News
Panic as over 5000 hospitalised in UK diagnosed with flu as NHS laments

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Latest data shows there were 5,000 patients with the virus being treated in hospital at the end of last week – almost 3.5 times higher than the same week in 2023, although not as high as in 2022.
The head of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine told the BBC that pressure on hospitals is “unacceptably awful” and flu is pushing them to breaking point.
It comes as health officials warn about the impact of the very cold weather expected this weekend on vulnerable patients, and the health system.
Prof Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said the figures show “the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the new year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate”.
“With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions,” he added.
Prof Redhead says people at risk should try to keep warm and make sure they are stocked up on any regular medication.
It is not unusual to see an increase in flu during winter. The UK Health Security Agency says “this was anticipated” and that is why it has been urging those eligible to have a free flu vaccine, particularly health and social care workers.
Some 33% of pregnant women, 37% of people in an at-risk group and 73% of over-65s have had the jab, according to the latest vaccination figures.
‘Lack of beds’
Hospitals have put extra beds in place this year to help deal with the pressure on admissions created by flu and other winter viruses, including Covid and norovirus (the winter vomiting bug).
NHS chiefs say they have also added more support for people who frequently need emergency services, with more care being delivered outside hospitals.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said the NHS had done “all it could” in advance to reduce risk to patients, but the service remained in a position of “national vulnerability” with “intense pressures” starting to impact local services.
Figures for last week show some 12,200 patients were left waiting in ambulances for more than an hour before they could be cared for in hospital.
Dr Adrian Boyle, head of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that it was a very difficult time for both patients and staff.
“What we are seeing is ambulances are frequently stuck outside emergency departments, and our emergency departments are full.”
He said there was “an enormous amount of avoidable harm – excess deaths that shouldn’t be happening”.
Flu is the straw that is breaking the camel’s back – because we have this chronic lack of beds within our hospitals, and we don’t use those beds properly because we haven’t reformed social care,” he added.
His criticism comes on the day the health and social care secretary set out plans for reforming adult social care in England, although they are unlikely to be delivered before 2028 at the earliest.
A number of hospitals across different regions in England have restricted visits and asked patients and visitors to wear face masks to prevent further spread of flu.
In Scotland, there has also been a large rise in the number of people in hospital with flu. Earlier this week, First Minister John Swinney said the NHS was under “very significant pressures”.
A Welsh government spokesperson said there were continued “high levels of demand” on urgent and emergency care services this winter, and an increase in flu cases had added further pressure during the Christmas period.
What are flu symptoms?
Flu symptoms can progress very quickly and include:
a sudden high temperature
an aching body
feeling tired or exhausted
a dry cough
a sore throat
a headache
feeling, and being, sick
Children and adults are affected in a similar way.
Who is eligible for a free flu jab?
A free flu vaccine is available to those considered at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from flu during late autumn and early winter, including people:
aged 65 or over
with certain long-term health conditions
who are pregnant
who live in a care home
are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
live with someone who has a weakened immune system
are a front-line health and social care worker
Children aged 2-3 and school-aged children are also offered a vaccine.
Anyone in eligible groups in England can book their vaccination through their GP surgery or local pharmacy, where available, or contact their employer if they are an NHS front-line worker.
People can also pay for vaccines privately at some pharmacies.
Why is flu so bad this year?
Flu creates problems every winter, being the season when viruses spread with ease, and can cause some to become very ill.
The severity of seasonal flu varies from year to year, depending on many factors, including which strains of the flu virus are most dominant and how many people are vaccinated against flu.
Why are some flu outbreaks so much worse than others?
A surge of flu appears to have hit earlier this winter than anticipated – in December, instead of January or February – with more people unwell and off work over the Christmas and New Year period, and some in need of hospital treatment.
People socialising with friends and family during the Christmas festivities will likely have added to the spread of the virus.
Health officials saw the flu wave coming, and have been urging people to take up the offer of a free flu vaccine for some time.
However, the number of people who have been vaccinated is lower than officials had hoped – just over a third of higher-risk adults have had the jab to date.
Several different strains of flu tend to circulate each winter, and the vaccine was created in advance to combat the current, predicted wave. According to health officials, the vaccine is doing its job.
Vaccines are particularly important in protecting against severe disease. Most people will recover from flu within a few weeks, but it can be serious, particularly if you have a long-term health condition or lower immunity.
Thousands of people die from flu-related illnesses each year.
News
INEC ought to have archived recall petition long ago-Senator Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting a petition to recall her as the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The lawmaker, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said the electoral umpire should have thrown out the petition long before it did on April 3, 2025.
“I’m a lawyer. I’m a senator and I understand how Nigeria works. For me, the most important thing is this recall process has been stalled.
“I give kudos and credit to INEC even though I believe they should have thrown it away from the get-go.
“I think it was void ab initio because there is no law in the Electoral Act that says a petition should be discarded just because there is no address but again, what if the address is false?”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain argued that most of the addresses provided in the petition for her recall were false because most houses in her district weren’t labelled.
Even though INEC did count 208,000 signatures, I bet you if they had gone into the verification stage, they would have struggled to even have 500 people come out to attest to signing that,” she added.
News
We’re putting together new 2025 Budget for Rivers-Ibas

…hosts Delegation Of Rivers NASS Caucus
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has said that an appropriation bill for 2025 is being articulated to provide for critical development concerns in healthcare delivery, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas also said that the anticipated budget will cater to creating more employment opportunities for Rivers people and advance delivery of technology in critical facets of public life.
The administrator gave the hint when he hosted the delegation of Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Dr Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing Rivers South-East District, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Those on the delegation included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Hon Dumnamene Dekor, Hon Solomon Bob, Hon Cyril Godwin Hart,
Hon Blessing Amadi, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon Kelechi Nwogu, and Hon Victor Obuzor
Ibas said he has been resolute, since assumption of office, to restore law and order, and with support from the security agencies, an environment has been created where Rivers residents feel valued and safer.
The Administrator stated that the commitment is to make Rivers a model of peace in the comity of States, with a stable economy and citizens courageous to pursue their livelihood without fear or molestation.
“In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State.
“Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas stated: “The budget which is been finalized focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.
“We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay.”
The Administrator noted that to get the task done, the support of the legislators will be required as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly.
He sued for their assistance in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing that would bring the initiative of his administration to fruition.
“Your partnership is critical to success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”
He explained that in the face of the challenges that beset Rivers, which led to the State of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, dialogue, community engagement and reconciliation were deplored to build trust among the citizenry.
He noted that the people of Rivers State have shown incredible resilience and patience in the efforts taken so far to restore the State back to the path of peace and respect for the law.
Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas assured that his administration remains committed to achieving enduring peace for the state.
He said: “Beyond security, we have prioritised community engagements as a central part of our strategy. Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been key to building trust among our people.
“We are determined to strengthen the bond of unity in Rivers State and to foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected. Together, we are making strides in ensuring that peace becomes a permanent feature of our state.”
Responding, Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East District, said they are dedicated representatives of Rivers people at the National Assembly and resolved to support all efforts that will bring development to the State.
While commending the administrator for the modest successes he had achieved so far, Senator Mpigi pledged the support and cooperation of the legislators to ensure the return of the state on the path of law and order.
News
Just in: Shettima jets out to attend Senegal’s independence

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal for official assignment.
The VP is expected to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the West African nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Senegal marks its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its liberation from French colonial rule in 1960.
The annual celebration is a significant event featuring national parades, cultural displays, and ceremonies highlighting the country’s achievements and unity.
A statement issued on Thursday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima’s participation followed an official invitation from Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
This underscored the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Senegal.
The two nations share longstanding relations, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), fostering cooperation on regional security, trade, and development initiatives.
The event is expected to reaffirm Senegal’s commitment to democratic governance and regional cooperation.
Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Nigeria immediately after the one-day celebrations, continuing his engagements in national development and diplomatic outreach.
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