Author: Lawal AbdulSalam Olawale

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis and governance paralysis.

 

In a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the situation, stating:”Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern, hoping that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail. However, all such hopes have faded, with no resolution in sight.”

 

His words, “Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

 

With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.

 

Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

 

On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:

 

“a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

 

The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

 

Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected

 

“are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members”

 

“The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

 

“Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

 

Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.

 

Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

 

“The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

 

“With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

 

“In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.

 

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

 

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

 

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

 

“This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

 

Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.”

 

 

BusinessFG Fixes Cement Price, Gives Dangote, BUA, Other Manufacturers Deadline To Comply

 

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March 13, 2025

 

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Dtruth Insights

 

For advert placement, news publication, event coverage and promotions, call or Whatapp; +2349037160966

 

 

The Federal Government through the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has asked cement manufacturers to lower the cost of the product to N7,000 per 50kg bag or be reported to President Bola Tinubu.

 

The minister explained his request, stressing that the exchange rate had stabilised and petrol costs were also crashing, with plans to fix major roads in the country.

 

According to the minister, the exchange rate is now N1,400 to a dollar, urging cement manufacturers to lower the product’s price.

 

Umahi said contractors have complained that they wanted to revert to asphalt in road construction due to the high cement costs.

 

He said when the exchange was N2,000 to a dollar, cement manufacturers raised the price to N7,500, asking why the product would still be selling at N9,500 per 50kg bag.

 

He asked them to lower the price within seven days, or he would officially report them to the President.

 

New cement firms enter Nigeria

 

A recent report showed that Huaxin Cement Company, the Chinese firm and prospective buyer of Holcim’s 83% stake in Lafarge Africa, reportedly valued 100% of the company’s shareholding at $1.6 billion.

 

The group is set to cough up $838.8 million to acquire Holcim’s stake in Lafarge Africa.

 

It also estimated the enterprise value of Lafarge Africa as between $1.06 billion and $1.59 billion.

 

The valuation was disclosed in the firm’s filing on the Hong Kong Exchange.

 

According to reports, the valuation assumes cement prices in Nigeria to range from between $100 and $150 per tonne, based on Lafarge’s annual production capacity of 10.6 million tonnes.

 

Lafarge Africa stated that the acquisition aligns with Huaxin’s overseas expansion plan, focusing on leveraging its expertise in industrial technology and production chain integration to drive growth.

 

 

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has unveiled the Osun 2025 Infrastructure Projects, with a total costs of N159billion.

 

Unveiling the Agenda at the Government Secretariat on Tuesday, the Governor notes that the projects will be funded with the state allocation and internally generated revenue adding that no fund will be borrowed till the completion of the projects.

 

The Governor added that while the first phase of the infrastructure projects is being successfully executed, the new set of infrastructure projects covering the works, health, and education sectors will kick off immediately.

 

He said, “I want us to cast our minds back to December 2023 when we assembled in this same hall to unveil a multi billion and multi sectoral infrastructure plan for Osun state. Some critics questioned how feasible our plan was, but we were tenacious and determined. The result is the huge construction site Osun has become. The outcome is the multiple completed and ongoing road projects, rehabilitated schools, and health centers that now dot our towns and villages.

 

“It is my honour to report that we have so far completed the reconstruction, rehabilitation and renovation of over 150 kilometers of roads, 200 Primary Health Centres, 99 schools, while several dualization and flyover projects are at various stages of completion.

The Ilesa dualization project is 60 percent completed; the Ile-Ife flyover project is 60 percent completed; the Oke-Fia flyover is over 90 percent done, while the LAMECO flyover is about 50 percent executed. I am equally glad to inform this august gathering that the 1.5 kilometers across all the Local Government Areas of the State are almost completed. The Oke Gada bridge is almost 70 percent completed. We are pushing ahead with these mega projects. I assure the public of completion within this fiscal year. Our administration will not leave any project uncompleted.

 

“While the first phase of the infrastructure projects is being successfully executed, today we are announcing the take-off of a new set of infrastructure projects covering the works, health, and education sectors.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to reiterate that, as our standing policy, we are not borrowing a kobo for the funding of these projects. Our approach to funding the new infrastructure plan is to rely on state allocations from the Federation Allocation, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and special funds accruing from the return of funds owed to the states by the Federal Government.

 

“We will also be cutting waste and costs while deploying our local content policy to boost the local economy. On the local content, Osun money will continue to flow within the Osun economy. We will continue to engage our local companies, local engineers, suppliers, and artisans.

 

“As our last two years have rejuvenated the state economy, the new round of project implementation will further deepen the local economy and thereby tackle poverty and create collective wealth. Osun’s infrastructure deficit will be further reduced and open doors for more foreign direct investment.

 

Full List of selected projects

 

ROAD PROJECTS

 

“The following inherited projects will be taken to a new milestone this year.

Osogbo – Iwo – Oyo State Boundary Road at a cost of Five Billion, Nine Hundred and Forty Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety Three Thousand Naira (N5,940,793,414.71)

Osogbo – Ikirun – Insha – Kwara State Boundary – Thirteen Billion, Seven Hundred and Eight Million, Three Hundred and Nine Thousand naira (N13,708,309,766.47)

While the following fresh road projects are slated for implementation this year.

1. Reconstruction of Ejigbo- Isoko -Aye-Oguro road. This is a 5.1 kilometers road at a cost of Three Billion, Eighteen Million, Seven Hundred and Forty Seven Thousand (N3,018,747,965.97);

2. Dualisation of Odo Ori Junction-Post Office Junction-Adeeke Junction with spur to Oluwo Palace. This is a 6.65 kilometers road which will be phased into two parts at a cost of Ten Billion, Four Hundred and Twenty One Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand Naira ( N10,421,756,647.87);

3. Rehabilitation of Ejigbo – Iwo Road. This is a 32 kilometers road; however, 20 kilometers will be taken as Phase 1 at the cost of Eleven Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty Million, Two Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira ( N11,250,210,420.00);

4. Construction of Iragberi-Ikotun-Ara Road. This is an 8.5 kilometers road at the cost of Four Billion, Three Hundred and Forty Five Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety Two Thousand (N4,345,992,620.00);

5. Dualisation of State Secretariat RoundAbout, Abeere – Ojoro Road, Phase One. This is a 3.55km at the cost of Nine Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Eight Thousand ( N9,239,758,608.37) ;

6. Dualisation of State Secretariat RoundAbout, Abeere -Ojoro Road, Phase Two. This is a 3.85 kilometers road at the cost of Nine Billion, Seven Hundred and Twenty Four Million, Six Hundred and Ninety Nine Thousand (N9,724,699,096,97);

7. Dualisation of State Secretariat RoundAbout, Abeere-Ojoro road, phase three. This is a 1.25 kilometers road at the cost of Two Billion, Five Hundred and Forty One Million, Seven Hundred and Seven Thousand naira(N2,541,707,460.23);

8. Reconstruction of Ijebu Jesa – Ere – Ilahun – Ibokun with the reconstruction of the failed bridge. This is at the cost of Eight Billion, Fifty Three Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty Thousand (N8,053,930,329.11);

9. Dualisation of Ila township road. This is a 4.5 kilometers road at the cost of Twelve Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty Six Million , Four Hundred and Eight Thousand (N12,656,486,722.55);

10. Reconstruction of Ada – Ibokun – Ilase – Idominasi. This is a 32 kilometers road; however, 20 kilometers will be taken as Phase 1 at the cost of Ten Billion , Eight Hundred and Ninety Seven Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N10,897,600,542.80)

11. Upgrading, lighting, and beautification of the State Capita’s major roads and RoundAbouts, a total cost of Five billion naira has been earmarked for the upgrading.

TOTAL for the road sector is One Hundred and One Billion, Seven Hundred and Ninety Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Nine Three Thousand Naira (N101,799,993,595.05.

 

EDUCATION SECTOR

The following schools are slated for rehabilitation across the selected districts:

1. Renovation of a School Hall and School Pavillion At Ede High School, Ede at the cost of Fifty Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Six Thousand (N50,276,412.52);

2. Renovation of a Block of Four Classrooms at C.A.C. Grammar School, Ede at the cost of One HundrN17and Seventy One Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand naira ( N171,580,936.43;

3. Renovation of School Building at Agboran School of Science, Ede, Ede South at the cost of Two Hundred Million, Nineteen Thousand Naira (N200,019,700.00);

4. Renovation of Oranmiyan Memorial Grammar School, Ile-Ife at the cost of One Hundred and Forty Nine Million, Five Hundred and Forty Six Thousand naira (N149,546,073.60);

5. Renovation of One (1) Examination Hall At Seventh Day Adventist Grammar Sch, Ife at the cost of Eighty One Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy One Thousand Naira (N81,841,871.60)

6. Renovation of a Block of Four Classrooms at St. David’s Grammar School, Ile-Ife at the cost of Thirty Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira only (N30,880,593.06);

7. Construction of 1 Modern Administrative Office in Ilesa Zonal Education Office, Ilesa at the cost of Fifty Three Million, Seven Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand Naira (N53,767,064.12);

8. Renovation of 2 Blocks of 8 Classrooms And An Examination Hall At Ogedengbe School of Science, Ilesa at the cost of One Hundred and Thirty Seven Million, Forty Seven Thousand Naira (N137,047,772.40);

9. Renovation of School Hall at Community High School, Ilesa at the cost of Fifty Six Million , Seven Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (N56,720,181.00);

10. Renovation of 2 Block 6 Classrooms at Islamic High School, Ikire at the cost of One Hundred and Seventy Eight Million, Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira ( N178,280,175.80);

11. Renovation of 2 Blocks of 8 Classrooms at St. Augustine’s Commercial Grammar School, Ikire at the cost of One Hundred and Seventy One Million, Five Hundred and Eight Thousand Naira (N171,580,936.43);

12. Renovation of Methodist Grammar School, Iwo at the cost of One Hundred and Forty One Million , Six Hundred and Ninety Five Thousand Naira (N141,695,950.55);

13. Renovation of Science Laboratory at Oke Ile Grammar School, Oke-Ila at the cost of Eighty One Million Naira, Seven Hundred and Forty Eighty Thousand Naira (N81,748,651.60);

14. Renovation Of 2 Blocks Of 8 Classrooms At Unity School, Iragbiji at the cost of Forty Million, Two Hundred and Forty Six Thousand Naira ( 40,246,657.61);

15. Renovation of a Block of 4 Classrooms at Ekusa Community Grammar School, Ekusa at the cost of One Hundred and Seventy One Million, One Hundred and Twenty Nine Thousand (N171,129,179.76);

16. Renovation at Nawarudeen Grammar School, Osogbo, Osogbo at the cost of Nineteen Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand Naira (N19,877,704.00);

17. Renovation of a School Hall at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo at the cost of Ninety Seven Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand Naira (N97,234,520.00);

18. Renovation of a Block of School Hall at St. Mark’s Commercial High School, Osogbo at the cost of Ninety Eight Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand Naira (N98,239,569.25);.

TOTAL: One Billion , Nine Hundred and Eighty Nine Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Three Thousand Naira (N1,989,433,956.69)

 

HEALTH SECTOR

 

Complete Renovation of the remaining 124 PHC at the total cost of Two Billion, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Three , One Hundred and Twenty-Four , Three Hundred and Sixty-Four Naira (N2,763,124,364.50).

 

GRAND TOTAL is One Hundred and Fifty Nine Billion, One Hundred and Fifty Six Million, Three Hundred and Ninety Two Thousand Naira (159,156,392,674.20).

 

 

 

 

 

The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to ensure the blocking of all pornographic sites in the country.

 

The House wants the Commission to compel on all internet service providers to block all such contents with immediate effect.

 

An All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmaker from Katsina State, Dalhatu Tafoki, sponsored the motion.

 

Moving the motion leading to the passing of the resolution, Tafoki argued that cyber pornography was becoming a global problem, adding that Nigeria had not taken adequate steps to address it.

 

According to him, Nigeria is a “highly religious country” where major faiths preach against and prohibit nudity and obscenity.

 

The lawmaker went further to state that several countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East had enacted laws banning pornography.

 

To drive home his point, the Katsina lawmaker made reference to warnings from psychologists and sociologists about the negative impact of pornography.

 

According to him, pornography could lead to adultery, prostitution and addiction.

 

“Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings on the psychological, sociological and mental consequences of viewing pornographic content,” he said.

 

Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives subjected the motion to a voice vote where the lawmakers voted in support of it.

 

The House directed the NCC to impose penalties on service providers that fail to comply with the directive

The Kebbi government has confirmed that 26 people have died following a suspected outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

 

The three local governments are Aliero, Gwandu and Jega.

The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Ismaila, confirmed this during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

“In week seven, we are saddled with the unfortunate situation of an outbreak, with a rising number of cases more than usual, characterised by symptoms like fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhoea and sensitivity to light.

 

“A total of 248 suspected cases was line-listed; 11 samples were taken and sent to the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja, for confirmation.

 

“Two sample results turned negative from the national reference laboratory in Abuja, one in Jega and another one in Gwandu LGAs.

 

“Nine sample results are pending from the National Reference Laboratory, Abuja.

 

“26 deaths – Gwandu 15, Jega 6, Aliero 4 and Argungu 1,” he explained.

 

Ismaila said that an advocacy visit to stakeholders was carried out in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

 

He added that the state government had released N30 million to purchase drugs and other consumables for the responsive activity to cushion the effect.

He also said that drugs and other commodities had been distributed to affected local government areas.

 

“Isolation centres were set up in Gwandu, Jega and Aliero, while drugs and other consumables were also provided,” he said.

 

The commissioner, then, called on the general public to comply with health instructions and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility for necessary action. (NAN)

 

Related News

Former Kaduna State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed his resignation from the ruling party.

 

El-Rufai announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday.

The former governor said he had submitted his resignation letter from the APC to his ward in Kaduna and had concluded consultations with his mentors, colleagues, and loyalists before making the decision.

“As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC will continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics,” he stated.

 

El-Rufai accused the party’s leadership of ignoring internal concerns and stifling its democratic structures.

 

“Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party,” he said.

 

The former governor, who played a key role in the APC’s victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, said he could no longer remain in a party that has “castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt.”

 

He added that as a member of the SDP, he would work to unite opposition parties to challenge the APC in future elections, including the 2027 general election.

 

“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God,” El-Rufai said.

I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race

 

Chairmen elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in the 15 October 2022 Osun Local Government election returned to their council secretariats on Monday amidst tight security.

 

Our correspondent, who visited the Ifelodun Local Government headquarters in Ikirun, the Olorunda Local Government Area in Igbona, and the Osogbo Local Government Area secretariat in Oke-Baale, observed that council officials had resumed their duties.

 

A heavy security presence was also noted across major roads in the state, with armed police operatives and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officers mounting roadblocks at the entrances to the secretariats.

 

Security checkpoints were observed along the Osogbo/Kwara boundary road, Osogbo/Ilesa road, and Osogbo/Ibokun road. However, business activities continued uninterrupted across the state capital.

 

Reviewing the situation in an interview with PUNCH Online, Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, stated that the chairmen and councillors had resumed work in all 30 local government areas.

 

Olawumi added that the chairmen had issued directives for local government staff to return to work by Wednesday.

 

“All chairmen and councillors have resumed in all local governments and area councils in Osun State, including Irewole Local Government.

 

The local governments and local council development areas are active and vibrant.

 

“Security is very tight, with responsible police officers, DSS, and Civil Defence personnel carrying out their duties as instructed by the Inspector General of Police.

 

“Most of the chairmen have issued press releases this morning instructing their workers to resume by Wednesday at the latest. After Wednesday, if they fail to return, their employment status will be determined. The ultimatum stands at 72 hours,” he said.

 

Governor Ademola Adeleke, during a swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, had directed chairmen and councillors elected in the Saturday local government elections not to resume at their council offices yet.

 

Before the election, the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress had also instructed workers in all LGAs to stay home due to the ongoing dispute between Adeleke and the APC in the state.

 

Meanwhile, our correspondent reached out to the state APC chairman, Kola Olabisi, who promised to respond as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

The All Progressives Congress in Osun State has withdrawn from the local government election scheduled for Saturday, February 22.

 

This was contained in a letter dated February 17, signed by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Alao Kamorudeen, and addressed to the Secretary of the State Independent Electoral Commission.

 

A copy of the letter obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Osogbo stated that the APC would not participate due to the February 10 Court of Appeal judgment, which reinstated its chairmen and councillors.

 

The letter read: “Recall that the judgment of the Federal High Court in suit No. FHF/OS/CS/94/2022 was meritoriously nullified on February 10 by the Court of Appeal in Akure, in appeal No. CA/AK/270/2022 between APC and three others v. Peoples Democratic Party and others.

By the judgment, the elected officers have resumed office as allowed by the Appeal Court.

 

“The implication of the Court of Appeal judgment, as cited above, is that the seats are no longer vacant.

 

“In view of the foregoing, we hereby state that the APC and all its candidates have, by this letter, informed the commission of our withdrawal from the local government election scheduled for February 22.

same has become unnecessary, superfluous, and unlawful due to this development.”

 

There was a crisis between the APC and PDP over the Court of Appeal judgment regarding the sacked APC council chairmen and councillors.

 

While the PDP claimed that the February 10 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure, did not reinstate the sacked APC chairmen and councillors elected in 2022, the APC insisted on their return to local government secretariats.

 

Crisis, however, erupted on Monday when both parties laid claim to local government secretariats across the state.

 

The police confirmed that six people lost their lives, and scores were injured during the crisis