10 top stories from Nigerian newspapers, Wednesday morning, March 25, 2020

These 10 top stories from Nigerian newspapers will interest you this Wednesday morning.

1. COVID-19: Lockdown Lagos, Abuja via Executive Order, Melaye advises Buhari

A former senator representing Kogi West Senatorial election, Dino Melaye has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to place Abuja and Lagos on lockdown with immediate effect over fears of the spread of coronavirus also known as COVID-19. The controversial politician in a statement signed and issued by him on Tuesday noted that President Buhari should do the needful because it is now clear that the coronavirus pandemic was a threat against humanity.

2. Buhari reacts to killing of soldiers by Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday expressed “profound grief and sorrow’’ over the killing of soldiers by Boko Haram terrorists in Gorgi Village, Borno State. The military authorities claimed that at least 47 soldiers were killed by the jihadists in the attack. The president, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the gallant soldiers’ sacrifices could not be quantified, and would not be in vain.

3. COVID-19: Osinbajo in self-isolation

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has embarked on self-isolation following cases of coronavirus in the presidency. The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, to the Vice President, Laolu Akande, disclosed this on Tuesday.

4. CORONAVIRUS: Govt warns Nigerians over malicious Android application

The Federal Government on Tuesday warned Nigerians over the existence of an Android-based malicious and fraudulent coronavirus Ransomware application, claiming to provide updates on COVID-19 and infections near the user.

5. Bauchi govt orders workers to stay at home over COVID-19

Bauchi State government Tuesday declared an indefinite stay-at-home order for workers in the state following the growing cases of coronavirus in the country. The state Head of Civil Service, Umar Sa’idu, who disclosed this in a statement, said the directive covered workers on levels 1 to 12.

6. COVID-19: Tinubu backs total lockdown in Lagos

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuesday suggested a total lockdown in Lagos State because of the increasing COVID-19 pandemic in the state. He also commended the preventive measures being taken by the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a bid to check the spread of the disease in the state.

7. COVID-19 forces Nigerian Navy to suspend recruitment exercise

The Nigerian Navy on Tuesday suspended its 2020 recruitment exercise in response to national concerns. The Force has consequently deactivated its recruitment portal. The Nigerian Navy launched the recruitment exercise on March 10 and instructed interested applicants to apply through the portal – www.joinnigeriannavy.com.

8. Nigerian govt suspends NIN enrollment over COVID-19

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on Tuesday suspended all enrollment activities and other ancillary services across the country effective from Tuesday. A statement issued by the NIMC Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, said the decision was taken because of the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

9. FCT to convert Zuba General Hospital to isolation centre

The Federal Capital Territory Administration on Tuesday said it would convert the Zuba General Hospital to an isolation and treatment centre to accommodate more patients should the need arise.

10. ENUGU: Court sacks monarch for presenting fake certificate

An Enugu State High Court presided over by Justice Afam Nwobodo, on Tuesday, ordered the sack of the traditional ruler of Umuogbugbuagu Autonomous Community, Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Government Area of the State, Chief Anayo Anochili. Justice Nwobodo held that Anochili was not qualified to contest for the Igweship stool, having presented a questionable Secondary School Certificate.