The relaxation has triggered deep concern in some quarters, given how easily the coronavirus spread and the poor state of Nigeria’s health system.
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Bus stations were full Monday, with masks mandatory in all public places. Buses were allowed to operate only at half capacity and only within Kigali.
The government suspended the director and a senior official of the national laboratory responsible for coronavirus testing after President John Magufuli denounced irregularities at the facility.
Justice Minister Abubakar Malami said the recovery of the funds “further consolidates” the government’s record on repatriating stolen money, citing an earlier deal with Switzerland that saw $322 million returned in 2018.
Judge Maureen Onyetenu agreed with Olukoya Ogungbeje, who sued on behalf of himself and other protesters, that the Federal Government deprived them of their right to peaceful assembly and association, in violation of sections 38, 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution.
The promise to free the two reporters in detention came on the heels of the World Press Freedom Day 2020 being held globally to canvass freedom for journalists.
Presidential medical team leader, Dr. Nasiru Sani Gwarzo explained that the verbal autopsies and tests carried out established without doubt that COVID-19 caused the deaths that had earlier been described by state officials as being caused by a “mysterious” ailment.
Despite this huge reduction, the government also agreed at a cabinet meeting to increase the minimum wage from 18,000 dinars ($140) per month to 20,000 dinars, while income tax will be abolished for those earning 30,000 dinars or less, a government statement said.
Issoufou’s labour minister since 2017, Ben Omar began his political life in 1999 under president Mamadou Tandja, serving in parliament or in various ministerial roles in the poor Sahel nation.
Community leaders contend ordinary civilians are bearing the brunt of the operations, which include mass detentions, an internet blackout and restrictions on political activity.