Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

  • Tinubu postpones FEC meeting in honour of late COAS Lagbaja

    Tinubu postpones FEC meeting in honour of late COAS Lagbaja

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday night.

    Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honour of the departed general.

    Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, till his death on November 5, 2024.

    The postponement of the FEC meeting was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, November 6.

    The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, has ordered rescheduling the Federal Executive Council meeting till another date to be announced.”

    Initially scheduled for today, the council meeting was postponed in honour of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night.

    “General Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, till his death on November 5, 2024.”

    President Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honour of the departed general.”

    Earlier today, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    “He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.”

  • New Terror Group Emerges In Sokoto

    New Terror Group Emerges In Sokoto

    Sokoto State is facing a fresh security concern with the emergence of a militant group called Lakurawas, which is reportedly operating in five local government areas.

     The state’s deputy governor, Idris Mohammed Gobir, revealed this development while addressing officials from Nigeria’s National Defence College, who are on a study tour in Sokoto. 

    Lakurawas, described as a faith-oriented group, is known for its idealistic leanings and advanced weaponry.

     The presence of this group compounds existing security challenges in a state already troubled by ongoing bandit activity. Authorities are working closely with federal security forces to contain the threat and protect residents.

    In response, the deputy governor outlined the government’s initiatives to manage the security situation, while expressing optimism that the study tour would provide additional strategies for maintaining peace in the region.

    “This unsettling development has emerged at a time when the state is already grappling with persistent banditry.

    “The state government is collaborating closely with federal security agencies to tackle the many threats to the lives and property of the residents of Sokoto,” he said.

  • Senate Reconstitutes Ad-hoc Committee to Probe Economic Sabotage in Petroleum Industry

    Senate Reconstitutes Ad-hoc Committee to Probe Economic Sabotage in Petroleum Industry

    The Senate has reconstituted its Ad hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry contrary to reports that some stakeholders were working to stop the oil probe.

    The upper chamber also communicated the decision to reconstitute to the House of Representatives with a view to conducting a more holistic investigation that would sanitise the petroleum industry.

    At a session presided by the Deputy President, Senator Barau Jubrin, announced these decisions yesterday after the Leader of the Senate/Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele sponsored a motion on the need for the two chambers to jointly conduct the oil probe.

    In his motion yesterday, Bamidele observed that the House of Representatives had debated on the same subject and also constituted its ad-hoc committee to investigate it.

    He observed that there “is need for the Ad-hoc Committees of the two chambers to work together to avoid duplication in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.”

    He further called for the committee to be reconstituted and be named as “National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry”.

    After Bamidele’s presentation, the Senate recaptioned the title to “National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry”.

    The upper chamber also resolved “to communicate its decision to the House of Representatives for the purpose of constituting the equal number of an ad-hoc committee that will working with the Senate.”

    While Senator Opeyemi Bamidele will still chair the National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage, its members include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi; Senator Mohammed Monguno and Senator Solomon Olamilekan.

    Other members include: Senator Plang Diket, Senator Ipalibo Banigo; Senator Khabeeb Mustapha; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Senator Williams Eteng Jonah; Senator Adetokunbo Abiru; Senator Osita Izunaso; Senator Sahabi Ya’u; Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi and Senator Suleiman A. Kawu.

    The lawmakers agreed further that the resolution of the Senate be communicated to the House of Representatives, following which the Joint Ad-hoc Committee will be inaugurated by the presiding officers of both chamber

    The Senate had on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024 debated a motion on the urgent need to investigate the Importation of Hazardous Petroleum Products and Dumping of Substandard Diesel into Nigeria moved by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River North).

    The Senate had on Thursday, 11th July 2024 recaptioned the title of the Ad-hoc Committee to Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry.

    After holding meetings with key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, the Bamidele Committee put its activities on hold with conducting a joint session with the lower chamber and providing workable antidotes to a myriad of challenges in the industry.

  • Reps Pass Bill To Increase Health Workers’ Retirement Age For Second Reading

    Reps Pass Bill To Increase Health Workers’ Retirement Age For Second Reading

    A bill seeking to raise the retirement age for health workers in the nation from 60 to 65 years and extending the years of service from 35 to 40 passed a second reading on Thursday before members of the House of Representatives.

    During the plenary debate on the bill, its proponent, Dr. Wale Hammed (APC, Lagos), articulated that this legislation aims to retain seasoned medical professionals, thereby fostering the growth of the health sector while simultaneously mentoring younger practitioners.

    He emphasized that this initiative has the potential to transform the healthcare landscape, noting that the ongoing Japa syndrome negatively impacts the sector, as it is predominantly the younger workforce that is emigrating.

    Dr. Hammed acknowledged that while it may not be feasible to prevent migration due to individual rights, adjusting the retirement age could facilitate the retention of those who wish to continue serving locally for a longer duration.

    He said, “Increasing the retirement age will retain experienced healthcare workers, allowing them to continue contributing their expertise to the sector, as it is particularly important at this time that the healthcare delivery system faces significant challenges, especially a shortage of skilled professionals.

    “Nigeria’s healthcare sector is currently experiencing a significant depletion in both the number and quality of professionals due to two main factors.

    “Firstly, a substantial number of health workers are migrating abroad in search of the proverbial golden fleece—a trend difficult to stop given the fundamental human rights of the individuals concerned. Secondly, the compulsory retirement age of 60 and the mandatory 35 years of service, as stipulated in the public service rules, is contributing to the exodus of experienced professionals.

    “While we cannot control the former, the latter can be addressed through the upward review of the retirement age which this Bill will achieve.

    “We have precedence for such measures, as the federal government has previously reviewed upward, the retirement age for certain categories of public servants, including judges, lecturers, and teachers.”

    Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) participated in the discussion by urging fellow members to provide the bill with a clear direction. He noted that several states within the federation have already raised the retirement age for health workers.

    He pointed out that during the recruitment process in hospitals, specific qualifications are typically outlined, and there is a persistent shortage of consultants and other health professionals due to a lack of experience.

    Jaha emphasized that health professionals over the age of 50 who are willing to remain in the workforce and contribute to the healthcare delivery system should be permitted to continue their service rather than being retired solely based on age or years of service.

    Bello Ambarura also contributed to the discourse, highlighting that numerous consultant positions in various Federal Medical Centres remain unfilled while retiring professionals are being recruited by foreign agencies due to their expertise.

    He contended that raising the retirement age for health workers would significantly benefit the healthcare sector in the country.

  • War against Drug abuse hots up as NASS seeks Parents’ Inclusion

    War against Drug abuse hots up as NASS seeks Parents’ Inclusion

    The National Assembly Thursday stepped up the war against drug abuse and trafficking by seeking for inclusion of parents in the battle.

    Call for parents’ inclusion in the war by the National Assembly came from its joint committee on Drugs and Narcotics during one day sensitization programme organised in collaboration with National Association of Nigerian Drugs Monitoring ( NANDRUM).

    In his speech at the event themed : ” Parents Inclusion in the Fight Against Drug Abuse and Reckless Behaviours “, the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly , Godswill Akpabio, said involvement of parents in the fight very necessary and critical .

    Akpabio who was represented by the Deputy Leader of the Senate , Senator Lola Ashiru , said the epidemic of drug abuse and trafficking, should be tackled right from the home fronts led by Parents.

    ” Getting parents involved in the fight against drug abuse is taking the battle to the basis and tackling the menace right from the home front since those indulging in it, come from different homes before hitting the streets as drug addicts or traffickers .

    ” The theme of today’s sensitization programme on the dangers of drugs abuse , is very apt and very necessary for effective fight against the menace of drug abuse .

    “The fight against drugs abuse is indeed , a fight for our posterity requiring parents to be on the front lines being the guiding force in their Children’s lives .

    ” I urge all parents to take up this mantle of responsibility with unwavering determination sice the greatest gift any parent can give to Children is not riches but the spirit of adventure, the virtue of integrity and the gift of courage .

    ” Let us equip our children with the required tools they need to navigate life ‘s challenges without falling victim to the perils of drug abuse “, he said .

    In his remarks , on behalf of Chairmen , Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics , Mallam Isa Garba , said the sensitization programme was collaboratively organized to step up the fight against drug abuse .

  • Senate Begins Screening Of Seven Ministerial Nominees

    Senate Begins Screening Of Seven Ministerial Nominees

    The Senate has begun the screening of seven ministerial nominees named last Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu.

    The screening exercised was held at the red chamber on Wednesday after it was postponed on Tuesday.

    The upper legislative house began with Nentawe Yilwatda, the nominee appointed to replace Betta Edu as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

    The Senate suspended its rule to admit the ministerial nominees.

    Other appointees for screening are Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu nominated as the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi nominated as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Jumoke Oduwole nominated as the Minister of Industry.

    Idi Maiha as Minister for the newly created Livestock Development Ministry, Yusuf Ata as the Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, with Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State Education.

    Last Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu sacked five ministers, re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation.

  • US President, Joe Biden Phones Tinubu 

    US President, Joe Biden Phones Tinubu 

    President Bola Tinubu yesterday, received a phone call from the US President, Mr. Joe Biden.

    The call took place at about 4pm, Nigerian time and lasted for about 30 minutes.

    This was disclosed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, while briefing state House Correspondents about the development.

    The discussion centered about the recent release of the Head of Finance Crime compliance at Binance, Tigran Gambaryan.

    Tuggar said, “The call was about the collaboration between the two countries with regards to law enforcement and law enforcement agencies as well as the release of one of the suspects of the crypto currency exchange company that you are all aware of.

    “Mr President also thanked the US for the partnership and collaboration in numerous areas with regards to security in Africa and West Africa as as whole. President Biden assured President Tinubu that this is a partnership because the future of the world reside in Africa and as such, the partnership is important.

    “The leaders also discussed the issue of permanent seat in the United Nations security Council and Biden assured the the united States is committed to seeing Africa having a permanent seat and does not see why one of those seats should belong to Nigeria.”

  • Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, Nigeria’s most credible electoral umpire is dead

    Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, Nigeria’s most credible electoral umpire is dead

    Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the man adjudged to have conducted Nigeria’s freest and fairest election in 1993 has passed away.

    Nwosu was instrumental in organizing Nigeria’s historic June 12, 1993 election.

    Nwosu died in a Virginia hospital in the United States at the age of 83, according to SaharaReporters.

    Appointed by the then military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida, Nwosu oversaw the election that many still regard as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history.

    The election saw Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) emerge victorious over Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

    Nwosu’s leadership at the NEC, now known as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), introduced the innovative Option A4 and Open Ballot voting systems.

    These reforms were aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

    Despite his efforts, Nwosu was forced to halt the release of the election results by the Babangida regime before the final tally could be announced.

    The military later annulled the election, sparking widespread protests and political unrest.

    In July 2024, the Nigerian House of Representatives called on President Bola Tinubu to immortalize Nwosu for his role in conducting what is still considered Nigeria’s most credible election since independence.

  • Gov Alia suspends attorney general over EFCC legality suit 

    Gov Alia suspends attorney general over EFCC legality suit 

    Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday, suspended the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mynin.

    The commissioner was suspended for joining the suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission without informing his principal.

    The Apex Court had on Tuesday reserved judgment on the suit filed by 19 states of the federation.

    However, three out of the nineteen states challenging the constitutionality of the laws that established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were reported to have withdrawn from the suit.

    The three states, according to the report are; Anambra (9th plaintiff), Adamawa (16th plaintiff), and Ebonyi (18th plaintiff) separately submitted applications for withdrawal before the Court.

    The Attorney General of Anambra State, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, informed the court that she wishes to withdraw from the suit, having filed a motion for withdrawal on October 20.

    Similarly, the Attorney General of Ebonyi State, Ikenna Nwidagu, stated, “My Lord, I filed a notice of withdrawal dated and filed on October 21. My Lords, we pray this honourable Court strikes out the name of the 18th plaintiff.”

    However, Alia, who was taken aback that the state joined other states to challenge the legality of the anti-corruption agency, was said to have ordered the suspension of the attorney general.

    Confirming the suspension to our correspondent, the governor’s spokesperson, Kula Tersoo, said, “It’s true, His Excellency today suspended the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order for joining the suit challenging the legality of EFCC without informing the governor.”

  • Presidency reaffirms commitment to harmony at the National Assembly

    Presidency reaffirms commitment to harmony at the National Assembly

    The Presidency has strongly refuted reports suggesting the deployment of security agents to obstruct senators from carrying out their legislative duties.

    It denied knowledge or deployment of agents to obstruct alleged impeachment plot against the Senate President.

    In a statement issued by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidency dismissed these claims as baseless and urged the public to disregard them.

    Senator Lado emphasized that there is no discord among the senators and that the legislative body remains united in its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s democracy.

    He stressed that the reports of tension or a rift within the National Assembly are entirely unfounded.

    “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is fully committed to fostering a harmonious working relationship among the senators.

    He recognizes the crucial role the Senate plays in driving legislative progress and is dedicated to ensuring that this collaboration is built on mutual respect, dialogue, and shared goals for the peace, progress, and prosperity of all Nigerians,” Senator Lado stated.

    He further clarified that any security presence within the National Assembly Complex is strictly routine, aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of lawmakers and staff, and not for any interference in legislative matters.

    The statement reassured the public that the Senate continues to function freely and without hindrance, and urged citizens to disregard the misleading reports, which could harm the integrity of the legislative process.

    This reaffirmation from the Presidency underscores its commitment to maintaining a stable and cooperative relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.