Author: Chronicle Editor

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to the 36 state governors urging them to “urgently provide information on spending details on COVID-19 in your state, and to immediately redirect public funds budgeted for security votes and life pensions for former governors from the state to invest in and improve public healthcare facilities and access to quality education.” SERAP said: “Given the rising number of deaths in Kano state reportedly link ed to COVID-19, your state and other state governors now have to show leadership, transparency and accountability, if you are to effectively and…

President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to renowned scholar and professor of economics, Professor Ibrahim Alkali Ayagi, describing him as an accomplished economist, banker and administrator who made outstanding contributions to the development of education in northern Nigeria, promotion of entrepreneurship and small businesses. As former Chairman of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC), President Buhari believes that the late Ayagi will be long remembered and honoured for his diligent and professional roles in tackling Nigeria’s crippling foreign debt. President Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to Prof Ayagi’s family, the government and people of Kano and his many friends, students and…

A recording spread around the world at the end of March, purportedly featuring a former Vodafone executive claiming to let the public in on a secret that the coronavirus pandemic is cover for a global plot to install 5G mobile phone masts, track the world’s population through vaccines, and then destroy human society as we know it. In reality, the Guardian can reveal, the voice on the tape making the baseless claims is an evangelical pastor from Luton who recently tried to convince Zimbabweans to use cryptocurrency in their economy. Jonathon James, who regularly preached at churches in Bedfordshire, is the previously unidentified individual…

A hunger crisis is rapidly developing among British people in lockdown, as millions report having to go without meals, food charities and local government have warned. Just three weeks into the lockdown, the Food Foundation said that 1.5 million Britons reported not eating for a whole day because they had no money or access to food. Some 3 million people in total were in households where someone had been forced to skip some meals. More than 1 million people reported losing all their income because of the pandemic, with over a third of them believing they would not be entitled…

The Anambra Government has relaxed the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19 in the state, four weeks after it was announced. The lockdown was part of the measures taken by the government to check the spread of coronavirus in the state. Governor Willie Obiano, who announced the easing of the lockdown in a broadcast on Saturday, however, said that all borders of the state with its neighbours remain closed. Obiano said churches were now allowed to hold activities but with the caveat that all worshipers must wear face masks and observe all standing safety and preventive measures as prescribed by health experts.…

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has approved the appointment of Osaze Ethan Uzamere as his Chief of Staff. In a statement, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said the appointment takes immediate effect. Uzamere is the son of Senator Ehigie Uzamere, who represented Edo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011. An investment banker, Uzamere, 38, is a graduate of Stony Brook University, New York, where he majored in Computer and Electrical Engineering. APC suspends Governor Obaseki’s aide He has had stints with Lehman Brothers and South Grade Engineering, among others. A thorough-bred…

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised alarm that Very Important Persons (VIPs) are exposing doctors and health workers to coronavirus. The NMA said as Nigeria hits the four-digit COVID-19 incidence figure, it is sending an appeal to all Nigerians to help save the lives of helathcare professionals. In a memo signed by the Dr Francis Faduyile, NMA President, on 24 April, the medical body warned that more doctors and health workers could contract coronavirus if VIPs continue to reject isolation and treatment centres. “At the end of today given the trend of reports of positive COVID-19 cases by the…

There is the fear of death currently ravaging the northern state of Kano as more deaths were reported in the state on Saturday. News spread that various prominent people died, some from the coronavirus, others from unspecified causes. It should be noted that the state is currently on lockdown, imposed by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Prominent persons like Ibrahim Ayagi; Aliyu Umar Dikko, Abdullahi Lawal; ex-MD of Continental Merchant Bank, Ibrahim Ayagi; Musa Ahmad Tijjani, Editor of Triumph newspapers; Adamu Dal, ex-Chairman State Civil Service Commission have all lost their lives in Kano State. Others are Nasiru Maikano Bichi; Musa…

Katsina Elders Forum has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari on the death of his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari. In a letter of condolence signed by Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi, Chairman and Alhaji Aliyu Sani Mohammed, Secretary General, the Forum said: ”No doubt, the death is a great loss not only to the family of Malam Abba Kyari but to the whole nation in view of the vacuum the death of Malam Kyari has created in the presidency especially his altruism in leadership and prudent management of resources. Abba Kyari above ALL ministers, special advisers in intellect – Mamman Daura ”We…

Ten months ago, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development did not exist. But then 10 months ago if you said Corona, young people would think of a beer brand while older folks would think of an old car model, Toyota Corona. The Coronavirus, also, did not exist. But times have changed and today, with the world on lockdown from Minna to Minneapolis and Lagos to Lisbon, the word de jour is Covid-19, a disease caused by the novel Coronavirus. Total global infections now stand at over 2.8m with a total fatality rate of almost 200,000 which…