Among those sanctioned is the former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.

“The Chinese government is firmly resolved to defend China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests,” Beijing said in a statement.

“China has decided to sanction 28 persons who have seriously violated China’s sovereignty and who have been mainly responsible for such US moves on China-related issues.”

Besides Pompeo, those sanctioned include Trump’s Trade Advisor Peter Navarro, National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell, Health Secretary Alex Azar and United Nations envoy Kelly Craft.

US Ambassador to the UN John R Bolton and Trump’s former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon were also sanctioned.

Beijing called the American diplomats, “anti-China politicians”, and said that they executed “crazy moves” out of their selfish political interests and prejudice and hatred against the country. These actions interfered with Beijing’s interests, internal matters, and sovereignty as well as disrupted China-US relations, the statement said.

“These individuals and their immediate family members are prohibited from entering the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao of China,” the ministry said.

“They and companies and institutions associated with them are also restricted from doing business with China.”

Bolton called the sanctions great news. “I accept this prestigious recognition of my unrelenting efforts to defend American freedom,” he tweeted.

China’s move came just after Joe Biden’s swearing-in ceremony as the president of the United States.

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He said this on Wednesday, adding that he would go to the Supreme Court to dispute the counting of votes, if not declared the re-elected president.

“We did win this election,” Trump said in an extraordinary speech from the ceremonial East Room of the White House.

“For the good of this nation, this is a very big moment. This is a major fraud in our nation. We want the law to be used in a proper manner. So, we will be going to the US Supreme Court,” Trump said.

The Republican, who according to initial results is in a neck-and-neck race with Democrat Joe Biden, said he would go to court and “we want all voting to stop.”

He appeared to mean stopping the counting of mail-in ballots which can be legally accepted by state election boards after Tuesday’s election, provided they were sent in time.

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Boss Mustapha recalled the reassuring telephone conversation between Mr. President and President Donald Trump of the United States of America, during which they exchanged ideas on emergency responses, further highlights the global response to this pandemic and underscores the collaboration between all nations in solving the problem.

“We therefore welcome and appreciate the offer of ventilators by the American President.

He said in line with Mr. President’s directive in paragraphs 38-41 of his broadcast, the PTF has developed sector specific guidelines. The gradual reopening of the economy will span a total of 6 weeks broken into 3 tranches of 2 weeks each.

“Phased strategy is designed to reduce the pains of socio-economic disruptions while strengthening our public health response, which would ultimately reduce the recovery of our economy and provide succour to the poor and vulnerable.

​”To underscore  the collaborative efforts with Sub-National levels of Government, they are encouraged to provide leadership in engaging relevant associations responsible for various sectors e.g market associations and transport unions for orderly and effective implementation. Similarly, I want to emphasise the need for the security agencies to strictly enforce these new measures that have been put in place.

​Following the pronouncement of the President, it has become necessary to provide initial clarifications for Nigerians on some of the new measures such as the overnight curfew , inter-state travels and related matters. Specific details will be provided shortly by the National Coordinator.

For the avoidance of doubt, the following clarifications, are provided:
i. The overnight curfew is applicable nationwide from 8.00pm to 06.00am daily, effective Monday, 4th of May, 2020;
ii. Inter-State travels are banned except for the movement of goods, agro-products, petroleum products, essential services, etc such as directed by Mr. President;
iii. The Management of various offices, premises and businesses that will be gradually re-opened are mandated to ensure that the following preparatory steps are taken:
a. Fumigation and decontamination,
b. Arrangement made for physical distancing;
c. Provision of hand sanitizers and hand washing facilities;
d. Application of the policy on mandatory use of face masks;
e. Provision of thermometers for temperature checks;
f. Consideration must be given to persons living with disabilities while making all these arrangements;
g. Increased communication with staff on COVID-19 and measures put in place; and
h. Any other measure that may be peculiar for the organisations and/or sector;
iv. Mass gathering of more than 20 people outside of a workplace is strictly prohibited;
v. Controlled access to neighborhood markets and locations of economic activities will be enforced;
vi. Mandatory temperature checks will be conducted in public places;
vii. Social distancing of 2 metres to be maintained between people in workplaces and other public places;
viii. All passenger flights remain under ban; and
ix. Mandatory supervised isolation of persons arriving from outside the country for at least 14 days.

State Governments in collaboration with Security Agencies and relevant trade associations are strongly advised to ensure that these measures are strictly enforced;

​I must emphasise once more that the easing of restrictions and introduction of revised measures do not amount to the end of this battle against COVID-19. Indeed, it signifies the need for more vigilance and stringent compliance so that we are not lulled into complacence capable of diminishing the progress we have made so far.

​In furtherance of tackling the situation in Kano, the technical team of public health experts sent by the PTF has begun the evaluation of the situation in the State, working in collaboration with the State’s Team. I am pleased to also inform you that the operationalization of the laboratories in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University Kano, will considerably improve our response to the pandemic in Kano State. Additionally, fifty trucks of assorted grains have been sent to Kano and due for delivery within the next 48 hours.

The PTF appreciates the cooperation of the Governor and the medical team in Kano State.

I need to, at this point, mention the role of Research in this exercise. We must encourage our local scientists and deepen our capacity for research. There is a huge role for all relevant Research Institutes to play at this time. The Federal Ministry of Health is coordinating the process in conjunction with the National Institute for Medical Research and the Nigerian Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development. We have received information on domestic and international claims about emerging inventions on COVID-19. These are most welcome but scientific validation process and protocols will have to be followed. We are open to all options for the good of humanity.

The PTF appreciates the feedback, reports, suggestions and constructive criticisms received from Nigerians on its activities, through the Whatsapp platform deployed on telephone number 07053536666. We look forward to more interaction to enable us improve our work.

Once again, we urge everyone, as citizens, to take responsibility for our actions, so that we can collectively overcome the COVID-19 scourge. I would not fail to reiterate the need for Nigerians to please continue to adhere to the laid down advisories.

​Once again, I appreciate the members of the press and our frontline workers for your invaluable contributions to the success of this war.

The PTF continues to receive donations in kind from different organisations and groups to support the fight against COVID-19. This morning, the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria donated assorted food items. The Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International -Nigeria has also donated the sum of N10 Million. The PTF and indeed the nation, appreciates these gestures and assure the donors that the resources would be judiciously applied.​

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Confirming the conversation, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed, disclosed that the meeting was on the request of President Trump and that the conversation between the leaders was cordial.

The minister noted that the meeting lasted for several minutes and that the discussion between the leaders was centered on Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muhammed said: “During the meeting, President Buhari used the opportunity to brief the American President on the steps that Nigeria is taking to contain the spread of the disease.

“On his part, President Trump assured that the United States stands in solidarity with Nigeria in this difficult time and promised to send ventilators to support the country in its fight against the pandemic.

The minister further disclosed that President Trump, during the conversation, extends his best regards to the people of Nigeria.

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“I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom. It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!” Trump tweeted.

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