COVID-19 And Muslims In Nigeria- Nigerian Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs

In the name of Allah, the most beneficent and the most merciful

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President-General, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, CFR,mni., has keenly followed the developments around the COVID-19 pandemic globally, and the situation in Nigeria in particular. It is pertinent to note that this strain of the coronavirus is the most virulent that the world has had to deal with in recent times; and it is important not to trivialize, oversimplify or politicise the issue.

Allah said in the Glorious Qur’an: “God does not intend to inflict hardship on you” (Qur’an 5:6); “Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire hardship for you” (Qur’an 2:185); “And guard against the mischief that will not only bring punishment to the wrong-doers among you” (Qur’an 8:25); And regarding our duty to take responsible action while at the same time trusting in Allah, the Prophet (SAW) once said: “Tie her (your camel) and then trust in Allah” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, no.2517).

Similarly, it is well-known that one of the higher objectives of Islamic Law (maqasid al-Shari’ah) is the “preservation of life” (hifz al-nafs) as well as the promotion of the common good and public benefit (Jalb al-Masalih) and the prevention of harm or evil (dar’ al-mafasid); and in line with Islamic legal maxims (qawa’id al-shariyyah) - such as “Harm must be eliminated” (Al-dararu yuzal); “prevention of evil takes priority over the attraction of benefit” (Dar’ al-mafasid awla min jalb al-masalih), and “harm is eliminated to the extent that is possible” (Al-dararu yudfa‘u bi-qadr al-imkaan) - it becomes obligatory for all segments of the country, including religious and traditional bodies, to cooperate with the government and appropriate agencies to combat this disease, prevent further transmission, and control the virus with Allah’s help. 

Hence, the NSCIA wishes to advise all Muslim organizations, Mosque committees, Imams, scholars, Da'awah activists and the general Muslim Ummah and indeed, the entire citizens of our dear Country as follows:

1. It is strongly advised that all segments of the society, including religious bodies adhere strictly to all public health directives and regulations provided by the competent authorized agencies such as Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) - available on www.ncdc.gov.ng - and the Federal and State Ministries of Health regarding COVID-19. This is in line with the Qura’nic injunction, “O You who believe, obey Allah and the Messenger, and those in authority among you” (Qur’an 4:59).

2. It is important for everyone to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. Such precautions include frequent handwashing with soap, limiting physical contact by giving verbal salutations instead of shaking hands and hugging, observing proper hygiene when coughing or sneezing, etc. Imams, preachers, and organizations should sensitize their members about these precautionary steps. It should be noted that these measures are all almost exactly similar to the ones that were taken when such kind of pandemic took place during the reign of Caliph Umar (r.a.) in the 18th year after Hijra which caused the death of several companions of the Prophet (s.a.w). That was ta'uun amwaas (the Amwaas epidemic).

3. It is important for all parties to cooperate with appropriate agencies working to limit the spread of the disease and to eradicate it. The command of Allah is for the faithful to “cooperate in doing goodness and piety, and not help one another in sin and transgression” (Qur’an 5:2). Thus, there should be no circulation of rumours, false and misleading information; and only official statements from appropriate agencies should be relied upon.

4. In the event of confirmed emergence of the infection in several figures, regarding the congregational prayers, in such affected places, including the Friday prayers, funeral prayers, tarawih prayers and Eid prayers; people with compromised immunity such as the elderly, children, those with underlying health conditions amongst others should observe their prayers in their homes or wherever they are, and pray Zuhr in place of the Friday (Jum’ah) prayers.

5. Regarding the Hajj and Umrah, it is obligatory to adhere to all directives issued by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are geared towards ensuring the well-being and safety of all; and are made in consultation with relevant knowledgeable stakeholders for common good. 

6. We urge mosques and Islamic centres to strongly discourage members from attending any mosque activities even if they are only experiencing mild symptoms. The symptoms include respiratory problems, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. It is obligatory (wajib) for you to keep away and self-isolate if you have been diagnosed with Coronavirus in order to prevent the virus from spreading. Preventing harm, especially to the lives of others, takes precedence over the benefits of attending mosque activities. Self-isolation, quarantine and social distancing are all integral parts of prevention of harm (dar’ul mafasid) in these critical times.

7. It is very likely that governments and appropriate agencies would start putting social distancing measures in place very soon, depending on the severity of the situation. This could mean that major public gatherings are closed. This will inevitably have a significant impact on the Muslim community, specifically our mosques, schools, study groups, madrasas and Islamic centres, especially with Ramadan just a few weeks away, and we fervently pray to Allah in His Glorious Names and Attributes not to allow the pandemic to last that long. In the event of such restrictions, we emphatically urge all Muslims to comply fully with such measures that are in the public interest of all.

8. Should it become necessary to suspend congregational prayers in the mosques, the Prophetic example in this regard is for the caller to prayer (Mu’adhdhin) to announce during the Call to Prayer (adhan): “Pray in your dwellings! Pray in your dwellings!” This measure again can be based on analogy that can be drawn from the Hadith in which the Prophet (s.a.w.) prohibits those who eat onion or garlic from attending congregation to avoid harming others with the odour of their mouths. It is obviously more necessary to prevent infection that may lead to death than mere harm with smell.

9. Business owners and traders should be urged to fear Allah and avoid hoarding essential products, creating artificial scarcity or unnecessary inflation of prices. Similarly, the populace should be considerate in their purchases and avoid reckless and extravagant purchases that prevent others from accessing essential commodities. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful…” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, no.1924)

Indeed, these are trying times for the Ummah, the country, and the world in general; hence we urge everyone to return to Allah in repentance and supplication, asking Him to lift this illness from all people, remove all tribulations from our lands, and grant us all safety and security.

Signed
Professor Salisu Shehu
Deputy Secretary General

Islamic Hygienic Practices: The Secret For Defeating The Covid-19

The recent Netflix docuseries “Pandemic: How to

Prevent an Outbreak” illustrates how the Islamic ritual washing, known as “wudu,” may help spread a good hygiene message.

The series focuses on Syra Madad, a Muslim public health specialist in a New York hospital, who takes a break to say her prayers at the Islamic Centre of New York University. Before entering the prayer room, Madad stops to perform wudu, and washes her mouth and face as well as her feet.

Islamic law requires Muslims to ritually purify their body before praying. As a scholar of Islamic studies who researches ritual practices among Muslims, I have found that these practices contain both spiritual and physical benefits.

Ritual purity

The Prophet Muhammad left detailed guidance for Muslims on how to live their lives, including how to pray, fast and stay ritually pure. This guidance is available in collections called the Hadith.

According to Islamic law, there are minor and major impurities. Minor impurities involve urinating, defecating and sleeping, among other practices. A person of Muslim faith is supposed to perform a ritual washing of their bodies before praying to get rid of these minor impurities.

Wudu is to be performed, as was done by the Prophet Muhammad, in a specific order before praying, which takes place five times a day. Before each prayer, Muslims are expected to wash themselves in a certain order – first hands, then mouth, nose, face, hair and ears, and finally their ankles and feet.

While washing with water is required when it is available, if a person has limited access to water, then a Muslim is permitted to symbolically “cleanse” their hands and face with dust or sometimes sand or other natural materials.

A Quranic verse says: “And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, God is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.”

A hadith from the prophet also describes the Earth as a purifying agent if there is a scarcity of water for washing.

Major impurity is defined in Islamic texts as occurring after sexual activity or when a woman completes her menstrual cycle. A Muslim woman should not pray during her menstrual cycle. To purify oneself after such an impurity, a Muslim is required to take a shower, called “ghusl.” A person needs to wash their entire body, from head to toe, including their hair.

Spiritual actions

Preparing for prayer by washing one’s body using water can be a deeply spiritual act for Muslims. Islamic studies scholar Paul Powers argues it isn’t “empty ritualism,” but an embodied practice that helps the individual centre on an inner religiosity.

Similarly, another Islamic studies scholar, Marion Katz, explains in her 2002 book “Body of Text” that the importance of wudu lies in its symbolic cleansing. It does not always cleanse the parts of the body that are “physically involved in the pollution act.”

Ritual purity is different from hygienic practices, although Islam also emphasizes good hygiene. Muslims take care to wash often, including using water after going to the bathroom.

Aligning with public health guidelines

In view of the coronavirus risk, Muslim leaders around the world, including in the United States, have aligned their religious opinions with public health experts.

Muslim institutions have begun to recommend that people make sure to wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap before doing wudu. Emphasizing that wudu alone cannot prevent the virus from spreading, other Islamic institutions recommend that mosques supply extra soap and hand sanitizer near the washing area.

They have issued rulings to cancel Friday prayers, urged Muslims to wash their hands with soap regularly, refrain from touching their face and practice social distancing.

While people have cleared local store shelves of hand sanitizers, wipes, cleaning supplies, gloves and masks, basic hygiene practices remain the best way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and other viruses.

At this time, Islamic practices that emphasize the purity of body could help reiterate the importance of hygienic practices along with the use of soap or hand sanitizer, to reduce one’s vulnerability to the virus.

Source: Rose S. Aslan, Assistant Professor of Religion, California Lutheran University via Darul Ihsan

COVID-19: Can We Pray Jumuah At Home If We Make Jamaah?

Question:

Can we pray Jumuah at home if we make Jamaah since we are not permitted to pray in the mosque because of Corona Virus.

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.
We advise these people to fear Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, and to pray in congregation with the Muslims in the mosques, for the most correct scholarly view on these matters is that prayer in congregation must be offered in the mosques, and it is not permissible for a man to stay away from congregational prayers in the mosque unless he has an excuse. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I was thinking of ordering a man to give the iqaamah, then I would order a man to lead the people in prayer, and I would go with some men carrying bundles of firewood, to people who do not attend the prayer in congregation, and I would burn their houses down around them.” 

These people may have prayed, but the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wanted them to pray with the congregation that is described as such in sharee’ah, and the congregation that is described as such in sharee’ah is the congregation that prays in the mosque. And the mosques are the places where people are called to come at the time of prayer. Hence ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Whoever would like to meet Allaah tomorrow as a Muslim, let him regularly attend these prayers where the call to them is given.” 

“Where the call to them is given” means the place from which the call is made. This has to do with the five daily prayers. 

With regard to Jumu’ah (Friday prayer), it is definitely obligatory to offer it in the mosque. 

With regard to naafil prayers, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of prayers is that which is offered in one’s house, except the obligatory prayers.” 

Based on this, it is better for a person to offer voluntary prayers in his house, apart from the voluntary prayers which are prescribed in the mosque such as the eclipse prayer, assuming that it is not obligatory. And Allaah is the Source of strength. End quote. 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him), Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 15/19 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen also said: 

It is not permissible for anyone or for any group to pray in the home when the mosque is nearby. But if the mosque is far away, and they cannot hear the adhaan, then there is no sin on them if they pray in a congregation in the house. The heedlessness that some people exhibit with regard to this issue is based on the view of some scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) that the purpose of praying in congregation is to bring people together in prayer even if that is not in the mosque, and that if people pray in congregation, even in their homes, then they have done what is required. 

But the correct view is that it is essential for the congregation to be in the mosque, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I was thinking of ordering a man give the iqaamah…” End quote. 

Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 15/20.

Lagos Converts Onikan Stadium To Coronavirus Isolation Centre

The Lagos State Government has commenced plans to establish makeshift isolation centres that would be closer to the people, The Nation learnt on Thursday.

This idea followed the announcement of more confirmed cases of COVID-19 with fears that the figures might skyrocket in coming days.

It was gathered that the state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu mulled the idea of makeshift isolation centres on Tuesday but did not provide more details.

However, checks around the city showed that work was ongoing at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium former Onikan Stadium with tents being mounted on the pitch.

The Nation gathered that the Onikan centre might be ready for use in few days time, while more would be put in areas like Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe and Ikeja.

Contacted, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso confirmed the development to our Correspondent.

Meanwhile, the police on Thursday expressed satisfaction at the level of compliance with the social distancing and market closure exhibited by residents.

Police Commissioner Hakeem Odumosu who led members of his team on inspection across the state, said all markets were completely closed save for those selling essential commodities.

According to police spokesman Bala Elkana, Odumosu visited financial institutions, telecommunications outlets, markets dealing in essential and non-essential commodities within the mainland and Island. “Markets dealing in food stuffs, medicines, medical equipment and other life saving products were seen carrying out their businesses unhindered. All other markets were completely closed by the operators in obedience to the state government’s directives.

“Some businesses placed notice on their entrances informing their esteemed customers of the closure.

Customers of various financial institutions, telecommunication companies and businesses not affected by the closure order were seen observing the guidelines regarding social distancing and spacing, thereby avoiding body contacts.

“Customers in Eateries visited were seen using take away services and not having more that 25 persons at a time.

“The CP stopped over at various bus stops where he noticed passengers sitting side by side in buses without recourse to social distancing guidelines. He advised motorists to put two passengers per row instead of the usual four, in other to avoid body contacts.

“The Commissioner of Police used the medium to appreciate the good people of Lagos State for their patriotism in obeying the safety regulations put in place by Government.

“Together we will stop the spread of COVID-19. For information or complaints regarding non compliance call the following numbers 09010512285, 09010512286, 09010512287 and 09010512288,” he said.

SOURCE: https://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/coronavirus-lagos-converts-onikan-stadium-to-isolation-centre/amp/

You Sit in Aso Rock and Tweet with Full Stomach- Nigerians Blast First Lady for Calling for Lockdown

Earlier today, the first Lady, Aisha Buhari called for a total lock down of the country in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

In a tweet posted by the first lady's verified Twitter handle, she commended state governors for closing down schools, and further requested for a total shutdown so that the country could contain the virus.

But then, this didn't go down well with some social media users, as they quickly jumped on the tweet to counter the first Lady with claims that widespread hunger will kill Nigerians faster than the virus.

Check screenshots below

See the 12 Months of the Year and How They Got Their Names

Our lives run on Roman time – Birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and public holidays are regulated by Pope Gregory XIII’s Gregorian Calendar, which is itself a modification of Julius Caesar’s calendar introduced in 45 B.C.

The names of our months are therefore derived from the Roman gods, leaders, festivals, and numbers.

If you’ve ever wondered why our 12-month year ends with September, October, November, and December – names which mean the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth months – you can blame the Romans.

The twelve Roman months were:

1.      January

January takes its name from Janus, the Roman god of doorways and beginnings

2.      February

February was named after the Februa, a festival of purification. This particular festival includes a nudie run which was designed to purify the city and promote fertility.

3.      March

March was named after Mars, the god of war.

4.      April

April was named after the goddess Aphrodite.

5.      May

Named after Maia, the Greek goddess of nursing mothers

6.      June

Named after Juno, the goddess of marriage & motherhood

7.      July

July (formerly, Quintilis) was renamed Iulius, to celebrate the month in which the dictator Julius Caesar was born

8.      August

Caesar’s adoptive son and heir, the emperor Augustus “Octavian Caesar” had Sextilis renamed in his honour. This was not his birth month (which was September), but the month when he first became consul and subjugated Egypt.

9.      September

Literally meaning “the 7th month” because it was once the seventh month when the calendars started with March.

10.  October

Literally meaning “the 8th month”

11.  November

Literally meaning “the 9th month”

12.  December

Literally meaning “the 10th month”

The Roman year originally had ten months, a calendar which was ascribed to the legendary first king, Romulus. Tradition had it that Romulus named the first month, Martius, after his own father, Mars, the god of war.

This month was followed by Aprilis, Maius, and Iunius, names derived from deities or aspects of Roman culture. Thereafter, however, the months were simply called the fifth month (Quintilis), sixth month (Sixtilis) and so on, all the way through to the tenth month, December.

Later, Numa Pompilius (the Roman king circa 700 BCE) added two months Ianuarius and Februarius, made them the beginning of the year, moving Martius to the third place (hence the names of Quintilis, Sextilis, September, October, November and December.)

There had been a month between Februarius and Martius called Intercalaris (“inter-calendar”), but the month was abolished by Julius Caesar later.

Source: https://news-af.feednews.com/news/detail/2e1eb55b29831394b6b355cc719f9359?client=news

Which one is covic one-nine virus? - Nigerians react as President addresses the nation

The long-awaited day is finally here as President Muhammadu Buhari  has now addressed the Nation on the coronavirus pandemic after months of failing to speak on the deadly virus like other African presidents have done. 

Bashir Ahmad, the personal assistant to the president on new media shared a Twitter video of Buhari addressing the country. 

In the video, the President said: “We are working with [Federal] Ministry of Health on protecting our citizens from #COVIDー19, as a government, this is now a key priority for us”

Meanwhile, this didn't go down well for many Nigerians who were left unimpressed with the President over his speech. 

One commenter wrote: 'Bashir watched this video and deemed it fit for public consumption? This is obviously not a live broadcast and must have been edited once or twice. Wahala dey.'

Another wrote: 'There u go guys! He has u what u hv been waiting to hear. Pick errors from his speech n make it a topic of discussion. But do we really need this right now? He has spoken, digest d message n work with it. May God help us all.'

Nigeria currently has 30 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

See reactions below

Source: https://news-af.feednews.com/news/detail/df9cb61a823321f76ae6b7ae86b6912e?client=news

[BREAKING] Coronavirus: Lagos moves to stop Sunday, Juma’at services

Lagos State will ask religious leaders to stop Friday (Juma’at) and Sunday service, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, has said.

Omotosho at a briefing on Wednesday said the religious leaders will be advised to shut down services in the interest of the public.

He said this a few hours after Lagos recorded its seventh coronavirus case.

“We are all aware that the Federal Government asked the National Youth Service Corps to shut down orientation camps; yesterday (Tuesday) the Commissioner for Home Affairs said there will be a meeting with religious leaders today (Wednesday).

“It is going to be suggested to them to maybe stop Friday and Sunday services – wherever we have large gatherings.

“Going by the new development, I am sure they will be advised to shut down the services in the interest of the public and all of us. I am sure they are going to comply,” Omotosho said.

Coronavirus: NYSC abruptly ends orientation camp activities

The National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) has abruptly ended activities at orientation camps across the country.

The Batch A orientation camps for graduates started last week, March 10, and were supposed to last for 21 days.

Corps members in the camps were, however, shocked when they were told in the middle of the night that the camps had closed and they were all to receive their letters to places of primary assignment.

The corps members said they were told this was due to the coronavirus crisis.

We started receiving letters to our places of primary assignment at about 1a.m. today, a corps member serving in Gombe told PREMIUM TIMES.

Another serving in Plateau said they started receiving theirs very early on Wednesday.

The decision may have been influenced by yesterday’s resolution of the presidential task force that large public gatherings should be discouraged across the country.

The task force also banned foreign trips for public officials but did not restrict travels to Nigeria from countries with high cases of coronavirus.

It only said travellers from such countries would be on self-quarantine for 14 days during which they would be monitored.

The 11-member task force headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, announced its resolutions Tuesday night after a meeting in Abuja.

Nigeria has currently confirmed three cases of coronavirus and no deaths.

The disease has killed over 7,000 people globally, mainly in China, Italy, Iran and South Korea.

SOURCE : https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/382452-just-in-coronavirus-nysc-abruptly-ends-orientation-camp-activities.html

Coronavirus Update: Federal Government to cancel all church, mosque, & social gatherings

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control has advised that mass gatherings of any type should be discouraged as the fear of a possible Coronavirus outbreak looms. In an update released by the NCDC on Monday afternoon, the National Epidemic monitoring team is on top of the situation in the country as the global transmission of the virus becomes worrisome.

‘The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is constantly monitoring the epidemiological situation in the country. In view of the rapid evolution and global transmission of coronavirus,
NCDC will make the recommendation for cancellation of mass gatherings in line with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO).’ 

The federal government has placed a close watch on all types of mass gatherings, outlining a few to be discouraged and if can’t be dallied, proper authorization should be taken from the State Ministry of Health.

Below are the guidelines from the NCDC:

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control offers the following guidance with key planning
considerations for organisers currently planning mass gatherings in view of the COVID-19
outbreak. These include:

• Religious events e.g. church services, calls to prayer, prayer meetings and other
gatherings
• Sporting events e.g. football matches
• Social events e.g. weddings, funerals, parties, music concerts
• Others e.g. youth service camps, conferences, exhibitions
Organisers of these events must ensure adequate preparations are in place, before hosting an
event. Event organisers should consider using distancing measures to reduce close contact
among people during the gathering e.g by providing more entry and exit points, more food points, ensure handwashing facilities (with soap and water) are readily available at entry and exit
points.

PRE-EVENT OR GATHERING
1. The State Ministry of Health should be informed of the event. The location will be assessed by officials from the State Ministry of Health to ensure safety procedures are in place. The requirements listed below will be assessed prior to the event.
2. Organisers should provide the following information to attendees prior to the event and at entry
o Advice on regularly and thoroughly washing of hands with soap under running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
o Avoid shaking hands, hugging and any other form of physical contact where possible

Please stay at home if you feel ill with fever, cough or breathing difficulties

o Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
(organisers can provide this). Dispose of the tissues immediately
o Please remain in self-isolation for 14 days, if you have just returned from China, Japan, Italy, Republic of Korea, Iran, France, Germany, Spain
DURING EVENT OR GATHERING
1. Use the gathering to reinforce messages on hand and respiratory hygiene and staying safe.
Religious institutions are encouraged to demonstrate hand washing technique before the
start of prayers to their congregation
2. Ensure provision of adequate hand washing facilities including running water, soap or
alcohol-based hand sanitizer
3. People with symptoms such as cough and a fever should NOT BE ALLOWED into the premises.
Arrangements should be made to check this on entry
4. Organisers should provide adequate human resource who will be responsible for cleaning
and disinfecting communal places such as ablution areas, all floors, toilets and surfaces such
as door handles, chairs and church benches with disinfectant or soap
5. Organisers should provide adequate waste management facilities such as closed trash cans
so that people dispose tissue and other waste properly
6. Organisers should review practices that put their congregation at risk (e.g sharing a communal cup, receiving the holy communion on the tongue, shaking hands)
FACILITIES IN PLACE FOR MASS GATHERINGS:
1. Room with adequate ventilation and proper air circulation
2. Hand washing facilities- running water and soap
3. Waste management facilities
4. Health personnel to detect fever on entry and respond to emergencies
5. Adequate resources to disinfect after the event
Attendees at mass gatherings are also advised to review the advisory above and take note of preventive measures.

Source: Opera.com

2020 UTME: JAMB releases first-day results

Results of the 312,000 candidates that sat for Saturday’s 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination nationwide have been released, says Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

The Board’s Head, Media, and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos.

Benjamin urged all concerned candidates to check their profiles for the results.

According to him, the board is optimistic that the entire exercise will be hitch-free.

“The Board is happy with the conduct of the examination on its first day, Saturday, March 14 and results are out.

“This is not to say that we did not register one or two technical hitches.

“There is no way anyone can embark on such massive exercise without a few hitches.

“However, the good thing is that, as soon as our attention is drawn to such hitches, we tackle them immediately.

“So, the Board is fully on ground to take on these hitches as they come, but in all, we are happy with the conduct of the examination so far,’’ he said.

Source: Punch News 

BREAKING: Family of four, 11 others die in Lagos explosion.

The National Emergency Management Agency says 15 corpses, including a family of four, have been recovered from the scene of Sunday’s explosion which occurred at Abule Ado, Trade Fair axis of Lagos State.

No fewer than 60 students of Bethlehem Girls College located within the area, who sustained various degrees of injury in the incident were also taken to the Nigerian Navy Hospital in Ojo Cantonment.

Acting Coordinator of NEMA in Lagos, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, told the News Agency of Nigeria that “a couple and their two sons were caught by the explosion on their way to church around about 9 a.m. on Sunday”.

Farinloye said over 50 buildings, including Bethlehem Girls College and a popular hotel, were damaged in the explosion.

He said, “The resulting fire later spread to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation oil pipeline passing through the area even though the pipeline had been shut down as a precautionary measure.

“The fire was eventually extinguished about 3.30 p.m. through the combined efforts of officials of the Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigerian Navy Fire Tender.”

One of the victims of the incident, Mr Abayomi Abeyi, said his building was severely damaged while his wife sustained injuries from the explosion.

(NAN)

BREAKING: Pipeline explosion in Abule Ado, Lagos .

There was a pipeline explosion in the Abule Ado close to FESTAC area of Lagos State on Sunday morning.

Many residents of FESTAC, Badagry and some other areas of the state first heard a loud noise in the morning, with many of them expressing fear and thinking it was a bomb blast.

But many residents close to the area later saw a massive smoke that accompanied the explosion and at this time, casualties are yet unknown.

Details Later…

SOURCE: https://www.google.com/amp/s/tribuneonlineng.com/breaking-pipeline-explosion-in-abule-ado-lagos/amp/

POLITICS BREAKING: Senate To Strip President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors Of Immunity.... to legalise six geo-political zones… provide minimum educational qualification for elective offices

 

Sitting Presidents will no longer enjoy immunity in criminal matters if the alteration being proposed to the 1999 Constitution by the Senate sails through.

Senate President

Also to lose immunity is the Vice President, Governors and their deputies in the impending alteration.

This followed the second reading of a Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to qualify criminal liability for certain public officers under Section 308” sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.

The explanatory memorandum of the Bill stated that: “This act provides for qualification of the immunity clause to exclude immunity for Public Officers referred to in Section 308 from criminal liability where the offence involves misappropriation of funds belonging to the Federal, State or Local Government and also the use of thugs to foment violence.”

Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) reads: “(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, but subject to subsection (2) of this section –

“(a) no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office;

“(b) a person to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period either in pursuance of the process of any court or otherwise; and

“(c) no process of any court requiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued:

“Provided that in ascertaining whether any period of limitation has expired for the purposes of any proceedings against a person to whom this section applies, no account shall be taken of his period of office.

“(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to civil proceedings against a person to whom this section applies in his official capacity or to civil or criminal proceedings in which such a person is only a nominal party.

“(3) This section applies to a person holding the office of President or Vice-President, Governor or Deputy Governor; and the reference in this section to “period of office” is a reference to the period during which the person holding such office is required to perform the functions of the office.”

The proposed Bill provides that a President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors shall lose their immunity if they are investigated by security and anti-graft agencies, including the courts.

The Bill said in part that: “Section 308 of the Principal Act is altered by (a) Substituting for subsection (2), a new subsection “(2)” –

“(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply –

“(a) to civil proceedings against a person to whom this section applies in his official capacity or to civil or criminal proceedings in which such a person is only a nominal party; and

“(b) to persons who hold the office of Vice-President, Governor or Deputy Governor, if it is determined either by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Nigerian Police and State Security Service through a collaborative investigation that the said person is indicted by a court of competent jurisdiction for:

“(i) Financial misappropriation of funds belonging to the Federal, State or Local Government; or

“(ii) Sponsoring of thugs to perpetrate violence that cause injury or death of political opponent, a member of his family, agent or personal representative.”

Also on Wednesday a Bill which prescribed a degree certificate as a minimum qualification for any one aspiring to the Office of the President also scaled second reading.

The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the amendment of Sections 65 (2) (a), 131 (d), Section 106 (c) and Section 177 (d) therein, to provide for minimum qualification for election into the National and States Assembly, Office of the President and Governors, and other related matters, 2020” was sponsored by Senator Istifanus Gyang (Plateau North).

The Bill seeks to alter Section 131 (d) which deals with minimum requirements for anyone running for the Office of the President.

Section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that the person seeking the office of the President must have “been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

The Bill said: “Section 131 (d) is now rephrased to read: ‘He has been educated up to at least HND level or’ its equivalent.”

The Bill also seeks to alter Section 65 (2) (a) of the Constitution which deals with the qualifications for intending members of the National Assembly.

The existing law which the Bill seeks to amend reads: “A person shall be qualified for election under subsection (1) of this section if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.

However the Bill said that Section 65 (2) (a) should now be rephrased to read “if he has been educated to at least National Diploma level or its equivalent.”

For House of Assembly, the Bill seeks the alteration of section 106 (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to the existing Section 106 (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), anyone aspiring to be a member of the House of Assembly must have “been educated up to at least the School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

However, the Bill proposed that Section 106 (c) be rephrased to read: “If he has been educated up to National Diploma level or its equivalent.”

The same provision applies to State Governors. The Bill seeks the alteration of Section 177 (d) of the Constitution.

Presently, Section 177 (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that any person seeking the Office of Governor must have “been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

However, the Bill seeks that Section 177 (d) be rephrased to read: “If he has been educated up to at least Higher National Diploma Level or its equivalent.”

A Bill which seeks to legalise the six geopolitical zones in the country also scaled second reading.

The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to give recognition to the Six Geo-political Zones and to further introduce a clear demarcation by creating the Federal and State legislative list as a substitute for the existing legislative lists and for other matters, 2020” was sponsored by Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West).

Other Bills seeking to alter the Constitution which scaled second reading and their sponsors include:

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to specify the period within which the President or Governor of a State presents the Appropriation Bill before the National Assembly of House of Assembly and for other related matters, 2020” by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central)

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the establishment of State Police and to ensure effective community policing in Nigeria and for matters connected thereto, 2020” by Senator Surajudeen Ajibola (Osun Central).

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to amend Section 138(d) and Section 139 of the Electoral Act 2010 by deleting Section 138 (d) and adding a new Subsection (3) to Section 139, to reduce the unlawful exclusion of a political party Logo on a Ballot Paper) a Pre-election matter and for related matters, 2020” by Senator Istifanus Gyang (Plateau North).

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to replace the name “Nigeria Police Force” with ”Nigerian Police” to reflect their core mandate of providing Civil Services and for related matters, 2020” by Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central).

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to amend Section 81 to make provisions for amount standing to the credit of Security Agencies in the Consolidated Revenue Fund to be on First Line Charge and for connected matters, 2020” by Senator Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East).

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to preclude the establishment of separate Tribunals to hear and determine Pre-election matters and Election petitions
respectively, in the Presidential, National and state Houses of Assembly and Govemorship elections and for related matters, 2020” by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central).

“A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for establishment of State Police and other related matters, 2020” by Senator Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West).

Source: News direct 

Nigerians react: Deposed Emir of Kano beheaded a christian man in his cell for desecrating the Quran

Since the news broke out yesterday, that the Emir of Kano has been deposed of his throne, history have been traced back to what he did as a youngster, leading an angry mob who buthchered a christian man, Gideon Akaluka for desecrating the Koran in the 1960s.

According to a post on Twitter by former Nigerian minister, Femi Fani Kayode, this shocking revelation have brought numerous reactions on the incident and a little more insight on what transpired that time.

His post explained: "Now that he that beheaded Gideon Akaluka has been deposed it is time to bring him to justice for murder. Akaluka was butchered by a Kano mob in the mid-1900's for desecrating the Koran. The deposed one led that crowd, severed his head from his body &paraded it on a long pole.

..He was hidden from Abacha in a Sokoto prison for two years after committing this heinous crime whilst all his co-conspirators were summarily executed by the security forces. A prominent banker whose son has been convicted of Islamist terrorism in America intervened on.

....his behalf, begged Abacha and consequently he was later set free and allowed to go down south and into banking. 

The full edition of this story will be told on another day".

Source: Opera.com