Tunde Braimoh, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Kosofe Constituency II, is dead. He passed away on Friday morning.

According to a source close to the family, the deceased has fallen ill some days ago.  His actual cause of death is not yet known but some of his colleagues have attributed his death to Coronavirus, adding that he must have contracted the disease from late Senator Bayo Osinowo (Pepperito) who was his close friend.

“He told his aides that he wasn’t feeling well. It’s not even up to a week. But we still don’t know if it’s coronavirus,” the source said. 

Before his demise, Tunde Braimoh was the Chairman, Committee on Information, Security and Strategy. He had earlier served as Chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Petitions and LASEIC. He is survived by his wife and children.

Tributes have started pouring in honour of the former Kosofe Local Government Chairman. Samiat Abolanle Bada, Chairperson, Ikosi Isheri LCDA, in her reaction, lamented that “Big daddy is gone”.

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In her condolence, she said it was hard for her to announce the death of “our leader, mentor and a political juggernaut”.

Bada stressed that Kosofe politics without Braimoh “is a cold world of ice, freezing me to death like fish stark naked. I can’t but doubt my hearing, my breath seizes”.

She noted that the demise “is not just a lonely death but a string that rubs on many as victims. As a bearer of law, you stood as the voice of the voiceless. Many are living testimonies to your life touching impacts”.

The LCDA head said Braimoh’s leadership in Kosofe exemplifies the dexterity of his seasoned administrative prowess and uncommon resourcefulness in bringing good governance to the people at the grassroot.

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Bada recalled that late lawmaker’s hands are always outstretched to the poor and that his doors are always flooded by beneficiaries.

“Every eyes filled with sadness and sorrow were receiving succor with the cheerfulness of your face. We love you but the Almighty loves you more than we do”, she added.

Braimoh passed on barely four weeks after the Senator representing Lagos East District, Bayo Osinowo died.

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Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has described the reported appointment of the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, as acting chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as the continuation of the northernization agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The rights group said the President’s decision offends section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution on the Federal Character Principles.

In a statement on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said this skewed appointments tilted towards favouring only Hausa/Fulani Northern Muslim has reaching consequences on the unity and cohesion of the country.

HURIWA noted that these Hausa/Fulani individuals who have in the last five years dominated the entire internal security and law enforcement agencies have failed to discharge their duties professionally and periodically.

The rights group pointed out that the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Immigration Services, the Nigerian Prisons, the Nigerian Police and now the EFCC are all headed by individuals drawn from just from one religion and one region of the country.

“Let it be clearly spelt out from onset that we in HURIWA have nothing against the very distinguished and performance minded FCT Commissioner of Police in the person of Alhaji Ciroma Bala.

“HURIWA respects him as a thoroughbred Police officer. This is because there is little doubt that he has performed to the best of his ability to police the nation’s capital even with intermittent violent crises happening in the seat of power, but our position is that appointing another northerner to head the EFCC will make it look like all the top echelons of the security forces and law enforcement agencies must be mostly Northerners and Moslems.

“This unconstitutional practice that has gone on since 2015 is illegal and absolutely intolerable. Nigerian security and law enforcement agencies must not be headed by mostly Northerners in a federation that is made up of a collection of diverse ethnic-religious communities.

READ ALSO, It was irresponsible and misleading of Oyedepo to claim coronavirus healing – Leo Igwe

HURIWA said it is both unconstitutional and unethical to make appointment choices from only one region when there are three dominant Ethnic groups with over 300 other smaller nationalities and there are Moslems, Christians, African Traditional Religion Adherents, and Atheists in Nigeria.

According to the group, it seems the President is rudderless and helpless to act apparently fearing a backlash he would receive from his Muslim constituency, who according to it, “do not own Nigeria.”

It will be recalled that following an indictment by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, a presidential committee is currently probing the activities of EFCC under Magu.

The EFCC announced yesterday that its Director of Operations, Mohammed Umar will oversee the affairs of the commission in the absence of its suspended acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

HURIWA laments Buhari's appointment of northerners, Muslims in key security positions 

Founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria (HAN), Leo Igwe, has ' berated’ Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church, a.k.a Winners Chapel, over his claim of healing some coronavirus patients through prayer.

This came, following the announcement made by Oyedepo on Sunday at the church’s headquarters that his church had recorded 114 COVID-19 healings.  According to Oyedepo, the 114 healed people had publicly testified of being healed from COVID-19. 

However, according to Igwe, Oyedepo’s claim could do more harm than good by making people to throw caution to the wind and indulging in risky behaviors, believing that their faith would heal them if they get infected by the dreaded disease.

“The claim is weighty, reckless, and irresponsible,” Igwe said in a statement he made on Wednesday.

According to him, the World Health Organisation, WHO, has maintained that there is no cure for the virus at the moment and has outlined preventive measures.

Igwe noted that the cleric’s healing claim goes contrary to the directives and positions of the WHO.

“His faith healing claim is capable of making people throw caution to the wind, indulge in risky behaviors while believing that their faith would heal them if they contract the virus,” he added.

“This faith healing claim by Oyedepo is a piece of misinformation because faith healing is superstition- not a science-based proposition.

“There is no evidence that anybody could be healed of coronavirus as Oyedepo claimed. Unfortunately, this faith healing report from Winners’ church was not balanced and did not contain any perspective from the NCDC, or the health ministry, or a public health expert.

“This faith-healing claim has the potential of misleading the public, especially at a time of so much fear, panic, and uncertainty over the spread and cure of COVID-19.

“The lockdown has adversely affected the religious market. But the way to get the authorities to lift the ban on public gathering in churches is not to spread lies and misinformation about COVID-19 as Oyedepo has done.

“COVID-19 constitutes a public health challenge, and church leaders should be mindful of the claims that they make.”

READ ALSO, COVID-19 has killed more people in Africa than Ebola – WHO

Recall that Prophet T. B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, had recently declared readiness to virtually pray for COVID-19 patients in isolation centres in Nigeria and other countries.

In an announcement on Tuesday, Joshua called on government and medical authorities to “organize those who are in isolation” and “arrange how to connect them to us”.

The cleric noted that “the blessing of Jesus is for those who knock and ask”.

He told everyone that in whatever way they support to make the intercession happen, “We are a team; we are not doing more than you”.

Meanwhile, as part of the measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, Lagos and other State governments have insisted that worship centres should remain closed. However, the Federal Government had ordered partial lockdown ease of worship centres across the country.

It was irresponsible and misleading of Oyedepo to claim coronavirus healing – Leo Igwe

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the COVID-19 pandemic has killed more people in Africa than the Ebola outbreak did.

The number of people who died of coronavirus in Africa in less than five months, has surpassed the 11,308 deaths caused by Ebola between 2014 and 2016.

WHO’s Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, on Wednesday confirmed that COVID-19 cases in Africa had surpassed 500,000, even as a total of 11,959 persons died of the virus within five months.

“Cases have become more than double in 22 countries in the region over the past month. Nearly two-thirds of countries are experiencing community transmission,” the update read.

The global health agency also said five countries – Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa – account for about 42 per cent of Africa’s COVID-19 cases. 

COVID-19 has killed more people in Africa than Ebola – WHO

The Chairman of Yobe State COVID-19 committee, who is also the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana has warned the Director of Personal Management (DPM)of the local government that anyone who is not wearing a face mask should be removed from office.

Gubana gave the warning during the inauguration of the Chairmen of local government Environmental and Sanitation Committee at the Wawa Hall, Government House, Damaturu.

According to him, some local government DPMs are not complying with the Federal Government directives on the war against COVID-19, adding that this nonchalant attitude should not be tolerated by his committee.

“It has been observed that, the Directors of Personal Managements of the local government areas are not enlightening their people on the rules and regulations of the federal government on the fight against coronavirus in their respective local government areas.,’ he said.

READ ALSO, The solution to killings and Coronavirus is to return to God - CAN

He said, the local government DPMs are not wearing face masks, ”so how do you expect the people to wear the face mask, since the Dpm’s are not wearing it?”

Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, therefore, warned the DPMs that, anyone found violating the federal government’s directives on war against the COVID-19 should be removed from the office immediately.

Yobe govt threatens to sack officials who refuse to wear face masks

The Oyo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday said it has embarked on prayers to end the series of incessant killings and Coronavirus that is ravaging the world in the state.

Recall that there had been incessant killings and attacks in Akinyele local government area of the state. In addition, the rate of Coronavirus in the state has also been on the increase.

However, while reacting, CAN said it has prayed for God’s intervention to end the spread of COVID-19, incessant rapes, kidnapping, terrorism, herdsmen attacks on innocents farmers and villagers in Nigeria.

While speaking on the issues, the CAN Chairman in Oyo State, Apostle Sola Joshua Akinyemiju, said that the only solution to these problems of killings and Coronavirus is to return to God.

Akinyemiju while speaking at a special prayer organized to end the 3-Day prayer and fasting declared by the National President of CAN said he invited ministers of God from various denominations to participate in the spiritual war against COVID-19 and other social vices.

READ ALSO, 2 soldiers, 17 terrorists killed, many injured in fresh Damboa attack

He said, “The solution to the problems posed by COVID-19 is to return to God and ask for His intervention. Since all human efforts exploited have failed us and that’s the assignment before us today”.

The immediate past Chairman of CAN, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu explained the need for violent prayer at this moment. He also called on participants to pray for the military, paramilitaries, and security agencies.

The solution to killings and Coronavirus is to return to God - CAN

The Defence Headquarters says troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade have killed 17 Boko Haram/Islamic State criminals in an attack along Damboa-Maiduguri Road on Tuesday.

Major Gen. John Enenche, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, in a statement on Wednesday, also disclosed that two soldiers were killed during the attack, while four sustained gunshot wounds.

According to Enenche, a cache of arms and ammunition were equally captured by the gallant troops.

In his words, “On Tuesday, the troops of 25 Task Force Brigade deployed at Damboa in conjunction with elements of Sector 2 Special Forces while on clearance operations along Damboa -Maiduguri Road, made contact with a Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province criminals’ ambush team along their axis of advance.

“Instinctively, the valiant troops outflanked and engaged the criminals with an overwhelming volume of firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.

“17 Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals were neutralized as several others were believed to have narrowly escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds while a cache of arms and ammunition were equally captured by the gallant troops.

“Regrettably, two valiant soldiers paid the supreme price while four others were wounded in action.

“However, the wounded in action soldiers have been evacuated to a military medical facility and currently responding positively to treatment.”

2 soldiers, 17 terrorists killed, many injured in fresh Damboa attack

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked the Federal Government to charge embattled acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, “with a recognisable criminal offence” or release him “immediately”.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday titled, “Nigeria: Authorities must treat Magu fairly–SERAP”.

Magu, who was reportedly whisked away by security operatives on Monday, was grilled by a presidential panel set up by the President, Major General  Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), over alleged infractions in the EFCC.

According to the statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP “urges the authorities to afford Magu his constitutionally and internationally guaranteed fair trial rights”.

It added, “Magu must either be charged with a recognisable criminal offence or released immediately and allowed to do his job without fear of reprisals.

“Nigerian authorities cannot continue to keep Magu in detention under suspicious circumstances without bringing any legitimate charges against him in violation of national and international law.

“Nigerian authorities must support the independence and freedom of action of anti-corruption agencies and institutions if they are to be able to genuinely fight grand corruption, which has for many years turned public service for many into a kind of criminal enterprise.”

The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, reportedly spent last night in police custody after he was grilled for about six hours by a Presidential panel headed by Justice Isa Salami, a former President of the Court of Appeal.

It was gathered that Magu was detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in Area 10, Garki, Abuja

He is expected to face further interrogation today at the Presidential Villa.

READ ALSO, Rename Ibadan airport after Ajimobi - Senate to Buhari

The embattled EFCC boss was arrested on Monday afternoon and taken to the panel after he allegedly snubbed previous invitations extended to him.

A detachment of Department of State Services personnel intercepted his convoy in traffic at Wuse II and forcefully took him to the panel where he was questioned on discrepancies observed in recovered funds by his agency.

There are indications that Magu may not return to office as the Presidency was already working on replacing him.

Prosecute Magu or release him immediately, SERAP to FG

The Senate on Tuesday asked the Federal Government to rename the Ibadan Airport after the late former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Senator Abdulfatahi Buhari and seconded by Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

READ ALSO, Boko Haram’s attack on UN helicopter won’t be without consequences – Presidency

Senator Buhari had eulogised the late Ajimobi, who was a member of the 5th Senate from 2003 to 2007. The red chamber thereafter observed a minute silence in honour of Ajimobi

It also advised the Federal Government to rename the Ibadan Airport after him.

Rename Ibadan airport after Ajimobi - Senate to Buhari 

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Sunday condemned what he called “the dastardly attack on UN aid helicopter in the North-East on Saturday by the Boko Haram terrorists.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement, quoted Buhari as saying that the attack was a “rear guard action” of members of the sect under pressure from the military.

The statement was titled, ‘President Buhari condemns Boko Haram’s cowardly attack on UN in  the Nort East,' in which he was quoted as saying, “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.

“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.
READ ALSO, WAEC set to release fresh 2020 WASSCE timetable

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

 Buhari said the security of foreigners and Nigerians remained the top priority of his regime.

He promised not to leave any stone unturned until the regime eliminates “these remorseless enemies of humanity.”

Boko Haram’s attack on UN helicopter won’t be without consequences – Presidency

The West African Examination Council is set to release a fresh timetable for the 2020 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.

This was made known following an announcement by the Federal Government that the examinations would commence from August 4 through September 5.

Speaking at a Presidential Task Force Briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, said school facilities would be made available for revision classes ahead of the examination.

Nwajiuba advised parents to take note of the date, noting that “as soon as we conclude WAEC, we will take up the NABTEB and NECO exams.”

He added, “The idea is that we have a month from now till then. Those who can and those who are willing, the states who are willing should make their schools available for their children to revise.

“We’ve done the most we can to talk with our representatives at WAEC and this (Monday) afternoon, we confirmed dates allotted for the exams will be from the 4th of August through to the 5th of September. “Local timings will be published.”

The minister, therefore, urged all candidates to start preparing for the examination, saying, “We will be asking that those who are not prepared yet should please go and prepare.

Subsequently, WAEC Nigeria stated via its Twitter handle, “The Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Mr Patrick Ehidiamen Areghan will address the Press tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. #StayTuned #WASSCE2020 #Timetable”.

READ ALSO, Ganduje is a barefaced treasury looter – PDP

Furthermore, the Head, WAEC Public Affairs, Mr Damian Ojijeogu, said Ehidiamen would address a number of issues regarding the 2020 WASSCE.

According to him, aside from the timetable, health and safety guidelines would be issued including the mandatory use of face masks for all candidates, temperature checks, use of sanitisers, amongst others.

WAEC set to release fresh 2020 WASSCE timetable

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has told Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State that there will be no dollars for him to loot in Edo State.

PDP described Ganduje, who is the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Edo governorship election, as a ”barefaced treasury looter.”

This was contained in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in reaction to Ganduje’s earlier claim that the PDP was only interested in the Edo State treasury, hence the support for Obaseki. According to PDP, the Kano State Governor has no moral rectitude to speak on corruption.

The PDP wondered how Ganduje, who was seen in viral video stuffing his robe with gratification in foreign currency, could accuse it of corruption intentions.

“Apparently, Governor Ganduje and other APC leaders are so used to looting public treasuries that such is his first mental direction after his inauguration to lead the Edo governorship campaign,” the PDP’s statement said.

“Governor Ganduje has further confirmed the real intention of the APC, which is to use their morally embattled candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu (of course, birds of the same feathers flock together) for their desperate effort to regain access to Edo state treasury, after Governor Godwin Obaseki liberated the state from the stranglehold of APC treasury-looting godfathers.

“Our party invites Governor Ganduje to note that there is no free dollars for him and other APC leaders to loot in Edo State.

“Moreover, Governor Ganduje, with his infamous ‘gandollar’ video, is no match to the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Edo election, Governor Nyesom Wike.”

Ganduje is a barefaced treasury looter – PDP

Nigerian newspapers,on one page.

Lagos lawmaker, Tunde Braimoh is dead