Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

  • LG Autonomy: Presidency Attacks Peter Obi For Not Commenting On Supreme Court Ruling 

    LG Autonomy: Presidency Attacks Peter Obi For Not Commenting On Supreme Court Ruling 

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga has slammed the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his silence since the Supreme Court gave its ruling granting financial autonomy to Local government areas.

    Speaking via his account on Friday Night, Onanuga claimed that Obi’s silence shows he is only quick to tweet unverified news about President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria.

    He insisted that a good opposition must be sincere enough to praise his political opponent when he carries out a great deed.

    Onanuga urged the former Anambra governor to break his silence and acknowledge Tinubu’s efforts in making Nigeria great.

    He wrote, “Why is Peter Obi silent?

    “More than 36 hours after the Supreme Court gave a landmark ruling, granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local councils, Mr. Peter Obi, the defeated Labour Party candidate, has yet to utter a word on the epochal judgment. His silence confirms the belief that he is always quick to tweet unverified news about the Tinubu administration or our country.

    “A good opposition statesman must be candid enough to applaud his political opponent when he has done some great deed. The Tinubu administration has succeeded in giving life back to our emasculated councils, using the instrumentality of the law. Even Atiku Abubakar has grudgingly admitted this. But Peter has been silent. He should break his silence and acknowledge that President Tinubu is making a great Nigeria possible.’’

  • Beware of German-based Human Trafficking Syndicate

    Beware of German-based Human Trafficking Syndicate

    Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, students, guardians and members of the unsuspecting public have been warned to beware of a German-based human trafficking syndicate that is operating under the guise of offering internship opportunities to lure the youth into a human trafficking net in Europe.

    In a circular, the National Universities Commission (NUC) today, drew the attention of Vice Chancellors to the existence of the syndicate which is based in Germany and specializes in luring unsuspecting students from third world countries to Germany and other European countries under the guise of offering them internship opportunities in industries and allied institutions.
    In a circular, which was signed by Mr. John Mairafi Ahmadu, a director in the Executive Secretary’s office at the NUC, the existence of the syndicate was busted by a careful investigation by Indonesian Police.
    It was stated in the circular that the discovery by the Indonesian police was shared with the Office of the Secretary General of the Federation (OSGF) which communicated the development to the NUC with the clear instruction that the development should be brought to the attention of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities for escalation to the Nigerian public.

  • Senate Intensifies Probe into N30 Trillion Ways and Means; Extends Committee’s Assignment by Two Months

    Senate Intensifies Probe into N30 Trillion Ways and Means; Extends Committee’s Assignment by Two Months

    The Senate has ramped up its investigation into the N30 trillion Ways and Means facilities granted to the Federal Government by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between 2014 and 2023. Last Thursday, the Senate extended the assignment of the Ad-hoc committee handling the probe by an additional two months.

    Senator Isah Jibrin (APC Kogi East), who chairs the Ad-hoc committee established in March, requested more time, citing delays in receiving crucial information from several relevant agencies involved in the utilization of these funds.

    During a telephone conversation with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Senator Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise Duties, explained that the extension would enable the committee to intensify its efforts.

    “Most of the relevant agencies have been contacted, and their documents are being meticulously scrutinized regarding the spending of the disbursements obtained through the Ways and Means facilities,”

    Senator Jibrin stated. “As this is a highly sensitive national task, the committee is committed to conducting a thorough investigation without rushing to conclusions.”

    Jibrin emphasized that increased pressure would be applied to the few agencies that have not adequately responded to information requests. He warned that heads of non-compliant agencies might be summoned if they fail to provide the necessary information.

    “The extended timeframe will ensure that the committee produces a comprehensive investigative report by September this year, detailing how the N30 trillion Ways and Means were disbursed, for what purposes, and how the funds were expended,” he added.

    The Ways and Means facility is a loan mechanism through which the CBN finances the federal government’s budget shortfalls. This method often leads to macroeconomic instability, causing inflation and high exchange rates due to the excess liquidity injected into the economy.

    Although CBN law limits advances under Ways and Means to 5 percent of the previous year’s revenue, this limit has frequently been exceeded.

    In February this year, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced that the bank would cease granting Ways and Means advances to the government until all outstanding debts are repaid.

  • Senate passes North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Establishment Bill into law

    Senate passes North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Establishment Bill into law

    The senate, on Thursday passed into law the bill seeking the establishment of North Central Development Commission (NCDC). The bill was sponsored by Senator Abba Patrick Moro, representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader.

    The bill, which passed First and Second Readings on the 5th of October, 2023, and 21st of February, 2024 respectively, was first sponsored in the 9th Senate by Senator Moro where it passed first and second readings but could not get presidential assent before the expiration of the 9th Senate.

    Senator Moro had argued in his lead debate that the commission, when established would be saddled with the responsibility of receiving and managing funds from the federal government and donors for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of flood and farmers/herders clashes, communal clashes, construction of large format drainage systems, dredging of rivers Niger and Benue to control flood and incidental matters, as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy and other related environmental or developmental challenges facing the North Central Nigeria.

    The passage of the bill followed adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Special Duties submitted during plenary.

    The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary congratulated Senator Moro and all those who contributed to the success of the bill.

    He expressed optimism that President Tinubu would assent to the bill for the overall development of North Central Nigeria, which comprises Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

  • Reps Introduces Bill to Create New State “Etiti” in South-East Nigeria

    Reps Introduces Bill to Create New State “Etiti” in South-East Nigeria

    A bill to amend the 1999 Constitution with the aim to create an additional state in Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone has successfully passed its first reading in the House of Representatives.

    Titled “A Bill to alter the 1999 Constitution as amended to create additional state in the South-East geo-political zone called Etiti,” the bill was introduced by Rep. Amobi Ogah (LP-Abia) along with co-sponsors Rep. Miriam Onuoha (APC-Imo), Rep. Kama Nkemkama, Rep. Chinwe Nnabuife, and Rep. Anayo Onwuegbu.

    The proposed Etiti state state shall encompass communities currently part of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. It is planned to comprise 11 Local Government Areas with its administrative headquarters located in Lokpanta.

    Key amendments sought in the bill include changes to three sections of the 1999 constitution. These amendments aim to replace the reference to “36 states” with “37 states” and to insert the state of Etiti immediately after Enugu in the list of states outlined in the Constitution. Furthermore, the bill proposes reassigning 11 local government areas currently belonging to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states to the new state of Etiti.

    The local government areas affected by this proposal include Isuikwuato and Umu-Nneochi (Abia), Orumba North and Orumba South (Anambra), Ivo and Ohaozara (Ebonyi), Aninri, Agwu, and Oji River (Enugu), as well as Okigwe and Onuimo (Imo).

    The bill is expected to undergo further readings and deliberations in the House of Representatives before potentially being passed into law, pending broader legislative and public scrutiny.

  • Provide Emergency Relief to Flood Victims: Senate Urges Federal Government

    Provide Emergency Relief to Flood Victims: Senate Urges Federal Government

    Respite may soon come the way of victims of recent flood disasters in parts of the country as the Nigerian Senate has called upon the federal government to swiftly enact emergency provisions to ease the pain of victims of recent floods in several communities within Abia North Senatorial District, Abia State.

    The Senate resolution follows a motion calling on the Federal Government to urgently make Emergency Provisions for victims of flooding in some communities in Abia North Senatorial district of Abia State.

    The motion was sponsored by Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, representing Abia North who made an impassioned plea, saying that heavy rainstorms accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms had ravaged the region, resulting in tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to property.

    Support for the motion was resoundingly echoed by Senators Austin Akobundu of Abia Central, Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South, and Osita Izunaso of Imo North, who joined in urging the Federal Government to intervene urgently and provide relief to the affected communities.

    Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin commended Senator Kalu for bringing the motion forward, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of the federal government in infrastructure development and pledging thorough consideration of the motion’s demands.

    The Senate observed a minute of silence in honor of those who perished in the disaster.

    The Senate further mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance and Environment to ensure swift implementation of the emergency provisions and to report back to the Senate within four weeks.

  • Senate Commiserates with Customs over Death of Deputy Comptroller in NASS

    Senate Commiserates with Customs over Death of Deputy Comptroller in NASS

    The Senate through its committee on Customs and Excise Duties, has commiserated with men and officers of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over demise of Deputy Comptroller Etop Andrew Essien at the National Assembly on Tuesday.

    DC Essien’s death happened while making presentation before the House Committee on Public Accounts.

    In a personally signed message of condolence, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Duties, Senator Isah Jibrin (APC Kogi East) , said the death of DC Essien was shocking, more so, while performing national duty at the House of Representatives wing of the National Assembly .

    “That the deceased died while carrying out important assignment before the House Committee on Public Accounts, shows that he gave his all, to Nigeria generally and the Nigeria Customs in particular .

    “The service of such a dedicated public officer , must definitely not be allowed to go in vain .

    “On behalf of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Duties, Icommiserate with the Comptroller – General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, entire officers and men of customs and most importantly, the family of the deceased .

    “I pray God to grant the soul of the deceased , eternal rest and his family , the fortitude to bear the sudden and irreparable loss “, he said .

  • Customs Officer Dies During Public Hearing

    Customs Officer Dies During Public Hearing

    A senior officer from the Nigerian Customs Service has collapsed and died during a session with the Public Account Committee of the House of Representatives.

    The identity of the deceased, remains unknown as of the time of this report.

    According to a statement issued by Honourable Akin Rotimi, spokesman for the House of Representatives, the officer experienced sudden health complications while fielding questions from committee members around 1:00 pm.

    Efforts to stabilize him were made swiftly by first responders and medical staff at the National Assembly clinic, but unfortunately, they were unable to revive him.

    “It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm the passing of an esteemed official of the Nigeria Customs Service who was at the National Assembly for an engagement with a House Committee,” the statement read.

    The House of Representatives expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Customs Service and the nation as a whole.

    “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a dedicated public servant. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time,” Speaker Tajudeen Abbas remarked.

    The incident occurred during ongoing investigations into revenue-generating agencies and government parastatals.

    The House assured full cooperation with relevant authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death and to ensure all necessary protocols are followed.

    Further updates on the matter are expected as investigations continue, while the family of the deceased has been urged to be given privacy to mourn their loss.

  • Senate Never Proposed New Aircraft For Tinubu, Shettima – Akpabio

    Senate Never Proposed New Aircraft For Tinubu, Shettima – Akpabio

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has dismissed the report that the 10th Senate is proposing that the Federal Government should procure new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima.

    Speaking to newsmen in Maiduguri shortly after leading a delegation to pay a condolence visit to Senator Tahir Monguno over the death of his father, Akpabio noted that the report is not true.

    Last week, reports filtered in the media that the Senate President made a comment that the Senate would approve the purchase of new aircraft for the President and Vice President irrespective of the fact that Nigerians are hungry.

    The Senate President said the report was from propagandists and fifth columnists, stressing that the Senate was focused on delivering legislation that would support the actualisation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Akpabio, who expressed satisfaction with the present security situation of Borno State, urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the present administration.

    The Chairman of the National Assembly stated that, “I want to dispell the rumour that you are hearing that the Senate President said he will buy a new plane for the President and his Vice, irrespective of the fact that Nigerians are hungry or whatever.

    “I never said that. I was actually in Zanzibar, Tanzania, It is the handiwork of propagandists and fifth columnists, who never see anything good in what we are doing. Be rest assured, pray for the government, have patience and be assured that the combination of Tinubu and Shettima will bring wealth and prosperity to all.

    “I am happy to see that peace has returned to Borno, as a result of the hardwork of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I want to tell the good of people of Borno to continue to support the administration.”

  • Tinubu sacks BPE director-general, appoints replacement 

    Tinubu sacks BPE director-general, appoints replacement 

    President Bola Tinubu has relieved Mamman Ahmadu of his duties as director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

    In a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday, the president also approved the appointment of Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi as the new DG of the BPE.

    “Mr. Gbeleyi is a renowned financial expert and award-winning chartered accountant,” the statement read.

    “He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

    “He is also an alumnus of executive programmes of the prestigious London Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Lagos Business School.

    “He has over 30 years of post-qualification experience in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), investment & commercial banking, project finance, telecommunications, infrastructure, and public administration.

    “He was the board Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State from 2013 to 2015.

    “The President expects the new Director-General to bring his vast experience and competence to bear in this role to strengthen the agency as the national resource centre for capacity building and sustenance of reforms through the promotion of a competitive private sector-driven economy, ensuring social accountability and efficient deployment of public resources, as well as advancing effective corporate governance and fiduciary discipline in the public and private sectors.”