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Iran’s Supreme Leader on Friday banned the government from importing COVID-19 vaccines from the United States and Britain, labelling the Western powers “untrustworthy”, as the infection spreads in the Middle East’s hardest-hit country.

In a live televised speech, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei raised the prospect of the two Western countries, long-time adversaries of the Islamic Republic, possibly seeking to spread the infection to other countries.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei newsweek

According to Reuters, he added however that Iran could obtain vaccines “from other reliable places”. He gave no details, but China and Russia are both allies of Iran.

“Imports of US and British vaccines into the country are forbidden ... They’re completely untrustworthy. It’s not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations,” said Khamenei, the country’s highest authority.

“Given our experience with France’s HIV-tainted blood supplies, French vaccines aren’t trustworthy either,” Khamenei said, referring to the country’s contaminated blood scandal of the 1980s and 1990s.

Iran launched human trials of its first domestic COVID-19 vaccine candidate late last month, saying it could help Iran defeat the pandemic despite US sanctions that affect its ability to import vaccines.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have risen since 2018, when President Donald Trump abandoned Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions to pressure Tehran into negotiating stricter curbs on its nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and support for regional proxy forces.

In retaliation for US sanctions, which were lifted under the nuclear deal, Tehran has gradually violated the accord. US President-elect Joe Biden, who takes office on January 20, has pledged to rejoin the agreement, if Tehran also returns to full compliance.

Khamenei said Tehran was in no rush for the United States to re-enter the deal, but that sanctions on the Islamic Republic must be lifted immediately.

Iran’s utmost authority, Khamenei, ruled out any talks over Tehran’s missile programme and Iran’s involvement in the Middle East, as demanded by the US and some other major powers.

“Contrary to the US, Iran’s involvement in the region creates stability and is aimed at preventing instability ... Iran’s involvement in the region is definite and will continue.”

Shortly before Khamenei’s speech, Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards unveiled an underground missile base at an undisclosed Gulf location.

The West sees Iran’s missiles both as a conventional military threat to regional stability and a possible delivery mechanism for nuclear weapons should Tehran develop them.

But Iran, which has one of the biggest missile programmes in the Middle East, regards the programme as an important deterrent and retaliatory force against the US and other adversaries – primarily Gulf Arabs – in the region in the event of war.

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Donald Trump says he won't attend Joe Biden's inauguration as president of the United States on January 20.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20," he tweeted on Friday.

The President had earlier issued a broadcast saying he's now focused on delivering a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power.

He also addressed the US Capitol's invasion by his supporters who were egged on by his claims of widespread voter fraud in the election of November 3, 2020.

He said, "I'll like to begin by addressing the heinous attack on the United States Capitol. Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem. I immediately deployed the National Guard and Federal Law Enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruders. America is and must always be a nation of law and order. See Also Sahara Reporters I Won't Attend Biden's Inauguration, Trump Says 0 Comments 2 Hours Ago

"The demonstrators who infiltrated the nation's Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy. To those who engaged in acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law, you will pay.

"We have just been through an intense election, and emotions are high. Now temper must be cooled and calm restored. We must get on with the business of America.

"My campaign vigorously pursued every legal avenue to content the election results. My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote. In so doing, I was fighting to defend America's democracy. I continue to strongly believe that we must reform our election laws to verify all voters' identity and eligibility and to ensure faith and confidence in all future elections.

"Now, Congress has certified the results. A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensure a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation. See Also Sahara Reporters US Capitol Riot: Policeman Dies, 14 Officers Injured, 68 Arrested So far 0 Comments 8 Hours Ago

"2020 has been a challenging time for our people. A menacing pandemic has abandoned the lives of our citizens, isolated millions in their homes, damaged our economy and claimed countless lives.

"Defeating this pandemic and rebuilding the greatest economy on earth will require all of us working together. It will require our renewed emphasis on patriots' civic values, faith charity, community, and family. We must revitalise the sacred bonds of love and loyalty that bind us all together as one national family.

"To the citizens of our country, serving as your president has been the honour of my lifetime. See Also Sahara Reporters Amnesty International Blasts Trump Over Capitol Riot 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

"And to all of my wonderful supporters. I know you are disappointed, but I also want you to know that our incredible journey is just beginning. Thank you, and God bless America."

United States of America News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Donald Trump says he won't attend Joe Biden's inauguration as president of the United States on January 20.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20," he tweeted on Friday.

The President had earlier issued a broadcast saying he's now focused on delivering a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power.

He also addressed the US Capitol's invasion by his supporters who were egged on by his claims of widespread voter fraud in the election of November 3, 2020.

He said, "I'll like to begin by addressing the heinous attack on the United States Capitol. Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem. I immediately deployed the National Guard and Federal Law Enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruders. America is and must always be a nation of law and order. See Also Sahara Reporters I Won't Attend Biden's Inauguration, Trump Says 0 Comments 2 Hours Ago

"The demonstrators who infiltrated the nation's Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy. To those who engaged in acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law, you will pay.

"We have just been through an intense election, and emotions are high. Now temper must be cooled and calm restored. We must get on with the business of America.

"My campaign vigorously pursued every legal avenue to content the election results. My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote. In so doing, I was fighting to defend America's democracy. I continue to strongly believe that we must reform our election laws to verify all voters' identity and eligibility and to ensure faith and confidence in all future elections.

"Now, Congress has certified the results. A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensure a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation. See Also Sahara Reporters US Capitol Riot: Policeman Dies, 14 Officers Injured, 68 Arrested So far 0 Comments 8 Hours Ago

"2020 has been a challenging time for our people. A menacing pandemic has abandoned the lives of our citizens, isolated millions in their homes, damaged our economy and claimed countless lives.

"Defeating this pandemic and rebuilding the greatest economy on earth will require all of us working together. It will require our renewed emphasis on patriots' civic values, faith charity, community, and family. We must revitalise the sacred bonds of love and loyalty that bind us all together as one national family.

"To the citizens of our country, serving as your president has been the honour of my lifetime. See Also Sahara Reporters Amnesty International Blasts Trump Over Capitol Riot 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

"And to all of my wonderful supporters. I know you are disappointed, but I also want you to know that our incredible journey is just beginning. Thank you, and God bless America."

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The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in Bangladesh has upheld a High Court order that approved bail for a Nigerian, Ajah Onyeanwusi, on the condition that he surrenders his passport.

The Appellate Division bench, led by Justice Syed Hossain, passed the order on Thursday. 

Onyeanwusi was arrested with crystal methamphetamine beside a city hotel on June 27, 2019.

Mosaddeque Reza, additional director (intelligence) of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), said he was arrested with 50g of crystal methamphetamine during a drug drive in the area.

Upon further interrogation, 472g of the hard drug was recovered from Onyeanwusi's residence in Dhaka’s Bashundhara area.

On September 30, the High Court approved bail for Onyeanwusi. Later an appeal was filed challenging the order.

Dhaka Tribune reported that Onyeanwusi came to Bangladesh as a student and was admitted to ASA University in Shyamoli of Dhaka.

After getting his bachelor’s degree from the Department of Pharmacy, he started his own garments business.

However, while making small profits from his legitimate business, it was alleged that the young Nigerian was making huge profits from another illegitimate business he was running behind the scenes – dealing in hard drugs, crystal methamphetamine. 

Onyeanwusi allegedly joined the drug trade in Bangladesh through Darknet, but his trade is not limited to the country. 

He also reportedly trades in over seven to eight countries.

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The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in Bangladesh has upheld a High Court order that approved bail for a Nigerian, Ajah Onyeanwusi, on the condition that he surrenders his passport.

The Appellate Division bench, led by Justice Syed Hossain, passed the order on Thursday. 

Onyeanwusi was arrested with crystal methamphetamine beside a city hotel on June 27, 2019.

Mosaddeque Reza, additional director (intelligence) of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), said he was arrested with 50g of crystal methamphetamine during a drug drive in the area.

Upon further interrogation, 472g of the hard drug was recovered from Onyeanwusi's residence in Dhaka’s Bashundhara area.

On September 30, the High Court approved bail for Onyeanwusi. Later an appeal was filed challenging the order.

Dhaka Tribune reported that Onyeanwusi came to Bangladesh as a student and was admitted to ASA University in Shyamoli of Dhaka.

After getting his bachelor’s degree from the Department of Pharmacy, he started his own garments business.

However, while making small profits from his legitimate business, it was alleged that the young Nigerian was making huge profits from another illegitimate business he was running behind the scenes – dealing in hard drugs, crystal methamphetamine. 

Onyeanwusi allegedly joined the drug trade in Bangladesh through Darknet, but his trade is not limited to the country. 

He also reportedly trades in over seven to eight countries.

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has promised that his administration is investigating the alleged killings by operatives of Oyo Security Network, better known as Amotekun Corps in the state.

The governor said his government had started investigating Wednesday’s incident at Tapa in the Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state, involving the Amotekun Corps, in which three people were allegedly killed. 

In a tweet on Friday, Makinde said, “Following the recent events in Tapa, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, it becomes imperative that I once again reassure the good people of Oyo State that our administration is doing everything in its power to address security issues in our state.

“One of the strategies we are using to check insecurity in the state is the recently introduced Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun). I am fully aware of the alleged highhandedness by some members of the corps. We are investigating these issues to address them promptly.

“The welfare and security of the good people of Oyo State remain our top priority. We will not sit back and watch any harassment or intimidation of members of the public or our security officers.

“Therefore, I urge the good people of Oyo State to please remain calm and allow members of the corps to perform their legally authorised duties for our people's well-being. Let me assure you that if any corps members are abusing their office, they will be dealt with accordingly.”

SaharaReporters had reported the alleged killing of three youths by the Amotekun Corps earlier in the week.

SaharaReporters had gathered that some youths clashed with some operatives of the Amotekun Corps during a New Year party at Tapa on Wednesday. See Also News Amotekun Kills Three Youths In Oyo Over Ban On Carnivals 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

Our correspondent gathered on Thursday that at least three people were killed in the clash between Amotekun Corps operatives and some residents of Tapa in the Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that trouble started when Amotekun Corps operatives went to the carnival ground to tell the youths to end the carnival.

A source in the town said, "Those boys were having a carnival and probably they were expected to close by 10 pm which they didn’t. The Amotekun operatives told them to stop and it took the boys some time to stop the music.

“In the process of trying to stop the carnival, there was an argument between the youths and the Amotekun, which made the youths to start stoning the Amotekun officers.

“Eventually, the Amotekun operatives started shooting directly at them and now, at least three people have been confirmed dead while many people were injured.

“Bullets have been removed from some people who did not partake in the carnival at all."

When contacted, Commandant of Amotekun Corps in the state, Col. Olayinka Olayanju, replied with a text message, saying, “Two killed confirmed. Amotekun properties destroyed. Houses of operatives burnt. It started with enforcing a ban on carnivals. Details later.”

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has promised that his administration is investigating the alleged killings by operatives of Oyo Security Network, better known as Amotekun Corps in the state.

The governor said his government had started investigating Wednesday’s incident at Tapa in the Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state, involving the Amotekun Corps, in which three people were allegedly killed. 

In a tweet on Friday, Makinde said, “Following the recent events in Tapa, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, it becomes imperative that I once again reassure the good people of Oyo State that our administration is doing everything in its power to address security issues in our state.

“One of the strategies we are using to check insecurity in the state is the recently introduced Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun). I am fully aware of the alleged highhandedness by some members of the corps. We are investigating these issues to address them promptly.

“The welfare and security of the good people of Oyo State remain our top priority. We will not sit back and watch any harassment or intimidation of members of the public or our security officers.

“Therefore, I urge the good people of Oyo State to please remain calm and allow members of the corps to perform their legally authorised duties for our people's well-being. Let me assure you that if any corps members are abusing their office, they will be dealt with accordingly.”

SaharaReporters had reported the alleged killing of three youths by the Amotekun Corps earlier in the week.

SaharaReporters had gathered that some youths clashed with some operatives of the Amotekun Corps during a New Year party at Tapa on Wednesday. See Also News Amotekun Kills Three Youths In Oyo Over Ban On Carnivals 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

Our correspondent gathered on Thursday that at least three people were killed in the clash between Amotekun Corps operatives and some residents of Tapa in the Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that trouble started when Amotekun Corps operatives went to the carnival ground to tell the youths to end the carnival.

A source in the town said, "Those boys were having a carnival and probably they were expected to close by 10 pm which they didn’t. The Amotekun operatives told them to stop and it took the boys some time to stop the music.

“In the process of trying to stop the carnival, there was an argument between the youths and the Amotekun, which made the youths to start stoning the Amotekun officers.

“Eventually, the Amotekun operatives started shooting directly at them and now, at least three people have been confirmed dead while many people were injured.

“Bullets have been removed from some people who did not partake in the carnival at all."

When contacted, Commandant of Amotekun Corps in the state, Col. Olayinka Olayanju, replied with a text message, saying, “Two killed confirmed. Amotekun properties destroyed. Houses of operatives burnt. It started with enforcing a ban on carnivals. Details later.”

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Donald Trump says he won't attend Joe Biden's inauguration as president of the United States on January 20.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20," he tweeted on Friday.

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Donald Trump says he won't attend Joe Biden's inauguration as president of the United States on January 20.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20," he tweeted on Friday.

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The United Kingdom has extended the ban on travellers entering England to 11 African countries to prevent the spread of a new COVID-19 variant identified in South Africa.

This was contained in a statement titled, ‘Travel restrictions update: South Africa ban extended, Israel (and Jerusalem)’ on the UK’s government website.

It stated that the restriction would take effect on Saturday and remain in place for two weeks.

The UK had on December 23, 2020, imposed a travel ban on South Africa.

Part of the statement read, “Entry into England will be banned to those who have travelled from or through any southern African country in the last ten days, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola – as well as Seychelles and Mauritius.

“This does not include British and Irish Nationals, longer-term visa holders and permanent residents, who will be able to enter but are required to self-isolate for ten days on arrival along with their household.

“The government has also removed Botswana, Seychelles and Mauritius from the travel corridor list, with the changes coming into place from 4 am on Saturday, January 9 2021.

“Any exemptions usually in place – including for those related to employment – will not apply and those British nationals arriving into England from the other southern African countries, Seychelles and Mauritius after 4 am on Saturday, January 9 cannot be released from self-isolation. People sharing a household with anyone self-isolating from these countries will also have to self-isolate for ten days.
 
“Ministers have also removed Israel (and Jerusalem) from the government’s travel corridor list, as data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and Public Health England has indicated a significant change in both the level and pace of confirmed cases of coronavirus. The decision to remove Israel (and Jerusalem) has been made following a sustained and accelerating increase in COVID-19 cases per 100,000 of the population, similar in trajectory to the UK.”
 

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The United Kingdom has extended the ban on travellers entering England to 11 African countries to prevent the spread of a new COVID-19 variant identified in South Africa.

This was contained in a statement titled, ‘Travel restrictions update: South Africa ban extended, Israel (and Jerusalem)’ on the UK’s government website.

It stated that the restriction would take effect on Saturday and remain in place for two weeks.

The UK had on December 23, 2020, imposed a travel ban on South Africa.

Part of the statement read, “Entry into England will be banned to those who have travelled from or through any southern African country in the last ten days, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola – as well as Seychelles and Mauritius.

“This does not include British and Irish Nationals, longer-term visa holders and permanent residents, who will be able to enter but are required to self-isolate for ten days on arrival along with their household.

“The government has also removed Botswana, Seychelles and Mauritius from the travel corridor list, with the changes coming into place from 4 am on Saturday, January 9 2021.

“Any exemptions usually in place – including for those related to employment – will not apply and those British nationals arriving into England from the other southern African countries, Seychelles and Mauritius after 4 am on Saturday, January 9 cannot be released from self-isolation. People sharing a household with anyone self-isolating from these countries will also have to self-isolate for ten days.
 
“Ministers have also removed Israel (and Jerusalem) from the government’s travel corridor list, as data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and Public Health England has indicated a significant change in both the level and pace of confirmed cases of coronavirus. The decision to remove Israel (and Jerusalem) has been made following a sustained and accelerating increase in COVID-19 cases per 100,000 of the population, similar in trajectory to the UK.”
 

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Thirteen civilians, eight of them children, died Friday when a woman suicide bomber blew herself up in a jihadist attack on a village in northern Cameroon, a traditional chief and a police officer told AFP.

Cameroon's Far North region is grappling with deadly incursions from neighbouring Nigeria, where an insurgency launched by Boko Haram in 2009 has killed tens of thousands of people.

Cameroon on the map Cameroon Concord News

Mahamat Chetima Abba, the traditional chief, or lamido, in the village of Mozogo, said the attackers arrived in the middle of the night, shouting "Allah Akbar" ("God is greater") and brandishing machetes.

The panicked villagers tried to run off into the nearby forest, and in the stampede the suicide bomber detonated her device, he said.

The account was confirmed by a member of the local defence committee, who said his group had tried to repel the attack.

"Thirteen civilians died, two of them children aged four and five as well as six teenagers," a regional police officer told AFP by phone, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The lamido confirmed the number, saying that a woman and her three children were among the dead.

Both attributed the attack to Boko Haram.

The police source said that in addition to the suicide bomber, the other fatality among the attackers was a man who was killed by the self-defence force.

"They infiltrated the population – Boko Haram is inflicting more and more damage here," Chetima Abba said.

"However, it seems that they no longer have the means to carry out mass attacks using guns," he said, noting that the assailants had carried machetes.

"They are using home-made bombs more and more," he said.

On Monday, three members of a self-defence force in the nearby village of Kaliari were killed.

More than 36,000 people have been killed, most of them in Nigeria, and three million people have fled their homes since Boko Haram launched its insurrection in northeastern Nigeria in 2009.

Boko Haram and a splinter group called the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have stepped up attacks in recent years in Nigeria and neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

Niger is also being hit by jihadists crossing from Mali.

An attack on two villages in the western Niger region of Tillaberi on Saturday left 105 dead, the highest civilian toll in the Sahel since the jihadist insurgency began in the region in 2012.

Boko Haram Cameroon Insurgency Terrorism News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Thirteen civilians, eight of them children, died Friday when a woman suicide bomber blew herself up in a jihadist attack on a village in northern Cameroon, a traditional chief and a police officer told AFP.

Cameroon's Far North region is grappling with deadly incursions from neighbouring Nigeria, where an insurgency launched by Boko Haram in 2009 has killed tens of thousands of people.

Cameroon on the map Cameroon Concord News

Mahamat Chetima Abba, the traditional chief, or lamido, in the village of Mozogo, said the attackers arrived in the middle of the night, shouting "Allah Akbar" ("God is greater") and brandishing machetes.

The panicked villagers tried to run off into the nearby forest, and in the stampede the suicide bomber detonated her device, he said.

The account was confirmed by a member of the local defence committee, who said his group had tried to repel the attack.

"Thirteen civilians died, two of them children aged four and five as well as six teenagers," a regional police officer told AFP by phone, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The lamido confirmed the number, saying that a woman and her three children were among the dead.

Both attributed the attack to Boko Haram.

The police source said that in addition to the suicide bomber, the other fatality among the attackers was a man who was killed by the self-defence force.

"They infiltrated the population – Boko Haram is inflicting more and more damage here," Chetima Abba said.

"However, it seems that they no longer have the means to carry out mass attacks using guns," he said, noting that the assailants had carried machetes.

"They are using home-made bombs more and more," he said.

On Monday, three members of a self-defence force in the nearby village of Kaliari were killed.

More than 36,000 people have been killed, most of them in Nigeria, and three million people have fled their homes since Boko Haram launched its insurrection in northeastern Nigeria in 2009.

Boko Haram and a splinter group called the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have stepped up attacks in recent years in Nigeria and neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

Niger is also being hit by jihadists crossing from Mali.

An attack on two villages in the western Niger region of Tillaberi on Saturday left 105 dead, the highest civilian toll in the Sahel since the jihadist insurgency began in the region in 2012.

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One thing is constant in the human ecosystem – class struggle. According to Karl Marx: "The history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggles.’’ There is perhaps, no other country where the fault lines of class are well accented like in Nigeria -- where the rich secrete themselves in vulgar mansions with ramparts flanked by slums and where the elite hedge themselves about with phalanxes of police officers, and even conscripting the security officers into their household servantry. 

But I think Nigeria is where there is ‘’no’’ class struggle. The deprived class have been viciously emasculated to even revolt against the predatory order. The elite keep the people down, adding layers and layers of yokes on their burdened backs. 

Even during a deadly pandemic that should ordinarily unite humans of all classes, the emphasis on class is loud. I understand there were some isolation centres in Abuja, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, unofficially designated as ‘’big people’’ centres. 

Nigerians witnessed how relief items donated by a body of private organisations to attenuate the adverse economic impact of the pandemic on struggling citizens were hoarded, and some of them diverted and appropriated by members of the elite. Some of these items were converted to personal tokens given to supporters as ‘’empowerment package’’.

The emphasis on class is becoming deafening as there are now vaccines against the infection. On Wednesday, Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, announced he has received the Pfizer vaccine in Dubai, United Arab Emirate. “The importance of the #COVID19 vaccine in mitigating the effect of the coronavirus cannot be overstated, particularly in Africa and Nigeria. Yesterday (Wednesday), as part of the mass vaccination programme, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine,” Paul Ibe, the former vice-president’s spokesman, said.

There appears to be some sort of vaccine pilgrimage to Dubai by the Nigerian rich. ‘’Vaccine tourism’’ some call it. No one should be emotionally blackmailed for what their money can buy them – especially in matters of life and death like COVID-19. But members of the political class should not always pretend that they care about the people. 

The Pfizer vaccine is the first and only vaccine to be granted emergency use authorisation by the World Health Organisation, and according to Pfizer and BioNTech, it is 95 percent effective. About 100,000 doses of this vaccine are expected in the country at the end of January. And of course, you can bet it that the elite have already ‘’scrambled and partitioned’’ them.

We have a very predatory elite class. There is no altruism in the bones of the Nigerian elite. It is the ‘’let me save myself while they perish’’ psychology. 

On Thursday, Faisal Shuaib, executive director and chief executive officer, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo would receive the COVID-19 vaccine on live television.

Well, Senator Shehu Sani has thrown down the gauntlet. He said: ‘’No need to vaccinate the VIPs on live TV. Just do the right thing. When you vaccinate leaders with Pfizer, make sure the people are also vaccinated with Pfizer. When you vaccinate the people with Russian or Chinese vaccine, make sure the leaders are also vaccinated with the same brand.’’

It makes sense that what is sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander. 

Interestingly, Nigeria is expecting some doses of vaccines from China. According to Geoffrey Onyeama, minister of foreign affairs, “China is also one of those countries that have been able to discover vaccines for COVID-19, so we are also engaging with China to also help with regards to access to vaccines for our people.”

CoronaVac is a Chinese vaccine by Sinovac, a Beijing-based biopharmaceutical company. Sinopharm, a Chinese company, is rolling out another vaccine. But these Chinese vaccines have not been given the ‘’all-clear’’ by some global health bodies. Unlike the Pfizer vaccine that has the imprimatur of the WHO, the Chinese vaccines have been largely used within China. 

The BBC in an analysis said it is hard to say at this point in time how effective CoronaVac is. It mentioned the scientific journal The Lancet as saying, ‘’we currently only have information from the first and second phase trials of CoronaVac’’. But China has already released the vaccine for public use – when there still is uncertainty about the third and most crucial stage. 
 
So, who gets the globally certified Pfizer vaccine and who gets the ‘’inchoate’’ Chinese vaccine?

Leaders must show personal example. You cannot vaccinate yourself with a globally-approved vaccine, but release an ‘’untested’’ vaccine into the population. Again, what is sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander. 

Fredrick Nwabufo is a writer and journalist.

Twitter @FredrickNwabufo

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Policemen deployed at a checkpoint in the Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State have shot dead a motorist, causing tension in the area.

SaharaReporters obtained a video made by some of the eyewitnesses where three armed policemen were seen around the victim, lying on the ground and writhing in pain.

From the video, the victim was driving a silver Lexus car.

The policemen at the checkpoint reportedly fired teargas canisters into the air to prevent eyewitnesses from perhaps taking photographs or videos of the incident.

A witness wrote, "Happening now, policemen have just killed somebody along Ihioma Road in the Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. Please share.

"We were also ‘sprayed’ teargas (dispersed with teargas). People are running as we speak. I am seeing this live as it is unfolding."

"The man that was shot was in the vehicle right behind us. We don't know why the policemen shot him. The man is already down. This is happening in Imo State. Please share," another eyewitness said.

 

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Apple will also remove the social network from its App Store if it does not change its policies.

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The FBI is appealing to the public for help in bringing rioters to justice. Will this approach work?

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Malta has the EU's strictest abortion ban - but pressure is growing to ease it.

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Chemistry student Innocent Havyarimana started a thriving business in a Kenyan refugee camp.

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Credit card companies are blocking payments to adult site Pornhub, which is hitting sex workers' earnings.

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The social media giant suspends the US president "due to the risk of further incitement of violence".

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Companies that trade with the UK say higher prices and less choice are on the way.

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Thousands of farmers have been camped outside the national capital for nearly two months now.

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In basketball, nothing is more important than the championship series. But for Renee Montgomery, some things are bigger than basketball.

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The vaccine is able to attack one of the mutations found in new forms of the virus, lab studies show.

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It's around 50 metres wide and caused a power outage in the Ospedale del Mare in Naples, Italy.

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After the Capitol riot, there are calls for Donald Trump to be removed from office. How likely is this?

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Why experts are concerned about the emergence of this particular new version of coronavirus.

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Satellite data shows that 2020 and 2016 are essentially tied as the hottest years since records began.

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We asked people around the US how they responded to the chaotic scenes from the US Capitol.