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Pope Francis’ condition has improved – Vatican

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The clinical condition of Pope Francis, who is suffering from pneumonia, has improved slightly, the Vatican said late on Thursday.

The 88-year-old pontiff also has no fever, a spokesman said.

Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday last week.

There is currently no indication when he might be discharged.

A few days ago, doctors diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs.

Francis had resisted going to hospital since mid-December, in spite of evident health problems.

Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi on Thursday said he thought the pope would consider resigning if his health deteriorated.

“If he found himself in a situation where he was compromised in his ability to have direct contact with people, then I believe he might consider resigning,” Ravasi said in a radio interview.

He described the pope’s condition as “complex, but not critical.”

French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline also did not rule out resignation. Regarding speculation that Francis could follow the example of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, Aveline said: “Everything is possible.”

Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 and lived a secluded life in the Vatican until his death at the end of 2022.

Pope Francis has repeatedly rejected rumours of his possible resignation.

However, some time ago he announced that he had deposited a signed letter of resignation at the Vatican Secretariat of State at the beginning of his term of office – but only to take effect if he were incapacitated and too severely affected by a serious illness to carry out his duties.

The health of the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide has been poor for a long time.

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Pneumonia can sometimes be life-threatening, especially at such an advanced age and with various pre-existing conditions.

French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline called for prayers to be said for Pope Francis during a news conference in the Vatican earlier on Thursday.

“He is tired. He is one of those people who have to be taken to hospital if we really want them to get better.

“Otherwise they never recover,” the influential archbishop of Marseille told journalists.

Aveline said he had no more precise information and would not engage in speculation. But he also expressed his concern. The 66-year-old cardinal is among the possible successors to Francis.

Earlier on Thursday, the Corriere della Sera newspaper reported that Francis had been in jovial mood when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni popped in to visit him in hospital.

“The doctors have said that I have to watch my health, otherwise I would go straight to heaven,” the 88-year-old pontiff said, according to the report.

“I know that there are people outside there who say my time has come,” he added.

Meloni visited the pope on Wednesday, for an audience lasting around 20 minutes.

Her office subsequently reported that Francis had been awake and alert.

“We joked constantly. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humour,” Meloni said after the visit.

The Vatican reported that the pope had spent a sixth “restful night” in hospital without further complication.

He had got up and taken breakfast in an armchair, the Vatican statement said.

The pope was admitted after falling ill with bronchitis. Concerns grew following a Tuesday update in which the Vatican reported that he was suffering from double pneumonia.

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While there are more than 250 cardinals around the world, only 138 of them are currently under the age threshold of 80 and would participate in the conclave to elect the next pope.

The conclave sits in secrecy in the Sistine Chapel. A plume of white smoke from the chapel’s chimney indicates that a decision has reached. (dpa/NAN)

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Again, Gunmen Kill 6 Residents In Plateau Communities

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At least, six persons have been confirmed dead when gunmen, in renewed attacks, stormed Marit and Gashish communities of Barkin Ladi local government council of Plateau State on Monday.

Our correspondent reports that the gunmen stormed the communities and started shooting sporadically, leaving several others with injuries.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Barki Ladi local government area, Hon. Stephen Gyang, through the LG’s information officer, Mercy Yop Chuwang, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

Gyang vehemently condemned the attacks that resulted in the loss of six innocent lives at Marit Village and Gashish District.

The Chairman who also visited the injured persons at the Barki Ladi General Hospital, expressed profound sadness and disappointment over the resurgence of violence in the area at a time the Council is working tirelessly to promote peace and stability.

He acknowledged the efforts of vigilantes and security agencies in maintaining law and order and urged them to be more proactive and vigilant in preventing further attacks.

Gyang also emphasised that the cycle of violence must be brought to an end and called on all relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, community leaders, and residents to join hands in promoting peace and security in Barkin Ladi.

He prayed for God’s comfort and peace for the families of the deceased and communities affected by the attack while he admonished the healthcare personnel to urgently attend to the health needs of the survivors of the attack.

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Court to hear suit filed by scavengers, beggars against Wike May 29

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, adjourned a suit filed by some vulnerable FCT residents, including scavengers, beggars, petty traders, among others, against the Minister, Nyesom Wike, until May 29 for hearing.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter after Adamu Mahmood, who appeared for the plaintiff, sought an extension of time to file a further affidavit in response to a counter affidavit served on him.

The aggrieved residents sued the minster, the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on April 15, reported that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) filed its counter affidavit.

The NSCDC (civil defence), in its counter affidavit deposed to by Goodness Akomolafe, denied all the allegations.

In the application dated and filed April 15, the civil defence said it had not violated the applicant’s fundamental human rights in any way.

Besides, the Department of State Service (DSS), another defendant, also denied allegations by the plaintiff, urging the court to dismiss the suit.

NAN reports that a legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice Omotosho on behalf of the vulnerable residents.

Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

The applicant sued Wike; I-G; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and NSCDC as 1st to 4th respondents in his bid to stop their alleged arbitrary arrest on Abuja streets.

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The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Federal Government of Nigeria as 5th to 6th respondents respectively.

He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.

The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).

He is, therefore, seeking “an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024.

“An order mandating the respondents to set in motion and implement immediate policies and reforms, including public education for the realisation of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians residing in Nigeria.”

Hikima averred that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, on the Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, he sighted a motorcade of a joint task force security operatives and enforcement officers, including personnel of the military and police arresting numerous individuals perceived as homeless persons, scavengers and beggars.

He alleged that those arrested include hawkers of goods such as ice cream, sweets and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful businesses along the roadside and persons dressed in ways reflecting their economic hardship or appearing homeless.

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According to him, the individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed and subjected to physical threats in full view of all passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

He said he felt devastated as a human rights lawyer, and decided to trail the task force’s motorcade from a reasonable distance to Eagle Square along Shehu Shagari Way where they dropped off the victims.(NAN)

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  EU, UN Agencies Launch €60m Social Protection Initiative In Sokoto

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By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

The European Union (EU) and United  Nations (UN) Agencies with DRC Monay launched three Initiatives worth €60 Million in Sokoto with the aim of enhancing social protection, access to health and resilience-building in the state. 

The launch officially done by Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu had 9 EU Ambassadors from Member States in attendance and also witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar 111, traditional leaders as well as government functionaries. 

The initiative, SUSI, SARAH, and SPADS, 
with funding from European Union (EU), the Government of Nigeria and in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), is to be implemented over a four-year period (2024–2027)

Registering his appreciation onbehalf of the government and people of Sokoto state, the governor represented by his deputy, Mohammed Idris Gobir said the initiative is in line with their administration’s 9 point smart agenda, hence promising comprehensive support for the success of the Initiative even as he assured of the establishment of a social protection department in the state. 

“Our administration prioritizes the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable populations. These EU-funded initiatives—SUSI, SARAH, and Durable Solutions—will not only improve access to critical services but also build long-term resilience and sustainable systems. Sokoto is proud to champion these efforts.”
 
Earlier in his speech, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria who led the delegation, Gautier Mignot, said they are desirous to invest in the future of Nigeria. 

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With this, the EU’s principle of equity and inclusion is giving birth to  programmes that, ,””leave no one behind whether it is better healthcare, livelihood support, or social protection”. 

Continuing, the EU Ambasaador said the  three initiatives launched in Sokoto are part of “”their commitment to long-term, people-centered development and enhanced support, particularly in the North-West of Nigeria.
 
Giving a  breakdown of the projects, to be implemented also in Benue, Oyo and Sokoto States, Mr Mignot, said they include,
“‘Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), jointly implemented by UNICEF and ILO, SUSI aims to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection infrastructure by improving the National Social Register, enhancing management information systems, building institutional capacity, and reinforcing legal and policy frameworks. 
 
“‘Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH), implemented by UNICEF and UNFPA, aims to improve access to high-quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition services that are sensitive to gender and the needs of young people, including support for those affected by gender-based violence, in Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara States. The project is expected to reach over 45 million children, adolescents, and women over four years.
 
“”Support for Protection, Assistance & Durable Solutions (SPADS), led by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) with partners Pro-Health International (PHI) and Joint IDP Profiling Service (JIPS), this project supports community-led local action plans to promote long-term solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. It provides livelihoods support, boosts local employment, and strengthens resilience using a climate-smart and inclusive approach””. 
 
On her part, UNICEF Represnstive in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said poverty, and inclusivity can only be reduced through social protection which was why UNICEF through SARAH, is improving healthcare access for girls and mothers in Nigeria.

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 “‘Together with the EU, ILO, UNFPA, and DRC, we are helping Nigeria build strong systems that protec

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