Good Morning.
I am writing about the abducted students in Katsina, a spike in COVID-19 cases and the BBC documentary enmeshed in controversy.
Buhari goes missing, again
Despite being in Katsina, President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday did not show up at Government Science Secondary School, Kankara where more than 300 students remain missing after a bandits attack. Instead, a federal government delegation consisting of military chiefs turned up at the school. This is not the first time the President would be avoiding the scene of a major humanitarian disaster.
The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi, on Sunday said the students will be returned in the next few hours. Well, it’s Monday and no news yet.
Quote: “From 2015 till date, the Buhari regime is infamous for its response during crisis as the President is wont to sending delegations to crisis-torn places, an action that has attracted censure from many Nigerians who expect him to show leadership in times of tragedy and emergency by leading from the front just like other world leaders.”
Related: Meanwhile, protests have rocked Katsina as locals demand for the return of the students. The Coalition of Northern Groups, a nonprofit, has also been talking tough. “Failure of the government to rescue the missing students within the shortest period of time, CNG will not hesitate to mobilize hundreds of thousands on the streets of Katsina state for a continuous protest, until the students are fully rescued, even if it’s going to cost our lives,” one of the group’s leaders, Jamiu Aliyu, said at a press conference.
Covid is back
It never really did go away. But the number of new cases have skyrocketed in the past week. According to one count, the country recorded 3,820 new cases last week, the highest in over four months.
High Profile: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has tested positive for the virus and, on Sunday, at least 18 Nigerian army generals were reported to have contracted the virus after coming in contact with late Major General Olu Irefin who died from COVID-19 complications last week.
Vaccine: Some good news. The United States is set to roll-out the Pfizer vaccine today after nearly three million doses were packed in dry ice and put on trucks to be distributed across American states. The New York Times said it is the “most ambitious vaccination campaign in American history.”
Related: Nigeria isn’t the only country seeing a resurgence in cases. Germany is actually set for another national lockdown, starting next week and continuing through the Christmas period.
Warning: Yes, vaccines have been developed but mass production and distribution is still a challenge. As the virus ravages, experts maintain it remains advisable to wear a mask, keep away from large crowds, maintain good hygiene and isolate if you begin to exhibit Covid symptoms.
The Fight For A BBC Documentary
When the BBC released Sex For Grades last year, it had an earth-shaterring impact, exposing how university lecturers abuse their power without fear of consequences. One year later, a controversy about who should be credited for the documentary’s stellar success has surfaced. One aggrieved BBC reporter, Ogechi Obidiebube, said her story was hijacked and she attempted suicide on Sunday.
Quote: “You can fool your minions and the gullible media but deep down you know your brain could never operate at this level, you don’t have the range. Call me bitter but who would be happy watching an opportunist claim what belongs to other hard workers?”
Another Angle: Kiki Mordi, who was credited as a leading reporter, has maintained she did not steal anybody’s work as she played a leading role in the documentary’s production. “This story is personal to me,” she said on Twitter. “I was happy to play my small part. I didn’t hustle or apply or pitch or beg for this position. I just kept proving how useful, brilliant and professional I was. My hard work should never erase another’s, everyone worked hard, every one delivered.”
What else is happening?
Brexit: The UK and EU, struggling to find common ground, have decided to continue to hold talks.
Arsenal: The premier league club lost to Brighton on Sunday, sparking calls for the sack of coach Mikel Arteta. The gunners only have one win in their last eight league games.
Uganda: Authorities in the East Africa country have arrested pop stars Omah Lay and Tems after they flouted its Covid guidelines.
Itse Sagay: The anti-corruption adviser said the National Assembly cannot compel the President to appear before it.
Russia: Reports have emerged that hackers, most likely sanctioned by the Kremlin, have broke into a range of key US government networks, including in the Treasury and Commerce Departments.
Oyo State: Two Indian nationals have been kidnapped in the south-west state, the police confirmed on Sunday.
Obituary: John le Carré, who wrote best-selling Cold War thrillers, died at 89 on Sunday.
And that’s it for this morning. Thank you for starting your day with me. Please do let me know if you found the update useful. Or you think I should add something? Let. Me. Know. Okay?
Have a great week.