Tuesday Briefing: Why is Babagana Zulum so pissed with the military?
What you really need to know this morning.
Good morning.
I’m writing about the new Covid restrictions, the extension of the NIN-SIM registration deadline and why Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, is losing faith in the military.
As Covid threatens . . .
The federal government on Monday ordered the closure of bars, nightclubs, pubs, event centres and recreational venues across the country as Covid cases continue to rise. All restaurants have also been directed to close, except those providing services to hotel residents, takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins.
Another angle: The new restrictions have been triggered not just by the rise in cases but the discovery of a new variant of the virus in the UK. More than 40 countries have barred flights from the UK already. Although, while the new strain is more transmissible, there is no evidence it is more deadly. According to one report, the UK variant has been found in Nigeria but the government is yet to decide whether to suspend flights from the UK.
Quote: “A lot of discussions is still going on around the calls for the restriction of international travels due to the discovery of new strains of the virus in certain countries,” Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid, Boss Mustapha, said. “The PTF, Aviation and health authorities including the WHO, are assessing the situation closely and would take a position as soon as a cogent scientific basis are established.”
NCDC: Daily cases slumped on Monday as the disease control agency reported 356 new infections. But six more deaths were recorded.
Deadline extended for NIN-SIM registration
The federal government has extended the deadline for deregistering SIMs without the National Identification Number after Nigerians invaded offices of the National Identity Management Commission on Monday, violating Covid guidelines.
Now, Nigerians with NIN have till January 19 to link their identification number with their SIM, while those without NIN have till February 9 to complete the process.
Context: The linking of the NIN with SIM cards has some merits, according to experts, as it helps to improve identity authentication of citizens and improve security management. But the timing of the government’s deadline has been criticised with the country in near-lockdown over a second wave of the Covid pandemic.
Blame game: An NIMC spokesperson faulted ‘last-minute rush’ Nigerians for Monday’s invasion of its offices, insisting that the Commission had put in place protocols to ensure compliance with Covid regulations. He also said the announcement to block SIMs without NIN had been made since March.
How-to: If you have an NIN, here is how to link it with your SIM(s).
Zulum’s Tirade
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, is not one to shy away from being openly critical of security operatives as he tries to shield his people from the constant threat of Boko Haram insurgents.
On Monday, the Governor launched another missile as he suggested there is no hope that the military can defeat Boko Haram. “So, if the military cannot secure an area that is 20 kilometres away from the state capital, how can they give us the hope that they will defeat Boko Haram?” Zulum said.
Context: Borno has witnessed rising cases of insurgent attacks this year. Even Zulum’s convoy has been repeatedly attacked as he navigates the state. Last month, over 40 farmers were slaughtered in Zabarmari, an action claimed by Boko Haram. On Friday, travellers were abducted along the Maiduguri-Damaturu expressway and Zulum can’t understand why it is so difficult for the military to secure the area.
Quote: “I have had occasions to defend the Nigerian military in order to boost the morale of commanders and their troops at the front lines because I know the true picture of things. However, I am really disappointed that despite all support from both the Federal Government and from us in Borno State, our military is failing to secure an area of 20 kilometres, which is the distance between Auno and Jakana. And incidentally, majority of Boko Haram’s attacks along this Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano road keeps happening between Auno and Jakana.”
Related: Gombe State Governor, Yahaya Inuwa, has said Nigeria is facing the worst security challenge in its history.
What else is happening?
2021 Budget: The National Assembly has passed the government’s spending plan for the next year. The lawmakers added N505 billion to the sum presented by the executive.
Maina: A federal high court sitting in Abuja has determined that the trial of the ex-Pension boss must proceed as he has a case to answer.
APC crisis: A faction of the party in Rivers State has suspended Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and also expelled former acting national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Giadom.
Olu of Warri: The monarch, Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko, has reportedly died after contracting COVID-19.
Pfizer: The European Union has approved the vaccine for widespread rollout. “The operation to buy, approve and distribute the shots across the European Union has been complex and politically charged, and the stakes could not be higher,” the New York Times said.
China: Due to a coal shortage, the country is reportedly rationing electricity for millions as it tries to convince residents not to use electric stoves and to put out lights on building facades and billboards.
Premier League: Chelsea returned to winning ways with a win against London rivals West Ham on Monday night.
And that’s it for this morning. See you tomorrow.
P.S. If you have some time, read my story on a young software engineer living with deafness in Lagos.