nigerian girls who were subjected to sexual exploitation in the Tamaccounda and Kedougou Regions of Senegal.

The acting Ambassador of the Nigerian Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, Salihu Abubakar, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria in Dakar on Sunday.

According to him, the girls mostly under-aged, ranging between the ages of 11, 13, and 24 are being trafficked to Senegal, through Cotonou, Republic of Benin, via the Mali to Senegal border for sexual exploitation in Tamaccounda and Kedougou Regions.

“These girls and many more are being trafficked to Senegal, through Cotonou, Benin Republic via Mali to the Senegal border for prostitution,” the diplomat said. 

Abubakar said preliminary investigation revealed that most of the girls, who were school dropouts were from Edo and Delta, adding that a few of them were from Imo and Abia while two others were from Plateau.

He, however, said of the 24, 22 were already repatriated weeks ago while the two other ladies were repatriated to Nigeria on Saturday and had landed in Nigeria safely.

The diplomat could not immediately give the details of the health status of the victims and other information regarding the time they spent while undergoing sexual exploitation in Senegal.

The envoy said that the successful repatriation of the girls to Nigeria was a clear indication of the strengthened international cooperation in combating human trafficking between the embassy and the Senegalese-based NGO, “Free the Slaves” (La Lumiere in French).

“Our main goal and number one priority is to discourage the trafficking of our Nigerian girls to any part of the world for prostitution under any disguise,” Abubakar said.

NAN

Nigeria’s rising global profile is not the conjuring of luck or the divination and contrivance of some dissociated variables. It is the result of purposeful, diligent, and experienced leadership. The workings of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

Nigeria has always mattered in the chat rooms and chopping tables of global discourse — as pertaining Africa. It has always been significant as the largest democracy in Africa, and as the most populous nation and one of the biggest economies on the continent.

But the world is paying more attention to Nigeria. It is taking more interest in the nation for good reasons. Effective domestic leadership, reinforced with a deliberate and well-designed foreign policy, reflects critically on global perception. A broad-minded and enlightened leadership at home will, by a good shot, colour the grey canvas of global disinterestedness.

The past one year has not been without some challenges, but there has been a driven and efficient leadership with clear direction to help the nation navigate through any vortex. Reports from credible rating agencies and global financial platforms betoken stability and the return of vibrancy to critical sectors of the economy.

Early this month, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) commended the government of Nigeria for clearing 98 percent of airlines’ trapped funds, which the carriers had previously been unable to repatriate.

The director-general of IATA, Willie Walsh said “as of April 2024, 98 percent of these funds have been cleared. The remaining 19 million dollars is due to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing verification of outstanding forward claims filed by the commercial banks”.

And months before, in March precisely, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced that it had settled valid outstanding foreign exchange obligations. On October 23, 2023, at the 29th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, the President pledged that his administration would honour legitimate foreign exchange obligations and restore market confidence. This pledge he is following through ever so dutifully.

There is a strong, focused, disciplined, and patriotic leadership at home, and this is influencing global perception of Nigeria on governance.

President Tinubu, Nigeria’s chief promoter, has brought a fine hue of respect, command, and dignity to the brand Nigeria by his audacious, candid, cerebral, and deep declarations on seminal matters as regards Nigeria, Africa, and the world around them, on important global platforms.

Just about two months ago at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Tinubu stirred interest and applause with his profound asseveration on the imperativeness of collaboration and inclusiveness to achieving global food security, addressing collective challenges, and driving innovation across a chain of interests for a more stable and prosperous world.

“The capital formation that is necessary to drive the economy, agriculture, ensure food security, innovation, and technological advancement must be an inclusive programme of the entire world. No one should be left behind. I am glad the world is recognizing the need for (cooperation), and that with the type of population growth that Africa is experiencing; the diversity of its resources must be married with economic opportunity. We must collaborate to do that,” the president said.

On June 6, at a meeting with a delegation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Makhtar Diop, President Tinubu spoke not only as the leader of the largest black nation, but as an African patriot. He beseeched international development financiers to see Africa as a destination for growth and prosperity, and not as an axis of eternal misery and chaos.

“The IFC and the World Bank need to see Africa differently. I am glad an African is at the helm of affairs at IFC, and as an African, understands that the potential for growth, peace, stability, and prosperity is here. The world has to see us as a continent that can help the rest of the world, and not perceive us as backwards, unstable, and with leadership problems. The expectations of the rest of the world on Africa have to change. By looking at Africa as a potential opportunity and not a danger to the rest of the free world, we can stimulate growth and propel inclusiveness.

“I am an African and proud to be and will maintain the strong position to collaborate with the rest of the world to see Africa as a destination for growth and prosperity,” the president said.

Effective leadership is appetising. It is like a honey-badger to honey. Inclusive of the tactile substance of development and growth, it attracts goodwill and bolsters the nation’s global stature. With President Tinubu’s effective leadership, Nigeria’s global profile will stay on the rise.

Fredrick Nwabufo is the senior special assistant to the president on public engagement

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has listed five websites allegedly harvesting Nigerians’ data fraudulently. 

This comes against the backdrop of the recent alarm raised by Paradigm Initiative that some websites are selling Nigerians’ National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), International Passport, and other data. 

The Commission in a statement issued on Saturday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, said the websites engaging in the illegal harvest of data without its authority include:  

• idfinder.com.ng,  

• Verify.Ng/sign in,  

• championtech.com.ng.  

• trustyonline.com, and  

• anyverify.com.   

“NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide,” it stated.  

Nigerians’ data not compromised 

The Commission further stated that Nigerians’ sensitive data have not been compromised as claimed by Paradigm Initiative, adding that it has taken measures to strengthen the NIN database further.  

“At this moment, the Commission assures the public that the data of Nigerians has not been compromised, and the Commission has not authorized any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) amongst all the identities stated in the report. 

“The public should know that the Commission has taken robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats- a secure, world-class, full-proof database is in place. The commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law,” it said.  

NIMC advised Nigerians to avoid giving their data to unauthorized and phishing sites as they pose the danger of data harvesting and comprise individual data. 

Partners not authorized to store data 

While reaffirming its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations, the Commission noted that its licensed partners or vendors are not authorized to scan or store NIN slips but to verify NINs through approved channels.  

NIMC added that it is working closely with security operatives to apprehend elements masquerading as online vendors, and they would face the full wrath of the law. 

“NIMC urges the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates. The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets,” it said.  

Backstory 

Pan-African social enterprise, Paradigm Initiative, had on Friday expressed concern that several unauthorised websites are claiming to hold and provide access to sensitive personal and financial data of Nigerian citizens “for as little as 100 Naira.” 

“This alarming development presents a major breach of the fundamental rights to privacy, a breach of data privacy rights, and poses significant risks to individuals and the national economy,” the organization said in a statement. 

Paradigm Initiative said the unauthorised access to personal data is a blatant infringement on the privacy of Nigerian citizens as the dissemination of such information could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities, including data owners being targeted by burglars, kidnappers or terrorists who buy data that includes home addresses. 

It added that the availability of sensitive financial data online could undermine the stability of Nigeria’s banking system. 

[Nairametrics]