By Blessing Olaifa, Abuja

The Federal government has released fresh guidelines for the replacement of SIM cards that are damaged, stolen or lost as part of efforts to tidy up the processes of obtaining fresh cards.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economic, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami approved the new guidelines following the recommendation of a Ministerial Task Force on issues relating to the telecom industry and National Identity Numbers.

A statement signed jointly by the spokesmen of the Nigerian Communications Commission,  NCC,  and the National Identity Management Commission,  NIMC, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde and Mr Kayode Adegoke respectively, noted that the new guidelines are to make processes easier for Nigerians. The statement noted  that the drive to ensure all Subscriber registrations are linked with National Identification Numbers (NINs) was moving forward, while all stakeholders in the industry are working together to ensure the process is carried out as seamlessly as possible.

The Government would like to seize this opportunity to sincerely appreciate Nigerians for the understanding and commitment demonstrated towards ensuring the overall success of this exercise, it added. The statement further said  “the Technical Committee charged with the operationalization of the process to ensure an expedited linkage of all SIM Registration Records with NIN”  has recommended fresh guidelines for damaged, stolen or lost SIM cards.

Read Also: Osimhen tests positive for COVID-19

The statement reads: “Based on recommendations of the Technical Committee, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has approved  a SIM Replacement  Policy for subscribers whose SIMs have been lost, stolen, misplaced or damaged subject to the following conditions:

1. i) That the subscriber present a NIN;
2. ii) That an effective verification of the NIN is carried out by NIMC; and

iii) That the relevant Guidelines and Regulations of NCC concerning SIM Replace- ment are fully adhered to.

“This policy is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the burden on subscribers and simplify the exercise.

“It is aimed at enabling telecommunications service users who need to replace their damaged, stolen or misplaced SIMs to re-establish access to telecom services.”

• Can’t leave Nigeria until June for shunning post-arrival test

• Buhari may decide fate of states with lukewarm attitude to protocols

 Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

The Federal Government on Saturday slammed a six-month travel ban on 100 passengers who failed to undergo the compulsory COVID-19 test after their return to the country.

The affected persons will not be allowed to leave Nigeria earlier than June 30, 2021, the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 announced yesterday.

“The PTF has placed travel restrictions on the first 100 passengers for non-compliance to the mandatory Day 7 post-arrival COVID-19 test,” the PTF tweeted.

The restriction took effect from January 1, 2021 and will end at the end of June.

The names of the defaulters were not mentioned but a list containing their passport numbers was attached to the tweet.

It said all the people had been personally contacted.

In a separate statement, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said: “Based on presidential authority, travel restrictions are being placed on the following passports due to non-compliance to the mandatory Day 7 post-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests.

“Defaulting passengers have been notified and will be prevented from travelling out of the country during this period.”

A top source in PTF told The Nation that the list of the affected Nigerians had “been sent to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and other security agencies to stop them from travelling out.

“Any further defiance may lead to the cancellation of their passports. We are no longer going to tolerate any laxity on the part of any Nigerian, no matter how highly-placed,” the source said.

On his part, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, in a tweet, said: “We understand Nigerians’ urge to relax on compliance measures for #COVID19 prevention after a difficult year. The challenge is:  this virus doesn’t recognise human necessities to celebrate.

“Therefore we’ve sustained the response and must collectively take responsibility.”

“Thank you Nigerians and our partners for the support, as we led the public health response to the #COVID19 pandemic and other disease outbreaks in 2020.

“As the pandemic continues, please take responsibility. We remain committed to our mandate in protecting the health of Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, investigation confirmed last night that President Muhammadu Buhari may determine the fate of states with lukewarm attitude to COVID-19 management.

Some states were alleged to have shut down testing laboratories and isolation centres.

A PTF member said: “I think the President will determine the fate of recalcitrant states. In fact, some people have been pushing for the seizure of their monthly statutory allocations and other forms of sanctions.

“On our part, we have initiated discussions with the leadership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on how to offer the best to Nigerians in this trying period.”

The SGF had on Tuesday listed the challenges being faced from the states by the PTF.

Read Also: UK okays Oxford/AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine

He also spoke on the expectations of the PTF from states.

Mustapha said: “You will recall that we recently issued some protocols to states which a number of states have been actively implementing. We thank these states and urge others to follow suit.

“Closely related to these protocols is the fact that the strategy of testing to detect and treat remains central to the role states are expected to play.

“Data show that despite the resources already made available to sub-national entities, testing is very low across states in varying degrees. This is not helping our national response.

“Indeed, some states have not reported any infections in several weeks. Reports received also point to the fact that laboratories recently established in the states are not working optimally.

“You will recall that we moved from two laboratories to about 90 (public & private) located in all states of the federation.

“Their inability to function optimally has resulted in unacceptable levels of delay in receiving results and pressure on the National Reference Labs.

“We wish to urge all states to reopen all laboratories and ensure that testing is expanded and turnaround time for results is substantially reduced.

‘In the same vein, states should please keep their isolation/treatment centres open because of the rising cases of infection nationwide.”

AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday floated an exercise on joint Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) of special forces and air police K-9 operations, code-named ‘Exercise Taimako Yazo’ meaning ‘Help has Come’ on Kaduna-Abuja highway.

The exercise demonstration which took place at Rijana village, along the highway, is expected to help address security challenges along that axis. It would be recalled that in 2019, the Nigerian Air Force conducted several counter terrorism exercises in Kaduna, Kano, Niger and Osun States, in a bid to further develop the capacity of Nigerian Air Force Special Operations Force to be better positioned to respond to the various security challenges bedeviling our dear nation in the areas of counter terrorism, airport security and anti-banditry operations.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar who was the guest of honor, in his address said, the overall desire of the Air-force is to ensure that the personnel are trained and equipped to maintain very high level of combat readiness and operational effectiveness. The aspiration he said no doubt is in tandem with the yearning to reposition the NAF into a highly professional and disciplined force through capacity building initiatives for effective, efficient and timely employment of air power in response to Nigeria’s national security imperatives.

He reiterated that the importance of training to a fighting force like the Nigerian Air Force cannot be over emphasized, adding that regular purposeful training remains the cornerstone of military combat readiness.  This he said will ensure that the personnel are always at top physical fitness level, to be able, willing and ready to execute any mission successfully. “It is in realisation of this that the Nigerian Air Force ensures that its personnel are mentally alert and physically fit at all times, through regular training and exercises to ensure that we remain continually willing, able and ready to defend the nation.

Read Also: NAF decorates 47 senior officers with new ranks

“Accordingly, in the quest to achieve professionalism, Service members are subjected to excruciatingly difficult training procedures and exposures to various terrain conditions to enable them achieve and maintain a high level of combat effectiveness. This no doubt will help our personnel perform at the highest standards throughout their career” he stated.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Special Operations Command (SOC), Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo, said the objective of the CSAR exercise was to rehearse the tactics, doctrine and synergy amongst first responders for effective CSAR operations of downed aircrew or other NAF personnel. He said the ability to rescue crew in hostile environment is particularly important as it can be adapted in anti-kidnapping operations as was recently done by the NAF in concert with other security agencies in the rescue of the 344 boys of Government Science Secondary School Kankara.

 Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

 

AT least, four more victims of the fire incident which occurred on the New Year Day in Akaeze, the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have died.

There were conflicting figures on Saturday evening on the total number of deaths so far recorded.

While a government official said four of the victims admitted in the hospital have died, a source in the community disagreed insisting that the casualty figure is higher than that.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said at least six persons have died while the remaining are in critical condition.

The source added that one of those who died is a lady whose wedding was coming up in a few days time.

But the Coordinator of Akaeze Development Centre,  Simbad Ogbuatu, said he was only aware of four more additional deaths.

“Yes, I heard that four of those rushed to the hospital have died”, he said.

The fire outbreak, which occurred in the Iyioji community in Akaeze in the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on the New Year Day left a three-year old baby dead, with many others sustaining various degrees of burns.

Read Also: Nine killed in Ebonyi cult clashes

The fire incident, which occurred around 8:am on Friday, January 1, 2021, at the home of one Mr. Ogenyi Chukwu, was allegedly caused when a canon loaded with gun powder and left in the house had contact with fire.

Chukwu, who narrated the incident to newsmen, said their children and 11 other relatives were watching television in the house when suddenly fire engulfed the entire house leading to a pandemonium.

“The fire incident was triggered when a locally made gun powder metal known as ‘nkpolali’ placed close to the room where the children were watching television suddenly sparked off fire.

“The fire, before been noticed, has already taken over the entire room and the doors and windows of the room were locked.

“I kept the item in my house hoping to use it to celebrate the ‘New Year’ having survived the COVID-19 pandemic and the ENDSARS protest,” Chukwu said.

Chukwu, father of some of the fire victims, said that their joy in 2020 was short-lived due to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic which brought about an economic and social lockdown.

He said one of the victims who was three years old died on the spot during the rescue operation, while two others who sustained first-degree burns were immediately admitted at St. Denis Hospital, Ogidi Akaeze.

He added that eight other victims were quickly rushed to the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

Spokesman of the Police in the state, Loveth Odah, could not be reached for comment at the time of this report.

Our Reporter

 

SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmed Bamalli.

The condolence visit was in respect of two prominent princes in the emirate, Alhaji Bashir Aminu (the Iyan Zazzau), and the Talban Zazzau, Abdulkadir Iya-Pate, who died on Friday.

The Speaker, who visited the emir’s palace in Zaria, Kaduna State with a delegation of more than 20 members of the House, including the House Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa. prayed that God would grant the souls of the late prince’s eternal rest.

The speaker also seized the opportunity to congratulate Bamalli over his elevation to the throne, saying that although he was not physically present at the installation ceremonies, he was with the emirate in spirit.

Read Also: Governors, Lawan, Gbajabiamila, others eulogise Buhari at 78

He said: “I was here with my heart, with my soul. The only thing that was not here on that day was my body.

“May you grow over us your subjects, and that includes me, with wisdom and with fatherly love. “Having said that, it is ironic that at the same time, I am coming to offer commiseration on the loss of two prominent members of your council.

“I only heard yesterday, then I was given the details this morning. What can we say? May Allah grant them eternal rest. May their souls rest in peace.”

Agency Reporter

 

ARTISANS in Otun-Ekiti in Ekiti on Saturday  appealed to the Federal Government to assist them to regulate the prices of essential commodities this new year.

Some of the artisans, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Otun-Ekiti, said that the coronavirus pandemic and the increase in price of petrol last year had affected their businesses.

They lamented that the prices of most essential commodities and food stuffs have all gone up.

One of the artisans, Mrs Feyisayo Ogunrinde, a hair stylist, said that the prices of weavons and hairdryer,  among other materials used in her trade had all gone up.

Ogunrinde said that most of her colleagues in the business have been struggling to ensure that their business did not fold up.

She appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to help them to regulate the prices of the essential commodities to enable them to expand their businesses.

Another artisan, Mr Bode Ogundipe, a shoemaker, appealed to both the state and Federal Government to make the raw materials affordable by regulating their prices.

Read Also: Amotekun rescues kidnapped Ekiti businessman

Ogundipe said that most of the prices of the leather materials they use in making shoes and bags were becoming very expensive for him and his colleagues.

Mr Goke Agunbiade, a welder, who also spoke to the NAN correspondent, appealed to the Federal Government to show concern in the financial challenges facing artisans.

He said that the prices of iron have increased and he could not afford to build an iron gate which he would display for sale in his workshop.

He said that most businesses owned by artisans in Otun-Ekiti have crumbled because they could not raise money to sustain them.

Agunbiade urged the government to regulate the prices of commodities in order to stabilise their businesses.

A furniture maker, Biodun Ojo,  said that he has not been able to raise enough money to buy woods to build chairs, television stands, among others,  which he would offer for sale.

AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

 

ARMED bandits invaded Kawaran Rafi village in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state and killed one Danleeman Isah, the Chief Imam of the village.

The Sarkin Yaki of Godogodo, Mr Yohanna Abu, was also killed by gunmen.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the development, in a statement, explained that the bandits moved straight to Isah’s residence, and in what appeared to be a pre-meditated murder, shot him dead and left the location without taking any item or hostages.

According to him, “The murder of the Imam has been linked to his vocal stance against the killing and kidnapping of citizenry by bandits. It is of a similar ilk to the killing of Ardo Musa Layi of Kajuru local government, who was kidnapped and killed by armed bandits in October 2020 for his advocacy against killing, kidnapping and cattle rustling. Also was the shooting of Ardo Ahmadu Suleiman by bandits at Kasuwan Magani, Kajuru local government, leaving him with bullet wounds.

“In another development, security agencies have reported the murder of the Sarkin Yaki of Godogodo, Yohanna Abu, by a gang of kidnappers.

Read Also: Police arrest organizers of Kaduna sex party

According to the report, the gunmen attacked Nisama village in Jema’a local government area late on Friday night, and abducted Abu along with another resident, Charles Audu.

A struggle ensued between the duo and the kidnappers, and while Mr Audu was able to escape, the kidnappers shot Abu dead.

Five persons have been arrested in connection with the killing, as security agencies continued to investigate the incident.

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai have expressed sadness over the development, praying for the repose of the souls of the slain cleric and community leader, as he conveyed his heartfelt condolences to their families,” he said

Adewumi, who noted that the country had not been as hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic as other countries, said that mass vaccination may not be the best strategy for Nigeria. “However, the question is how did we arrive at such decision? Was it guided by scientific findings? Can we afford it?” he queried.

 

 ‘Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor

 

There are indications that the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may have commenced steps towards nipping in the bud the controversy over which of the geo-political zones will produce the next presidential candidate of the ruling party.

The Nation gathered that the national caretaker leadership of the party, which is also saddled with the assignment of conducting an elective convention that will produce a new leadership for the APC at the national level, believes there is a need to resolve the issue of zoning or otherwise of the presidential ticket before the election of a new National Working Committee (NWC) for the party.

The national convention of the party is slated for June, during which the new executive council will emerge.

Sources close to the Yobe State governor and his team told our correspondent that Buni has been inundated with warnings about the need to let party members know what the APC  intends  to do with the presidential ticket before the election of a new national chairman for the APC.

Sources also said that after several deliberations and consultations on the matter, the caretaker committee now sees the need to address the burning debate on zoning before conducting an elective congress.

“Beyond the issue of an agreement, it is only fair that the party ensures that it gives all zones sense of belonging at all times,” one source said.

Read Also: Buni to Rivers APC: cease fire on suspensions

Continuing, the source said: “Usually, the same zone that produces the national chairman should not seek the presidential ticket.

“Some other positions of the party also need to be discussed and debated in consideration for what will happen in 2023.

“So, the general feeling in the APC now is that Buni and his men should see the resolution of the zoning controversy as part of their assignment.

“Electing a national chairman without deciding where the presidential candidate is likely to come out from is creating another problem.

“As at today, I can tell you that Governor Buni and his team have made it known to various stakeholders and groups within the party that it is better for the APC to lay the controversy over zoning to rest before electing its next NWC.

“And efforts are on to bring the party to discuss and address the matter as soon as possible.”

The APC National Executive Council (NEC) recently extended the tenure of the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the party for another six months.

The APC Emergency NEC also dissolved all states, zonal and national party structures.

As it is, Buni and his colleagues have till June this year to deliver on all their tasks.

A member of the committee, who sought anonymity, told The Nation that it is not just the committee that wants the zoning controversy addressed.

According to him, the APC is a party that believes in orderliness and as such, will not leave any controversy unresolved.

He said: “Our party is an orderly organisation that will not allow any controversy to linger to the point of becoming a crisis.

“Yes, the caretaker committee is making efforts to address the matter frontally and lay all controversies about it to rest.

“APC is one family and we have our ways of resolving issues.

“It is not just the caretaker committee or Governor Buni that wants this matter addressed, all organs of the party and even the government are united in the belief that no issue should be allowed to trouble the party for long.”