20 Osun judges, Edo speaker isolate selves as tribunal suspends sitting

•Oyo rests sick workers, CAN bans church activities in Adamawa

No fewer than 20 judges in Osun State have gone into isolation after returning from a trip to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The affected jurists, whose names were still under wraps, are being monitored by officials of the state government.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, confirmed the development to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday. He added that the judges went into seclusion to ascertain their medical status as the novel Coronavirus ravages the world.

The affected persons had attended a conference in the Middle East nation between March 9 and 20 before returning last weekend.

Meanwhile, the state government has ordered relevant agencies to mass-produce hand sanitisers following the confirmation of the index case of the disease in Osun.

The commissioner said the decision was to ensure availability of the original of the product for use by the people at an affordable price.

Similarly, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Francis yesterday self-isolated after he reportedly returned from the United Kingdom.Briefing journalists in Benin City, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu stated: “ The index case of the Coronavirus in Edo State is the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Francis Okiye.”

He added: “ Okiye travelled to the United Kingdom, came back and self-isolated. He sent his sample for testing and the test came back positive. He is in stable condition. His family members have been tested and the tests came back negative.”

However, President of World Christian Fellowship, Prophet Okoduwa Aiorkpa, has urged government at all levels to extend support to religious leaders in facilitating prayers and fasting to complement efforts in the fight against the CONVID-19 epidemic.He said spiritual warfare should be part of the measures being by employed government to tackle the ailment.

Besides, the Investment and Security Tribunal has suspended sitting indefinitely as part of measures to curtail the scourge.

It also put on hold all official trips, trainings as well as official gatherings and programmes involving more than 20 persons in conformity with the orders of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Acting Chairman, Ike Udunni, announced the measures yesterday in a statement in Abuja.

In Oyo State, the Governor Seyi Makinde administration has directed sick civil servants to stay off work subject to the permissions of their superiors.

The order was contained in a circular issued yesterday in Ibadan by the Permanent Secretary (Service Matters) on behalf of the Head of Service, Mrs. Ololade Agboola, and entitled: “COVID-19: Directive for Civil/Public Servants.”

Also yesterday, the Adamawa chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) banned Sunday services and other social activities by churches in the state. Its chairman, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza, made the pronouncements while addressing reporters in Yola.