Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

  • Public Outcry: Lawmakers demand immediate reversal to old petrol pump price

    Public Outcry: Lawmakers demand immediate reversal to old petrol pump price

    The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) to reverse the recent hike in petrol prices.
    The committee’s chairman, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, described the increase as “unacceptable” and urged immediate action to alleviate the burden on Nigerians.
    “We urge the Federal Government and, of course, the NNPCL to consider the plight of Nigerians and suspend this recent increase in pump price,” Doguwa said in a statement.
    The committee highlighted the difficulties faced by citizens and criticised private companies for exploiting system gaps to generate profits at the expense of the populace.
    Doguwa stressed the need for a return to the old petrol price and encouraged broader stakeholder engagement to address the issue.
    Doguwa, who also chairs the Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Vandalisation, outlined plans to collaborate with security agencies to curb oil theft, which threatens the nation’s fuel supply.
    “A return to the old pump price will calm frayed nerves, enabling Nigerians to go about their daily activities with ease,” he added.
    He advised Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration as it seeks to revitalise the oil and gas sector, including the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
  • PDP Summons Wike Over Anti-party Activities

    PDP Summons Wike Over Anti-party Activities

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged anti-party activities.

    Wike was summoned to appear before the PDP disciplinary committee.

    This was made known on Monday by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who disclosed in an interview with Channels TV that the former Rivers State Governor has been sent a letter to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee.

    Abdullahi added that Wike’s statement about “putting fire in their states” in reference to PDP governors is unacceptable.

    According to him, “Wike should be able to manage his words carefully; that was a very disappointing remark. We weren’t expecting him to say that, and we are not with him on that to be honest with you”

    Details later…

  • EndBadGovernance: FG Releases six Polish students

    EndBadGovernance: FG Releases six Polish students

    A group of Polish students and their teacher arrested in Nigeria during protests against government policies and soaring living costs have been released, Poland’s foreign minister said on Wednesday.
    The seven Polish citizens were detained earlier this month in the northwestern state of Kano “over their suspicious role in the protest and flying of Russian flags”, according to the Nigerian national security agency.
    The Polish authorities, however, said they were University of Warsaw students and a teacher, who found themselves “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.
    Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said the group had now been released.
    “I would like to confirm that the young people are already free, back in Kano, on campus, with passports,” Sikorski said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter.
    “I think the young people received an accelerated lesson in African studies… I hope they will be back in the country soon,” he added.
    Nigeria is struggling with its worst cost-of-living crisis in years after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu introduced reforms to help revive the economy and foreign investment
  • Legal Challenges: Edo Deputy Governor Asserts Legitimacy

    Legal Challenges: Edo Deputy Governor Asserts Legitimacy

    Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo has reaffirmed his position as the legitimate Deputy Governor of Edo State, emphasizing that he continues to execute his duties as prescribed by the Nigerian Constitution.

     

    This declaration was made during a solidarity visit by the leadership and members of Edo State’s three major transport unions: the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and the Edo State Drivers Welfare Scheme.

     

    Despite ongoing legal disputes concerning the Deputy Governor’s office, Omobayo assured that these challenges have not deterred him from his commitment.

     

    He expressed his dedication to supporting Governor Godwin Obaseki in his efforts to advance the economic development and transformation of Edo State.

     

    Omobayo extended his gratitude to the unions for their steadfast support since he took office, and he acknowledged their loyalty to Governor Obaseki.

     

    Earlier, Comrade Monday Orhue, Chairman of RTEAN, and Chief Odion Olaye, Chairman of NURTW, conveyed their solidarity by visiting the Deputy Governor.

     

    They reiterated their endorsement of Omobayo as the authentic Deputy Governor, affirming their confidence in his role.

     

    Chief Olaye expressed optimism for a successful conclusion to the Obaseki administration.

     

  • Council of State didn’t pass vote of confidence in Tinubu

    Council of State didn’t pass vote of confidence in Tinubu

    A fresh revelation has emerged, contradicting earlier claims by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq that the National Council of State (NCS) passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu at its inaugural meeting last week.
    It has been uncovered that no such confidence vote was taken.
    Recall that according to Governor AbdulRazaq, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Council and the NGF jointly passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu.
    “The high note of the (Council) meeting was a unanimous passage of a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander in Chief of the Nigerian armed forces,” the Kwara governor said.
    However, a high-ranking official present at the meeting has come forward to dispute this claim, describing it as “a dummy sold to reporters.”
    The official said the Council of State is a serious advisory body, comprising esteemed members, including former Presidents, Heads of State, and top judiciary and legislative officials. The meeting, the source said therefore cannot be likened to a town hall gathering, where such votes are commonly taken.
    “The meeting is a very serious one that has a list of to-do things which we call agenda or agendum. There was nowhere a motion for a debate on whether or not to pass vote of confidence was on the agenda of the meeting. In any case, I know that such votes are passed in a Parliamentary system of government, and Nigeria runs a presidential system,” the Authority Newspaper quoted the official as saying.
    According to him, “after the end of the Council meeting, Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, suggested that, in the light of the #endbadgovernance protests, it would be good for the Council to show solidarity with President Tinubu,” offered the official.
    “No sooner had the AGF made the proposal than Senate President Godswill Akpabio rose to, in his words, second the motion for Council to pass a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed TinubuTinubu,” adding, “to be fair, no former Presidents/Heads of State, nor governors present at the meeting commented on the motion by Fagbemi and Akpabio,” he narrated, adding, “I’m sure the former leaders at the meeting must have been thoroughly embarrassed by Governor AbdulRazaq’s claim.
    Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari were physically in attendance at the meeting.
  • Bauchi:Senator Buba slams Governor Bala after chieftaincy withdrawal

    Bauchi:Senator Buba slams Governor Bala after chieftaincy withdrawal

    By Caroline Ameh

    Senator Shehu Buba Umar of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the withdrawal of his chieftaincy title of Mujaddadin Bauchi for allegedly insulting the state Governor Bala Mohammed.

    In a letter addressed to the Emir of Bauchi, Senate Committee Chairman of National Security and Intelligence, expressed his shock at their decision, noting that he adheres to a policy of constructive criticism, refraining from the use of insulting or abusive language.

    Umar said his response to Bala’s “disparaging comments about President Bola Tinubu” was aimed at defending the Nigerian leader against what he perceived as “calculated attempts to tarnish his reputation and sow public discord that could threaten national security.”

    The lawmaker argued that the governor’s rhetoric was “confrontational, accusatory, abusive, and defamatory,” including “emotive language aimed at threatening national security”, and accused him of abusing the people of Bauchi several occasions.

    Senator Umar lamented that though the state government received over N144 billion from the Federation Account in 2023 and more than N47 billion from January to date, the effect of the huge allocation has not been felt by the people.

    The statement reads: “I received with utter shock a letter dated August 14, 2024, informing me of the Bauchi Emirate Council’s decision to withdraw my traditional title of Mujaddadin Bauchi. This decision was made over an allegation that I insulted Governor Bala Mohammed during a rally.

    “Meanwhile, I must state that during a recent APC campaign flag-off, I responded to the Governor’s disparaging comments about the President, which I felt were calculated to expose the President to public contempt and disaffection.

    “In some of the multimedia contents that have gone viral, the Governor’s rhetoric is confrontational, accusatory, abusive and defamatory. Some of the emotive language including President Tinubu of “lying to us,” “deception,” “causing pain,” “anger and hunger” to appeal to emotions.

    “While the allegations by Governor Bala of PDP against President Tinubu of APC are politically motivated, most of them are baseless, unsubstantiated, lacking concrete data and evidence and barefaced falsehood.

    “In my response to Governor Bala’s accusation against President Tinubu, I pointed out the following: I refuted his claim that the Tinubu-led Administration abused the office, instead I accused the Governor of abusing people in Bauchi State.

    “I disclosed that Governor Bala received over N144 billion from the Federation Account in 2023 and over N47 billion from January to date, with a projected N195 billion by the end of 2024. I asked him to justify how he manages the treasury as citizens are crying of hunger.

    “I added that President Tinubu was doing all that is possible to secure the nation, stabilise the economy and ensure peaceful coexistence without polarizing the polity unlike Governor Bala. My remarks were well-intentioned and in defense of a higher authority than a Governor’s.

    “I register my sympathy with the Bauchi Emirate Council for hastily drawing a conclusion on this matter without affording me fair hearing. I accept their decision in good faith, hoping that in due time, Almighty Allah will send a messiah to Bauchi State to correct this situation.

    “I advise the Bauchi Emirate Council to resist any attempt by political actors to drag it into the political arena, serving their selfish interests. I pray for the long reign of the Emir of Bauchi in sound health, effectively piloting the affairs of his Emirate.”

  • Flood Cuts Off Kano-Maiduguri Expressway

    Flood Cuts Off Kano-Maiduguri Expressway

    Massive flooding, following a heavy downpour has cut off a significant part of the Kano-Maiduguri Expressway at Malori-Guskuri, a community in Katagum local government area of Bauchi State.
    The development has rendered the road impassable, forcing motorists to use alternative routes to their destinations, Leadership reports.
    Speaking at the scene on Thursday, Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, emphasised the importance of the road, which serves as a critical link between the North-West and North-East parts of Nigeria.
    He appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene and repair the damaged part of the highway to ease transportation of goods and services for the overall benefits of the citizens.
    To him, urgent intervention by federal government was necessary to prevent carnage and associated hardship on the highway.
    Governor Mohammad added that his administration would work out apt modalities to maintain some of the Federal Roads in the state as the rainy season continues.
  • Protest:Senator advices looters and vandals …assures constituents of responsive representation

    Protest:Senator advices looters and vandals …assures constituents of responsive representation

    By Caroline Ameh

    Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC Jigawa North West) on Monday in Abuja, has expressed worry over looting and vandalism being inflicted on public and private properties by violent protesters in some parts of the country.

    In a personally signed statement, Senator Hussaini specifically berated those who turned national protest against perceived bad governance into looting and vandalism of public and private properties in Jigawa State.

    He said though he was affected by the violent protest but not deterred from giving the people of Jigawa North West, quality and responsive representation in the Senate through development-driven legislation.

    The statement reads in part: “I feel deeply touched by the unfortunate incidences across the nation resulting from the national protests by some Nigerians ostensibly in the exercise of their legitimate concerns on the state of the nation, on 1st August, 2024.

    “My thoughts and sympathies go to the people of my senatorial district, Jigawa State and Nigerians whose lives were lost and property vandalized and looted by miscreants under the guise of a national protest against perceived bad governance.

    “As one of the victims of the wanton destruction of property and looting in Jigawa State, I consider what happened as a manifestation of the unfortunate circumstances in which we found ourselves as a nation at this historic moment.

    “It is clear to all that the predictable negative consequences of the demonstrations do not in any way define the issues being canvassed by the organizers, instead they reveal the orchestrated intentions of mischief makers and the enemies of State to destabilize the polity for their selfish interests.

    “I wish to assure my constituents that I am not angry at what has happened to me personally and I cannot be DETERRED or DISTRACTED from my legislative service compact with the people of Jigawa North West Senatorial District.

    “In fact, I remain RESOLUTE and COMMITTED in serving my people more than ever before in the pursuit of effective legislation that will positively impact the people of my Senatorial District and Nigeria in general, under the legislative agenda of the 10′ National Assembly, headed by Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “.

  • Hunger Protest: President Tinubu to Address the Nation

    Hunger Protest: President Tinubu to Address the Nation

    After much ado, President Bola Tinubu has finally agreed to address the nation following a nationwide protest christened #ENDBADGOVERNANCE by Nigerian youth.
    Now on the fourth day, the protest was kicked off, August 1, and expected to last till the 10th of August.
    A statement pushed out by the Special Adviser to the President, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale indicated that President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am.
    Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug into the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.
    The broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day, it was further stated.
  • Journalist, Songster, Onyeka Onweka Dies, Aged 72

    Journalist, Songster, Onyeka Onweka Dies, Aged 72

    Foremost journalist, Songster, actor and administrator, Ms Onyeka Onwenu has reportedly died. She passed, Tuesday evening at the Reddington Hospital, Lekki, Lagos.

    It was reported that Ms. Onwenu slumped after playing at the birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli, the Chief Executive (CEO) of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.

    Nigerian Anchor gathered from numerous sources that “Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.

    “She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the unnamed eyewitness told the newspaper.

    Born 31st January 1952, the late journalist turned singer, politician,rights activist, actor and administrator, and dubbed “The Elegant Stallion” by the Nigerian press, was at a time the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.

    In 2013, she was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.

    She will be remembered for her numerous songs, among them, “Wait for me” which she sang with Juju meastro, King Sunny Ade.

    There has not been official confirmation from her family as at the time of filing this report.