The United States Government on Friday 27th March,2020 announced a $7 million (about N2.6 billion) emergency health to Nigeria to address the pandemic in the country.
The US States Department said in a statement that this is part of a $274 million (N103 billion) assistance package to at least 63 countries affected by the disease.

Nigeria’s share, the statement said, would go into funding of “risk communication, water and sanitation activities, infection prevention, and coordination.”

“This assistance joins more than $5.2 billion (N1.9 trillion) in US health assistance and more than $8.1 billion (N3trillion) in total assistance for Nigeria over the past 20 years,’’ it said.

Source: ripplesnigeria.com

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said on Monday the agency had ordered the manufacturing of Chloroquine for use in the experimental treatment of coronavirus.
The chief said in a statement the drug was being repurposed for the experimental treatment of the disease.
Adeyeye said some countries had started using Chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19, adding that the drug was used in China with moderate success.
The statement read:
“Other researchers in France and the United States have used the drug for the clinical trial treatment of COVID-19 and they reported effectiveness of the drug. Lagos State will start a clinical trial on chloroquine to evaluate the effectiveness.
“In a very recent publication, chloroquine was reported in a press briefing by the State Council of China, indicating that chloroquine phosphate had demonstrated marked efficacy and acceptable safety in treating COVID-19 associated pneumonia in multi-center clinical trials conducted in China.

“The study involved 10 hospitals in Wuhan, Jingzhou, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Ningbo, and 100 patients. The investigators reported that Chloroquine phosphate is superior to the control in inhibiting the pneumonia associated with COVID-19, and shortening the course of the disease.”

“About four weeks ago, I approached a local manufacturing company (May and Baker), a member of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN), whose flagship product in the past was chloroquine to make a batch of the drug for emergency stock.
“The company had NAFDAC approval for the production of the as anti-malarial many years ago before the discontinuation.”

Source : ripplesnigeria.com

If We Can’t Be Our Brother’s Keeper, Let Us At Least Not Be His Destroyer “- John F Kennedy
Varying reasons have been propounded on why General Murtala Mohammed was brutally assassinated over 40 years ago; they range from the most banal to a host of conspiracy theories. While other reasons are rendered in plain dichotomies some even incorporate the chief victim and the perpetuators in the same narrative.
For instance General John Obada who was the president of the Special Military Tribunal that tried the alleged coupists back in 1976 stated in a Vanguard newspaper interview dated July 3rd, 2010 that the Lt-Col B.S. Dimka led putsch that culminated in General Mohammed’s death was “a very complicated thing because it was a coup within a coup”. The General did not give details on “the coup within the coup” he however maintained that the master mind Col. Dimka “was not ambitious but driven by greed and gross indiscipline”.
While the ace journalist and ombudsman of the Daily Trust titles Dan Agbese puts it that “Murtala was casual about his security” adding that “he distanced himself from imperial grandeur and did not move into the official residence of the Head of State in Dodan barracks
It is against this background of reasons that Joseph Dechi Gomwalk formerly a Commissioner of Police and military governor of the then Benue-Plateau state (1967-1975) was cast for a star role as being privy to the conspiracy that led to the death of Nigeria’s Head of State who had been in office for only 6 months.
For every high crime such as an act of political murder there must be a motive and opportunity. As we have already seen there was a multiciplicity motives and for opportunity it was only after the capture of Col. Dimka following a massive manhunt that had him on the lam for weeks that a Board of Inquiry (BOI) was set up to screen such opportunities as they existed.
Mr. Gomwalk was arrested, screened and tried, he was subsequently acquitted with the charges against him dismissed only for him to be arraigned again and retried then convicted under circumstances that are still subject to debate over 40 years after.
The posting on Max Siollun’s blog entitled “The Roller-Coaster Life of Murtala Mohammed” is instructive on Gomwalk’s ordeal where he chronicled that “the board of inquiry that investigated the coup was headed by Major-General Emmanuel Abisoye. The actual military tribunal which tried the suspects was headed by Major-General John Obada. In the grief and atmosphere of vengeance following the coup, no one questioned why the plotters were being tried by a secret tribunal, under legal powers that had retroactive effect, and that suspects could be sentenced to death based on evidence that would not be made public.
Minority officers from the Middle Belt were the new treacherous scapegoats of the day. The tension between Middle Belt officers and those from the far north resurfaced. The coup investigation took on witch hunting proportions and officers were convicted on the most flimsy or circumstantial evidence, often based on Dimka’s uncorroborated testimony”
The Obada led tribunal that tried, discharged and acquitted Gomwalk was disbanded. Another military court was constituted and headed by Brigadier (General) Pius Eremobor which retried the former governor and condemned him to death. Obada in his interview with Vanguard summarized his tribunal assignment succinctly with “I had no choice but I was fair”.
How did Gomwalk an accomplished sleuth and consummate administrator end up so? Or was he deliberately framed and found guilty of something else other than treason?
In 1961 Gomwalk graduated from the pioneer University of Ibadan with a first class degree in Zoology he then joined the famed Northern Region civil service and was posted to the Sardauna Province as Divisional Officer he eventually transferred his services to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture rising up to the level of a Principal Assistant Secretary by February 1966 after specialized training at Scotland Yard and the FBI he was seconded to the Nigerian Police Force as a Chief Superintendent in its elite Special Branch. By July 29th 1966 he had sniffed out the counter-coup that was to climax in Ibadan tailing it to the extent of advising his boss Joseph Adeola then Commissioner of Police in the West to alert visiting General Aguiyi-Ironsi and his host Col. Adekunle Fajuyi of an impending mutiny.
Mr. Adeola would however err on the side of caution till it was too late. 5 days later Gomwalk would lead a team of policemen to recover the bodies of Ironsi and Fajuyi from a makeshift grave near the town of Lalupon outside Ibadan along Iwo road. In May 1967 Gomwalk emerged as a major beneficiary of the very coup he almost foiled albeit by investigation. He was appointed a military governor of what today spans 3 states of the federation in the heart of Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
When the erstwhile Northern Region was collapsed into 6 states in 1967 Jos gradually became a rival orbit of power to Kaduna chiefly because Gomwalk as a second opinion sounding board who with his intellect and depth almost eclipsed the influence of the “Kaduna Mafia” dominated “super perm secs” in Lagos, notably the then Commander in Chief paid more state and personal visits to Jos than to any of his state capitals. General Yakubu Gowon was firmly trapped between Kaduna and Jo’s.
The late Joseph Dechi Gomwalk was not without his own cross. Chief Aper Aku (who later in 1979 as civilian governor of Benue state accumulated his own nemesis of corruption charges) on 31st August 1974 swore to an affidavit at the Jos High Court accusing Gomwalk of corrupt enrichment. It was not an isolated incidence in fact it was a deliberate pattern as it later turned out to be a nationwide witch-hunt by the “real military” against the “political military” to the extent that the country’s Attorney-General Dr. Teslim Elias had to issue a caveat on further affidavits against public officials.
Haunting Gomwalk is also the apparently inconclusive report of the Mohammed appointed Assets Investigation Panel that indicted Gomwalk but at the same time noted that “the Ministry of Justice and Police will look into it (the panel’s report) with a view to taking the necessary legal action if need be”. Exactly 10 days after General Mohammed addressed the nation on that panel’s report he was felled by a hail of bullets. Mr. Gomwalk’s alleged involvement without the declassification of the court-martial documents of 1976 is at best circumstantial and will continue to remain in the realm of speculation. Many Nigerians still believe he was just a high profile fall guy cos he dare the Kaduna murderous mafia by establishing the then BPTV as the first colour television in west Africa, BEPCO, Nigerian standard newspaper to counter the malicious news from Kaduna n ur was becoming d toast of readers, the plateau marketing board to rival the northern marketing board who hitherto decided the prices of food at our own expense in d Benue plateau, the present day Universitu of Jo’s as branch of Univeristy of Ibadan after being denied same by ABU, conceptualized the Jo’s main market as the economic hub of d state , schools, hospitals n many others which were aimed at liberating us.
J.D. as Gomwalk is still fondly remembered as is so etched on the consciousness of the Plateau such that as recently as December 2009 when President Umar Musa Yar’adua another fulani man whose elder brother Shehu Yaradua was d arrow head of d Gomwalk conspiracy theory n who himself died as a common prisoner years later constituted an investigative panel on the Jos Crisis to be chaired by General Abisoye the same animal that frame up Gomwalk to please the Hausa fulanis, the outcry against his august appointment was so stringent that another eminent Nigerian eventually headed the inquiry.
Curiously Generals Obada and Eremobor were compulsorily retired from service in 1977 and 1979 respectively after doing the dirty jobs so that they will not leak d secret behind Gomwalk killing . Eremobor’s retirement in April a good 6 months before the hand-over to civilian rule still remains curious. Sadly the duo belatedly joined the over 216 military officers and over 10,000 public servants dismissed by General Mohammed in his brief stint for “divided loyalty”, “declining productivity” or “abuse of office” in the obscurity of premature retirement.
According to the prolific military historian Dr. Nowa Omoigui “all coups are justified in high brow terms designed to appeal to the emotions and patriotism of the uninformed public” if so perhaps a very important and much overlooked reason on why General Murtala Mohammed’s regime was in less than a year shaken to its very foundations is provided through an insight by Mr. Siollum that “the July 1975 coup was a watershed for Nigerian military coups in that it was the first time in Nigeria’s history that the executors of a coup apportioned political appointments between themselves.
The two coups of 1966 were carried out by officers with real and perceived political and military grievances. Despite their murderous intent, they had no interest in governing the country or personally participating in political activity. Most of the key figures in the 1966 coups did not participate in government. The 1975 coup was the first Nigerian coup executed by officers with personal political ambitions”. Did some of these ambitions clash with that of Gomwalk? Yes cos he was a progressive. General Joe Garba was a selfish being who thought he will compensated but was d end push aside, Genral murtala was power drunk, likewise IBB, n then d likes of Yaradua, Buhari, n co who were playing the religious n ethnic cards n knowing that he was thread, the need to permanently silent him was hatched using the Yorubas n south south people so as to conceal their intent.
Until the Nigerian military musters the candor to open for public scrutiny the judicial details of the events of 1976 more high falutin reasons will continue to be bandied about at the expense of national unity and on why General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated and if one time CP Joseph Dechi Gomwalk was ever a conspirator in that act….. Which he never was . I therefore implore the NDA n the plateau state Government to use the freedom of information act to demand that the proceedings of the indicating panel, the first n the second trial panels b open for scrutiny, likewise the decree that was used in retrospect to try them n until such is done. Nigeria will never know peace cos the blood of innocent JD Gomwalk is crying for justice .

DEWAN KENABE GABRIEL

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI SIGNS COVID-19 REGULATIONS, 2020

In exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Quarantine Act (CAP Q2 LFN 2004), and all other powers enabling him in that behalf, President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday, signed the Covid-19 Regulations, 2020, which declared Covid-19 a dangerous infectious disease.

The Regulations, effective March 30, 2020, also gave legal backing to the various measures outlined in the President’s National Broadcast on March 29, 2020, such as Restriction/Cessation of Movement in Lagos, FCT and Ogun State and others toward containing the spread of the pandemic in the country.

In addition, to ensure that Nigerians can still perform on-line transactions and use ATMs whilst observing these restrictions, exemption is granted financial system and money markets to allow very skeletal operations in order to keep the system in light operations during the pendency of these regulations.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

The national leader of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir has declared his allegiance to the Plateau State government, following his interrogation by the State Security Services, SSS, for violating the lockdown order against the spread of Coronavirus in the state.
Recall that Sheik Jingir had led a large number of his followers for a Juma’at Prayer at Yantaya Mosque last Friday, despite the state government’s order banning all gatherings above 50 persons.

A reliable source close to Governor Simon Lalong confirmed the invitation of Sheikh Jingir by the SSS.

“The religious leader was invited by the SSS to answer some questions,” the source told our correspondent.
Another source within the state headquarters of the SSS also confirmed the interrogation of the cleric, saying: “senior officials from our head office in Abuja had come and invited Sheikh Jingir on Saturday and also on Sunday.
“The cleric was queried and was latter allowed to return home,” he added.

When contacted, the JIBWIS’ National Publicity Secretary, Ahmad Ashir, told our reporter that he was not aware of the SSS’ invitation.

Meanwhile, the National Executive Council, NEC, of the JIBWIS has issued a statement Sunday night, declaring its absolute compliance with the health, safety and social measures taken by the Federal and State Governments against the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The JIBWIS National Chairman, Administration, Shiekh Nasiru AbdulMuhyi, who signed the statement, restated its commitment in supporting government’s initiative against the escalation of COVID-19 in the country.

According to the organization, any measure that seeks to promote public safety and welfare of Nigerians at this critical period is a welcomed development.
The organisation also announced the suspension of its scheduled National Seminar for Qur’anic Recitation, including the Judges, Imams and other juristic participants.

It assured authorities at all level of governance of its concluded arrangements to support the ongoing sensitisation on social distancing, self-isolation, management of public gathering and other hygienic measures which Islam already recognized as a measure that would guard against the epidemic or its escalation.

The Nigerian Government has confirmed the second death from coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, announced this on Monday during the Presidential Task Force Briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

He stressed that Nigeria has 111 confirmed cases of COVID-19, saying a majority of them were persons who came in from overseas.

According to the health minister, the highest number of confirmed cases are in Lagos and Abuja because they serve as the major gateways to the country.

He also informed the gathering that all retired but able-bodied staff of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Federal Ministry of Health were being recalled.

Ehanire warned Nigerians to protect the elderly among them, as well as those having underlying health issues as they were the most vulnerable.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, informed the audience that the briefing would be a daily event.

He explained that the purpose was to give an update and minimise the incidence of fake news in the country.

Mustapha stressed that the briefing would be the only approved briefing of the task force, although appearances on TV by relevant members would be allowed.

He announced that President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted a committee headed by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to care for the economic challenges that the situation may bring for the time being.

The SGF also clarified the controversy triggered by the restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He allayed the fear of Nigerians, saying workers in the financial institutions were not included in the stay-at-home order declared by the President in his Sunday broadcast to the nation.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Monday 30th March 2020 recieved a donation of 28.5 Million Naira from the United Bank for Africa, through its UBA Foundation as part of their contribution to the fight against the disease.
The presentation was made on behalf of the Bank by Steve Gadzama, Regional Bank Head in Jos.
He explained that the bank has remained a partner to the Government of Plateau State and is happy with the measures taken so far to deal with the situation. He said the bank has also constructed and donated an isolation facility and incubators at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital in Jos.
Governor Lalong thanked the UBA for setting the pace in contributing to the fund. He assured that the account will be managed transparently and the money applied to critical areas including responding to the needs of the poor and people in rural areas.
He urged other corporate organisations and well meaning individuals to also donate to the fund known as PLATEAU STATE COVID-19 SUPPORT FUND. ACCOUNT NUMBER: UBA 1022751747.
Governor Lalong also said the Government welcomes other donations of facilities, medical equipment and other consumables towards building the capacity of the State to handle the situation.

Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
30th March 2020.

PRESS STATEMENT

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR MEETS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APC STATE LEADERSHIP ON COVID-19; SAYS STATE TO GET TEST CENTRE SOON.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says the State is to get a centre for the test of COVID-19 disease soon.
He said this in continuation of the efforts to contain the Corona Virus disease and ensure that it does not spread to Plateau State, as he met with more critical stakeholders to ensure that the State mitigates the impact of the pandemic.
The Governor met with the leadership of the Plateau State House of Assembly as well as the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State at the Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.
Governor Lalong who chairs the State COVID-19 Emergency Response Task Force, explained that the meeting became necessary so as to carry everyone along in the fight against the disease.
He said “we are dealing with an abnormal situation and so we need to take drastic measures in order to protect the lives of the citizens. We have already put in place various measures to ensure that the disease does not come into Plateau. Thankfully, there is no recorded case yet and we pray that it remains so. However, we must work hard to keep things this way”.
Lalong also said there was the need to also work with the legislature and the ruling party leadership in the State to look at the socio-political impact of the disease in the State. He said the stakeholders will need to work together and make hard choices that will keep the State afloat.
Commissioner of Health Dr. Nimkong Lar briefed the stakeholders on the effectiveness of the preventive measures already taken such as contact tracing, closure of markets, monitoring and checks at entry points to the State, as well as public enlightenment. He said the people of the State are being sensitized and are cooperating with measures put in place.
He explained that the old JUTH has been earmarked as an isolation centre while the State is purchasing more ventilators, drugs and other essentials that are needed for the disease.
Chairman of the Plateau State Economic Team Mr. Ezekiel Gomos also briefed the stakeholders where he said the revenue of the State has been hugely impacted and will make execution of programmes and projects very difficult.
This he said necessitated the recommendation of the Economic Team that the 2020 budget be cut by 40 percent while all non essential expenditure be equally reduced drastically. Some of the measures already announced by the Governor in his statewide broadcast according to him are in line with the recommendations of the Committee.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Ayuba Nuhu Abok expressed the support of the legislature and commended the Governor for all proactive measures taken so far.
Chairman of the APC in the State Chief Letep Dabang also supported the measures put in place, but asked for more sensitization of more stakeholders especially in the rural areas.
Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu also said the State has opened a COVID TRUST FUND Account for corporate organisations and individuals to contribute to the fight against the disease.

Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D
Director, Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
30th March 2020.