Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

  • Edo Election Tribunal Reschedules Hearing to January 13

    Edo Election Tribunal Reschedules Hearing to January 13

    The 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has postponed proceedings until January 13. 

    The case, filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Gov. Monday Okpebholo, contests his win in the September 21 election.

    Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), received 291,667 votes, while PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, garnered 247,274 votes.

    During a recent session, the tribunal adopted a pre-hearing report that set the stage for witness testimony.

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     A total of 290 witnesses are expected to be called by both parties, with specific time allocations for questioning. 

    The petitioners will have 21 days to present their witnesses, while respondents will have 10 days each.

     The tribunal will convene daily at 10 a.m., excluding Sundays and public holidays.

  • PDP Demands Ibori-Suenu’s Seat Be Declared Vacant Over Defection 

    PDP Demands Ibori-Suenu’s Seat Be Declared Vacant Over Defection 

    Now a shadow of its old self, the former ruling party in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost every battle since losing the presidency to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. Its travails have taken a turn for the worse as former bigwigs are taking their leave from the party in droves.

    Irked by this frenzy the PDP in Delta State, has taken legal action to unseat Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the representative of Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. 

    The party’s move follows her defection from the PDP, which sponsored her election, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).  

    The PDP filed the case at the Federal High Court in Warri, invoking Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution. 

    They argued that her defection violates constitutional provisions, warranting her immediate removal from office. 

    The suit also listed the Speaker of the House, the House of Representatives, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.  

    The PDP is seeking multiple court orders, including:  

    1. Declaring the Ethiope East/West Federal Constituency seat vacant.  

    2. Restraining Ibori-Suenu from further legislative duties.  

    3. Mandating INEC to organize a by-election to fill the vacant seat.  

    4. Compelling Ibori-Suenu to refund all earnings received since her defection. 

    READ ALSO: Labour Party Takes Legal Action Against Defected Lawmakers 

  • ASUP Ends Strike, Lecturers to Resume Work Monday

    ASUP Ends Strike, Lecturers to Resume Work Monday

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has called off its two-week strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government.

     The union announced that polytechnic lecturers nationwide would return to work on Monday, December 16, 2024.  

    The decision followed a meeting between ASUP leaders and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on December 9, where a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed. 

    The agreement outlined steps to address unresolved issues that led to the strike, which began on December 2.  

    ASUP had initiated the strike as a warning against the government’s delay in implementing a previously agreed work plan.

     The union noted that the MoU includes a follow-up meeting scheduled for January 23, 2025, to evaluate progress on the agreement.  

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    Members have been instructed to resume work while the union’s National Executive Council monitors compliance with the deal.

    It is hoped that the Federal Government would keep to the terms of the MoU in order to forestall further resort to strike in the immediate future.

  • Kidnapping of ASUU Chairman’s Wife: Lecturer Arrested

    Kidnapping of ASUU Chairman’s Wife: Lecturer Arrested

    The police in Benue State have apprehended Dr. Tersagh Ichor, a lecturer at Joseph Saawuan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM), in connection with the kidnapping of Susan Anyagh, wife of the ASUU JOSTUM chapter chairman.

     The incident occurred on December 7 when Anyagh was abducted on Otukpo Road in Makurdi. 

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    She was taken by force from her vehicle and driven to an undisclosed location. During her captivity, her abductors received a phone call from Ichor, who allegedly ordered that she be killed.

     However, when they came across a police checkpoint, they abandoned the plan, moved to a secluded area, and assaulted her before abandoning her on the roadside, where she was found unconscious and later taken for medical treatment.

    Police investigations are ongoing, and Ichor has been detained while authorities work to gather further details.

  • Tax Reform Bills: S/East Senators Demand Wider Consultations

    Tax Reform Bills: S/East Senators Demand Wider Consultations

    The South East Caucus of the Nigerian Senate has called for extensive consultations on the Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly.

    The caucus, comprising Senators from the five states in the South East region, reached this consensus during a closed-door meeting held in Abuja on Monday.

    Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South) stated that while the Senators are not opposed to the proposed reforms, the lack of stakeholder engagement in drafting the bills raises concerns about inclusivity and fairness.

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    “We are not against the Tax Reform Bills before both chambers of the National Assembly. However, we believe wider consultations should be carried out to ensure they are equitable and reflective of the interests of all Nigerians,” Senator Abaribe said.

    The proposed legislations, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, were submitted by President Bola Tinubu on October 3, 2024.

    The reform sought in the bills aim to overhaul the country’s tax structure to improve revenue generation.

    The South East Senators plan to consult constituents, state governments, and other stakeholders in the region’s 15 senatorial districts to gather input.

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    “We have reviewed the bills and want to share our findings with stakeholders in the South East Zone. This engagement will help us advocate for a more balanced approach to the proposed tax reforms,” Senator Abaribe added.

    This position aligns with the calls from other groups, such as the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Northern Senators Forum, and the Arewa Consultative Forum, all of whom have expressed reservations about passing the bills without comprehensive input from the public.

    In contrast, the Presidency and the South-South Caucus in the Senate have urged for the bills’ swift passage, arguing that they are crucial for addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.

    The South East Caucus emphasized that incorporating diverse perspectives is essential for achieving equitable tax reforms that will be acceptable to all Nigerians.

    Legislative deliberations on the bills are ongoing in both chambers of the National Assembly.

  • Tinubu Makes key Appointments in Education, Devp’t Agencies

    Tinubu Makes key Appointments in Education, Devp’t Agencies

    President Bola Tinubu has announced leadership changes in three key educational and development agencies likely to placate sectional interests.

    He has named new heads for the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), and New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).

     Additionally, Fatima Umaru Shinkafi’s role as Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has been renewed.

    Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, an expert in veterinary reproduction, will now lead the NUC.

    PLEASE READ: ASUU to FG: Scrapping Education Tax Will Ruin Tetfund, Public Universities

    Ribadu previously held leadership positions as vice-chancellor at two Nigerian universities. 

    Meanwhile, Prof. Salisu Shehu, known for his work in educational psychology, has been appointed to oversee the NERDC.

     His background includes founding the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and serving as vice-chancellor at Al-Istiqamah University.

    NEPAD’s new National Coordinator is Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri, a specialist in international diplomacy and public administration.

     His extensive experience in governance and legislative matters is expected to enhance the agency’s performance.

    In the mining sector, Shinkafi’s reappointment to the SMDF solidifies her role in advancing initiatives like the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative.

    A previous announcement of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani’s appointment to SMDF was withdrawn, citing no vacancy in the role.

    These appointments are seen as part of Tinubu’s efforts to position experienced professionals in key roles to drive the nation’s development.

  • Senate to probe N8.4 Trillion Claimed by NNPCL as Subsidy Funds

    Senate to probe N8.4 Trillion Claimed by NNPCL as Subsidy Funds


    …Approves Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP)

    The Senate has mandated an investigation into allegations that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) illegally withheld N8.48 trillion as claimed petrol subsidies.

    The allegation was made by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

    The investigation, which will be conducted by the Committees on Finance, Petroleum (Upstream), Petroleum (Downstream), and Gas, will also address findings by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) report.

    The NEITI report alleged that NNPCL failed to remit $2 billion (N3.6 trillion) in taxes to the Federation Account.

    The Senate further directed its committees to verify the cumulative amount of unremitted revenue from the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by NNPCL between 2020 and 2023.

    Additionally, the committees will scrutinize revenue remittance agreements involving NNPCL, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), and Immigration Services.

    Also, ahead of the 2025 budget presentation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate on Tuesday approved the 2025–2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

    This decision follows the adoption of a report presented by the Senate Joint Committees on Finance, and National Planning & Economic Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), during plenary.

    The Senate made notable projections for the 2025–2027 period:
    Exchange rate: N1,400 to $1 for all three years.
    Oil benchmark prices: $75 per barrel in 2025; $76.2 in 2026; & $75.3 in 2027.
    Domestic crude oil production: To Increase from 1.78 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024 to 2.06 million bpd in 2025; 2.10 million bpd in 2026, & 2.35 million bpd in 2027.
    GDP growth rates: 4.6% (2025), 4.4% (2026), and 5.5% (2027).
    Inflation rates: 15.75% (2025), 14.21% (2026), and 10.04% (2027).

    The Federal Government’s proposed 2025 budget is projected at N47.9 trillion, with retained revenue of N34.82 trillion. New borrowings of N9.22 trillion will be split between domestic and foreign sources. The capital expenditure is set at N16.48 trillion, statutory transfers at N4.26 trillion, and sinking funds at N430.27 billion.

    During the debate, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, highlighted the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative as a potential game changer.

    “With functioning refineries and the CNG initiative, the demand for foreign exchange will drop. For instance, traveling from Benin to Lagos costs about N130,000 with petrol, but with CNG, it’s less than N48,000,” Adeola said.

    Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi North), a former Senate Leader, emphasized the need for support to manufacturing industries to meet MTEF projections.

    Commendations and Next Steps

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio lauded the joint committees for their thorough analysis and work on the MTEF/FSP document.

    Fielding questions after the plenary, Senator Sani Musa expressed confidence in the achievability of the projections and underscored the importance of ongoing consultations on tax reform bills.

    “The issue of tax reform requires wider consultation. It’s not about regions; it’s about what benefits all Nigerians,” Musa stated.

    The stage is set for President Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 budget to the National Assembly later this week.

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  • Bauchi PDP Lawmaker Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct 

    Bauchi PDP Lawmaker Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct 

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State has suspended Habibu Umar, the lawmaker representing Kirfi Local Government Area in the State House of Assembly. 

    The suspension stems from accusations of political affiliation with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as allegations of insubordination.  

    According to official correspondence addressed to the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Sulaiman, Umar was suspended indefinitely following an investigation by the party’s Disciplinary Committee. The decision became effective on November 25, 2024.  

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    The party’s state chairman, Sama’ila Burga, explained in the letter that Umar was previously served a query on November 5, 2024, over reported violations of the PDP’s constitution.

    The allegations were based on a report from the executive members of his ward in Beni. This report detailed specific actions deemed contrary to party regulations.  

    In response, the PDP convened a Disciplinary Committee on November 11, 2024. After thoroughly reviewing the evidence, the committee found Umar guilty of breaching party rules. 

    Consequently, it recommended his suspension.  

    The suspension prevents Umar from participating in any party-related activities until further notice. Party officials have stated that additional actions may be taken based on future developments.  

  • Rivers APC Chairman Refutes Claims of Wike’s Health Issues

    Rivers APC Chairman Refutes Claims of Wike’s Health Issues

    Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee, has dismissed rumors suggesting that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is unwell. 

    Okocha, who is a close ally of Wike, addressed the speculations in an exclusive interview, following a media briefing on recent developments within the state’s APC and the court’s ruling blocking federal allocation access to Rivers.

    These rumours surfaced after Wike appeared on national television, looking frail while responding to an allegation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara. 

    Social media users expressed concern over Wike’s appearance, questioning whether his weight loss indicated a hidden illness. 

    Some even suggested he should step back from his political duties to focus on his health.

    Okocha quickly dismissed these claims, stating that Wike’s health is not an issue. He emphasized that such rumors were baseless, as the minister continues to fulfill his duties with vigor. 

    Okocha noted that it is normal for individuals, especially those in demanding positions like Wike’s, to face criticism regarding their physical appearance, but he assured that Wike is neither sick nor struggling with any health issues.

  • Tinubu may not present 2025 budget by December 

    Tinubu may not present 2025 budget by December 

    … as Senate says decision lies with Executive 

    Signs that the 2025 budget may not be ready for presentation to joint session of the National Assembly  by the  first week of December, are gradually emerging as templates to that effect are not well laid, ten days into November 2024.

    This is as the Senate declared through its Committee on Finance that, decision on presentation of the 2025 budget strictly lies with the executive arm of government.

    The 9th National Assembly, in collaboration with then President Muhammadu Buhari established a tradition of budget presentation in the first week of October of the proceeding year, after required templates for that effect like Medium Term Expenditure Framework ( MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), had been presented for thorough scrutiny and  dissection .

    Under President Buhari, MTEF and FSP were always received in the month of September for required engagements with relevant revenue generating agencies by committees of the National Assembly .

    Worried by the seeming  delay on getting  the vital documents from the Presidency in the month of November,  journalists, on Friday last week, inquired from the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance , Senator Mohammed Sani Musa when the 2025 budget, would be presented?

    The senator replied that the decision lies with the executive, not the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly .

    “The executive should be able to answer that question, because I know they are doing their work, they are working. 

    “As chairman of Senate Committee on  Finance along with members of the committee, have just interacted  with the minister of finance,  the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) and other top managers of the Nation’s economy on performance of the 2024 budget.

    “They are definitely working on the 2025 budget and will forward it to us when work on it must have been completed. Decision on that lies with the executive and not us at the National Assembly,” he said .

    President Tinubu presented estimates for 2024 budget to joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 which delayed its passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives to Saturday, 30th December, 2023 and signing into law on January 1st , 2024 by President Tinubu.

    Nigerian Anchor checks reveal that at the level of the Executive, there is no mention of the expected 2025-2027 MTEF that should contain parameters upon which 2025 budget estimates like crude oil price benchmark, projected oil production per day, exchange rate of Naira to US dollar, inflation rate, and other variables would be based.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, after an interactive session assured assured Nigerians on Friday, that a ray of light is already showing at the end of the long tunnel of economic reforms by government .

    “I believe in the assurance given by the Finance Minister that our economy is taking good shape through results from the reforms,” Senator Musa enthused.

    “For example, our debt to GDP ratio is decreasing and not Increasing.  The positive indices are already showing and within the next 16 to 18 months , Nigerians themselves will see the gains in practical terms,” he added.

    READ ALSO: STATES FISCAL TRANSPARENCY LEAGUE Q1 2024