NEWS : CJN Tanko Muhammad tests positive for COVID-19

 

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, a member of the Supreme Court, made this known at the unveiling of the national headquarters of the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, the Nation reports.

According to him, Muhammad is currently receiving treatment in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

Recall that Muhammad was absent at the swearing-in of 72 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria on Monday.

Muhammad’s duty was performed by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, the next most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, who administered oaths to the new senior advocates.

NEWS : US Why I won’t take COVID-19 vaccine now – Trump

 

The United States, US, President, Donald Trump, has said he’s not scheduled to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

He disclosed this while reacting to a report that he could take the vaccine by Monday, today.

Bloomberg had reported that the US President could be vaccinated “as soon as Monday,” and other top White House officials would also have the option to be included in the coming days.

Reacting, Trump, who took to his Twitter handle said he was “not scheduled to take the vaccine, but look forward to doing so at the appropriate time.”

“People working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the programme, unless specifically necessary.

“I have asked that this adjustment be made,” Trump wrote.

NEWS : US reacts to death of Nigerian Ambassador, Sylvanus Nsofor

 

The United States of America has reacted to the death of immediate-past Nigerian ambassador to the country, late Justice Sylvanus Nsofor.

Nsofor, a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, died in the US on December 10 after a brief illness at the age of 85.

In a statement on Tuesday, the US Department of State said it was saddened by the passing of Nsofor.

It expressed condolences to the family of the late ambassador and staff of the Nigeria embassy.

“Amb. Nsofor was an important and influential member of the diplomatic community in Washington, D.C., and helped to strengthen our partnerships across the West Africa region.

“His long career in public service, which spanned both the law and diplomacy, was a testament to his dedication to the Nigerian people.

“In striving to find common ground between the UN and Nigeria, he supported mutually beneficial programmes and initiatives across a wide range of sectors, including educational exchange, rule of law, and business investment.

“He saw tremendous value in people-to-people connections and fostered a spirit of cooperation across the diplomatic corps,’’ the statement said.

It added that the Department of State “honours Nsofor’s leadership in promoting diplomatic exchange and understanding during his tenure in the U.S.’’

ENTERTAINMENT : Ugandan police releases Nigerian singers, Omah Lay, Tems

 

Nigerian artists, Omah Lay and Tems have been released by the Ugandan police.

Omah Lay and Tems regained their freedom, following a ruling by Okumu Jude Muwone, Chief Magistrate of Makindye.

Their release was made public by Bebe Cool, a Uganda singer, on Tuesday.

The Ugandan police had arrested both singers over their involvement in an unauthorised concert held on Saturday night in Ddungu Resort in Munyonyo, Kampala City.

The pair were thereafter remanded in police custody alongside four Ugandans after they were arraigned before a court.

NEWS : Aisha Buhari reportedly abandons Aso Rock Villa for Dubai for security reasons

 

Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s First Lady, has reportedly abandoned the Aso Rock Presidential Villa for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, over security concerns.

The First Lady has not returned to the country since September after the wedding of her daughter, Hanan.

Mrs. Buhari has spent three months in Dubai and not in a hurry to return, stating that the Presidential Villa was not secure for her family, according to SaharaReporters.

Mrs. Buhari’s concern is said to have been triggered by a shooting incident which occurred in June.

Recall that a crisis ensued at the Presidential Villa in June after her security details removed Buhari’s Personal Assistant, Sabiu ‘Tunde’ Yusuf over COVID-19 scares.

When contacted by DAILY POST to speak on the claims concerning the First Lady’s whereabouts, her Spokesman, Aliyu Abdullahi refused to either confirm or debunk the report.

Asked to comment on the viral report, Abdullahi said, “Is that so? Please can I get back to you? Just give me some minutes to get back to you?”

However, he has refused to take his calls since then.

NEWS : Coca-cola Nigeria counts down to Christmas with iconic caravan

 

Coca-Cola Nigeria is counting down to Christmas with the return of the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan that brings joy to families everywhere.

Setting out on Monday 7th December, the caravan will spread the magic of Christmas from Abuja to Port Harcourt, Enugu, Owerri, Benin, Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan and Akure, before making a final stop in Lagos on Christmas day.

Visitors to the Coca-Cola Christmas Caravan will enjoy festive photo moments with the twinkling Coca-Cola caravan and receive exciting goodies and complementary bottles of Coca-Cola to refresh them during the special season.

Abiodun Ajiborode, Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, commented, “Christmas for us is about sharing magical moments with loved ones. We cannot wait to spread festive cheer across Nigeria with our beautiful Christmas caravan.

“We intend to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, to inspire love, cheer and delight, especially this Christmas.”

Speaking further, Abiodun urged, “This Christmas, give something only you can give. Whether of yourself, an awkward video call, or just a quick message, gif or sticker. No matter how you do it, make Christmas special for somebody.”

Additionally, in recognition that the true magic of Christmas is bringing people together virtually or in person, Coca-Cola Nigeria will for 31 days of yuletide enable consumers to unlock presents for loved ones online. This campaign will put families and communities back at the centre of Christmas and provide opportunities for appreciation and gratitude.

To find out more about the Coca-Cola Christmas caravan and see the full schedule, visit www.coca-cola.com.ng/calendar. Christmas fans can also get involved @CocaCola_NG (Twitter), @CocaColaNG (Instagram), https://www.facebook.com/cocacolanigeria/ and join the conversation using #CocaColaChristmasCaravanNG.

NEWS : NCC pledges sustained commitment to regulatory transparency

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged to continually maintain high ethical standards in all its regulatory activities consistent with the Federal Government’s effort to entrench the culture of accountability and transparency in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, gave the commitment at the inauguration of NCC’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja.

ACTU is the initiative of the ICPC, approved by the Federal Government as an in-house mechanism for corruption prevention within MDAs, in line with global best practices of building strong institutions and entrenching good governance in the fight against corruption.

Represented by the Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Josephine Amuwa, Danbatta said the ICPC itself has recently attested to the Commission’s high ethical standards and professionalism, as evident in the 2020 ICPC Ethics and Compliance Scorecard (IECS) report, which placed NCC ahead of other agencies in ratings.

The EVC said the ICPC’s verdict also lends credence to the 2017 report of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR)-piloted Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) deployed in MDAs, where the NCC came off with a Platinum Level (Exceptional) award, a level 5 organization, the highest rating possible under the BPSR Assessment.

While noting that the NCC will continue to identify corruption-prone processes, practices and procedures within the system to institutionalize compliant and corruption-free processes, Danbatta said the Commission’s efforts are focused on prevention through defined standard operating procedures and adherence to public service rules, circulars, guidelines, among others.

“The ACTU is a very important initiative of the government to combat corruption in MDAs and the Commission recognizes this fact as well as the role of ACTU in this regard,” he said, while urging the Commission’s ACTU members to continue to take their role seriously.

He said the NCC management will accord the ACTU team all necessary support to deliver its mandate of combating corruption through prevention, education and enforcement.

While inaugurating the NCC ACTU, the Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, said the ACTU is expected to effectively carry out its assigned functions including conducting systems study and review of processes and procedures of the NCC to make appropriate recommendations to block corruption loopholes.

According to him, the Unit is also required to conduct continuous sensitization of staff on and against the ills of corruption, implement code of ethics, conduct corruption risk assessment and preliminary investigations into complaints received amongst others.

Owasanoye further stated that ICPC recognises the contribution of NCC in regulating and creating an enabling environment that gives telecom consumers universal access to affordable and equitable service as well as support to the nation’s economic growth.

“I also commend the efforts of the management of NCC in ensuring high compliance with ethical and integrity standards as seen from the result scored by NCC in the 2020 deployment of the Ethics and Compliance Scorecard (81.15%),” he added.

In his remarks, the Director, Human Capital and Administration and ACTU Chairman at NCC, Usman Malah, assured the commitment of NCC ACTU members to be sincere, of good character, exhibit positive attributes and be dedicated in the discharge of their duties.

“We shall be fully prepared for the responsibilities of the Unit. We would be impartial, transparent and guided by relevant laws in discharging the mandate of the Unit. As a microcosm of the ICPC in the NCC, the Unit will continue to complement the laudable efforts of the ICPC in the fight against corruption in government and the country at large,” Malah said.