Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

  • Unlawful detention will no longer be tolerated, AGF warns security agents

    Unlawful detention will no longer be tolerated, AGF warns security agents

    By Vivian Michael

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice(AGF) Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Thursday, warned security agents against detaining suspects beyond the time allowed by law.

    The Minister reiterated that security agents to always abide by provisions of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution in relation to rights of suspects in their custody.

    Speaking at the yearly lecture of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), the AGF warned that any security agents found detaining suspects beyond the constitutionally allowed period would be severely sanctioned.

    His lecture revolved around ‘Governance, Security, and Human Rights’, which he claimed to be momentous as it addresses some of the most pressing issues facing the country today.

    He said that law enforcement agents must do due their diligence before arresting anyone, adding that situations where people are languishing in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the Constitution or by order of the courts will no longer be tolerated.

    The AGF warned that appropriate sanctions will be meted out to those found guilty of unlawful detention.

    According to him, the government of President Bola Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action and as the Chief Law Officer of the country, he will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person.

    The minister said, “I wish to remind our law enforcement agents that they must respect the laws of the land and not keep people in detention beyond a reasonable time as stipulated in Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

    “Law enforcement agents must do due their diligence before arresting anyone. Situations where people are languishing in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the constitution or by order of the courts, will no longer be tolerated and appropriate sanctions shall be meted out to those found guilty of contravening the laws of the land.

    “The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action and as the chief law officer of this country, I will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person.

    “The collaboration of HURIWA in this endeavor cannot be overstated. Your tireless advocacy, and public education are vital to the advancement of human rights in Nigeria.

    “As we commemorate this 17th lecture series, let us renew our commitment to working together for a Nigeria where good governance, security, and human rights coexist harmoniously.”

    Concluding, he advised to create a society where every Nigerian can live free from fear and oppression, where their rights are respected, and where justice prevails.

  • Don’t Use Oro To Threaten Protesters – Gbadebo

    Don’t Use Oro To Threaten Protesters – Gbadebo

    Former Lagos State Labour Party governorship candidate, Gbedebo Rhodes-Vivour, has advised against using the traditional Yoruba ritual, Oro, to threaten protesters.

    Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of assaulting Yoruba traditional institutions. He said the Yoruba are known for justice and fairness through upholding their traditions.

    Gbadebo’s statement on Thursday followed an announcement on the Lagospedia X handle, on Wednesday. The handle announced that traditionalists in Lagos have fixed Oro to hold from August 1 to 15.

    Lagos State government was accused of sponsoring the Oro event to shun the planned “EndbadgovernanceinNigeria” protest slated on August 1.

    Gbadebo said, “The campaign by APC propaganda handles to use ORO – a sacred ritual in Yoruba land – to threaten protesters is an assault on our traditional institution. Casualizing centuries of a hallowed ritual with such juvenile intent debases our culture and corrupts our revered institution.

    “The Yoruba are obsessed with Justice and fairness, not only as a guiding principle but also as a defining feature. It explains why, although the subjects recognize their king as an authority second only to the gods, the community does not tolerate high-handedness on the part of the king. Whenever they perceive such, there is bound to be a protest.”

    He said while he supports peace and patience from the youths, the right to peaceful assembly must be respected by traditional leaders.

    “I urge patience and restraint from our youth but defend their right to peaceful assembly. More importantly, I call on our respected traditional leaders to condemn our tradition’s desecration and guard our revered institutions jealously,” he added.

  • Why I Withdrew From Presidential Race – Biden

    Why I Withdrew From Presidential Race – Biden

    President Joe Biden of the United States (US) has explained why he withdrew from the November 5 election.

    Biden, 81, served as deputy of Barack Obama, during his two terms as America’s number one citizen.

    Like Obama and other Democrats, Biden lined up behind Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Presidential election won by President Donald Trump.

    Four years later, Biden defeated Trump who was seeking reelection. Then 77, he had made history as the oldest person to be elected into the Oval Office.

    However, his presidency has been marred with controversies, especially on account of ill-health and fitness.

    The issue reached its height after Trump defeated him by a wide margin in a presidential debate some weeks ago.

    Biden had consistently resisted pressure to quit until he announced it in a post on his X handle, on Sunday.

    While announcing his decision to step down, Biden said he would remain as President and Commander-in-Chief until his term ends in January 2025.

    Speaking in a televised address on Wednesday night, Biden said he ended his re-election campaign in a bid to save US democracy.

    According to him, he endorsed his deputy, Kamala Harris, to unite their fellow Democrats and the country.

    He said: “I revere this office. But I love my country more. I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.

    “That is the best way to unite our nation.”

    The US president said he believed his record warranted a second term, but “nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition”.

    He added: “The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”

    Biden is the first sitting president not to seek re-election since 1968 when Lyndon Johnson halted his campaign as his popularity sank during the Vietnam War.

    Meanwhile, US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump launched a volley of attacks against Harris on Wednesday.

    In his first rally since Harris became the de facto Democratic Party nominee, Trump described her as a “radical left lunatic”.

    He also claimed that the US vice president was in favor of the “execution” of babies due to her position on abortions.

    “She is a radical left lunatic who will destroy our country,” the former president and Republican nominee said.

    So far, opinion polls indicate a tight race between the former president and Harris in a hypothetical match-up.

  • Euro 2024: UEFA issues bans to seven countries

    Euro 2024: UEFA issues bans to seven countries

    By anchor admin

    UEFA have announced bans and fines for seven countries who participated at Euro 2024 because of discriminatory behaviour by their fans.

    Some of the matches at the tournament were marred by incidents of racism and offensive chanting.

    UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB), in a press statement on Wednesday, confirmed the charges for seven national federations over incidents which relate to a total of 17 games.

    Firstly, Croatia have been fined £41,978 and banned from selling tickets to their away fans for their next UEFA competition match, due their supporters’ racist and discriminatory behaviour in all three of their Group B fixtures.

    The Romanian FA have been handed a £33,583 fine and will also be banned from selling tickets to away supporters for their next UEFA match after similar incidents across three of their games.

    Albania have also been charged with racist and discriminatory behaviour during their group-stage games against Croatia and Spain. They have been fined £25,183 and given them a one-UEFA match ban from selling tickets to their away supporters, suspended for a probationary period of two years.

    Meanwhile, the Hungarian, Slovenian and Serbian federations have all received the same punishment for their fans’ racist and discriminatory behaviour.

  • Food prices surge by over 180% in Nigeria

    Food prices surge by over 180% in Nigeria

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    Economic hardship has worsened for Nigerians as prices of garri, beans, yam, and tomatoes increased by at least 180 percent in June 2024, compared to the same period last year amid looming planned nationwide protests.

    The National Bureau of Statistics disclosed this in its June Selected Food report released on Wednesday.

    The report considered prices of staple foods, including garlic, beans, tomatoes, yam and potatoes.

    The data showed that food prices increased on a year-on-year basis and month-on-month basis.

    According to specific food item analysis, one kilogram of garri (white) went up by 181.66 percent on a year-on-year basis from N403.15 in June 2023 to N1,135.51 in June 2024, while there was an increase of 1.86 percent on a month-on-month basis.

    Also, the price of 1kg of beans brown (sold loose) stood at N2,292.76, indicating a rise of 252.13 percent YoY from N651.12 recorded in June 2023.

    Similarly, 1kg of yam tuber increased by 295.79 percent on a year-on-year basis from N510.77 in June 2023 to N 2,021.55 in May 2024.

    On a month-on-month basis, it increased by 52.87 percent from N 1,322.36 in May 2024 to N 2,021.55 in June 2024.

    Also, the price of tomatoes (1kg) increased Year-on-Year (YoY) by 320.67 percent to N2,302.26 in June 2024 from N547.28 in June of last year (2023).

    The report added that there was also a notable price increase of Irish potato by 288.5 percent on a year-on-year basis from N623.75 in June 2023 to N2,423.27 in June 2024.

    On a state-by-state level analysis, Lagos state recorded the highest price of 1kg tuber of yam at N3,376.54, while Adamawa recorded the lowest price at N1,100.00.

    Gombe recorded the highest average price of 1kg Garri (white) sold loose at N1,619.27, while the lowest was reported in Taraba at N900.

    This comes as June’s core and food inflation stood at 34.19 percent and 40.87 percent respectively.

    The implication is that the purchasing power of more Nigerians will continue to decline, worsening the misery index.

    The development comes as Nigerians gear up for a planned national protest scheduled for 1st August, 2024.

    Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had called on the citizens to shelve the planned protests.

    According to him, the government needed time for its policies, including a new minimum wage of N70,000 to impact Nigerians positively.

    The government’s plea comes as Nigerian governors and ministers target dialogue to halt the planned protest.

  • APC begs Nigerians to shun nationwide protest over hardship

    APC begs Nigerians to shun nationwide protest over hardship

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    The national working committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has urged Nigerians to refrain from participating in the planned protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration scheduled for August 1-10. 

    In a briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, following the NWC’s 153rd meeting, APC National Secretary Surajudeen Basiru made this appeal. He encouraged Nigerians to trust in the current government’s ability to address the country’s economic issues.

    “The APC, alongside President Tinubu, appeals to those planning protests to reconsider their plans,” Basiru stated. “We ask for confidence in the government’s efforts to resolve the nation’s economic challenges.”

    Basiru acknowledged that the Tinubu administration, since its inception in 2023, has faced significant economic hurdles. He assured that the president is implementing policies and programs aimed at alleviating these issues and providing relief to citizens in the near future.

    He also noted that many of the country’s economic problems are global in nature and require comprehensive solutions. Some issues raised by protest organizers are political or constitutional and can only be addressed through amendments, which are currently underway in the National Assembly.

    Basiru urged those planning the protests to have faith in President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to improve the economy and assured that current difficulties would eventually be resolved. 

    He also called on parents and concerned citizens to monitor their children and wards to prevent them from being used to incite disorder.

    Additionally, he announced that the party’s chairpersons from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been summoned for an emergency meeting to further discuss the matter.

  • Reps flays FCT ‘park and pay’ policy

    Reps flays FCT ‘park and pay’ policy

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    The House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has criticized the “park and pay” system implemented by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

    During an interactive session with Chinedum Elechi, the mandate secretary for the transportation secretariat, in Abuja on Wednesday, Mukthar Betara, chairman of the committee, expressed concerns about the policy, highlighting reports of harassment faced by residents and motorists from those enforcing it.

    The FCTA reintroduced the “park and pay” policy in August 2023 following agreements with two concessionaires, aiming to alleviate city congestion and enhance driving conditions. This policy had previously been suspended in April 2014 by a high court ruling that found it unlawful due to lack of legal backing.

    Betara sought details on the reintroduction process, the policy’s authorization, and how fees are remitted to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). In response, Elechi confirmed that the policy is supported by a legal framework and that parking is confined to designated areas.

    “The park and pay are by regulation. We have legal framework. It is part of the way of controlling traffic.

    ” So, under the part and pay, designated areas are meant to be parks. So, it is legal. It is revenue paid through concessionaires.

    According to him, there is usually a ration between the concessionaires and the FCT. So, for areas where we have concessionaires, there is a percentage that goes to the concessionaires.

    ” It is 60 per cent, and 40 per cent goes to FCT. The infrastructure for the work is usually provided by the concessionaire. The revenue goes straight to the revenue account of the FCT, not transportation.”

    The committee chairman queried the mandate secretary about the contract process, asking how the contract was established.

    ” In appointing your concessionaires, what procedure did you follow? How much has been remitted to the FCDA from January to date? Who gave you the approval?” Betara asked.

    Hussaina Olayemi, the director of legal services, transport, explained that the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Abuja Investment Company, the FCT organisation responsible for public-private partnerships, were involved.

    “After their involvement, the concession was submitted to the federal executive council, for approval. So, we have the FEC approval,” Olayemi stated.

    The committee criticised the allocation of 60 per cent of revenue to concessionaires while the government receives only 40 per cent.

    Betara demanded clarification on what infrastructure the concessionaires are providing.

    Replying, Elechi stated that the concessionaire is responsible for marking roads.

    However, Mr Betara countered, asserting that no roads in Abuja have been marked by the concessionaire.

    “The way the concessionaires operate in Abuja, they harass people on the streets. I would have advised you people to have given the VIO this concessionaire.

    ”Let them take this up so that the whole revenue will go to FCT. Why are you personalising this for an individual?” Betara said.

  • JUST IN: Three dead as another building collapses in Lagos

    JUST IN: Three dead as another building collapses in Lagos

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    At least three site workers have been reported dead following the collapse of a building at Arowojobe Estate in Maryland, Lagos State, early Thursday morning.

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident through Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu in a statement to NAN. 

    The building collapse occurred at No. 13 Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Maryland. Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the deceased were male site workers who were recovered from the scene.

    “The agency received a distress call regarding a collapsed building at the above address at about 3.49 a.m.

    “This prompted the immediate activation of the agency’s response team to the scene of the incident at 3.58 a.m.

    “It was discovered that a set of three terraces under construction had collapsed

    Search and rescue operations began immediately and three adult males were recovered dead, two male adults were rescued alive and one adult male trapped under the rubble was rescued,” he said.

    He added that the rescued ones were carried out through the efforts of LASEMA and the Lagos State Fire Service.

    “All the six men were site workers.

    “They are receiving pre hospital care on location while the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit has been contacted for the remains of the three fatalities.

    “A combined team of agency personnel, fire service and Nigeria Police are working at the scene.

    “LASEMA’s excavator has been deployed to accelerate the search and rescue operations,” he said.

  • Police Undermining Court Order- ASCSN President

    Police Undermining Court Order- ASCSN President

    By Vivian Michael, Abuja

    The President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, (ASCSN) Comrade Bola-Audu Innocent, Wednesday, accused the Nigerian Police of subtly undermining the recent judgment of the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja, which reinstated him as the authentic President of the Association.

    The Court presided by Justice Oyewumi Oyebiola, had on July 9, 2024, voided the purported suspension of Bola-Audu, and subsequently ordered his return as President of ASCSN till when his tenure will be completed.

    In the judgment delivered virtually,
    Justice Oyebiola, held that the suspension of Bola-Audu by the Central Working Committee of the ASCSN and his subsequent expulsion by the National Working Committee was “unlawful, illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever”.

    However, since Comrade Bola-Audu Innocent got the certified true copy of the court order, all concerted effort to assume duty as President, had been resisted by few members of the Association, believed to be loyal to one Etim Okon, who acted as President while the matter was in court.

    Bola-Audu’s allegation followed a directive from the Police for him to vacate the office on Wednesday.

    Addressing the press at the premises of ASCSN, Bola-Audu expressed dismay at the way the police is handling the issue.

    Explaining that the judgement of the industrial court was declaratory in nature, the ASCSN President said, rather than uphold the order of court, the police are being complicit in the matter.

    “Regrettably, those responsible for my ordeal have refused to respect the court’s judgment, seeking to frustrate its implemenration. I have drawn the attention of relevant law
    enforcement agencies to this matter to no avail.

    “Ironically, the Police, who should be providing protection, are now hindering my resumption of office. I am aware of plots to frustrate the court’s judgment and I therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to withdraw his men from our office as requested by our members.

    Nevertheless, “We were invited by the FCT Commissioner of Police last Sunday for a meeting. Luckily, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (Simon Lough), who is a police officer was present as an arbiter.

    “He read the judgment for all of us, we were about 40 or more in the office of the Commissioner of Police.

    “After reading, the judgment, he told the cabal who has been resisting me from assuming my office that what they were doing is wrong.

    “He told them that the judgement of the National Industrial Court, cannot be compared with the judgment of an ordinary court; and that it is a special court set aside by government to treat issues of labour, Lough explained.

    The SAN, in the presence of the Commissioner of Police told them that even if they claimed that they have appealed, they needed the leave of the court to be able to do so.

    According to Bola-Audu, after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police said he was going to get across to them in two days.

    “Uptill today, we have not heard from him. The tenure of this administration is going to end on Monday, the 29th.
    So, it is a deliberate effort.

    “We have been at the Force headquarters and complained, we have gone everywhere we feel we could get justice in peace, and it’s not coming.

    “What right has the police to come and seal my office and would not allow me to assume the office as President of the Association, when a court of competent jurisdiction has said so.

    “Are they interpreting the judgment of the court differently, the ASCSN President queried.

    “They are to maintain law and order. Rather than do that, you came and locked up my office. Did you see anybody fighting, you locked up my office and then you are telling us cock and bull story” Bola-Audu fumed.

    Meanwhile, a senior police officer (name withheld) told members of the Association who were in the office premises to vacate, claiming they were there to maintain law and order.

    The officer said both parties should maintain status quo and stop parading themselves as President because their matter “is on the table”.

    Reacting to that position, members of the Association, chanting solidarity songs said they rather die there than vacate the office. END.

  • ICPC vows to sanction corrupt state legislators 

    ICPC vows to sanction corrupt state legislators 

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged to address corruption among members of state Houses of Assembly.

    Musa Aliyu, the ICPC Chairman, made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja during the opening of a three-day workshop for Jigawa State legislators. The workshop, titled “Transparency and Accountability: Effective Legislative Tools Towards Successful Mandate Delivery,” focused on enhancing legislative effectiveness.

    Aliyu expressed concern about widespread corruption in the country and stressed the need for legislators to uphold integrity in all aspects of their roles. 

    He assured that the ICPC is committed to working with state legislatures to combat corruption effectively.

    “We are prepared to collaborate with the state legislatures to advance our fight against corruption, as we have with other branches and levels of government,” Aliyu said. “However, we will not hesitate to take decisive action when necessary.”

    He emphasized that the ICPC would continue to fulfill its mandate of enforcement, prevention, public education, and mass mobilization within the bounds of the law. Aliyu also highlighted the importance of prioritizing national interest over personal or collective interests, as demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “The principle of separation of powers must be upheld; any encroachment on the functions of the executive or judiciary undermines democracy and good governance,” Aliyu stated. 

    He added that the legislature has a crucial role in identifying waste, inefficiency, corruption, and mismanagement of public resources. Effective execution of these functions requires transparency and accountability, underscoring the significance of the workshop.