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No Confirmed Case Of Coronavirus In Rivers, RSG Assures …Says Mischief Makers Trying To Cause Panic …Increases Surveillance At Land Borders …Sets Up Awareness C’ttee On COVID-19 Prevention

Published

5 years ago

March 13, 2020

The Rivers State Government has insisted that there is no case of Coronavirus in any part of the state, describing claims of the disease in the state as the handiwork of mischief makers.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim stated this at a special live radio programme in Port Harcourt, monitored by The Tide, yesterday.
This is as the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Princewill Chike, who was also at the live programme, said it is embarrassing when people carry information and twist it the way it suits them, noting that those behind the false report neither mean well for Rivers State, nor Rivers people or Nigeria.
Both Nsirim and Chike were reacting to report in the social media which went viral recently alluding to the fact that Coronavirus is now in Rivers State, specifically claiming that a patient referred from a private facility called ‘Prime Medical Centre’ to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) is a confirmed case.
The Tide confirmed, yesterday, that the management of Prime Medical Centre in Eliada Estate, Rumuogba, had dismissed the claim as false, describing the rumuor as the handiwork of mischief makers, and fake news purveyors.
In a statement, yesterday, titled, “Public Information on COVID-19 Rumuors”, signed by the Clinical Director, Dr Gabriel Ominyi, Prime Medical Consultants, said that the rumour was “a gross mis-representation” of the fact, adding that “The said patient presented to us requested to be tested for COVID-19. Since we do not have the required equipment for conducting the test, we referred him to the Public Health Department of UPTH where the test could be arranged for him. It is, therefore, not a case of us making a diagnosis of COVID-19, and sending him to the teaching hospital as purported in that post.
“We have a protocol in place for identifying suspected cases, and what to do if we suspect a case”, the clinical director added.
Further clarifying the issue, Chike said, “That information is wrong and it is not correct. In every profession, there is what we call protocol and ways issues are done. Wherever such information came from, whoever posted it does not mean well for Rivers people, Rivers State and does not mean well for Nigeria.
“If you recall the issue of Coronavirus disease was first reported in January, 2020. But the World Health Organization (WHO) did not declare it a pandemic until yesterday (Wednesday), March 11, 2020. There was a time lag. Certain protocols are followed, certain protocols are observed, certain protocols are put in place before you take certain decisions in every profession. The medical profession is not an exception.
“The medical profession is a very discipline profession. If I hear information, I must confirm before I make the diagnosis. Let us come to think of it, the protocols which we have advised all medical facilities in the state is if you notice and you suspect, the normal teaching is you send to any teaching hospital in the state. Maybe, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital or Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
“From that spot, the Rapid Response Team of Rivers State Ministry of Health, the Emergency Operation Centre is on alert 24hours, and they will come and take off from there. There are certain things we look at before we make such diagnosis, there are certain things we look at before we say ‘yes’ this is this.
“Let us take the index case that came to Nigeria in Lagos. Up till now, have you seen Lagos State Government going from bed to bed and showing the face of the man? There are certain discipline, until you prove that it is positive, you cannot say it is positive because the communication Rivers State Ministry of Health has with emergency operation and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, we have information 24hours and our personnel are 24hours receiving and sending information because it is key to what we are doing.
“So, when a patient is suspected in any private or public sector hospital, that protocol must be followed, and then, from there, you take over. From that time the Ministry of Health was informed, we went in and everything has been done. This patient they are making noise and saying stories about may even be healthier than some of us here.
“But we did not keep our oars down because the state we are in Rivers State we are at alert phase. In alert phase, it is like you suspect armed robbers are coming into your territory. The people at the checkpoint are at more alert to check through everything, to search through before they say anything.
“So, the Ministry of Health has done what it is supposed to do. This so-called star case, we have collected samples, and now, kept them on hold. When the result comes, if it is positive, we will tell the public.
“But for now, I don’t think there is any cause for alarm. We still insist that the preventive measures be put in place. Every school, for example, should have enough water and soap or sanitisers for the children and teachers to wash their hands,” Chike advised.
Similarly, Paulinus Nsirim said, “You cannot talk about COVIC-19 as a medical practitioner without evidence, and like the health commissioner explained, the protocol to establish that is known by every medical practitioner.
“So, if a medical practitioner worth his salt will go and make that categorical statement about such a matter, then, we begin to question where the person got his certificate. What has happened now is that some people who want to cause mischief, and then, throw panic into the state are trying to make this case look as if there is a virus that is circulating in Rivers State.
“We want to make it clear to everybody living and doing business in Rivers State that yes, somebody was sent to teaching hospital, but that does not mean that the person has a virus. And until the protocol, like the health commissioner has explained, has been thoroughly established and examined, then, Rivers State Government will not make a categorical statement.
“What has happened in Lagos State is an index case, and we have all been following the trend of what happened there. Lagos did not just come and announced that somebody has contracted the virus until this protocol was followed before even the Federal Government had to also intervene.
“So, the Rivers State Government is in contact with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control, and the Health Ministry here (Rivers State) is prepared to do what it takes to ensure that if something like that happens, Rivers people will know.
“But for now, that information circulating in the social media is not correct. Those living and doing business in Rivers State should discountenance the information from the social media. Somebody who goes to the social media to begin to talk about COVID-19, first does not even understand the protocol.
“He does not also understand the gravity of what he is doing to create panic in the system. Just to let you know, the Rivers State Government is desirous in ensuring preventive measures are kept to the required level,” the state government spokesman said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government said it has increased surveillance at all land borders and entry points into the state as part of measures to prevent the dreaded Coronavirus.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Princewill Chike stated this during a live radio programme in Port Harcourt monitored by The Tide.
Chike said though no case of the COVID-19 has been recorded in the state, the Ministry of Health has alerted its rapid response team and its emergency response centre as part of proactive measures since the first case of the disease was recorded in China.
He also disclosed that the Rivers State Government has already mapped out an ad-hoc treatment centre for any case of COVID-19, noting that the pandemic was not something you fold your hands and watch, saying, “Rivers State has been proactive since the index case in China. We have tried to beef up our activities in corroboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ports Health.”
Chike added, “You know we have the international airport and the sea ports. So, what we have done is try to work hand-in-hand with them. But as par arrangements and preparations for the state, these are what we are doing. Already, you know we have had cases of Ebola, Lassa fever, monkey pox previously, and with that experience, we have already put in place the necessary precautionary measures in case of any incident. First, there are areas of entry point into Rivers State.
“We have the land routes, the sea routes and the airport areas. The land routes: we have through the Bayelsa axis, we have the Imo axis; we have the Abia axis; and the Akwa Ibom axis as well. So, in these areas, what the ministry has done is to arrange and set up our contact men so that we will be able to identify, at least, any case that comes from these directions.
“Then, from the airport area together with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Port Health have been arranged and working together. As the flights come in, we know the high density areas where the pandemic has already come on and the areas where it has not come on.
“So, depending on where the flights are coming from, what we now do is we arrange ourselves and make sure our men are there to ensure that they identify and handle any case that comes up,” he stated.
Chike also said surveillance at the Port Harcourt International Airport was at high alert together with the multiple screening, the in-flight assessment and tarmac cameras aimed at detecting any suspected case early enough.
“There is also secondary screening of selected passengers in line with international protocol. Any symptomatic travellers from impacted areas coming into the country through our international airport, we do first of all place on self-isolation for maximum incubation period in case there is anything we suspect.
“We make contact with the Ports Health Services team in case of anything they suspect and also make contact with the Navy too in case of ships (vessels coming from impacted areas) so that they can intercept them from the sea and prevent them from coming close to the state.
“Together with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), our surveillance team is at high alert in all entry points because of this COVID-19. We have already made contacts with the teaching hospitals in the state. I can tell you authoritatively that the Rivers State Government has already mapped out an ad-hoc treatment centre for COVID-19 and the State Response Mechanism.
“We are working with the NCDC, and the State Response Team has already prepared. The Rivers State Government has provided sufficient amount of commodities, especially Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) and supportive drugs for therapeutic intervention in case of any challenge, and making same available to areas at risk and needs,” he stated.
In related development, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declares Coronavirus a pandemic, the Rivers State Government has set up a five-man Executive Council Committee to carry out aggressive public enlightenment and awareness measures to prevent the dreaded virus from infecting anybody in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting, in Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Nsirim said: “As a responsive government, the Rivers State Executive Council, chaired by the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, today (yesterday), in a meeting, reviewed this global problem and set up a five-man Executive Committee to carry out an aggressive public enlightenment and awareness on preventive measures”.
“Members of the committee include, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, who is the chairman; Commissioner for Health, Prof Chike Princewill; Commississioner for Environment, Dr Igbiks Tamuno; Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Eloka Tasie-Amadi; and Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Ohia Prince.
“This committee is to ensure that citizens of the state in the 23 local government areas get adequate information that will stop them from contracting the virus.”
The commissioner added: “We also use this opportunity to inform members of the public that they need to practice elementary hygiene. They should use hand sanitizers to prevent contracting the virus.”
Nsirim, therefore, used the opportunity to call on members of the public, especially those living and doing businesses in Rivers State to begin to practice elementary hygiene.
He urged them to use hand sanitizers that are very good to prevent people from contacting the virus.

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We’ve Only One House Of Assembly Led By Oko-Jumbo, Fubara Clarifies …Signs Into Law N1.188trn Rivers 2025 Budget

Published

4 hours ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has insisted that there is only one House of Assembly existing in the State, and it is led by Rt Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo.

Governor Fubara made the clarification shortly after giving assent to the Rivers State Appropriation Law No.1 of 2025, at Government House in Port Harcourt.

The Governor said the records need to be put straight to address insinuations in some quarters about a possible splitter in the Legislature, and stated that there is no such division.

Governor Fubara stated: “I want to say this, maybe, for some persons somewhere who are still mixing up issues. We have only one Rivers State House of Assembly, and that Assembly is headed by Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo”.

He described those who abdicated their mandate in the House as a group of friends who had embarked on Sinbad journey, and half-way into the journey, they decided to return, saying, “It is too late. We are not going back. As far as I am concerned, we have moved on.”

Governor Fubara said that as it stands now, the focus of his administration is to do everything possible in defending the interest of Rivers State and the integrity of governance, and assured that with the 2025 budget now signed, every projection made in it will be addressed to deliver hope and good life to all residents in the State.

He said, “We will make sure that we kick-start, so that the record of performance that was accorded by this administration in the year 2024 will be higher in this year, 2025.

“Let me first thank the Rivers State House of Assembly for doing very diligent job, and also realizing the task that we have ahead of us, which is to continue to work for Rivers people. So, I want to thank you for working very hard and ensuring that we hit the ground running in this New Year.”

Governor Fubara also commended members of the State Executive Council, which he described as the management team, especially the Deputy Governor, for their support and cooperation, and particularly thanked the Commissioners for Finance, and Budget, as well as the Acting Chairman of Rivers State Internal Revenue Board, for the wonderful job they did last year.

He noted, “We expect you to do more because we have a bigger task ahead of us. We have made some promises to our people. Education, Health and Agriculture; we must make sure we make good impact just like we have done in the areas of road and other aspects of the economy. We made a promise to you (Rivers people) that we will continue to protect, defend and promote the interest of our dear State.”

In his speech, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo, asserted that Rivers people witnessed unprecedented growth in the State made possible by the administration of Governor Fubara in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education, social welfare, security and other sectors.

Rt Hon Oko-Jumbo pointed to how Governor Fubara has become the beacon of hope of the common man on the streets, because, according to him, they are happy with the positive impact his leadership style has afforded them.

The Speaker explained that Governor Fubara has paid Rivers civil servants and pensioners N100,000.00 Christmas Bonus, being the second time; and approved and paid N85,000.00 minimum wage (salary) to civil servants, which have stood him out as a leader that prioritises the well-being of the people.

He said, “Your Excellency, 2025 promises to be a year of strategic planning and partnership. We have no doubt that you will carry out the task of developing and delivering the dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of Rivers State. So, Your Excellency, on behalf of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, we want to say thank you for being the People’s Governor, and thank you for the strategic partnership with the Legislature. Your Excellency, 2025 promises to be a year of exponential growth in Rivers State.”

Presenting the 2025 Budget to Governor Fubara for assent, Leader of the House, Hon Sokari Goodboy Sokari, said the total projected estimate of N1,188,962,739,932.36 for the 2025 fiscal year indicated a huge leap from previous year’s figure, indicating progress and assuring multiplication of comfort that good leadership can provide.

Hon Sokari also noted the strategic allocations for Recurrent and Capital expenditures that provide for the welfare of workers and retirees, more development projects, as well as savings that will be made from accruing revenues.

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Tinubu calls for increased currency swap between China, Nigeria

Published

4 hours ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu yesterday urged the Chinese government to increase the two billion dollar currency swap between Nigeria and China to enhance trade between the two countries.

He also called for an upward review of the 50 billion dollar aid package for Africa, which China’s President Xi Jinping announced last year.

China and Nigeria recently renewed their currency swap agreement, valued at 15 billion yuan (approximately 2 billion dollars), to enhance trade and investment.

Receiving Wang Yi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, at the State House, the President said increasing the level of currency swaps would speed up the infrastructural development in Nigeria and deepen the strategic bilateral relations.

“We still demand more in the area of currency swap. The level you have approved as a government for Nigeria is inadequate considering our programme. If you can increase that, it will be well appreciated.

“Our bond should grow stronger and become unbreakable,” the President said.

Regarding the 50 billion dollars pledged by the Chinese government to support Africa, President Tinubu noted that the continent’s infrastructural needs would require more commitment, urging a review of the amount to reflect the continent’s reality.

“I am happy you are part of China’s highest decision-making body. We will want you to use your position to influence improved project funding.

“First, I say yes to the 50 billion dollar support, and thank you for contributing to African growth. The infrastructural needs of Africa are greater than that, and we want to move as rapidly as our other counterparts.

“All share your vision of rapid development. Africa values the relationship with China, and we seek deeper collaboration for infrastructural development,” he stated.

President Tinubu called on China to support Nigeria’s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat.

“You are a member of the UN Security Council. We want you to use your influence to ensure Nigeria secures the seat,” the President said.

Tinubu said Africa, particularly Nigeria, was prepared to meet developmental goals and contribute counterpart project funding.

“We are ready to move and reach the various developmental goals. Due to our deliberation, we signed many MOUs and planned many action programmes.

“My visit during FOCAC was a good experience. We signed several comprehensive MOUs during the visit. We planned several programmes of action,” he said.

Yi thanked Tinubu for appointing a Director General and Global Liaison, Nigeria—China Strategic Partnership, to oversee the implementation of the MOUs for the rapid development of the Nigerian economy.

“I would like to thank Nigeria for abiding by the one-China principle, and we will continue to support Nigeria in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda, countering terrorism and ensuring regional security,” he said.

Yi said Chinese investments in the country would focus on employment generation and infrastructural development.

He said the Chinese National Development Bank had started funding some development projects.

He also said the Chinese government would support including an African country in the UN Security Council.

“We stand with Africa, and we will not support a country that invades another country,” he stated.

The foreign minister said China would welcome Nigeria’s membership in the BRICS and participation in the global development mechanism.

He said China fully supported Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), for a second term in office.

The minister lauded President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and consistency in projecting Africa’s needs, which require China’s support.

“You brought Renewed Hope to the people of Nigeria. Your economy has sustained sound momentum, and Nigeria’s global influence has steadily increased.

“Nigeria has played an important role in upholding regional peace and has become an important force for African stability.

“We congratulate Nigeria on its achievements and believe that, under your leadership, Nigeria will realise greater achievements,” the Chinese foreign minister stated.

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FG urges unified efforts against emerging COVID-19 threats

Published

7 hours ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Federal Government has called for unified efforts by stakeholders to tackle the emerging COVID-19 variants in the country.

Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development, made the call in Abuja on Thursday, at a strategic meeting on COVID-19 preparedness and response.

The meeting was organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), following the recent emergence of a new COVID-19 variant in China and subsequent international concerns about the spread of the deadly virus.

The Tide source reports that NEMA conveyed the strategic stakeholders meeting to discuss preparedness, response plans, and proactive measures within Nigeria’s national context against the virus.

The minister, represented by a Director in Public Health Department at the Ministry, Mrs Chidinma Agbai, highlighted the devastating global impact of the pandemic and Nigeria’s resilience in spite of initial dire predictions.

He warned against misinformation and urged collaboration among stakeholders, including health officials and the media, to strengthen border controls and revive pandemic response infrastructure.

“A couple of months, the global world became affected one way or the other. you saw the number of people that were lost. They were counted in millions, people that were lost through COVID-19.

“You also saw the countermeasures that were taken by various countries. And surprisingly, those of us in Africa and Nigeria in particular, were expected to count our dead in millions. But God being our helper, It did not consume so much.

“But one life is a serious loss to a nation. So many Nigerians lost their lives, not really because of COVID-19, but because of countermeasures,” he said.

According to him, during the last COVID-19 and Ebola, people were told to take salt. Some people were told to take potash. So many countermeasures were introduced, and a lot of people lost their lives.

“So, now again in this harmattan period, we have to be careful because COVID-19 started in the harmattan period too, in the past years, it has reared its head again in China.

“This time around, it’s a mutant type that has come up. And China, being what it is, is keeping quiet. They don’t want to raise alarm as to what they are experiencing.

“They’ve closed their doors to various appeals for them to speak up.

“So for us in Nigeria, we have to put deliberate efforts to ensure that those who are coming into Nigeria, or those who are leaving the country, are protected,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and others in ensuring that the country’s borders were under surveillance.

He urged that similar measure taken to curtail Ebola some years back should be applied at the airports, the land borders and the sea ports to secure the lives of Nigerians.

The minister also called for renewed efforts in vaccine development and public education to prevent panic and safeguard lives.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, in her remarks called for proactive planning, collaboration, and resource mobilisation to safeguard the country’s public health emergencies.

Umar, who was represented by the Director, Planning Research and Forecasting, Mr Onimode Bandele, said that the meeting was crucial amid global concerns.

The director-general stressed the importance of information sharing, transparency, and a unified approach in addressing the challenge.

“The recent COVID-19 situation emerging from China serves as a stark reminder that public health emergency recognises no borders.

“In today’s interconnected world, a health threat in one country has the potential to impact nations across continents.

“While Nigeria is not directly affected at the moment, proactive planning, preparedness, and collaboration are essential to safeguarding our citizens and mitigating any potential risk.

“In line with this mandate, NEMA aims to be number one to share insight and update on the current global COVID-19 situation and its potential implication for Nigeria,” she said.

Umar also reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to effective disaster management and urged unified efforts to maintain Nigeria’s resilience against global health threats.

On his part, Mr Hopewell Munyari, Operations Manager, International Federation of Red cross, urged Nigerians to learn from the COVID-19 response to improve future emergency efforts.

Munyari underscored the Nigerian Red Cross’s role as an auxiliary to government, actively working on responses like Lassa fever and mFox outbreaks.

He also called for leveraging global Red Cross networks and volunteers to enhance preparedness and ensure timely, reliable communication with communities.