The High Court in Rivers on Monday granted an interim order, restraining Prince Uche Secondus from parading himself as the National Chairman and member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Kelvin Ebiri, the Special Assistant (Media) to Rivers Governor on Monday in Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the Degema Judicial Division presiding over a vacation court in Port Harcourt, granted the order, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
This followed a suit, no. PHC/2183/CS/2021 filed by Mr Ibeawuchi Alex and three others, listing Secondus and the PDP as respondents.
The court granted the applicants’ prayers, after reading the affidavit in support of the motion ex parte and the written address and hearing the submission of Mr H.A. Bello, counsel to the applicants.
The order also restrained Secondus from performing the functions of national chairman of the PDP, including calling, attending or presiding over any meeting of the party, among others.
The order restrained Secondus also from participating in any activity of the party whatsoever whilst on suspension as a member of the party pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The court also granted leave to serve by substituted means, the originating summons, motion on notice, all orders made by the court and all subsequent processes on the respondent
It further granted leave to serve by substituted means, orders made by the court on the respondents by publishing same in the Nation Newspaper.

I’M NOT AFRAID OF COURT, SAYS SECONDUS

Media office of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has been inundated with calls from media houses on a press statement sent to newsrooms by one Kelvin Ebiri, Special Assisatant Media to the Rivers state Governor, Bar Nysom Wike announcing that “Court Restrains Secondus from Parading as National Chairman, Member of PDP”.
Our reaction- “If Secondus and the party are taken to court they will defend themselves.
“PDP and Secondus are not afraid of court, this party is a child of history, owned by Nigerians, bigger than any individual or group including desperadoes.
Signed.
Ike Abonyi
SA Media.

Court in Rivers suspends Secondus
August 24, 2021
The High Court in Rivers on Monday granted an interim order, restraining Prince Uche Secondus from parading himself as the National Chairman and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Kelvin Ebiri, the Special Assistant (Media) to Rivers Governor on Monday in Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the Degema Judicial Division presiding over a vacation court in Port Harcourt, granted the order, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
This followed a suit, no. PHC/2183/CS/2021 filed by Mr Ibeawuchi Alex and three others, listing Secondus and the PDP as respondents.
The court granted the applicants’ prayers, after reading the affidavit in support of the motion ex parte and the written address and hearing the submission of Mr H.A. Bello, counsel to the applicants.
The order also restrained Secondus from performing the functions of national chairman of the PDP, including calling, attending or presiding over any meeting of the party, among others.
The order restrained Secondus also from participating in any activity of the party whatsoever whilst on suspension as a member of the party pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The court also granted leave to serve by substituted means, the originating summons, motion on notice, all orders made by the court and all subsequent processes on the respondent
It further granted leave to serve by substituted means, orders made by the court on the respondents by publishing same in the Nation Newspaper.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
COVID-19: WE’VE RECORDED 135 DEATHS IN THIRD WAVE, AS PANDEMIC CASES RISE IN LAGOS – SANWO-OLU
•‘Distribution of Moderna Vaccine Starts Wednesday’ – Governor
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed the record of 135 fatalities in the current third wave of the pandemic, highlighting the havoc being wreaked by deadly strains of the virus spreading in the country.
The Governor during a briefing on Monday at the State house, Ikeja revealed that the State has taken the delivery of Moderna vaccine from the Federal Government.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed the State received a little above 300,000 doses of Moderna vaccine to boost the State drive towards achieving herd immunity.
The test positivity rate, the Governor added, has also increased to 12.1 per cent in the past weeks, compared to seven per cent recorded at the end of July, 2021. This, he said, resulted from non-adherence to the laid-down health protocols designed to stop the spread of the pandemic.
Sanwo-Olu said the situation called for more responsibility, urging the residents to adhere to the preventive protocols put in place by the Government.
He said: “We are now clearly in the middle of third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and Lagos has remained the epicenter of the disease in Nigeria. Test positivity rate currently stands at 12.1 per cent, compared to 1.1 per cent at the end of June, and seven per cent at end of July. As at August 21, 4,387 positive cases are currently being managed actively in-community.
“Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 5,551 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos, with 506 registered fatalities. Of these deaths, 135 have sadly, happened in this current third wave. I commiserate with all residents who have lost loved ones to the pandemic. We share in your pain and grief. As a society and as a Government, it is for us to redouble our efforts to defeat this devastating pandemic.”
The increment in positive cases, Sanwo-Olu said, has also shot up oxygen demand at the Government-controlled isolation centres, with the State supplying 400 cylinders daily to patients with severe cases.
At the beginning of the third wave, it was learnt that 75 cylinders were consumed per day at the isolation centres.
Sanwo-Olu said the State would be ramping up its oxygen plants in the coming days, as he projected that the demand for oxygen may shoot up in the next few weeks.
From next Wednesday, the Governor said Lagos would start the distribution of the first dose of Moderna vaccine across 150 centres set up in the State for the exercise. Increasing vaccination, the Governor said, will stem cases of fatalities, urging residents to get the vaccine.
He said: “In terms of treatment of severe cases, we have seen a gradual increase in the uptake of oxygen during the current wave. Utilization has increased from 75 cylinders per day at the beginning of this third wave, to over 400 cylinders per day, currently. With our modelling suggesting that we may be requiring even more oxygen supply over the next few weeks, we are exploring several ways of increasing our oxygen capacity.
“One of the major pillars of our mitigation strategy for the third wave is vaccination. We are seeing that countries that have vaccinated a large percentage of their population are recording drastic reductions in the numbers of COVID-19 related deaths. This is one of the reasons why we have not spared any cost to ensure that the vaccines that have been provided by the Federal Government are made available to every resident that meets the requirements for the vaccination programme.”
As part of the strategy to stem the cases, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government identified 5,998 Persons of Interest and had successfully isolated 4,500 of them, most of whom arrived from red-listed countries.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
AUGUST 23, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF NIGERIA’S U20 ATHLETES
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Nigerian athletes on their outstanding achievements at the just concluded World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.
The President commends the team and their handlers for showcasing to the world that Nigeria is blessed with some of the best talents in the world of sport who by dint of hardwork and perseverance can dazzle anytime and anywhere.
With four gold and three bronze medals to finish third on the final medals table, the President believes that our sports ambassadors in Nairobi and the entire contingent have every reason to celebrate their well-deserved laurels, while putting the track and field world on notice of their intentions to surpass their achievements in the nearest future.
President Buhari thanks the victorious athletes for flying the country’s flag high at the competition, breaking new records from personal bests and national records all the way to championship record.
The President joins all Nigerians in celebrating our patriots for reinforcing the can-do and resilient spirit of the Nigerian at the Championships.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 23, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS VICTORIA AGUIYI-IRONSI, WIFE OF THE FIRST MILITARY HEAD OF STATE
President Muhammadu Buhari extends deepest condolences to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government and people of Abia State on the passing of Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi.
The President affirms that Lady Victoria’s incredible strength and exceptional courage during one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history pedestals her as a mother of the nation, God-fearing and a foremost woman of valour.
The President notes that the former First Lady will be remembered for laying a solid foundation for women’s leadership role in the seat of power and as a founding member of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association; she passionately championed the welfare and wellbeing of families of military officers.
The President recognises that 55 years after the death of General J.T Aguiyi-Ironsi, Lady Victoria never stopped working for the greater good of Nigeria, and for peace, stability, healing and reconciliation in the land.
The President sincerely hopes that Lady Victoria’s labours for the country will not be in vain, and joins all Nigerians in praying for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 23, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH FORMER MD OF NDDC, NSIMA EKERE, OVER PASSING OF FATHER, GABRIEL S. EKERE
President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, his family and Edemaya Clan in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom, over the death of his father, Obong Gabriel Sampson Ekere, 90, who was a renowned school teacher and community leader.
The President joins the Methodist Church, friends and associates in mourning the departed school teacher, who spent five decades of his life teaching, coaching and mentoring, and serving the country and his community as a sports administrator, public servant and church leader.
President Buhari believes Obong Ekere lived for the right values and diligently replicated same in his children, students, and spiritual mentees, imparting the truth and wisdom of the Bible, and courageously impacting many lives with love, warmth and kindness.
As Sir Ekere, who is a Knight in the Methodist Church, goes home, the President prays that the Almighty God will grant his soul a peaceful rest, and comfort the family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 23, 2021