FG vows to sanction any DisCo that asks Nigerians to pay for meters

 

The Federal Government has warned electricity distribution companies (DisCos) against selling meters to Nigerians. The government said any DisCo that asks Nigerians to pay for the item will be sanctioned.  

The Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, Mr Ahmed Zakari, said this on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at a stakeholders’ engagement on electricity tariff, organised by the FGN/NLC-TUC Ad-hoc Committee. 

 Zakari said, “We have made it clear through the regulator’s direct order as well as the intervention from the Ministry of Power that these meters are to be provided to Nigerians at no cost. “Even for meters that will be paid for through the MAP, there is a directive from the regulator to the discos that they need to find a way to reimburse citizens over time.

“If we find any disco or its representatives selling these meters or exploiting Nigerians to be able to get them, we will sanction such disco.” He said the presidency has directed that meters should be made available to Nigerians free of charge. “Though it is our belief that everyone will be obliged to do the right thing, we will still be vigilant and monitor developments,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Power, Mr Festus Keyamo, said the committee had been working to achieve an equilibrium figure that would reflect the true price and value for the service of the electricity consumed. He said, “We are not working from answer to question but from question to answer.

“To ask if there will be an increase or a decrease is premature. What we are doing is a honest and open fact- finding. We want to question the rationale for the service reflective tariff.”

Keyamo said the aim is to ensure that consumers are not strangulated by unnecessary exploitative tendencies of the discos and that the discos too are kept afloat so that they can employ more workers and deliver quality service to Nigerians.

 SOURCE: Pulse Nigeria.

 

 

US forces rescue American in Nigeria, kill 6 captors

 

United States forces have rescued an American taken hostage in Nigeria. Philip Walton, 27, was seized by gunmen in Niger on October 26. Walton was moved to northern Nigeria where he was held. The Pentagon confirmed that the operation was executed on Saturday.

“U.S. forces conducted a hostage rescue operation during the early hours of 31 October in Northern Nigeria to recover an American citizen held hostage by a group of armed men.

“This American citizen is safe and is now in the care of the U.S. Department of State. No U.S military personnel were injured during the operation,” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. Hoffman thanked international partners for their support for the mission.

The official stressed that the U.S. will continue to protect its people and interests anywhere in the world. The operation reportedly lasted several hours, and eliminated six of the seven kidnappers. It was conducted by the Navy’s elite SEAL Team 6 flown by Air Force special operations.

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In a statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Walton would be reunited with his family. The top diplomat hailed the military for the successful extraction and reiterated that the U.S. will always look out for its nationals.

“Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our military, the support of our intelligence professionals, and our diplomatic efforts, the hostage will be reunited with his family.

“We will never abandon any American taken hostage”, Pompeo vowed.

 

SOURCE: DailyPost

BBNaija 2020: Erica admits Kiddwaya played a role in her disqualification

 

Erica has broken her silence of her disqualification from the fifth season of the ongoing show. Embattled Lockdown housemate, Erica Nlewedim has opened up about events and housemates that led to her abrupt disqualification.

In an exclusive interview with the show's organisers, the 26-year-old actress tendered an unreserved apology to housemates including Laycon, Prince and Dorathy for her untoward behaviour.

Erica also briefly spoke about how her involvement with Kiddwaya may have negatively influenced her game while hinting on some of the qualities that first attracted her to him.

 

"What drew me to Kiddwaya was we have some similarities. We are both carefree, we are both crazy and kind of complete babies too and our conversations flowed naturally", Erica said.

"I do not think Kiddwaya feels the same way about me but I do not care about that. I think Kiddwaya played a role in my getting strikes. I think it is still my responsibility and I feel I also played a role in him getting strikes".

On her rift with Laycon, the reality star admitted she may have gone out of line but things went sour between them cause he tried to taint her image after a one time, drunken attempt to kiss him.

With the show behind her, Erica revealed that the biggest lesson she's learnt from the show is to be content with being by herself. "The lesson I have learnt is I should be happy with being alone. I noticed that I wasn't fine with being alone but now I know that I have to be fine with being on my own".

Erica was disqualified from the ongoing fifth season of the BBNaija reality show after an outburst that saw her threaten housemates and interfere with the show's production process.

Watch the interview:

 https://youtu.be/3LB06W0n4Gg

SOURCE: Pulse

 

President Buhari has ended estimated billing of electricity

President Muhammadu Buhari has ended the corrupt regime of estimated and arbitrary billing of electricity consumed, and has directed a nationwide mass metering of residents, the presidency has announced.

To make it easier for Distribution Companies (DisCos) to meter every household and business, the president "has approved a one-year waiver of import levy on electricity meters, so that Nigerians who do not have meters can be supplied same as early as possible at reasonable cost," a statement from the presidency reads.

Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), James Momoh says "tariff reviews going forward will only follow service-based principles.

"Under these service-based principles, DisCos will only be able to review tariff rates for customers when they consult with customers, commit to increasing the number of hours of supply per day and quality of service.

 

In all cases, poor and vulnerable Nigerians will not experience any increase. In line with these expectations, DisCos are directed to engage with their customers on a Service Based Tariff structure."

Henceforth, customers who have not been metered will not experience any cost increase beyond what is chargeable to metered customers in the same area.

"There will be no change in tariff for the most vulnerable as tariffs for those consuming 50KW or less remain frozen. "Customers receiving less than 12 hours of supply will also not experience any change in tariffs," Momoh adds.

The estimated billing regime has been a corruption-riddled one, with electricity personnel using the system to line up their pockets, amid the darkness and erratic power supply that have become the story of Nigeria for decades.

SOURCE: Pulse

Suspect arrested for UNIBEN student Uwa's rape, murder says gang was paid N1 million

 

The Edo State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection to the brutal rape and murder of Uwaila Omozuwa.

The 22-year-old first year student of the University of Benin, was raped and fatally wounded while reading inside a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish on May 27, 2020.

She died three days later and her case became the rallying point for a resurgence in the national campaign against gender-based violence in Nigeria.

The Edo State Police Command paraded Nelson Ogbebor, Akato Valentine, Tina Samuel, Mary Ade, Nosa Osabohien, and Collins Ulegbe as suspects on Wednesday, August 26.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, told journalists that the suspects have already made confessional statements to the Police.

"What we are seeing today, is a result of the uniting efforts of the police to get at the root of the crime," Kokumo said.

 

 

Osabohien, a phone repairer, was the first to be arrested by the police because he bought Uwa's phone for N17,000, prompting him to lead authorities to Ulegbe who's been identified as the principal suspect.

Ulegbe confessed to striking Uwa with the fire extinguisher that has been identified as the murder weapon and left at the scene of the crime.

He named Ogbebor and Valentine as other suspects who were similarly at the scene of the crime with him. They both denied their involvement.

Ade, identified as the mastermind, allegedly offered the sum of N1 million to the gang to kill Uwa for ritual purposes.

She denied the allegation and said she would prove her innocence in court.

Samuel was arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers who wanted to arrest her son, Lucky, who has also been identified as a suspect but remains at large.

She said she hasn't seen her 21-year-old hair stylist son in five months.

Ulegbe denied that the gang raped Uwa, but Kokumo said a post-mortem examination confirmed that she was, in fact, raped.

SOURCE: Pulse

Eze Andrew Okuegbunuwa, others of Obor autonomous community in Awara, Oguta LGA in connection with

Eze Andrew Okuegbunuwa, a traditional ruler in Awara, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo, was on Monday paraded by the police for alleged involvement in kidnapping.

The 59 year-old ruler of Obor Community was paraded along with 30 other suspects who allegedly committed various crimes, ranging from robbery, kidnaping and rape, among others.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mr Issac Akinmoyede, said a gang had kidnapped one Louis Obodo, at Mgbala Agwa and Insp. Oscar Mbaeri, in Agwa in Oguta Local Government recently. He said that the gang kidnapped Chigozirim Nnaji, Desmond Okonkwo and Anyanwu Amarachi on July 19 after which the police gave them a hot chase.

Akinmoyede said that the gang had abandoned their unregistered Lexus 330 Jeep during an exchange of gun fire with operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and Anti-kidnapping units of the command.

The traditional ruler confirmed the gang used his Lexus 330 with registration number URM 404 EL during the kidnapping. He also said the gang paid him N3million to replace the vehicle, after the police impounded it. “My Nephew took my vehicle to do kidnapping, I am not one of them. Though they have used my vehicle about four times and they gave me money,” he said.

Akinyomede gave the details of the operation of the gang and how the gang members were picked one, after the other:

On 19/7/2020, a gang of kidnappers came into Owerri Metropolis, at different locations, kidnapped one Louis N. Obodo ‘m’ aged 45yrs of Mgbala Agwa in Oguta LGA, Inspr. Oscar Mbaeri ‘m’ aged 40yrs of Agwa in Oguta LGA, Chigozirim Festus Nnaji ‘m’ aged 39yrs of Egwelu Atta in Njaba LGA, Desmond Okonkwo ‘m’ aged 38yrs of Nnempi in Oru West LGA and Anyanwu Amarachi ‘f’ 30yrs old of No. 76 Lobo Street, Owerri, all of Imo State.

While escaping with their victims, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), gave them a hot chase, forcing them to abandon three (3) of their victims and their operational vehicle a Lexus RX330 SUV with Reg. No. (EDO) URM-40 EL. Through the help of their motorcycle pilots and backups who always lead the way before and after operations, the hoodlums managed to escape with two of the victims.

However, a few moments later SARS operatives arrived the scene, saw the abandoned vehicle and recovered it to the station.

Based on the above, Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and SARS conducted joint investigation with a view to rescue the victims and possibly arrest the hoodlums.

On 28/7/2020, at about 0400hrs at Umuokuzu Awara in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) through painstaking and diligent investigation arrested one Eze Andrew Okuegbunuwa ‘m’ aged 59yrs old of Obor Community in Awara, Oguta LGA, Imo State, in connection with the kidnap and other armed robbery incidents. Investigation further revealed that the arrested suspect provided the operational vehicle, Lexus RX330 SUV with Reg. No. URM 404 EL for the kidnappers.

Having lost the vehicle in the operation, Andrew Okuegbunuwa was given the sum of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million Naira) to replace his vehicle by the kidnappers. It was further discovered that the vehicle was not registered as there is no record of the said vehicle in the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) database.

His arrest also led to the arrest one Benard Uzoma ‘m’ a native Doctor at Umunoha, in Mbaitoli LGA, whose job is to provide the gang with protection from death and arrest. He was paid the sum of two hundred thousand (N200,000) as his own share from the loot.

On 29/7/2020, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in continuation of the investigation arrested one CALEB AGU ‘m’ a 42years old pastor from Umuoni Agwa in Oguta LGA, Imo State. He confessed being the head and spiritual leader of the gang.

Also one EBENEZER OBIOHA ‘m’ 38yrs old, was arrested with bullet wounds in his hometown OGAMMA AWARA IN OHAJI EGBEMA LGA ,where the operatives, came under heavy attack. In the process of his arrest, four (4) AK 47 rifles, one Light Assault Rifle (LAR) belonging to NDLEA, one Sub- Machine Gun (SMG) belonging to NDLEA as well were recovered. The arrested suspects confessed to being the gang that shot at the three NDLEA officers and carted away their rifles (LAR and SMG) on 15/05/2020 at 1945hrs, when they were ambushed at Ohi Junction while coming back from an assignment.

A total sum of Four Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N4,200,000) was recovered from the suspects out of the combined ransom of Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N7,500,000) paid for the release of the two victims.

The group which operates once in a month according to our intelligence had to step up the tempo to twice a month in compliance with the directive from CALEB (their pastor), who told them that he needed money to conclude his ongoing projects.

It is noteworthy therefore, that both Caleb and Ebenezer commenced the construction of their mansions at Awara and Agwa respectively in January 2020, and both buildings are at completion stages.

Investigation was extended to the operational base of these criminals at Omoku creek in Rivers state. Also arrested are:-

1. FABIAN OBIOHA ‘M’ AGED 60YRS OF OGAMMA AWARA IN OHAJI EGBEMA LGA
2. OGECHI OBIOHA ‘F’ AGED 30YRS OF OGAMMA AWARA IN OHAJI EGBEMA LGA
3. KENNEDY OKWUONU ‘M’ AGED 40YRS OF ONITSHA IN OBINGWA LGA, ABIA STATE.

They have confessed to their respective roles in the gang and the operation as follows:-

CALEB AGU (A Pastor) Head and spiritual Leader and Director of the gang.

IKECHUKWU NJOKU is the Protocol officer and boy to Caleb who uses bike to transport victims through track roads to the point of pick up to the creek.

EBENEZER OBIOHA is the operational commander and an executor to the gang. He confessed to being the one that shot the NDLEA officers.

FABIAN OBIOHA is the father of Ebenezer and the gang’s armourer.

KENNEDY OKWUONU is Ebenezer’s brother-in-law who provides the group with hard drugs as well as other logistics at the creek.

EZE ANDREW OKEGBUNUWA: – Provide the gang with vehicle for their operations.

OGECHI OBIOHA: – Distribute ransom to the members of the gang at their various locations as soon as payment is made by victims.

BENARD UZOMA: – A native doctor, provided the gang with protection from operational hazards and arrests.

Suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.

SOURCE: PMNews Nigeria

Abia’s Ikpeazu reassures on completion of ongoing road projects

Okezie Ikpeazu, the Abia State Governor, has restated his avowed commitment and renewed vigour to continue discharging his responsibilities despite the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Governor, who recently recuperated from COVID-19 infection, disclosed that despite the pandemic, his government had embarked on several road construction projects and they would be completed before the expiration of his second term.

He also said that the sand filling of the risers of the ongoing Flyover construction project at Osisioma would be done immediately after the rain.

Ikpeazu further stated that by December 2020, the first ever traffic interchange in Abia State would be ready for commissioning.

The Governor, who made this statement in during a statewide broadcast to the people of Abia State, and monitored by DAILY POST on Thursday evening, reiterated his administration’s resolve to construct new drainages that will stand the test of time.

He added that flooding on Aba-Owerri Road was gradually becoming a thing of the past with the massive investments the government had made on the drainage systems in that road.

“Fellow Abians, you would have noticed that even as the pandemic is raging, our Government has kept on with construction works on some of our roads in Aba and Umuahia.

“The phase 2 of the Aba Road Project in Umuahia has commenced and the results are visible. Our plan is to push the project down to the Ubakala Junction of the Enugu Port Harcourt highway to provide a seamless and dualized entry into our capital from that flank, just as we have it from the Abia Tower flank.

“Worthy of note here is that the seemingly intractable stretch of bad road from Afor Ibeji to Uchenna Junction all along Aba Road have been fixed using using our popular Rigid Cement Pavement Technology. I am sure that we will not forget in a hurry how it was few years ago.

“Osusu Road has been completed using the Rigid Pavement Technology. We will commence the last stage of asphalting once the rains recede. This road will have a life span of at least 20 years. I am sure that we will not forget how this road was just a few years ago. Same Rigid Pavement Technology is ongoing along Immaculate Road, Umungasi. Egege Road, Ogbor Hill which used to be an eye sore on account of years of erosion has come back to life. Obikabia Junction is an emerging spectacle in infrastructural aesthetics and will be our standard of beautification of major roundabouts going forward. In addition, the dualization of Ururuka Road remains on course. Please be assured that we are fully committed to the completion of these projects,” he said.

SOURCE: Daily Post

Umar assumes duty as EFCC acting boss

THERE was confusion on Wednesday over who steps in as acting chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as the Director of Operations in the commission, Mohammed Umar, assumed the position.

There were unconfirmed reports in some quarters that the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory  (FCT), Bala Ciroma, had been appointed EFCC boss. 

Nigerian Tribune gathered that some members of a power bloc rooted for Ciroma to replace Magu based on the fact that he was a one-time director of operations at the anti-graft agency before he was redeployed and eventually became a commissioner of police.

According to sources, those who wanted Ciroma to replace Magu claimed that the FCT police boss is a crack detective and diligent officer who had excelled in criminal cases as a deputy commissioner of police in charge of Criminal  Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) in Abuja.

However, while the news of Ciroma’s appointment was trending, the next most senior officer at the commission to  Magu, Mohammed Umar, a deputy commissioner of police, assumed office in an acting capacity. Sources at the EFCC headquarters informed the Nigerian Tribune that there were mixed feelings among members of staff over the recent development in the commission.

A staff member who preferred anonymity told the Nigerian Tribune that the Magu saga was a dent on the war against  corruption embarked upon by the commission, particularly in the past four and a half years, adding that “this is not good  for us as an anti-corruption agency at this time.”

The source, who confirmed Umar as acting chairman, said efforts have to be geared towards redeeming the image of the commission without any further delay. He said: “the Director of Operations, Mr Umar, is our new acting chairman.

Honestly, to me, the greatest task ahead of him is to restore people’s confidence in EFCC. “The Magu saga has dented the image of the commission and this needs to be corrected. The Magu leadership of the commission has seen the fight  against corruption taken serious with more vigour, but the allegations against him have put a question mark on the anti-graft war.”

As of the time of filing this report, head, media and publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, neither picked his calls nor replied a text message sent to him. Meanwhile, Magu was, on Wednesday, moved back to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). His grilling by members of the panel sitting at the State House Conference Centre ended at about 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday.

SOURCE: Tribune

Suspended EFCC Chairman, Magu, To Remain In Police Cell As Probe Continues

 

lbrahim Magu, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, may remain in custody at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in Area 10, Abuja, as his probe by an interagency committee inside Aso Rock Villa continued for a third straight day.

A combined team of Department of State Services personnel and policemen stormed the EFCC office at Wuse II in three trucks to arrest and move Magu to the Presidential Villa in the Asokoro area of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday to face the panel.

Reports gathered that the interagency committee led by a former Court of Appeal judge, Ayo Salami, did not show Magu a copy of the allegations against him even though he requested to see one.  

 

After being interrogated on Tuesday, the suspended EFCC Chairman was taken back to the detention facility where he may be returned to after today’s session. It was gathered that the panel grilled him on transactions of the EFCC under his leadership that have been fraught with allegations of financial misappropriation.

Magu was arrested on Monday after it emerged that he had four houses and was moving money outside the country through third parties. The DSS in a 2016 report revealed that Magu was living in a N40m mansion paid for by a corrupt individual. 

SOURCE: Sahara Reporters

Ivory Coast Prime Minister, Gon Coulibaly, is dead

he Prime Minister of Ivory Coast and a candidate for October’s presidential election, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, has died. 

He died on Wednesday at the age 61, after falling ill at a ministerial meeting. Mr Coulibaly returned from France two weeks ago after two months of receiving heart treatment.

He received a heart transplant in 2012 and had travelled to Paris on May 2 for the insertion of a stent. Upon his return, he was quoted to have said: “I am back to take my place by the side of the president, to continue the task of developing and building our country, Ivory Coast.”

While announcing his death on public television, the Secretary General to the Ivorien presidency, Patrick Achi, said: “I am deeply saddened to announce that Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly, the head of government, left us early this afternoon after taking part in a cabinet meeting.”

Alassane Ouattara, President of the Ivory Coast, in a statement said: “pay tribute to my younger brother, my son Amadou Gon Coulibaly, who was my closest collaborator for 30 years.”

In March, Mr Coulibaly was declared the candidate for President Ouattara’s party after the incumbent said he would not seek a controversial third term. His death creates huge uncertainty over the election.

SOURCE: Premium Times

Imo female lawmaker survives alleged attack from colleague

Representative of Njaba Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Uju Onwudiwe, has survived an attack by her Ahiazu Mbaise constituency colleague, Samuel Otuibe, who threw a bottle of wine and glass cup at her in a meeting.

The incident took place during an emergency meeting of the lawmakers at the official quarters of the Deputy Speaker, Amara Iwuanyanwu in Owerri. The Guardian learnt that the meeting was convened to discuss non- payment of salaries of the lawmakers and their aides, as well as alleged impeachment plot against the Speaker, Chiji Collins.

It was also learnt that the crisis started after repres

entative of Orsu constituency, Ngozi Obiefule demanded that Collins should explain why he accused her of killing her husband. While Otuibe tried to silence her, Onwudiwe insisted that Obiefule should be allowed to make her case, since she still had the floor, which resulted in both lawmakers exchanging words at which point Otuibe threw the bottle of wine and glass cup at her. 

However, the bottle smashed the wall and injured representative of Ohaji/Egbema constituency, Heclus Okoro on his finger.Onwudiwe, who confirmed the attack on the telephone, yesterday, said it was only through God’s grace that she dodged the bottle from hitting her on the head and possibly killing her. 

On whether she would sue Otuibe, she said, “Although I have communicated my lawyer, I will allow the House to deal with the matter first. The legislature has a way of handling such matters. The House rules will be invoked and applied appropriately.”

In his reaction, Otuibe denied attacking his female colleague, insisting that they had mere exchange of words. But Obiefule said Otuibe would be lying if he denied attacking Onwudiwe with a bottle of wine and a glass cup, adding that his (Otuibe’s) attack on Onwudiwe was barbaric, “because she only told him to stop silencing me, while I was speaking, but he immediately threw the bottle at Onwudiwe, which shattered Okoro’s finger. But the Speaker has called severally to apologise.”

When contacted on telephone, Collins said he had mandated the House Committee Chairman on Information and Judiciary, Dominic Ezerioha, to handle the matter and report to the House for further action.

SOURCE: The Guardian

Boko Haram shoots down United Nations helicopter

Boko Haram terrorists opened fire on a United Nations aid helicopter in the northeastern state of Borno on Saturday, July 4, killing two civilians. The attack comes after Boko Haram warned civilians who help humanitarian agencies or the military that they could be killed.

Edward Kallon, the U.N.’s humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, told AP that a 5-year-old child was one of the victims. The crew members were not hurt and there were no aid workers on board when bullets hit the helicopter.

“The U.N. Humanitarian Air Service is essential to evacuate wounded civilians and remains the backbone to facilitating humanitarian access,” Kallon said. Some 1.9 million people have been displaced by the decade-long Boko Haram violence in northeastern Nigeria.

The U.N. World Food Program warns that a total of 3 million people are facing hunger in the region due to the conflict. Security has long been a concern for aid groups operating in northeastern Nigeria, where humanitarian workers are often kidnapped and killed by terrorists.

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed that there will be consequences. “This latest cowardly attack on the UN humanitarian helicopter is yet another desperate rear guard action by the Boko Haram terrorists who have been under intense pressure from the Nigerian military," the president said.

“Let me reassure the international community and Nigerians that this latest cowardly attack on a UN helicopter which claimed the lives of two people, including a five-year-old baby, would not go without severe consequences.

“Boko Haram terrorists are clearly on the back foot and their increasing attacks on innocent civilians, including UN humanitarian workers, is part of their desperation to prove that they are strong in order to cover up their dwindling fortunes.”

According to the president, the security of foreigners and Nigerians remain the top priority of his administration, adding “we shall leave no stone unturned until we eliminate these remorseless enemies of humanity."

More than 50,000 people have been killed by Boko Haram in the northeast since 2009.

SOURCE: Pulse

                REMEMBER TO ALWAYS STAY SAFE

COVID-19: Abia govt approves new working hours for markets, issues new guidelines for wedding, schools, others

The Abia State Government has approved new working hours for markets in the State as COVID-19 continues to spread across the country. It also released new guidelines on how wedding ceremonies will henceforth be conducted in the State. Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19, Barr. Chris Ezem, made this known in a statement on Thursday. 

Ezem stated that violators of the guidelines would face serious consequences, including disruption of the event(s) and prosecution by the relevant court. “Going forward, Abia State’s new Covid-19 protocol will be as follows:

“The ban on interstate movement is hereby lifted as approved by the Federal Government up to curfew time from 10 pm to 6 am. On intrastate transport, Keke operators are to carry a maximum of 2 persons, minibus (Oke-bekee), maximum of 5, Hiace Bus, maximum of 7 and coaster, maximum of 14. All drivers and passengers are mandated to wear face masks throughout their trip. All Intra and interstate transporters are to strictly observe curfew time as directed by the Federal Government. 

The Government will provide digital thermometers at our State borders to screen interstate travellers as travellers who fail the screening would be turned back or quarantined in the nearest Covid-19 holding area. Security agencies are authorized to ensure strict compliance with the use of a face mask and must apprehend violators.

“All burials, weddings and other public gatherings must be approved by the office of the SSG upon application made through the TC Chairman of the applicable Local Government. No such gathering must exceed 50 persons and the necessary Covid-19 protocol must be observed. Leaders of churches meant to preside over this event(s) are requested to obtain further information from the office of the Secretary to Abia State Government. Violation of these guidelines will attract serious consequences, including disruption of the event(s) and prosecution by the relevant court.

“Markets are now to operate Mondays to Fridays from 7 am to 5 pm. Market Enforcement Teams are to ensure that all Covid-19 protocols strictly apply in all our markets; namely Compulsory provision of washing facilities, regular fumigation and compulsory wearing of face mask which will be inspected three times per week by the State task force and enforced every day by the market enforcement committee. 

“In line with Federal Government directives, our ministry of Education is currently working out modalities for the reopening of schools particularly for primary 6, JSS 3 and SS3 students in the State. The Government, however, warns that anybody running classes or study centres contrary to Government directive will be prosecuted. Such a study center should approach the honourable commissioner for Education for guidelines and necessary accreditation; otherwise, they stand the risk of permanent closure and prosecution.

“Government will soon make public a new enforcement regime for compulsory use of face masks. “Abians are strongly advised to continue to observe all Covid-19 protocols as regards compulsory wearing of face masks, observing regular hygiene of handwashing and use of sanitizer and social distancing to ensure that we all stay safe at all times.”

SOURCE: Daily Post