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Ahead of Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Sultan of Sokoto-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, has directed Muslims in Nigeria to pray at home with their families on Sallah day, as the eid prayer congregation remained suspended, due to the rampaging and highly contagious coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic.

Secretary–General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Aliyu, said, in a statement, that the directive was a mandate to the JNI Fatwa Committee, under the leadership of Sheikh Sheriff Ibrahim Saleh Alhusainy, which came up with FATWA regarding the Year 2020 Eid-el-Fitr prayers.

He said the committee after due consultations, as well as considerations of the current state of COVID-19 pandemic and the serious threat it posed to life, decided that the Eid-el-Fitr congregation in the outskirts of towns and cities should be temporarily suspended.

Also, “the said ‘Eid-el-Fitr prayer be observed at home with family members or alone in case there isn’t anyone with him or her, at home.’

Other decisions taken were that “the ‘Eid-el-Fitr Prayers is two (2) RAKA’AT. Seven (7) TAKBIRAT to be pronounced in the first RAKA’AT, including the opening TAKBIR. Then SURATUL FATIHA is read and any other SURAH, preferably SURATUL A’ALA. While in the second RAKAH, five (5) TAKBIRAT be pronounced. Then SURATUL FATIHA is read and any other SURAH, preferably SURATUL GHASHIYAH.

“In the case of praying at home, as it may be, the KHUTBAH (sermon) is suspended. All above mentioned are based on the Hadith of Anas Bn Malik in Sahih al-Bukhari and Maliki School of law decisions, in MUKHTASAR, as explained by Al-Kharshi and Al-Munah al-Jalil.”

“However, in states where Governments have reached concrete decisions to observe the ‘Eid-el-Fitr prayer, based on their medical experts advice, strict measures of distancing, face masks and sanitizers be taken to protect worshipers. In this case neighborhood mosques can be utilized if it becomes necessary.

“Ulama should fear Allah, the Most High and be matured enough in guarding their utterances and actions for the overall interest of the DEEN and the Ummah.”

Vanguard

Ahead of Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Sultan of Sokoto-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, has directed Muslims in Nigeria to pray at home with their families on Sallah day, as the eid prayer congregation remained suspended, due to the rampaging and highly contagious coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic.

Secretary–General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Aliyu, said, in a statement, that the directive was a mandate to the JNI Fatwa Committee, under the leadership of Sheikh Sheriff Ibrahim Saleh Alhusainy, which came up with FATWA regarding the Year 2020 Eid-el-Fitr prayers.

He said the committee after due consultations, as well as considerations of the current state of COVID-19 pandemic and the serious threat it posed to life, decided that the Eid-el-Fitr congregation in the outskirts of towns and cities should be temporarily suspended.

Also, “the said ‘Eid-el-Fitr prayer be observed at home with family members or alone in case there isn’t anyone with him or her, at home.’

Other decisions taken were that “the ‘Eid-el-Fitr Prayers is two (2) RAKA’AT. Seven (7) TAKBIRAT to be pronounced in the first RAKA’AT, including the opening TAKBIR. Then SURATUL FATIHA is read and any other SURAH, preferably SURATUL A’ALA. While in the second RAKAH, five (5) TAKBIRAT be pronounced. Then SURATUL FATIHA is read and any other SURAH, preferably SURATUL GHASHIYAH.

“In the case of praying at home, as it may be, the KHUTBAH (sermon) is suspended. All above mentioned are based on the Hadith of Anas Bn Malik in Sahih al-Bukhari and Maliki School of law decisions, in MUKHTASAR, as explained by Al-Kharshi and Al-Munah al-Jalil.”

“However, in states where Governments have reached concrete decisions to observe the ‘Eid-el-Fitr prayer, based on their medical experts advice, strict measures of distancing, face masks and sanitizers be taken to protect worshipers. In this case neighborhood mosques can be utilized if it becomes necessary.

“Ulama should fear Allah, the Most High and be matured enough in guarding their utterances and actions for the overall interest of the DEEN and the Ummah.”

Vanguard

Kaduna State Governor , Nasir El -Rufai , has said medical doctors and other health workers threatening to embark on industrial action in the state risk losing their jobs, noting that his administration would not “ bow to blackmail ” .

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication , Muyiwa Adekeye , the governor said he would keep the health facilities in the state running and protect workers who are willing to work.

Responding to the strike notice served by health workers in the state, El -Rufai said it is “criminal ” to declare a strike action amidst the coronavirus pandemic .

He said his government would not be bent by the strike action into excluding health workers from the mandatory donation of 25 % salary by all civil servants to fund the provision of palliatives for vulnerable people impacted by the lockdown .

He said , “The government rejects the strike threat and will regard persons who fail to show up at their assigned places of work as having forfeited their employment . Every health worker that is willing to work is required to sign the register at the Ministry of Health and the health institutions to which they are deployed .

“ The Ministry of Health has the mandate of the government to ensure that residents of Kaduna State are not deprived of public health services.

“ Every effort will be made to ensure that health facilities keep functioning , staffed by willing workers who will be guaranteed free and safe access to health facilities . Those who are not willing to work are strongly warned against criminal actions such as attempts to impede access to workplaces , harass willing workers or to sabotage facilities and equipment .

“ The state government will not be misled into granting health workers a special status amongst public servants . The consequences of concessions made along such lines by previous governments have created a sense that some public servants are more precious than others. ”

Punch

The Federal Government has declared Monday and Tuesday – May 25 and 26 , 2020 – as public holidays to mark Eid – el – Fitri celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola , made the announcement on behalf of the Federal Government.

This was contained in a press statement by the Director of Press in the Ministry, Mohammed Manga .

He advised “ Nigerians to see themselves as a single entity and learn to tolerate one another despite their ethnic and religious differences ” .

Aregbesola further assured Nigerians that the regime of the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd . ) , was fully committed to battling COVID- 19 .

He called on Muslim faithful “ to replicate the life of kindness, love , tolerance , peace and good neighbourliness as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad ( SAW )” .

The minister also advised Nigerians to take responsibility against the spread of the COVID- 19 .

The Nigerian Medical Association has suspended its “ sit – at – home” in Lagos State , according to reports .

The suspension of the action came barely 24 hours after the association had asked its members to embark on an indefinite “sit – at – home ” over alleged harassment by security agents in the state .

It made a reference to a situation where an ambulance carrying a patient was prevented from moving to its destination while the attending health workers were harassed and temporarily detained .

In a release , the NMA said it has got assurances from the state government and top hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force that doctors will no longer be harassed or intimidated .

Part of the statement read , “The Nigerian police force has reached out to the Association to clarify and give assurance of cooperation with all health – workers .

“ The association has further received assurances from Governor of Lagos State , Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu , and the top hierarchy of the Police that no health workers will be further harassed in the course of their lawful efforts to sustain services in the middle of the pandemic .

“ Above all, the passionate appeal from the good people of Lagos State is difficult to resist considering the fact that they will be most hit by the situation.

“ Following a holistic consideration of the above development , the Association hereby resolves that the sit – at – home order issued on the 19 th of May is hereby reversed and our members are hereby directed to resume work from 6 pm today – 21 st of May 2020 (this affects those on call duty ).

“ That the Lagos state government should ensure clarity at all times , on the exempted status of healthcare and other essential workers for the entire period of the ongoing lockdown /restriction of movement .

“ That the Association will continue to monitor the situation and will not hesitate to take any action to protect the safety of our hardworking members . ”

Punch

The Inspector – General of Police , Mohammed Adamu, has directed all officers of the Force to “ extend due courtesies to essential service providers ” in all states across the country including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja .

He also ordered Force personnel deployed to enforce the 8 pm – to – 6 am curfew in the country to respect the fundamental rights of medical practitioners, journalists , other essential workers , and all citizens .

The PUNCH reports that the Nigerian Medical Association in Lagos State on Wednesday asked its members to embark on an indefinite ‘ sit – at – home ’ over alleged harassment and intimidation by police officers .

But in a statement , the Police said , “The Force wishes to state that it is not oblivious of the sensitive, indispensable , patriotic and frontline role of the nation’ s workforce that falls within the category of Essential Service Providers particularly as it relates to efforts to curtail & contain the COVID- 19 pandemic .

“ To this effect , all essential workers including medical personnel, ambulance service providers , journalists , firefighters , etc remain exempted from the movement restriction orders as well as the national curfew .

“ Consequently , the Inspector General of Police , IGP M . A Adamu , NPM , mni has directed Zonal Assistant Inspectors – General of Police and State Command Commissioners of Police to give maximum effect to these orders and extend due courtesies to essential service providers so affected and also ensure that personnel deployed for the enforcement duties respect the fundamental rights of the citizens . ”

The President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd . ) , has approved the termination of the appointment of Prof Charles Uwakwe as registrar and chief executive officer of the National Examinations Council .

The President also dismissed four members of the council ’ s management for various offences bordering on financial impropriety .

Uwakwe had been suspended since May 2018 by the Federal Government over alleged financial mismanagement and abuse of office . Mr Abubakar Gana had been appointed as the acting registrar .

Uwakwe and some top officials were said to have allegedly awarded contracts in the council to the tune of N25 bn without following due process .

NECO in a release confirmed that the suspended registrar had been relieved of his appointment by the President , while four members of the management had also been dismissed .

The President ’ s directive was conveyed in a letter , dated May 11 , 2020 and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono , on behalf of the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu .

It said Uwakwe was accused of violating the Public Procurement Act ( 2007 ) and pursuant to PSR 030402 and Part 1 schedule 4 ( i ) of NECO Establishment Act .

Echono said , “ After due consideration of the investigative panel on the allegation of unsatisfactory conduct levelled against you and some management staff of the council , Mr President in exercise of his powers , has approved your removal as the registrar and chief executive officer of National Examinations Council with effect from the date of your suspension from duty . ”

The former registrar was also directed to hand over all the government property in his custody to the acting registrar .

In another letter , FME / S/ 1419 /C. 3 /T/ 98 , on May 11 , by the permanent secretary, the President approved the dismissal from service of four management workers .

According to NECO , the affected officers are acting Director ( Finance and Accounts ), Mr Bamidele Olure ; Head of Procurement Division , Dr Shina Adetona; Deputy Director, Mr Tayo Odukoya , and the Head of Legal /Board matters, Babatunde Aina.

The letter partly read , “ After due consideration of the financial report of the Review Committee , Mr President has approved the recommendations as follows ; Bamidele Olure, dismissal from the service with effect from the date of his suspension from office having been found guilty of financial impropriety and not qualified to head the Finance and Accounts Department .

“ Dr Shina Adetona was dismissed from service with effect from the date he was suspended from office for acts tantamount to fraudulent practices, sabotage and suppression of official records . ”

Punch

The Nigerian Medical Association in Lagos State has asked its members to embark on an indefinite ‘ sit – at – home ’ over alleged harassment and intimidation of medical workers by security agents in the state .

The NMA on Wednesday gave the directive in a statement signed by its Chairman , Dr Saliu Oseni , and Secretary , Dr Ramon Moronkola , adding that the directive took effect from 6 pm on Wednesday .

The Lagos NMA accused police officers in Lagos of acting contrary to the directives of the Federal Government on lockdown order , noting that their members were unsafe.

“ As a direct result of the conflicting directives of the government and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police , Hakeem Odumosu , the Lagos State branch of Nigerian Medical Association was inundated of several cases of harassment and intimidation of doctors and other health workers by officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command to the extent that even ambulances carrying patients with emergency cases were impounded. This has become a recurrent issue.

“ The Lagos State branch of the NMA has resolved that it is presently unsafe for members to continue to provide healthcare services under the present confused arrangement.

“ You are hereby advised to proceed on a sit – at – home, in your best interest, starting from 6 pm today , Wednesday , 20 th May , 2020 indefinitely , until otherwise advised, ” the statement said .

However , the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy , Mr Gbenga Omotosho , said the issue had been resolved.

He said , “ Before it got to this level last night ( Tuesday ) , the Lagos State Government intervened and called the top hierarchy of the police and told them the confusion we had in town and immediately the matter was resolved .

“ When the NMA said it was going on strike , the commissioner for health and everybody have been on it and they have spoken to them that the police had reversed themselves and there was no need to go on strike and they agreed . ”

Organised labour unions at the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has trooped in large numbers to express their anger over the replacement of the managing Director of the company, Mr. Usman Gur Mohammed with Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz.

The unions, which staged the wild protest at the Company’s Headquarters located in Maitama District of the Federal Capital City, FCC, in Abuja, said they rejected the sacking of Mr. Mohammed as the Managing Director of TCN, by the Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman.

They however threatened to shut down power infrastructure should urgent step not taking by the government to reinstate him.

Recall Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman Tuesday night announced the replacement of the Managing Director, TCN Mr. Usman Gur Mohammed with Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz.

Engr. Abdulaziz until the appointment as the Managing Director of TCN in acting capacity was the Regional Transmission Manager (RTM), Abuja Region of TCN.

The development was contained in a statement by Mr. Aaron Artimas, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power.

Artimas explained that, “As part of continuing measures to reposition and improve the performance of the power sector in the country, the Honorable Minister of Power Engr. Sale Mamman hereby announces major changes at the Transmission Company of Nigeria.”

“Accordingly, the Managing Director of the TCN, Usman Gur Mohammed has been removed from office with immediate effect. He is being replaced with Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, as Managing Director, in acting capacity.

Dissatisfied, the members of the unions comprising the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, and the Nigerian Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, at TCN branch had abandoned their job to reject the sacking.

Other changes made by the minister include the appointment of four directors who have been on acting position in the Company for some time.

“They are; Eng. Victor G. Adewumi. Executive Director, Transmission Services Provider; Engr. M. J. Lawal, Executive Director, Independent Systems Operator; Ahmed lsa-Dutse, Executive Director, Finance & Accounts and Justin l. Dodo, Executive Director, Human Resources & Corporate Services.

He said, “All the changes/ appointments have been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Vanguard

The Federal Executive Council has approved N623 . 7 million for the Nigeria Customs Service to buy computers for its zonal and area commands .

The Minister of Information and Culture , Mr Lai Mohammed , gave the information at the end of the virtual FEC meeting .

“ The Minister of Finance presented a memo for the award of contract for 1 , 200 units of coloured printers and desktop computers for human resources and accounting management systems across zones and area commands of the Nigeria Customs Service , which was approved .

“ The sum of the contract was N623 , 700 , 000 for the 1 , 200 desktops and computers for the use of the Customs Service all over the country, ” Mohammed told reporters.

Punch