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Teπsion In Nigeria Over Newly Detected Disease

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The Nigerian government has issued a warning about the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has spread to 29 countries globally.

This variant was first reported in Australia and has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.

The XEC variant is a recombinant strain, meaning it is a hybrid of two pre-existing COVID subvariants. It has mutations that may affect how the virus behaves or its potential impact on human health.

To address this concern, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has written the Chairman, Committee of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals, advising hospitals to activate their alert systems and be on high alert for patients with COVID-like symptoms.

The letter titled: “Letter of conveyance in respect of the newly detected xec covid-19 strain”, with DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 and dated December 5, 2024, was signed by Dr. O. N. Anuma, Head, Teaching Hospital Division for the Permanent Secretary.

The government tasked the committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols, which it said will be vital for effective response strategies.

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The letter on Saturday partly read: “I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has been reported in Australia and has already, spread to 29 countries globally. (Letter attached) You may wish to know that this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.

Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.

“We request your Committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols. Timely information sharing among relevant stake holders including Federal Ministry of Health will be vital for effective response strategies.

“Please accept, as always, the assurances of the Permanent Secretary’s warm regards.”

Meanwhile, here are some key things to know about the XEC variant:

“Transmission: The XEC variant is highly transmissible and has spread to many countries.

Symptoms: The symptoms of the XEC variant are similar to those of other COVID-19 strains, including cough, congestion, diarrhea, fever, and shortness of breath.

“Vaccination: The updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide protection against the XEC variant, although the effectiveness may vary.

“Prevention: The usual precautions to prevent COVID-19 infection apply, including staying away from people who are sick, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and following other recommendations provided by the CDC.”

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Wike Kick-Starts Campaign for 2027 Election, Urges Rivers Electorates to Vote Tinubu

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike on Tuesday urged the electorate in Rivers to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027 to sustain the progress being recorded in the state.

Mr Wike made the appeal during his “thank you” visit to Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

He cited the unprecedented attention Tinubu is giving to Rivers ranging from development projects, appointments, and human capital development.

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The minister, who said that the Rivers people ‘never had it this good’, urged the people to continue their support for Tinubu to sustain the gains.

He noted that although the due attention given to Rivers was attracting envy from every quarters, supporting the reelection of Tinubu would take Rivera to greater heights.

He explained that the visit was to thank the people for the continued support, urging them to replicate the gesture in 2027.

Earlier, Peter Abe, member representing Degema LGA in the State Assembly, thanked Wike for providing the needed leadership in the state.

Mr Abe said that all communities in the state were witness to what the minister did in 2023, which was beneficial to all people in the state.

He thanked Wike for steering the state to progress, assuring him of the readiness of the people to follow his directives in 2027.

The Chairman of council, Michael Williams, assured the minister of continued support, adding that all the community structures in the LGA would support the reelection of Tinubu.

Williams noted that Wike initiative to support the election of Tinubu in the state in 2023 has brought progress in the state, stressing that supporting his reelection bid would sustain the progress.

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2027: Ex-DSS DG, Lawal Daura to Contest Katsina Governorship

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

Former State Security Service Director-General, Lawal Daura, has announced his plans to run for the 2027 governorship election in Katsina State. He criticized the current administration’s performance and highlighted ongoing security issues as key reasons for his decision to enter the race.

During an interview with DCL Hausa on Tuesday, Mr. Daura stated that he has finished consulting about his political aspirations and will soon reveal the political party under which he plans to run.

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He said, “I have been making consultations on the platform to use to contest, and the consultations have been concluded. Very soon, I will make the platform known.

“Why do people serve for one or two terms? If they get it right, fine. But if the reverse is the case, then there is no point in seeking re-election. It is obvious the current governor is not capable.

“It is like putting a load on somebody and adjusting it. If he complains that the load is too heavy, you have to take it down to avoid destroying fragile items. For the current administration, we can say thank you for your efforts, but you should take a break because you can’t continue.

“I never saw myself coming out to contest. I admire politics, but I only participated from the background.”

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Court reverses dissolution of NNPP executives

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Kano high court has invalidated the dissolution of state, local and ward executive Council of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, amounting the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) null and void.

In an exparte order granted by Justice Nasiru Saminu on Tuesday, the equally restrained the National Working Committee of NNPP from taking any further step regarding the leadership structure of the party in Kano until the hearing and determination of motion on notice filed by the plaintiff.

In a suit No. K/06/2026 instituted by one Abdullahi Zubairu Imam and five others (plaintiffs) on behalf of the executive Committee of NNPP at 44 local government areas of the state was filed against the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) as defendant, challenging their dissolution.

In the interim injunction, Justice Saminu also directed all parties to maintain Status-Quo-Ante as at 30th December, 2025, prior to the purported dissolution directive issued by the NWC of the party.

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“After hearing on the matter filed by K.K. Njidda Esq with S.A. Muhammad Esq counsels to the Applicants the court hereby order an interim injunction restraining the Defendant/Respondent either by himself, his agents, privies cohort, ad-hoc Committees, National Working Committee or any other persons acting on its Instruction howsoever described from appointing Caretaker Committees for the State, Local Government and Ward levels Executives of Kano State or taking any further step In respect of the subject matter of this suit pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed before this court.

“An order of interim injunction mandating the Defendant/Respondent maintain STATUS QUO ANTE as at 30 December, 2025 prior to the purported dissolution of the Kano State, Local Government and Ward levels executives pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

“AN ORDER of this Honorable Court granting the Plaintiffs/Applicants to issue and serve the process in this suit on the Defendant at its National Secretariat situate at 11 Mahatma Gandhi Street, Area 11, Garki Abuja, Nigeria which is the outside the jurisdiction of this court”. A copy of the order as signed by Abba Sa’ad, registrar read.

Recall that the NWC of the NNPP declared the dissolution of the executive Council of the party across the party structure in Kano following the suspension of Hon. Hashim Dungurawa as Chairman of the party in the state. Dungurawa has been replaced by Abdullahi Abiya in acting capacity.

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