12112020 NEWS HIGHLIGHTS for this Friday
Luther King’s Daughter, US Lawmaker, Others Ask Buhari To Release Jailed Protesters, Journalists
Global activists and celebrities have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the release of all #EndSARS protesters, as well as activists and journalists jailed in various parts of the country.
They made the call in an open letter dated December 10, 2020, and addressed to the President – a copy of which was seen by newsmen on Thursday.
The 60 activists and celebrities, under the auspices of Diaspora Rising, asked President Buhari to ensure the reinstatement of the international passports, bank accounts, and other items seized from the jailed persons.
They demanded that the military, security, and intelligence officers found culpable in the incident at the Lekki toll plaza, either giving the order or carrying out the shooting, must be made to face the consequences of their actions.
Signatories to the letter included Reverend Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr; U.S activist Opal Tometi; as well as actors Danny Glover and Kerry Washington.
Swedish teenage eco-warrior Greta Thunberg, singer Alicia Keys, civil rights campaigner Angela Davis, US congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and Nigerian-American rapper Jidenna, among others, also signed the letter. #
Nigeria records highest COVID-19 cases since August, 6 deaths
Nigeria on Thursday recorded 675 new COVID-19 cases, its highest since 23rd August when 601 cases were reported.
The highest number ever recorded since February when an index case arrived from Italy was 745 on 19th June.
Since 1 December, the nation has been reporting numbers in excess of 300 infections, capping it on Wednesday with 550 cases.
Officials feared the trend may be indicative of the beginning of a second wave of the disease.
Six persons, according to NCDC data also died in the last 24 hours.
Data released by the NCDC on Thursday showed that Abuja FCT recorded the highest number of the 675 new cases reported.
It has 183 cases, followed by Lagos with 128 cases. #
Army General Dies Of COVID-19
The Nigerian Army has lost one of its General Officer Commanding (GOC) six divisions in Port-Harcourt, Major-General, John Olu Irefin from COVID-19 complications.
The acting Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General, Sagir Musa, said in a statement on Thursday that the GOC was attending the annual Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja before he took ill and died.
The conference has since been cancelled off by the army and participants comprising principal staff officers, GOCs, Commandants of Army Schools, Commanders of Army Operations have been asked to go into isolation for 14 days. #
16 Kano Indigenes Die Along Kaduna-Abuja Highway
No fewer than 16 indigenes of Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano State, who were traveling along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway, were feared killed by gunmen.
Sources said the victims, who were all males, died when the gunmen shot the tyre of the bus conveying them from Abuja to Kano.
The Toyota bus conveying the travellers was said to have lost control in the process and fell into a ditch.
The Kano State government confirmed the death of the 16 indigenes of Danbatta in a statement on Thursday by Abba Anwar, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor.
In the statement, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said he displeased with the attack and condoled with the families of the victims. #
Neymar Remain at PSG
Neymar has finally made it clear that he is very happy in Paris and not thinking about leaving his club for Barcelona or anywhere else.
The PSG star made this known a week after creating headlines by admitting he wanted to be on the same team as Lionel Messi next season.
Messi, 33, is out of contract at Camp Nou next summer and is free to talk to other clubs from January onwards.
The statement by Neymar raised questions about whether he wants to return to Barcelona or wants Messi to join him at PSG.
However, Neymar this week made it clear that he has no intention to leave the club next season. #
Please do well to stay safe, maintain physical and social distance and wear your face masks whilst going about your daily activities.
