FocalPoint Reports

COVID-19: POLICE SHOULD RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS IN ENFORCING COMPLIANCE. ACTIVIST TELL IGP A renowned human rights and Peace advocate in Nigeria, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Idris Muhammad, AIGs and Commissioners of police in various states of the federation to strongly advise, caution and charge officers of the police force to kindly respect the fundamental rights of Nigerians and other Nationals in the enforcement of lockdown, closure and restriction of movements across the Nation. Comrade Sheriff who is also the National Coordinator of a foremost Peace, human rights and Environmental advocacy NGO, the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, strongly appealed to security agencies, particularly the Nigeria police to adhere strictly to the fundamental rights of Nigerians as enshrined in the constitution while enforcing compliance to curtail and prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus.  Comrade Mulade expressed con

CEPEJ COMMEND PRESIDENT BUHARI, FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S ACTION ON COVID-19 The National Coordinator, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria for its pro-activeness towards curbing the spread of COVID-19 by shutting down all International Flights.  He also thanked the President for some other steps taken through the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), the reduction in pump price of premium spirit, (Petrol), done to ensure that the fight against COVID-19 is maintained and sustained.  He stated that the Federal Ministry of Health and all relevant bodies for the control and treatments of Coronavirus have been doing great jobs especially in the area of sensitizing the public and giving out adequate warnings and instructions.  He commended the Nigeria media and the Information Ministry for doing much in information dissemination. Mulade Sheriff noted that N

COVID-19: Delta Govt Shuts Down All Social Activities Following the continued spread of Coronavirus also known as Covid-19, The Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr.  Ifeanyi Okowa has announceed the closure of Night Clubs/Lounges, Cinemas and the restriction of public burials, Social events to 20 persons. In a statewide broadcaste,  Governor Okowa held that following the confirmation of 42 cases of Covid-19 in Nigeria, we must take some precautionary measures in Delta State to prevent, as well as limit infection if it occurs. My Dear Deltans, For the second time in one week, I am addressing you on the coronavirus pandemic. As at 2 pm today, 24th March, 2020, the Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed 42 cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. While there is no case of COVID – 19 confirmed in Delta State we must take some precautionary measures to prevent, as well as limit infection if it occurs. The Multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group led by NCDC has activated its national Emergency Operat

Another Virus “HANTAVIRUS” Kills Man After Testing Positive man from China’s Yunnan province tested positive for Hantavirus on Monday. He died while on his way back to Shandong Province for work on a chartered bus, China’s Global Times reported. 32 other people have been tested, the report added. Following his death, hantavirus became a trend on social media, with people panicking that it was another COVID-19 ready to cause a new pandemic. However, contrary to popular belief and WhatsApp university schooling us about it, let’s get a reality check about hantavirus. Firstly, unlike coronavirus, hantavirus is not airborne. Among the early symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle ache, abdominal pain, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. About half of all HPS patients experience these symptoms. Late symptoms include lungs fill with fluid and shortness of breath. Humans who contract the hantavirus usually come into contact wi

Coronavirus: NYSC Grants Permission To All Corpers To Travel Home Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has permitted all corps members to travel to their homes, a new report by Sahara Reporters has revealed. The decision was made public in a memo to all Area Coordinators signed by Sanusi A.R on behalf of the NYSC DG. He stated that corps members willing to travel to their various homes should be allowed to go. The decision, according to the DG, was coming on the heels of the closure of all schools in the country due to the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country. In a memo to all Area Coordinators signed by Sanusi A.R on behalf of the NYSC DG, he stated that corps members willing to travel to their various homes should be allowed to go. “I am directed to request all state coordinators to grant permission to corps members willing to travel, especially those in the teaching or allied professions. “For the period it will last, corps members should

Bayelsa shuts schools, restricts gathering in worship centres, clubs Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Saturday directed the closure of all public and private schools in the state from March 26 as part of the measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. Diri, in a statewide broadcast, also announced the prohibition of all public gatherings above 50 persons, including in worship centres and clubs in the state, from March 23. He said the state government had set up a multi-sectoral task force charged with the responsibility of coordinating and implementing the state’s response to the pandemic. The governor further announced that he had assumed Chairmanship of the state’s special task force on COVID-19 to personally oversee its activities. He mandated the Chairmen of all local government areas in the state to do same in their respective councils. Diri said the state government had strengthened its level of preparedness to contain the pandemic through enlightenments, community engagem

A Warm salute to the Iconic Niger Delta Leader, Sheriff Mulade By Ezekiel Kagbala fpr The entire staff and management of FocalPoint Reports extoll the Iconic Niger Delta Leader, Amb. Comrade Sheriff Mulade, the initiator of the Coastal Area Development Agency CADA. Focalpoint Reports that Shariff Mulade is a good leader, the people's mandate a mentor and great ambassador, An icon of Peace, Unity and development. His contributions to the Niger Delta Development is evident as a blessing judging by his name and deeds. "As always, we celebrate the grace of God on you and your family for the great things you are doing for our region, state and country". "Your contribution to quality education, youth and women empowerment, orientation, sport and peace advocacy has left an indelible mark on the sand of time". The impactful antecedents of Sheriff Mulade predate the era of agitation for the development of the Niger Delta. He is an advocate for Development, Go

BREAKING: CORONAVIRUS: Nigeria records 10 new cases, 3 in Abuja 9 minutes ago Nigeria now has 10 new cases of the new coronavirus. The total number of cases in Africa’s most populous nation is now 22. “Nigeria has recorded 10 new cases of #COVID19 in Lagos and FCT,” Health Minister, Osagie Ehanire, said in a tweet on Saturday. “That is a total of 22 cases in Nigeria”, he added Currently, Lagos State has 16 cases, while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has three cases. Ogun and Ekiti State have two and one cases respectively. “Two have been discharged,” the Minister said. Ehanire assured that all cases are clinically stable and receiving adequate care. Coronavirus has  killed nearly 7,000 people globally in 3 months.  

Vote Of Confidence On Speaker Oborevwori: Mulade Hails Delta Law Makers  The National Coordinator and CEO of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has hailed the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori on the Vote of Confidence passed on him and leadership of the House by lawmakers for his leadership role in the 7th Assembly on Tuesday March 17th 2020.  Commending the Speaker for his outstanding leadership role in the State House of Assembly, Comrade Sheriff said “Hon. Oborevwori posseses good leadership qualities that has enabled him managed the entire lawmakers irrespective of their Parties. He does not discriminate or look down on anyone,  he gives equal right and opportunity to everyone".   He added that "his simplicity, humility and understanding are unmatched due to his dealings and warm relationship with other lawmakers and it takes only an understanding and humble speaker with extraordinary qualiti

Coronavirus: NFF suspends all football activities The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the cancellation of all forms of football activities in the country for the next four weeks. NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that the shutdown was “as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic’’. He said the shutdown affected all on-field activities involving the various national teams, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), the other leagues, youth football programmes and “even street football’’. He quoted the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, as saying “the cessation will be for four weeks, after which the situation will be reviewed in line with events and trends worldwide. “They should observe the precautions as advised by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), such as hand-washing, the use of sanitisers and social distancing.’’ Pinnick was further quoted as saying the only foo

Nigeria: Petrol now N125 per litre – minister The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to reduce the pump price of petrol from N145 to N125. This, the government said, was to reflect the current crash in the global price of crude oil. President Muhammadu Buhari approved the price reduction after the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Sylva, briefed him on the matter. Sylva also made a presentation to the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday. “The drop in crude oil prices has the expected open market price of imported petrol below the official pump price of 145 per litre,” the document said. It added, “Therefore, the FG is directing the NNPC to reduce ex-coastal and ex-depot prices of PMS to reflect the current market realities.” Speaking with journalists after the session, he said the new price would take “immediate effect”. The government directed the NNPC and the PPPRA to work out the details. He added that the pump prices of d

Coronavirus: CAN reacts as Reps ask Buhari govt to ban worship centres The Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has faulted the call for ban on religious activities in the country, following the outbreak of Coronavirus. Chairman of CAN in the state, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, made the remark shortly after the House of Representatives advised that places of worships  should be shut down  from the outbreak of the disease in Nigeria. However, Bamgbola, while addressing journalists on Wednesday in Lagos, urged government to do everything possible to win the war against the disease. Bamgbola stated that the level of Coronavirus infection across the country does not yet warrant ban on religious gathering and activities. He also urged churches and mosques to take proactive measures in safeguarding their members from getting infected. According to Bamgbola: “The Federal Government must further secure our borders. Many nations are doing this very seriously now. We

Degradation: Sheriff Mulade Demand Niger Delta Environmental Protection from IOC, FG A Niger Delta  Environmentalist,  Comrade Sheriff Mulade has expressed worry about the environment in the oil-rich Niger Delta Region and said urgent stepsmust be taken to address it now.  In a chat with newsmen at the weekend in Warri, Delta State,  human rights activist  who described the environment as the future and heritage of the people, alleged that activities of Multinational oil companies operating in the region have destroyed the ecosystem. He said that; "The environment is our future,  is our pride and heritage. Am deeply concerned about the way and manner our environment has been destroyed by the Multinational oil companies. Our traditional fishing and farming have been  destroyed and unfortunately,  government at all levels are paying lips service to the environment inspite of the calls  by the people of the region for something drastic to be done about the polluted enviro

13% Derivation: Okowa Demands More for Niger Delta   Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State yesterday said oil-producing states deserved more than 13 per cent derivation from the Federation Account. He consequently demanded the release of the funds being owed the affected states under the principle. The governor spoke when members of Post-Mortem Sub-Committee of the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), led by Mr. Kabir Mashi, visited him in Asaba. He decried the lack of adequate implementation of the derivation policy, stating that it was constitutional for the Federal Government to remit what was due to the states. His words: “We are hoping that in the near future, we will be looking beyond 13 per cent which it is for now, and we actually believe that there is need to ensure that the money gets to Niger Delta states. “As a state, we do understand that we are part of the federation and we pray and continue to work towards the unity of our nation. “We also believe th

FocalPoint Editorial Why Buhari should consult among Civil Society leaders in Delta to appoint Amnesty Programme Coordinator By Ezekiel Kagbala FPR Recently, there have been so much imbroglio and immodest lobbying by desperate power seekers and brokers, showing uncontrolled covetousness for the position of the Presidential Amnesty Programme coordinator. Some ill intentioned government appointees, ministers, senators and even traditional rulers are projecting and recommending their favourite candidate thereby posing a monumental threat to the sustainability of the amnesty programme. The Presidency should get it right before selfish interest plunges the already precarious and delicate nature of the Niger Delta region into another circumspectrum of crises. Building a sustainable peace presupposes a need for continuous education, orientation and awareness for repentant militants.  As regards appointing a new Amnesty Programme Coordinator, President Muhammadu Buhari must get it

FocalPoint Editorial Why Buhari should consult among Civil Society leaders in Delta to appoint Amnesty Programme Coordinator By Ezekiel Kagbala FPR Publisher/Editor in Chief Recently, there have been so much imbroglio and immodest lobbying by desperate power seekers and brokers, showing uncontrolled covetousness for the position of the Presidential Amnesty Programme coordinator. Some ill intentioned government appointees, ministers, senators and even traditional rulers are projecting and recommending their favourite candidate thereby posing a monumental threat to the sustainability of the amnesty programme. The Presidency should get it right before selfish interest plunges the already precarious and delicate nature of the Niger Delta region into another circumspectrum of crises. Building a sustainable peace presupposes a need for continuous education, orientation and awareness for repentant militants.  As regards appointing a new Amnesty Programme Coordinator, P

Group to Buhari; Appoint Niger Delta Peace Advocates to Coordinate Amnesty Programme By Ezekiel Kagbala FPR  Former agitators, The Niger Delta Freedom fighters, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to consult among civil society groups to appoint a peace advocate from the region to coordinate the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). The leader of the group, self-styled General Agbobulaga Ebube made the call in Warri on Friday during a media chat with FocalPoint Reports.  Agbobulaga noted that civil society leaders from the region will be more selfless, attentive and accessible to the need of the people. He also urged Niger Delta people who are interested in the position to form a cooperative synergy with each other adding that it will be more disadvantageous if the program is not coordinated by someone close to the grassroots. He said, "The Amnesty program is a product of peace advocacy which led to the disarmament of formerly armed youths who made the

Delta State Governor to Sanction Commissioners  Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, vowed to sanction some of his commissioners who shun official state functions. Okowo said this in a chat with journalists on Thursday in Asaba. He expressed disappointment that some members did not attend the parley where he briefed the media on the activities of his administration in the past four months. NAN reports that Okowa had called upon two commissioners to give explanations to some inquiries made by journalists but discovered they absent. He ordered the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chiedu Ebie, to forward their names to his office. “This is an official function of the state and I expect that the commissioners will all be present here. “Because if they had all been here, they would have been in a better position to answer some of these questions relating to their portfolios. “SSG, please take note of this development and let me have the names of the absentees,’’ Okowa s

SHERIFF MULADE CONGRATULATES OTUARO ON PEACE AWARD, CALLS HIM A MAN OF GREAT STRIDES  A foremost leader and Peace Ambassador in the Niger-Delta, the National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade has congratulated the Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro on his Award by the Daily Independent Newspaper as Peace Ambassador of the Niger-Delta.  Comrade Sheriff, in his encomium mood stated that the Deputy Governor is a man of honour, great strides and of peace especially when we reflect on his contributions to peace building among the Ijaws,  Urhobos and  Itsekiri's in Delta State, he noted that his thirst for peace is also visible in the existing peace in Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Rivers State, Niger-Delta and Nigeria in general.  It is remarkable to emphasize that he is the tripod of the present peace being enjoyed by the three (3) Warri LGAs. Comrade Mulade commended the personal effort

Economy risks collapse over bill banning power generating sets If the bill seeking to outlaw the use of electricity generating sets eventually becomes a law, the economy may be heading for collapse as the vast majority of electricity consumers in the country, especially the manufacturers, depend mainly on alternative sources due to insufficient grid supply. Stakeholders, who reacted to the bill now before the Senate, described the proposed law as laughable, and the promoter ignorant and lacking understanding of the nation’s operating environment. The Senator representing Niger south district, Bima Enagi, yesterday, introduced the bill seeking to outlaw the use of electricity generating sets, popularly known as generators in the country. The bill, which passed first reading at the plenary session, proposes ban on the importation and use of all kinds of generators. It states that anybody who “Imports generating sets; or knowingly sells generating sets shall be guilty of an offence and be

Ernest Bebenimbo Flags off Foundation in Delta Community,  **Sheriff Mulade, Guwor, Ekpemupolo Commends Foundation for Support to Less Privileged By Jessica Akete A gbaramatu born philanthropist, Ernest Bebenimbo has flaged off Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation in Delta community. The flagg off ceremony took place on Tuesday at Okerenkoko community, Warri-South West local government area of Delta State. The founder of the foundation, Mr. Ernest Bebenimbo, durring the occasion donates Wrappers and other items to give succour to less privileged, Elderly women, widows, students. Dignitaries who graced the occasion include the former Chairman of the local government, Hon.George Ekpemupolo,  represented by Bar. Ovie Christian, The National Coordinator, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, Represented by Ezekiel Kagbala FPR, Member representing Warri South-West constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomot

PDP Ayakoromo Ward Congress: Group Protest Against Inclusion Of Civil Servants Among Ward 7 Excos Cynthia Kevwe Ayakoromo Development Forum (ADF) has alleged gross violation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Constitution and guidelines, the  under PDP Ward 7 has kicked against the deliberate inclusion of some civil servants into the newly constituted Ayakoromo Ward 7 PDP executives by the selected six committee members mandated to conduct the congress. The Forum had also asked those in question to humbly resign their positions or else, "get ready to face petition and the law within the next 48hrs" The aggrieved persons further called on the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the state PDP Chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso as well as the Chairman PDP Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Ebike Oromoni to as a matter of urgency intervene to correct every abnormality before the situation escalate to another level. Addressing the

PDP Ayakoromo Ward Congress: Group Protest Against Inclusion Of Civil Servants Among Ward 7 Excos Cynthia Kevwe Ayakoromo Development Forum (ADF) has alleged gross violation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Constitution and guidelines, the  under PDP Ward 7 has kicked against the deliberate inclusion of some civil servants into the newly constituted Ayakoromo Ward 7 PDP executives by the selected six committee members mandated to conduct the congress. The Forum had also asked those in question to humbly resign their positions or else, "get ready to face petition and the law within the next 48hrs" The aggrieved persons further called on the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the state PDP Chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso as well as the Chairman PDP Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Ebike Oromoni to as a matter of urgency intervene to correct every abnormality before the situation escalate to another level. Addressing the

FG to Reduce Approved 2020 National Budget Over Dwindling Oil Pric The Federal Government on Monday said it may reduce the approved 2020 National Budget, totalling N10.6trillion, following the impact of the outbreak of Coronavirus on the global crude oil price. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, who briefed State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, said a five-man committee has been constituted to tackle the issue. Hajiya Ahmed said the membership of the committee include herself; the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba; the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva; the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele; and the Group Managing Director (GMD), the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari. She said the committee would revisit the crude oil benchmark price earlier put at $57 per barrel by reducing it. She added that the

Amnesty Boss Appointment; The Big Tasks Ahead Of FG It is general knowledge that President Muhammadu Buhari, precisely on Friday 30th February, 2020 approved the suspension of the Cordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, and Professor Charles Dokubo, with a promise to set up a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the agency. As expected, this development  has elicited reactions from stakeholders and the public at large,  While some support the action of the president others view it with scepticism. The boundaries between these two spheres has been shifted back and forth for some days and in some cases been a source of tension. Indeed, this sort of feelings is not only inevitable but eminently desirable. Many would have expected the experience of these past years to continue. It is an ‘objective’ concern. Yet despite these widening feelings, there appear a gap prompted by lack of comprehension that the amnesty challenges have led to a tragic c

Ijaws in Delta Initiated What led to Amnesty Programme ***Coordinator Must come from Delta Ijaw Ethnic ...Gbaramatu Chief Tells Buhari By Jessica Akete Angry over the monumental failure of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, a populist from Warri South-West local government Area,  Delta State, Chief Wellington Bobo, of Gbaramatu kingdom has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a Coordinator for Ijaws ethnics in Delta State. He made the appeal on Friday in Warri during a media chat with Focal Point Reports. Chief Bobo postulated that the presidential program was crated to douse tension born out of arm struggle which started in Delta state. Bobo added that From the time of the unfortunate Warri crisis between the Ijaws and Itsekiri ethnic group to the era of militancy and the unprecedented arm agitations, Warri Delta State was the Focal point and Ijaw people took the bold step and the risk to achieve the benefit of disarmament. His stateme