Agency Reporter

Around the world, 24 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered with hundreds of millions more on the way.

The world’s largest vaccination drive is currently under way. As of Monday, nearly 24 million doses of several COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, mainly to front-line workers and critical care patients, according to Our World in Data, a non-profit online scientific publication based at the University of Oxford.

While no globally aggregated dataset is available yet, several governments have begun reporting daily or weekly vaccine updates since vaccines became available in December last year.

The animation below provides a summary of the top 10 countries with the most number of administered vaccines. Note that this does not measure the total number of people that have been vaccinated, which usually requires two doses.

Which countries have administered the most COVID-19 vaccinations?

Note that this does not measure the total number of people that have been vaccinated (which usually requires two doses). Cumulative values as reported by Our World in Data.

Vaccine doses per 100 people Adjusting for population sizes, here are currently the top 10 countries with the most number of administered doses:

Israel     20.93     (Jan 11)

UAE       10.99     (Jan 10)

Bahrain 5.25        (Jan 10)

US          2.02        (Jan 8)

Denmark  1.98        (Jan 9)

UK          1.94        (Jan 3)

Iceland 1.43        (Dec 30)

Italy    1.06        (Jan 10)

Slovenia               0.96        (Jan 9)

Canada 0.85        (Jan 10)

Which vaccines have been approved?

There are currently at least eight different COVID-19 vaccinations being used with many more on the way. From Saturday, the world’s second most populous nation, India, hopes to begin its roll-out of two vaccines approved by the government – Oxford University and AstraZeneca’s Covishield, made by local partner the Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.

• Culled from aljazeera

By Robert Egbe

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday ordered Emirates Airlines to pay $1.63 million to a businessman, Mr. Orji Prince Ikem, being the amount in his hand luggage which went missing in the airline’s custody during a 2007 China trip.

Justice Muslim Hassan also ordered Emirates Airlines to pay Ikem N50 million as damages for the “untold hardship and loss of earning” he suffered by the deprivation of use of his money from 2007 till date.

The judgment followed the plaintiff’s nearly 12 years battle to recover two hand luggage containing personal effects and $700,000, as well as $930,000 in 18 bundles of $50,000 wraps each and $30,000 cash not in wrap.

The court heard that the $930,000 belonged to another businessman, Olisaemeka Ugwunze, who wanted it delivered in China for purchases.

The plaintiff told the court through his counsel, Chris Ekemezie, that at the departure lounge of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Ikeja, Emirates Airlines staff requested that he handed the luggage to them for safe keeping in the cockpit, but he refused and insisted on keeping them himself.

They insisted on keeping the luggage for him considering the huge amount of money contained therein and that on arrival destination, the two bags would be handed over to him.

Read Also: Court grants Sowore N20m bail

After a prolonged argument and in order not to miss his flight he yielded and handed over the two hand carry-on bags to them, and they were tagged with tag numbers EK428682 and EK428683 respectively.

That was the last time he saw the bags and the money. On his arrival in Guangzhou, the airline could not account for his four pieces of luggage.

Ruling on the plaintiff’s prayers for the return of the $1.63 million and N100 million general damages, Justice Hassan observed that the airline, through its counsel Prof. Awah Kalu SAN, failed to refute Ikem’s claims.

The judge held: “I have read all the processes filed by both parties as well as their agreements and resolved that the only issue for determination is whether the plaintiff is entitled to the reliefs sought before this court.

“A claim not controverted is deemed admitted, in this case the defendants did not call witness but rather rests it case on that of the plaintiff which mean that all what the plaintiff claimed and their pleadings are admitted.

“I hold that Emirate Airlines failed in his obligations to customer by not delivering the luggage containing the sum of $1.63 million.

“On the whole I hereby make the following orders; An order that Emirates Airlines pay the plaintiff the sum of $1.63 million.

“An order that the defendant pay the sum of N50 million to the defendant as damages. Parties shall bear their own respective costs.”

Our Reporter

A former Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, appears to have fallen out with the ruling All Progressives Party (APC).

On Monday, he called for a new political alliance ahead of the 2023 general elections to rescue the country.

Okorocha, a serving APC senator and former chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, said good people in both the APC and PDP “must come together for purpose of making Nigeria greater.”

He spoke when   Rivers State Governor; Nyesom Wike led him to inaugurate the Rumuche/Rumuakunde/Ohna Awuse Link Road in Emohua Local Government Area.

Okorocha, who represents Imo West in the Senate, was recently accused by Governor Hope Uzodimma of planning to destroy the APC before defecting to another party.

Inaugurating the link road, the senator, who said he was   not a   PDP member, stated that people of like-minds needed  join forces for the betterment of the country.

He made a veiled reference   to   Wike, a PDP governor and himself  as some of the “good people” that  could form the new political alliance.

”In this dispensation, there are many bad people in APC, many bad people in PDP. I think  the good people of APC and good people of PDP must come together for purpose of making Nigeria great. I could imagine where I join forces with Wike,” he said in a statement by the governor’s   Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebrington

Facing his host directly, Okorocha said: “Governor Wike, this is my hand of friendship. Let us bring all like minds, all great people of Nigeria. Rather than complaining, let us come together to make this country greater and greater as it should be.”

The senator advised Nigerians to embrace each other irrespective of their political affiliations in order to break the barriers that make it difficult for them to work together for the good of the country.

His words: ”What brought me here today(yesterday) is not party. What brought me here today is love and friendship. I am not PDP, I am APC. But the time has come when we must break the jinx of party division and begin to embrace brotherhood and friendship and be able to state what is good and what is bad. A bad man is a bad man, even if he is PDP or APC.”

Okorocha described Wike  as a courageous leader,  who had spoken truth to power and continued to improve the lot of his people with his project delivery mantra.

The former governor said political power remained a trust, which could only be justified when used for the common good.

He pointed out that it was obvious that the masses were not asking for too much from their leaders other than basic necessities of life.

Read Also: Okorocha to Buhari: adopt hire and fire approach

The Senator also said leaders unable to provide basic amenities such as electricity, water and road, must be considered as failed politicians.

The governor clarified that bringing Okorocha to inaugurate the link road did not mean that he was fraternising with the opposition party.

He said: “Let me tell you what you may not understand. I don’t believe that you must only have friends in your own party. You must build relationships across borders but that doesn’t mean that you’ll sell your party.

“Senator Okorocha has been my friend since I was deputy national president of ALGON(Association of Local Governments of Nigeria) down to when I became the president of ALGON.

“He was a member of the PDP. He left us and said they are going to make Nigeria great. He is still there,  I believe that in these two years that they have, they’ll make us to be that great. But as of today, we are not great.”

Wike counseled members of the APC in the state to discard politics of bitterness and allow projects to reach their communities.

He said since politics is a game of interest, future looking-politicians like himself must not be vindictive,

The governor challenged Senator Andrew Uchendu of the APC to show what he attracted to  his community when he  was a member of  the House of Representatives and now that he is in the Senate.

Wike announced the immediate award of contract for the reconstruction of the Mgbuitawo Road in  Uchendu’s community to serve as proof that he was a liberal politician.

He said: “I am different, so, I will do the Mgbuitawo Road immediately. I am going to do it because I am not a vindictive politician. If I am a vindictive politician that road will not be done.

“I also want to tell the senator that there is no need to play politics with bitterness. Politics is a game,we will talk today and talk tomorrow. No permanent friend and enemy but permanent interest.

The governor also announced that the recently inaugurated Rumuche/Rumuakunde/Ohna Awuse link Road and Isiodu Road all in Emohua Local Government Area would soon have street light.

By Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

A Former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, has tested positive for Coronavirus in the United Arab Emirate (UAE), where he had gone for medical check-up.

He is stranded in the UAE and is unable to return to Nigeria.

His lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), disclosed this on Monday at the resumption of proceedings in the money laundering case involving Adoke and a businessman, Aliyu Abubakar, at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court had, on December 11 last year, granted Adoke permission to travel abroad on medical ground, despite opposition from the prosecuting agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Read Also: Court grants Adoke permission to travel abroad

Prosecuting lawyer Bala Sanga had urged the court to reject Adoke’s request for permission to travel abroad, arguing that it took the assistance of security agencies, particularly the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL), to apprehend and return the ex-AGF to Nigeria to face trial.

But, Justice Inyang Ekwo, while granting Adoke’s application for leave to travel abroad, ordered him to return before January 11.

At the mention of the case on Monday, Adoke was absent, prompting Justice Ekwo to enquire about his whereabouts.

Agabi, also a former AGF and Minister of Justice, told the court that his client tested positive for the disease at the point of his return to Nigeria, and was subsequently held back by the UAE authorities.

He said although Adoke later tested negative after his treatment, he was unable to get a flight to return to Nigeria within the time ordered by the court.

Nicholas Kalu, Abuja

 

THERE are plans to instigate religious unrest across the country, the Department of State Services (DSS) has raised the alarm.

According to DSS, some elements, working with external forces, plan to incite religious violence in some states.

The Service listed the targeted states as Lagos and Oyo (Southwest); Rivers (Southsouth); states in the Southeast; Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna (Northwest) and Plateau (Northcentral).

In a statement by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr. Peter Afunanya, those behind the plot plan to instigate riots by attacking some worship centres and their leaders.

Read Also: ‘DSS not aiding attacks on protesters’

The statement reads: “Part of the plans is to cause inter-religious conflicts as well as use their foot soldiers to attack some worship centres, religious leaders, personalities, key and vulnerable points.

“Consequently, Nigerians are advised to be wary of these antics and shun all divisive tendencies aimed at inciting or setting them against one another.

“While the Service pledges to collaborate with sister agencies to ensure that public order is maintained, those hatching these plots are warned to desist from such in the interest of peace, security and development of the country.

“However, law abiding citizens (and residents) are encouraged to report suspected breaches of peace around them to the nearest security agencies.”

Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Editor; Nwanosike Onu, Awka; Bolaji Ogundele, Sanni Onogu, Abuja and Chris Njoku, Owerri

 

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Monday urged President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof George Obiozor, to be a “unifying force beyond your immediate constituency.”

He congratulated the former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States (U.S.), saying his election was deserved.

President Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “Given Prof. Obiozor’s rich background, especially in international affairs and pan-Nigerian commitment, I have little doubt that his election is well-deserved and will serve not only the interest of Ndigbo but also that of his fatherland.

“We need all hands to be on deck for this country to move forward in peace and unity.”

The President wished the former Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Director-General a successful tenure.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) extolled the leaders of the Southeast for their democratic credentials as shown in the successful Ohanaeze election.

The party, in a statement by its spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan, described Obiozor is a seasoned administrator, excellent diplomat, courageous nationalist.

It said the new Ohanaeze leader was “a firm voice in the fight for the entrenchment of democratic tenets of the rule of law, social justice, equity, fairness, mutual respect, true federalism and a credible electoral process in our country”.

The statement added: “The PDP notes the choice of Prof. Obiozor to lead the Ohaneze Ndigbo at this critical time in the history of our nation, particularly given his doggedness in fighting for constitutional all-inclusiveness as well as the elimination of all forms of social injustice, divisiveness, nepotism, sectional marginalisation, constitutional violations and disregard for the sensibilities of the Nigerian people.

“Our party, therefore, urges Prof. Obiozor to use his new assignment to further rally compatriots in our collective determination to rescue our nation from misrule and return her to the path of peace, national cohesion, mutual respect, adherence to the rule of law, social justice credible elections, economic prosperity and political stability.

“The PDP commends the outgoing leadership of the Ohaneze Ndigbo led by Chief John Nwodo, for a very fruitful tenure and urges the new leadership to continue on the path of success already laid by successive leadership of the organisation.”

Ekweremadu, Abaribe, Kalu greet new exco

Also on Monday, the Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, hailed the election of Obiozor and Okey Emuchay as Secretary-General.

In a statement by his spokesman, Uchenna Awom, Senator Abaribe said the choices of Obiozor and Emuchay were heartwarming and would sustain the past executive’s progressive trajectory.

According to him, Obiozor is widely respected for his track record of excellence, honour, intellectual capacity and courage in public service – qualities that greatly qualify him as the preferred choice to lead the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

The lawmaker is hopeful that the new Ohanaeze leader will inject such attributes to further reinvigorate and build an activist-driven Ohanaeze in the face of current realities in Nigeria.

“I am confident that the new executive members, known for their consummate love for the Igbo race, particularly the President-General, who has been at the frontline in articulating the interest of Ndigbo, will continue to exhibit courage and forthrightness in not only pursuing our collective interest in Nigeria but also to weave Ndigbo as a nation bonded in love, peace and unity,” Abaribe said.

The Minority Leader advised other contestants who are also eminently qualified to accept the outcome of the election and look at the bigger picture of unity in the pursuit of the interest of Ndigbo.

Deputy Senate President and Leader of the Southeast Caucus, Ike Ekweremadu, also congratulated Obiozor, saying the new Ohanaeze leader has what it takes to lead Ndigbo.

The Senator, in a statement by his spokesman, Uche Anichukwu, described Obiozor as a man of “uncommon pedigree, unimpeachable integrity as well as a bridge-builder with national and international clout and appeal”.

He believes Obiozor, Emuchay and other members of the executive will “constitute a formidable and dependable team for harnessing and advancing Igbo interest worldwide at this crucial time in our history”.

Ekweremadu added: “They have proven their mettle over the years and we trust them to bring their antecedents of quality leadership, national and international reach, and diplomatic finesse to bear in advancing the Igbo course in Nigeria and globally.”

While urging Ndigbo to pray for the new leadership, Ekweremadu, however, enjoined Obiozor and his team to “rally everyone”.

He noted that more than ever before, Ndigbo needed to unite and speak with one voice. He wished them a successful and historic tenure.

Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, wished the new President-General success in his new role.

He urged Ndigbo in Nigeria and abroad to close ranks in a bid to advance their cause.

Describing Obiozor’s victory as a timely and good development, Kalu stressed that the former diplomat’s pedigree and goodwill had earned him robust support from Ndigbo worldwide.

Reaffirming his confidence in the new executive committee, he noted that Ndigbo are blessed with personalities across various fields of human endeavour.

Kalu urged Ndigbo everywhere to participate in the political process to reposition the Southeast in national politics.

According to him, the future of the Southeast is bright under President Buhari.

Kalu said: “The emergence of Prof. Obiozor is not a surprise to me, owing to the new President-General’s rich and intimidating profile.

“He has over the years built and sustained relationships locally and internationally.”

He said that Obiozor had the wherewithal to advance the cause of Ndigbo in a united and indivisible Nigeria.

Ikimi, Moghalu greet Obiozor

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, said Prof Obiozor “is eminently prepared for this challenging leadership role by virtue of his distinguished track record as a scholar and public servant of our country.”

The former presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) added in a statement: “As Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Israel and Cyprus at different times, as a former Director-General of the NIIA and as a professor of international relations, Obiozor possesses the requisite leadership experience, global exposure and intellectual pedigree for the socio-cultural leadership of Ndigbo at this critical period in Nigeria’s quest for nationhood.

“I am confident his leadership of Ohaneze will foster an emphasis on strategic thinking and action, positive value systems to govern Igbo society, as well as effective partnerships with other ethnic nationalities to build a nation anchored on equality, justice and equity.”

Former Minister of External Affairs and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tom Ikimi, also felicitated with Prof. Obiozor on his election.

He said the eminent scholar will use his wealth of experience and vast network to advance the cause of the Igbo nation.

In a congratulatory message, Ikimi said the Igbo nation made a better choice with Obiozor’s election at this crucial period in national history.

He said the Igbo’s quest to play a significant role in Nigeria will materialise under the leadership of Obiozor, who has over the years established very robust contacts across the country.

Ikimi also congratulated the outgoing President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo, on the completion of an exciting and eventful tenure.

He said: “I have received with utmost pleasure the news of the election of Ambassador George Obiozor as the new President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“The Igbo nation could never have made a better choice, particularly at this time of our nation’s evolution other than this erudite scholar and exquisite diplomat, who has earned my respect over the past three to four decades of our association.”

Igbo unity non-negotiable

The newly-elected National Vice-President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, said the organisation would work hard to preserve Igbo unity.

He said one of the major agenda of the new executive is the realisation of a president of Igbo extraction in 2023.

He told our correspondent on Awka, the Anambra State capital, that they would also work towards securing Igboland.

Okeke-Ogene said he was not bothered about disaffections and the emergence of a parallel group, saying it was the beauty of democracy.

He said: “We aim to unite Ndigbo to become one entity and we have started that.

“We want to make sure that IPOB will not be seen as a terrorist group because of some elements in it. They are not; that tag should be discarded

“Our priority is to pursue the Igbo agenda of producing the president of Nigeria in 2023. Ndigbo are not going to relent on that. We are serious.”

Okeke-Ogene, former President of Ohanaeze in Anambra State, took over from Chief Charles Odunukwe.

Gbenga Omokhunu and Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

 

CHRISTIAN and Islamic leaders on Monday disagreed over government’s claim that reopening of religious centres has contributed to the spike in COVID-19 cases since the second wave hit the country last November.

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 Control Mr. Boss Mustapha, told reporters that reopening of schools and businesses also caused the high infection rate.

He said: “It is very instructive to stress that factors that have contributed to rise in numbers from late November 2020 included increased local and international travels, business and religious activities, reopening of schools without strict compliance with COIVID-19 safety measures.

“The full import of the fore-going is to press further on the need for us all to elevate the level of our vigilance and compliance with the recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions.

“The current wave of infections is swift and virulent and we do not know how long it will last. Besides, the facilities available for the treatment of critical cases remain very limited and we do not wish to be overwhelmed. Your best bet therefore is to avoid infections completely”.

But, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) expressed divergent views.

While CAN described the PTF claim as ‘wild’, the NSCIA supported the claim, saying it will not hesitate to shut down mosques should the government so direct.

CAN General Secretary Joseph Daramola said: “It is not true that the reopening of churches caused the second wave of COVID-19. Is it the opening of churches that caused the second wave of COVID-19 in other developed countries?

“All the places they locked have been opened. Nobody should try and make issues out of this. They may have their statistics, but if you go to churches in Abuja, they are still wearing masks. They have been keeping to the social distance.

Read Also: COVID-19: Buhari extends PTF mandate till March 2021

“In my church, we are still abiding by the COVID-19 protocols. I do not agree so. Since the government is there and it has all its apparatus, they can set up a committee.

“The statement is too wide. I do not want to go into conflict with government officials. What is happening is all over the world.”

But the NSCIA, led by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, is willing to support measures by the government.

NSCIA spokesman Aselemi Ibrahim said: “The council is a product of law and we are law abiding organisation. And Boss Mustapha has been put in charge of the PTF. We believe that he has more information that we may not have. So, if he comes out to say that the COVID-19 surge is not unconnected with the opening of certain public places, we cannot dispute that.

“Council will readily, if it comes to that shut or advise all organisations that it superintends over including mosque, to shut down.

“At the first surge, we had total lockdown. The national mosque was shut down. Other places of worship were also shut down. I was the chairperson of the monitoring committee to ensure that places where Muslims worship were under the protocol of COVID-19.

“We agree with Boss Mustapha and we will abide with any decision reached therein.”