Twenty-two persons died from the Lassa fever outbreak in Bauchi state in 2023.This was confirmed by the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BASPHCDA)The agency’s chairman, Rilwanu Mohammed, disclosed this at a one-day advocacy engagement meeting with traditional and religious leaders on preventing infectious diseases on Thursday in Bauchi.The chairman, represented by Haruna Wakil, Deputy Director, Disease Control and Immunisation of the agency, said the state also recorded 678 suspected Lassa fever cases, 95 confirmed cases, and 22 deaths.He added, “the worst hit local government areas are Alkaleri, Bauchi, Tafawa Balewa, Ganjuwa, Dass, Kirfi, Toro, and parts of Kanam in Plateau.”Mr Mohammed stressed the need for proactive measures in the fight against infectious diseases, adding that the traditional rulers and community leaders have significant roles to play in achieving the set objectives.He further stressed the need to constantly pause and reflect on the present situation of things in communities to achieve the set objectives of a healthy society.The BASPHCDA boss assured of the agency’s readiness to collaborate with relevant organisations and NGOs to promote primary healthcare services in communities.Haruna Suleiman, Head of Inspection, Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), said the meeting was to achieve a healthy society.Mr Suleiman said the importance of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) cannot be overemphasised “because it is the basis of living due to the fact that life itself revolves around cleanliness.”He, however, lamented that people had since abandoned the COVID-19 protocol of social distancing, washing hands, and wearing a face mask, a development that increased the spread of infectious diseases.(NAN)

The Kano State Government has called on the governor-elect, Abba Kabir Yusuf to desist from issuing official pronouncements in the form of public advisory in order not to cause unnecessary confusion because Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, is still in charge of the state. This is contained in a statement issued by the commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba on Friday, March 31, 2023, in reaction to a directive issued from the office of the governor-elect, warning individuals, groups and organizations undertaking construction on public places to keep off. “Kano State Government has called on Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as governor-elect to exercise patience and desist from issuing official pronouncement in form of public advisory in order not to cause unnecessary confusion in the state,” the statement read. He said the action of the governor-elect amounts to jumping the gun by issuing directive on a matter affecting government laid down policy while the incumbent is yet to run his full term. The statement also noted that as far as the division of power is concerned as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje remains the governor with executive powers until May 29 and reserves the right to carry out his functions in public interest even on the eve of his exit. “Until he subscribes to the oath of office as governor in May 29, he remains what he is-a governor-elect and does not have the powers of the governor. All he can do is to reverse some of the actions taken by his predecessor when he assumes office if there is a valid reason to do so. No governor-elect has the constitutional or legal powers to determine the direction of a state until he is sworn in,” the statement added. The commissioner noted that state governors wielded enormous powers to allocate plots and therefore every government has undertaken such exercise including the previous administration which the governor-elect had served. He also stated that based on available records, the previous administration has made land allocation in some of the public places the governor-elect categorically mentioned which include the city wall, with allocation of land from Kofar Nassarawa to Kofar Mata; shops at the Kofar Mata Eid Prayer Ground facing the Orion Cinema and from Kofar Mata to ‘Yan yashi opposite the Eid Ground and from Kofar Kabuga to Kofar Famfo facing the old Campus of Bayero University. Malam Garba explained that the advisory issued by the governor-elect has generated a lot of tension in the state and advised him to desist from such in order to avoid causing confusion. He also called on individuals and organisations who acquired land after following due process and procedures not to be threatened by the directive.

The hall of BON Platinum Hotel within the Independence Layout has been sealed by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA.The venue was where the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, issued certificates to Governor-elect Peter Mbah, deputy Ifeanyi Ossai and House of Assembly members-elect.A structural defect had caused a loud noise on Thursday during the issuance of the certificates of return to the winners.The bang triggered pandemonium which caused the recipients, their family members, INEC officials and others to scamper for safety.During an inspection on Friday, the ECTDA discovered the building had no approval plan, the same case with another structure under construction.The Chairman, Josef Onoh announced that the hall would remain shut pending the outcome of further integrity checks.“The proprietor is not ready to exercise patience for the Nigeria Society of Engineers to come for their own inspection.“Asking us to allow her host a wedding there tomorrow. I wonder how much she collected that the venue cannot be relocated,” Onoh said.