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COVID-19: Nigeria has Expressed Interest to be Part of Coronavirus Drug Trials – WHO

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that Nigeria has expressed interest to be part of the global solidarity drug trial to tackle COVID-19 pandemic and that the process would soon start in the country.

The Officer in charge, WHO Nigeria and member of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Dr. Fiona Braka, told Daily Trust in an exclusive interview on Saturday in Abuja that what Nigeria signed up for was drug trial and not vaccine trial, as there was yet no vaccine for the COVID-19.

According to her, the four drugs that will be monitored in the solidarity trial are Remdesivir; Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine; Lopinavir; and Ritonavir.

She said that over 100 countries have joined the solidarity trial and that till date, over 1,200 patients have been randomized from the first five countries to evaluate the relative effectiveness of the drugs with regards to Covid-19.

She also said that 89 vaccines are being developed globally, including seven in clinical evaluation and several therapeutics in clinical trials to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. “Nigeria has also expressed interest to be part of this solidarity trial and efforts are underway to start the process in Nigeria. The solidarity trial is not experimenting on new drugs, as the drugs in use currently are re-purposed and safe drugs. WHO is not commencing vaccine trials in Nigeria, there is no vaccine available yet and it will take another 12-18 months before one is available,” she said.

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‘Give Them Their Money Directly’ — Tinubu Warns Governors Over LG Allocations

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to state governors over the handling of Local Government (LG) allocations, insisting that funds meant for LGs must be paid directly to them in line with the Supreme Court judgment.
Speaking on Friday at the 15th APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that the apex court has once again made its position clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. According to him, compliance is no longer optional, as the judgment is binding on all tiers of government.
“The Supreme Court has capped it for you again, saying, ‘give them their money directly’. If you wait for my Executive Order, because I have the knife, I have the yam, I will cut it,” the President said, adding that he has chosen to be patient and respectful with governors.
However, Tinubu warned that continued delay or refusal to implement the ruling would attract consequences, noting that enforcement could begin through FAAC disbursements if necessary.
Emphasizing the rule of law, the President said the ultimate authority remains the Supreme Court and its judgment must be obeyed without excuses.
“We have to comply. We have to respect the judgment,” he concluded.

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Accord Party Welcomes Adeleke for 2026 Governorship Bid

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The Accord Party in Osun State has indicated that Governor Ademola Adeleke would be granted a waiver if he decides to contest the 2026 governorship election under its platform.

Victor Akande, Chairman of Accord Party in Osun, told The PUNCH on Sunday that Adeleke or his aides have not formally approached the party, describing speculation about a potential defection as “mere rumours.”

Accord Party has emerged as a possible platform for Adeleke’s re-election amid internal tensions in his current party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Akande said the party already has two aspirants for its ticket in the August 8, 2026 election but would welcome Adeleke if he chooses to join.

“The issue of Governor Adeleke is still a rumour. I have not met with anyone from the government about this. Accord Party is not the only option being speculated for his defection, but if he comes, we will receive him wholeheartedly,” Akande stated.

He added, “Our doors are always open. People are free to join or leave at any time. If Adeleke comes, he will receive a waiver to contest just like any other aspirant. Currently, two individuals have shown interest in running under our platform, though they have not made financial commitments yet.”

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Goodluck Jonathan Reportedly Stranded in Guinea-Bissau After Sudden Military Takeover

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Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly stranded in Guinea-Bissau following the military’s announcement of a takeover on Tuesday.

Jonathan, who travelled to the country as part of an international election observation mission, was expected to oversee the release of official results before the unexpected shift in power disrupted all movement. Sources say he and other foreign observers are currently unable to leave as security restrictions tighten across the capital.

The situation has sparked concern among regional stakeholders, with diplomatic channels said to be monitoring developments closely. So far, neither Jonathan nor Nigerian authorities have issued an official statement on his safety or plans to return.

The unfolding political tension in Guinea-Bissau continues to draw global attention, especially as the fate of the election results remains unclear.

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