GNO – NAN Archive

GNO
Apr, Thu, 2020

Covid-19: NIS arrests 13 over illegal migration

Migration
By George Odok
Calabar, April 2, 2020 (NAN) The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Cross River has arrested nine Cameroonians and four Nigerians for illegal migration through the waterways and for contravening the Federal Government stay-at-home order.

The NIS Comptroller in the state, Mr Okey Ezugwu, disclosed this to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of border inspection to ensure compliance on Thursday in Calabar.

Ezugwu said that the suspects were arrested at Mfum border in Etung and Ikang border post in Bakassi Local Government Areas respectively.

He said that the suspects were arrested by officials of the NIS on patrol across border areas in the state at the early hours of Thursday.

According to him, the suspects were arrested while trying to find their way through the waterways to enter into the country.

He explained that eight of the Cameroonians were arrested at the Mfum border in Etung, while one was arrested at Ikang border alongside four Nigerians.

“Before this kind of movement can take place, there must be connivance, especially with the local communities,” the NIS boss said.

He appealed to communities to help the NIS in policing their borders, adding that whatever affects one Nigerian at this period affects the whole country.

Ezugwu insisted that he would take up the matter with the traditional ruler of Ajarsor in Mfum border to ensure that such route was not used again for illegal migration.

“We went on inspection of some of our formations so that we can ensure total compliance with the federal government order on border closure in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are working on intelligent reports of possible movements in some of the beaches and jetties. As you are aware, we have a lot of creeks in the state.

“We are not ruling out the possibility of some persons wanting to beat government agencies and use the waterways. That is why we are patrolling to ensure total compliance of the directives.

“Again, we want to ensure that foreigners does not have access to Nigeria at this time because of the Covid-19. At this critical point, we don’t want any movement so that we can contain whatever we have here,” he said.

The Comptroller said the service would ensure that nobody comes into the country or travels out.

He said that the NIS gunboat was operational at sea to ensure that no foreigner or any Nigerian was allowed entry or exit out of the country. (NAN)
GNO/CHIN/ISMA
=============
Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Ismail Abdulaziz

GNO
Apr, Thu, 2020

General news

Gov. Ayade issues Executive Orders on COVID-19 response

Orders

By George Odok

Calabar, April 2, 2020 (NAN) Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has issued Executive Orders in the state following the prevalence of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) infections in neighbouring Benue and Akwa Ibom.

The orders are contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Calabar by Mr Christian Ita,

Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Gov. Ayade.

“Starting from midnight on April 3. no person will be allowed in public without a nose or face mask.

“The Cross River Garment Factory is directed to work round the clock to produce masks, while observing industrial safe distancing and the state government will distribute masks for free to residents of the state

“The Ministry of Humanitarian and Welfare Services, in conjunction with the state Food Bank, to deliver free food to the vulnerable in the state.

“All exit and entry routes into the state are now completely shut against all human and vehicular movements.

“All commissioners, Special Advisers, Chairmen, Directors General, Directors and Members of Boards and Commissions as well as Special Assistants, are hereby co-opted to assist the COVID-19 task force, in ensuring the enforcement and compliance with the guidelines aimed at keeping the state free of the pandemic”, the statement said.

The statement directed all appointees to report at the U.J. Esuene Stadium on April 3, to receive their kits and commence full enforcement along with the Nigerian Police, Military, the Homeland Security Services and the Border Patrol Agency.

According to the statement, all Commissioners from local governments that border neighbouring states, are directed to retire back home and take charge of enforcement.

“The state power company operating the 23mw power plant, is directed to power street lights from 6p.m. to 6a.m. daily.

“Public spirited individuals and organisations willing to serve as volunteers to support enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines, should register by sending their names and addresses to telephone no: 08039302693.

The statement said that residents willing to get nose masks, should call 08099911011, while those for free food supply, should call 08037210284. (NAN)

GNO/SH

=======

edited by Sadiya Hamza

08037425911

GNO
Mar, Mon, 2020

General news

Ayade recalls C/River garment factory workers for mass production of masks

Masks

By George Odok

Calabar, March 30 2020 (NAN) Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has recalled workers of the state- owned Garment Factory back to work, for the mass production of face and nose masks.

The workers are to resume work on March 31 after the factory had been disinfected.

The workers were initially sent home in line with the partial lock down declared by the governor as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking at the Industrial Park, Ayade told newsmen on Monday in Calabar that it has become imperative for the Garment Factory workers to return to work in view of the urgency of the need to tackle the deadly virus headlong.

“The Garment Factory workers are being recalled for mass production of nose/mouth masks in order to stem the pandemic.

“As the workers return to start mass production of the masks, we will ensure that they keep a reasonable distance from one another in keeping with the industrial distancing protocol”, he said.

Ayade disclosed that proper fumigation of the factory has been carried out preparatory to the resumption of the workers.

According to the governor, the returning Garment Factory workers will be properly kitted to ensure that they are fit for the purpose in addition to being paid special allowances.

“Working at this time when there is a general shut down requires a special compensation.

The Garment factory workers will be fairly compensated”, he said.

The governor disclosed that precautionary measures will also entail that the number of workers being recalled are manageable.

Ayade said he was equally activating the Cross River State Food Bank to ensure that food is delivered to most vulnerable in view of the lock down. (NAN)

GNO/EAL
====
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

GNO
Mar, Fri, 2020

General news

Covid-19: NMA donates 1,200 bottles of hand sanitisers to hospitals in C’ River

Sanitisers

By George Odok

Calabar, March 27, 2020 (NAN) The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River chapter, has donated 1,200 bottles of 100mls of alcohol-based hand sanitisers to hospitals across the state to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chairman of NMA in the state, Dr Agam Ayuk, who was accompanied by the association’s Secretary, Dr Ezoke Epoke, made the donation to private, government and missions hospitals in Calabar.

Ayuk explained that the donation became necessary because some hospitals were having the challenge of sourcing sanitisers.

He added that the donation was part of NMA’s Corporate Social Responsibility in ensuring infection/disease prevention and control.

The chairman said that the sanitisers would also be distributed to other health facilities in the rural areas to enable them to improve the health standard of the rural dwellers.

“The reality on ground is that medical facilities in the state are having challenges in infection prevention and control.

“We feel that as a responsible association and as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, we should support the efforts of the hospitals in the area of infection prevention and control”, he said.

The association urged residents in the state to wash their hands regular, maintain social distance, avoid large gatherings and be self-conscious, in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

Receiving the sanitisers, Dr Prashant Kumar, the Medical Superintendent of General Hospital Calabar, thanked NMA for its contribution in curtailing the spread of the virus in the state.

Kumar said that the sanitisers would go a long way in promoting and enhancing safety among patients and visitors to the hospital.

Also, Dr Etuk Idem, the Medical Director of Mount Zion Medical Centre, Calabar, said the sanitisers would enhance the preventive measures being observed by patients.

Other hospitals visited included: Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Arubah Specialist Hospital, Bakor Medical Centre and Ikpeme Medical Centre all in Calabar. (NAN)

GNO/DE/EMO
===========

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ejike Obeta

GNO
Mar, Thu, 2020

Defence/Security

NSCDC arrests suspected cable vandals, constitute Covid-19 response team in C/River

Arrest
By George Odok
Calabar, March 26, 2020 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Cross River has arrested seven suspects for tampering with the Portharcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) transmission lines.

State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Danjuma Elisha, who paraded the suspects on Thursday in Calabar, said they were arrested on March 24 at different spots in Calabar.

Elisha said it was regrettable that while some people were obeying the “stay at home” order by the state government in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, some people decided to cause more havoc to residents of the state.

He said that the suspects were arrested by personnel of NSCDC attached to officials of PHED in Calabar, adding that investigation was ongoing to ensure that the suspects face the wrath of the law.

“On March 24, we arrested seven suspected cable vandals at different locations in Calabar. It is very wrong for them to catch up with the stay at home order of the state government to commit crime.

“People are supposed to stay at home and have power supply to make life more meaningful, but these set of people have decided to make quick money in the wrong way,” he said.

On Covid-19 pandemic, Elisha said that the Command had constituted a 250 man contingent response team for training by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

He explained that the team shall assist with lockdown enforcement where necessary, distribution of personal protective gears, sensitisation of the public and many other duties as may be assigned.

“As a command, we have adopted a multi-layered approach in the rat race to curtail the spread of Covid-19 and to mitigate the impact in already affected population.

“We are doing a continuous enlightenment and sensitisation of personnel and observing basic hand washing practices.

“We are decongesting our holding facilities and cells and also making spirited efforts within our resources to provide protective gears which include masks, hand gloves, sanitisers and others.

“At the state level, the Corps is working with the Cross River Government in making sure that all the entry points into the state are locked down and admittance shall be strictly after screening,” he said.

He added that the corps was willing to enforce strict compliance on regulations on motorists and tricycles who commute passengers within the state and inter-state travels.

He said that Gov. Ben Ayade had directed that every tricycle and taxi should carry one passenger at a time and two passengers for buses and must provide sanitizers for use by passengers. (NAN)
GNO/ISMA
========
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

GNO
Mar, Tue, 2020

General news

COVID-19: C/River Assembly suspends legislative activities indefinitely

Suspension

By George Odok

Calabar, March 24, 2020 (NAN) The Cross River House of Assembly has suspended all legislative activities indefinitely as part of preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The suspension is contained in a release signed on Tuesday in Calabar by Mr Hope Obeten, Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House, Mr Eteng Jonah-Williams.

“We therefore appeal to our constituents to observe all precautions of regular hand washing, use of hand sanitiser, observing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings.

“We equally appreciate and support the State Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade, for his proactive measures to ensure the state remains safe and COVID-19 free.”(NAN)

GNO/COF/MZA

Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Maharazu Ahmed

GNO
Mar, Mon, 2020

Defence/Security

C/River NMA suspends strike, to donate sanitizers

Strike
By George Odok
Calabar, March 23, 2020 (NAN) The Nigerian Medical Association has suspended its strike embarked on in March 12, following the kidnap of the wife of their colleague, Mrs Christiana Ekanem.

Ekanem was kidnapped in her home in Calabar on March 10, and was released on March 21 after spending 11 days in captivity.

Chairman of NMA in the state, Dr Agam Ayuk, who addressed newsmen on Monday in Calabar, said the strike was called off following the safe release of Ekanem.

“The indefinite withdrawal of medical services in both private and public hospitals across the state is hereby suspended and medical and dental practitioners in Cross River are directed to resume duties immediately.

“The Association remains grateful to everyone who supported the family and the Association to ensure her safe release.

“The poor security situation in Cross River remains a daily reality as citizens continue to live in fear.

“We therefore reiterate our call on the state government to show more political will and urgently put measures in place to secure lives and properties as her primary constitutional responsibility.

“NMA sincerely hopes that this is the last time she would have to take the difficult decision of withdrawing medical services in the event of kidnapping of her members and also hopes that our collective resolve will not be put to test again,” he said.

Ayuk said that NMA would not fail to invoke its collective resolve of Jan. 8, 2018 which stated that “NMA in Cross River shall withdraw all medical services without any notice anytime a doctor or dependent is taken captive in future”.

He appealed to the state government to provide security for all residents in the state with a view to help them discharge their duties of saving lives accordingly.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is a reality with increasing number of confirmed cases which stands at 35 in Nigeria as reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Federal Ministry of Health as at the time of this press release.

“We therefore call on the state government to enforce ban on large gathering and review to a more stringent limited number as the risk increase. We advise citizens to take seriously recommended guidelines on social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene.

“NMA in Cross River shall be donating hand sanitizers to public and private hospitals across the state to support the efforts of government at preventing and containing Covid-19.

“The Association calls on well meaning Crossriverians, politicians and philanthropists to make donations of monetary or medical equipment to hospitals across the state”, he said.

Ayuk disclosed that NMA would be working with professional medical bodies to ensure that hospitals have Standard Operating Procedures to guarantee safety of health care workers.

“The risk of healthcare workers becoming infected is more than three times as high as the general population.

“We therefore call on government and management of hospitals to ensure that all healthcare workers have running water and sanitisers for proper hand hygiene, wear regular surgical masks and use gloves for all patients interaction,” he said. (NAN)
GNO/ISMA
========
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

GNO
Mar, Sun, 2020

General news

Heavy rain causes flood, pulls down trees in Calabar

Rain
By George Odok
Calabar, March 22, 2020 (NAN) Heavy downpour has fallen down scores of trees on major highways in Calabar, restricting the free flow of vehicular movement along the affected routes.

The rain which started around 11pm on Saturday night to the early hours of Sunday, also caused flooding in some parts of Calabar metropolis.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Mfon Bassey, who led a team of staff from the Ministry, including the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) staff, to evacuate the fallen trees, said that over 20 trees were pulled down by the rain.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fallen trees were planted by the state government to beautify the state capital and to also provide shelter for relaxation.

Bassey mentioned the affected areas to include Ibom Layout, Mbukpa, Goldie by Holy Child, Atimbo, IBB, Ekong Eta by Marian, State Housing among others.

He said that the ministry swung into action after he received several calls from residents in the affected areas that the trees had prevented them from driving in and out of their residences.

“The heavy downpour in Calabar that started on the night of Saturday through the morning of Sunday pulled down over 20 trees in various locations within the metropolis.

“As soon as we received the calls, we immediately went to the affected areas and you can see us working up till now.

“We started the evacuation of these trees from Atimbo area of Calabar Municipality around 5 a.m. this morning and we must ensure that all affected areas are cleaned up to allow for free flow of movements.

“Unfortunately, one of the trees fell on a parked vehicle, but no live was lost,” he said.

The Commissioner advised residents in the state to desist from parking their vehicles under trees as the rainy season draws near.

He also called on residents in the state to report to the office on cases of any fallen trees around their areas for prompt cutting and evacuation to ensure sanity and cleanliness of the environment.

Mr Joe-Mary Ekeng, the Executive Secretary of CUDA, said they had to turn out in their numbers in order to clear the affected areas and restore free flow of movements.

A resident in Ibom Layout, Dr Eric Bassey, lauded the Commissioner for the prompt response, adding that the fallen trees had earlier prevented them from driving in and out of their houses.

Mr Princewill Ayim, Director General of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, said the rain had caused havoc in some areas in Calabar.

Ayim told NAN in a telephone interview that areas affected by flooding include Target, Parliamentary road, Effioete roundabout, Federal Housing and Edim-Otop.

He advised residents in the state to avoid dumping their refuse along the water channels in other to allow for free flow of water to prevent flooding. (NAN)
GNO/ESAN/ISMA
=============
Edited by Abiodun Esaan/Ismail Abdulaziz

GNO
Mar, Sun, 2020

Defence/Security

Kidnapped UCTH staff regains freedom in Calabar

Freedom

By George Odok

Calabar, March 22, 2020 (NAN) Mrs Christiana Ekanem, a staff of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital who was kidnapped in her home in Calabar on March 10, has regained freedom.

Mr Ani Esin, State Security Adviser, Southern Senatorial District to Gov. Ben Ayade, confirmed her release in a telephone interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Calabar.

Esin told NAN that Ekanem was released on Saturday night in Calabar, after being in captivity for 11 days.

“As we speak, Mrs Ekanem was released on Saturday night here in Calabar. She has been re-united with her family. She was released safe and unhurt. The Intervention was the collaborative efforts of security agencies in the state and my office”, he said.

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Cross River chaapter, on Saturday had insisted on their indefinite withdrawal of service because of the clinic of Ekanem.

Also speaking to NAN, Dr Agam Ayuk, Chairman of NMA in the state, confirmed her release.

“At this point, I can tell you clearly that she has been released safely. I want to thank members of NMA for their steadfastness, the security agencies and the press for their respective role that led to her release.

“I want to urge the state government to be more proactive in providing security for all residents in the state as the Chief Security Officer.

“We had earlier embarked on an indefinite withdrawal of medical services in the state due to her kidnap; we will meet and review our action soon,” he said.

NAN reports that NMA embarked on an indefinite strike in the state on March 12, to press for the release of Mrs Ekanem. (NAN)

GNO/ISMA

========

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

GNO
Mar, Sat, 2020

Health

NMA in C/River insists on indefinite strike over kidnapping

Kidnapping

By George Odok

Calabar, March 21, 2020 (NAN) The Nigerian Medical Association in Cross River on Saturday said that its members would not suspend the indefinite withdrawal of services embarked upon on March 10 until the wife of their colleague, Mrs Christiana Ekanem is released.

Ekanem was kidnapped on March 10 2020, in her home in Satellite Town in Calabar by unknown gunmen.

Addressing newsmen in Calabar, Chairman of NMA in the state, Dr Agam Ayuk, expressed the Association’s displeasure over the continued incarceration of Ekanem who has remained in captivity for 11 days.

Ayuk said that her continued stay in captivity had caused trauma and distress on the family and members of the Association.

“The Cross River Government has not showed any political will to facilitate the safe release of Mrs Ekanem, neither has the government scaled up any measures to curtail the abysmal insecurity situation in the state.

“NMA in Cross River will continue her indefinite withdrawal of services until Mrs Ekanem is released safely and unconditionally. Her life and safety is as important as the life of any Coronavirus victim.

“The state owes all citizens residing in Cross River equal rights to safety. Unfortunately, the safe release of Mrs Ekanem cannot wait until Covid-19 is contained and we cannot afford to abandon her to fate.

“The Association hereby reiterates her call on Gov. Ben Ayade to expedite the safe release of Mrs Ekanem and put measures in place to secure lives and properties in the state as his primary responsibility,” he said.

Ayuk disclosed that Cross River has not recorded any case of Coronavirus, adding NMA remained committed to emergency preparedness and the health of the people.

He called on the state government and all stakeholders to implement proactive steps to curb the pandemic of Covid-19 through public health education, reducing public gatherings and designing treatments protocols.

“NMA is calling for the up scaling of effective training of health care personnel, especially those in the frontline in both public and private facilities.

“We are fully committed to ensuring this is realised to prevent abandoned and shabby treatment of victims.

“We hereby call on the National Centre for Disease Control and the state government to support the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital to adequately build the capacity of the isolation centre to manage critical cases”, he said. (NAN)

GNO/ISMA

========

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN Archive

All posts by GNO