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Panic as man tests positive to COVID-19

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The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19 and activated its public health emergency response systems to prevent further spread.

The State Commissioner for Health, Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this in Calabar, assuring residents that the situation is under control and does not call for panic.

According to him, the case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Nigeria about a month ago and works in a company in Akamkpa Local Government Area. The patient initially showed mild symptoms before being admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where tests confirmed the infection.

“The patient is currently receiving treatment at the state’s designated isolation centre and is responding well,” Ayuk said.

He explained that authorities delayed the public announcement until all diagnostic procedures were completed to avoid misinformation, adding that the state remains vigilant in disease surveillance.

Ayuk noted that global travel continues to expose populations to infectious diseases, stressing that the presence of COVID-19 is not unique to Nigeria.

“We are living in a highly mobile world where diseases can easily cross borders. What matters is our ability to detect and contain them quickly, and that is what we are doing,” he added.

Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, said this is the first officially recorded COVID-19 case in the state since 2022. She attributed the low visibility of recent cases to widespread vaccination and the prevalence of mild or unreported infections.

Ekpenyong noted that symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat often resemble malaria, which may lead to underreporting.

“With even one confirmed case, it is classified as an outbreak, which is why we immediately activated the Emergency Operations Centre,” she said.

She added that rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa, while contact tracing and monitoring of exposed individuals are ongoing within the virus’s two to 14-day incubation period.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Jonah Offor, commended the collaboration between the state government, the World Health Organization, and other partners in managing the situation.

The WHO State Coordinator, Olatunde Rebecca, emphasized the need for continued surveillance, public awareness, and access to testing materials, warning that misinformation can worsen outbreaks.

“COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. Preventive measures such as handwashing, use of face masks, and physical distancing remain essential,” she said.

Rebecca added that efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with national health authorities, to identify the specific strain involved.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, said the state has significantly improved its outbreak response capacity, with early detection and rapid intervention helping to prevent wider transmission.

Health officials urged residents to remain calm, follow preventive measures, and report any symptoms promptly to the nearest health facility.

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Two APC states reschedule governorship primaries

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PRESS STATEMENT

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the rescheduling of its Governorship Primary Elections in Bauchi State and Kwara State to Friday, May 22, 2026.

In the same vein, the party has approved a new date for the State House of Assembly Primary Elections in Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies of Zamfara State, which will now hold on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The decision was ratified by the National Working Committee (NWC) after consultations with critical stakeholders as part of efforts to guarantee a transparent, peaceful, orderly, and credible primary election process.

The party reiterated its commitment to upholding internal democracy and ensuring the successful conduct of all primary elections ahead of the forthcoming polls.

Signed:

Felix Morka

National Publicity Secretary

All Progressives Congress (APC)

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Abia moves closer to energy independence

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The Governor of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving energy independence and expanding access to reliable electricity across the state following a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

The governor disclosed this after receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, alongside members of her management team during a courtesy visit to his office.

During the meeting, the governor praised the successful revival of the Alaoji Power Plant in Aba, describing the development as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to guarantee stable and uninterrupted electricity supply in the state.

According to him, the restoration of operations at the plant represents a critical milestone in strengthening power generation and supporting industrial growth, particularly within the Aba economic corridor.

He revealed that the Alaoji Power Plant currently dispatches approximately 375 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, while expansion plans are already underway to increase output capacity to nearly 800 megawatts, with long-term projections targeting up to 1,100 megawatts.

The governor noted that electricity remains central to his administration’s broader economic transformation agenda, stressing that sustainable power supply is essential for industrialization, job creation, healthcare delivery, education, and overall social development.

He explained that since assuming office, his government has implemented strategic reforms aimed at repositioning the power sector within the state. These reforms include the ring-fencing of the Aba industrial cluster to ensure more efficient electricity management and the ongoing process to acquire the Umuahia electricity axis of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

According to the governor, the measures are designed to place electricity generation, regulation, and distribution substantially under the control of the state government, thereby enabling faster decision-making and improved service delivery.

He expressed optimism that deeper collaboration between Abia State and NDPHC would make it possible to wheel electricity directly from the Alaoji facility to the remaining eight local government areas outside the Aba corridor.

The planned expansion, he said, would ensure that homes, schools, hospitals, and industries across the state gain access to reliable and affordable power supply.

The governor further emphasized that improved electricity infrastructure would significantly boost economic productivity, attract investors, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Reaffirming his administration’s vision, he declared that Abia State is prepared to lead Nigeria’s push toward subnational energy independence through strategic partnerships, infrastructure investments, and sector reforms.

He added that the state government remains committed to building a power ecosystem capable of driving industrial production, supporting innovation, and sustaining long-term prosperity for the people of Abia.

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Obidient Movement ex mobilization director apologises to Obi, supporters 

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A former Director of Mobilization of the Obidient Movement, Morris Monye, has issued a public apology to supporters of the movement and to Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over a controversial resignation letter he previously released.

In an open letter addressed to members of the Obidient Movement, Monye admitted that he acted out of “frustration and immaturity” when he published the resignation letter, which he said contained statements that unfairly targeted Obi.
According to him, the remarks did not reflect the values of accountability and constructive engagement associated with the movement.
“I allowed deep frustration and personal emotions to cloud my judgment. I made statements that subtly and unnecessarily dragged Peter Obi, a man I still respect for his vision, integrity, and sacrifice for this nation. That was wrong,” he stated.
Monye accepted full responsibility for the letter, stressing that no one influenced or edited his comments before publication. Although he later deleted the letter, he acknowledged that the action had already caused disappointment and loss of trust among supporters.
The former mobilization director also apologized directly to Obi and members of the Obidient Movement, especially young supporters who he said remained committed to the vision of a better Nigeria despite political challenges.
“To Peter Obi himself, Sir, I am sincerely sorry. My words were not a true reflection of the values of sacrifice, accountability, and constructive criticism that you preach,” he wrote.
He further noted that he was not seeking a return to any position within the movement, adding that his apology was motivated by a sense of responsibility and the need to own up to his mistakes.
Monye said he understood that trust could only be rebuilt through consistent actions over time and appealed for forgiveness from members of the movement.
He ended the letter on a lighter note, urging supporters to move forward in unity while reaffirming his commitment to the struggle for a better Nigeria.
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