Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

  • German Football Legend Andreas Brehme, Scorer of Iconic 1990 World Cup Winning Goal, Passes Away at 63

    German Football Legend Andreas Brehme, Scorer of Iconic 1990 World Cup Winning Goal, Passes Away at 63

    Andreas Brehme, the renowned German footballer who etched his name into history by scoring the decisive goal in the 1990 World Cup final, has tragically passed away at the age of 63.

    Brehme’s partner, Susanne Schaefer, confirmed the devastating news on behalf of the family, stating that he succumbed to a sudden heart attack overnight.

    “It is with deep sadness that I announce on behalf of the family that my partner, Andreas Brehme, passed away suddenly overnight following a cardiac arrest. We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time and refrain from asking questions,” Ms. Schaefer said in a statement released on Tuesday.

    Hailing from Hamburg, Brehme earned 86 caps for the German national team throughout his illustrious career. His memorable penalty kick in the 1990 final in Rome, which secured victory over Diego Maradona’s Argentina, propelled Germany to its third World Cup title.

    Despite experiencing heartbreak in the 1986 final against Argentina, Brehme’s contributions to German football were undeniable. He achieved success at the club level as well, notably winning the Serie A with Inter Milan in 1989 and the UEFA Cup in 1991.

    Brehme’s accolades extended to the Bundesliga, where he clinched titles with both Bayern Munich and Kaiserslautern. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching roles at various clubs, including Kaiserslautern and Unterhaching.

    The news of Brehme’s passing comes just weeks after the football world mourned the loss of another German icon, Franz Beckenbauer, who coached the national team during the 1986 and 1990 World Cups following his illustrious playing career.

    Andreas Brehme’s legacy as a football legend and his unforgettable contributions to the sport will continue to be celebrated and cherished by fans around the world.

  • Akpabio Seeks Saudi Arabia, Nigeria Collaboration On Security, Through Intelligence Sharing

    Akpabio Seeks Saudi Arabia, Nigeria Collaboration On Security, Through Intelligence Sharing

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called on the Government of Saudi Arabia to assist Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and trans-border terrorism, through sharing of intelligence, assuring that Nigeria intelligence community is ever ready to cooperate with them.

    Akpabio made the call while receiving in courtesy, members of the Saudi Arabia/ Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, led by Dr Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Salamah, in his office on Thursday.

    A release by the Special Assistant On Media to the Senate President, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted him as saying, ” let me welcome you to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are very delighted to receive you here. Nigeria as a country, has a very strong diplomatic relationship with Saudi Arabia since 1961.”

    “Nigeria as a country needs a lot of assistance from the Saudi Arabian Government in the area of security. We can only overcome insecurity and trans-border terrorism through sharing of intelligence and I can assure you that the Nigerian security acrhitecture is also ready to cooperate with you.”

    Akpabio noted that “if you provide intelligence that would aid the fight against insurgency, you would have succeeded in making the world a safe and peaceful place for all of us to live in, because insecurity in any part of the world is insecurity everywhere in the world.”

    Speaking further, Akpabio stated that “our relationship today, has gone beyond pilgrimages and oil because Nigerians are now studying and working in Saudi Arabia in various spheres of human endeavours. The mutual economic ties and benefits are worth commending, especially in the aviation sector. I congratulate you and the government of Saudi Arabia on the stability of your economic policies that has brought about prosperity in Saudi Arabia.”

    Akpabio specifically appreciated the Saudi Arabian Government on its Vision 3030 on women’s rights and a major economic transformation in the entertainment and tourism sectors.

    “Strategically, you are very important to the world in the Gulf of Guinea and if Saudi Arabia is not stable, the entire area of the Gulf of Guinea will not be stable. Anything you do for Nigeria, is not for Nigeria alone, it is for the entire black race and that is why our bilateral relationship must be encouraged.

    “In your search for economic partners, I want you to take Nigeria as a major partner. We solicit for more investments from you in the area of Oil, Gas and ICT. We would be happy for your collaboration of relationship with OPEC because if you assist OPEC, you are helping Nigeria and the black race to secure and prevent influx of immigrants,” he stated.

    Earlier in his speech, the leader of the delegation, Dr Al- Salamah stated that their visit to Nigeria and particularly, the Senate was aimed at further strengthening its age-long bilateral relationship with Nigeria and to look for more ways of collaboration and assistance in the overall interest of the two countries.

    “We are here today to find out areas of future collaborations in terms of bilateral agreements. Nigeria is one of our very strategic partners. Nigeria is very important to Saudi Arabia. We are very proud of its people, government and culture. We are looking forward to seeing Nigeria become a very prosperous country in the area of commerce, economy and political relationship,” he declared.

  • Tension at NASS over planned tenure elongation…Clerk, over 200 staff due for retirement in Nov plan 5yrs extension

    Tension at NASS over planned tenure elongation…Clerk, over 200 staff due for retirement in Nov plan 5yrs extension

    Tension is brewing in the National Assembly, following plans by the Senate to grant concurrence to a controversial bill on extension of retirement age for civil servants in nation’s Parliament and across the 36 State Houses of Assembly.

    Staff who are apprehensive said attempts by the Senate to pass a Bill for an act to extend the retirement age of the staff of the National Assembly Service from 60 to 65 years of age and from 35 to 40 years of service is counterproductive.

    According to documents cited by our correspondent, the current clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambawal Magaji, joined the National Assembly Service in April 1990 (34 years) and was born in 1965.

    If the Bill scales through, he will remain in office until he’s 65 and 40 years in service.

    The Senate had on Wednesday listed the controversial Bill, which had passed third reading in the House of Representative for concurrence after it passed first reading in the Senate some weeks ago.

    Several attempts had been made by the two Chambers of the apex legislature to extend the retirement age of the members of staff of the National Assembly since 2017.

    Successive management of the National Assembly bureaucracy since 2017 made attempts to allegedly buy over the leadership and members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to make a law extending the tenure of service as against the condition prescribed by the Public Service Rules which provides for retirement age of persons in the public service of the federation at the attainment of 60 years of age or 35 years of service, whichever comes first.

    While the management vigorously pursued its goal, the staff of the National Assembly under the aegis of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) under the chairmanship of Bature Musa rejected the Bill in its entirety. It would rather admonish the management of the National Assembly to ensure the full implementation of the welfare and allowance packages as contained in the service’s Conditions of Service.

    The rejection of the Bill was attributed to what the workers’ Union termed an “attempt by Clerk to the National Assembly and the management team to perpetuate themselves in office for another 5 years after they are due for retirement from service.

    The Union in a unanimous decision rejected the Bill, saying that it was against the position of Council of Establishment of the Federation which pegged the retirement age at either 60 years of age or 35 years of service – whichever comes first.

    The Union also argued that the controversial Bill if passed, will bring stagnation on the career progression of her members, thus would serve only the interest of the management staff, especially those who are due for retirement from service.

    Again, the Union also averred that the passage of the Bill contravenes the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and runs contrary to the Federal Government policy on youth development and empowerment.

    The Union advanced its argument by illustrating that perpetuating persons who have served the nation for 35 years or attained 60 years of age will not make room for employment of Nigerian youths some of whom graduated for more that 10 years without gainful employment.

    Consequently, the Union, in a letter, addressed to the President of the Senate and the Rt. Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives denounced the Bill and threatened industrial action should the legislators go ahead to pass the Bill.

    It said the Union’s position led the two Chambers to discontinue action on the Bill, which was respectively sponsored by Sunday Akon in the House and Senator Stella Odua in the Senate during 9th Assembly.

    However, determined to see it through, the management in allegedly reached a deal with the National Assembly Service Commission and smuggled the tenure extension into the Conditions of Service in use in the National Assembly Service, but the Union protested and forced the Commission to expunge it from the revised edition of the Conditions of Service currently in use.

    The revision led to the retirement of the then Clerk to National Assembly, Ataba Sani Omolori, and 150 staff of the service.

    However, further attempts were made in the House of Representatives under the speakership of Femi Gbajabiamila, but was rejected by the House thus, the Bill did not see the light of the day under the then Clerk to the National Assembly, Amos Olatunde Ojo.

    Presently, the management led by the current clerk to the National Assembly, Magaji Sani Tambawal, is again pushing for it.

    The Bill has passed in the House of Representatives and presently before the Senate for concurrence. The Senate, after taking the first reading of the Bill some weeks ago, reversed itself and listed it for concurrence on Wednesday 14, February, 2024.

    However, a group of staff of the apex lawmaking body in the land has rejected the attempt by the Senate to concur to the decision of the House of Representatives, citing same reasons adduced by the Union in 2019.

    The staff queried the move, asking what has changed in 2024 that is motivating the present Assembly to buy into the Bill to the extent that it is in a hurry to get it passed.

    The workers said the leadership of the Workers Union in the National Assembly Service may have been compromised. The group of staff alleged that the management of the National Assembly, led by Tambawal, got the Sunday Sabiyyi-led Executive of the Union, hence the deafening silence in the Union

    They accused the chairman of buying into the attempt to stagnate majority of staff and blocking the viable youth population who would be employed into the service upon the retirement of over 200 staff who are due to retire between 2024 and 2026, because of selfish interest as he stands to benefit from the extension if passed and assented to.

    They wondered why the leadership that led the struggle against the Bill during Omolori and Ojo respectively will now go against the Union’s stand because.

    They called on the leadership of the Senate to throw away the Bill in the public and national interest, calling their attention to the prevalent crime rate among Nigerian youths due to the alarming unemployment.

    They also called on the National Assembly management to concentrate on implementing workers’ friendly welfare with a view to ameliorating the suffering among staff who said they’re been denied the salary approved for them since 2010 by the management.

  • Tinubu Nominates Hajj Commission Leadership, asks Senate to Scrutinize for Compliance

    Tinubu Nominates Hajj Commission Leadership, asks Senate to Scrutinize for Compliance

    President Bola Tinubu has submitted nominations for the leadership of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM) to the Senate for confirmation. The announcement, conveyed through a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpiabio and read during a plenary session in Abuja, listed the nominees for key positions of the commission.

    The letter, which cited provisions of the National Hajj Commission Act 2006, outlined the proposed appointments as follows:

    – Jalal Alabi for Chairman
    – Aliyu Abdulrazaq for Commissioner of Policy, Personnel, and Finance
    – Mr. Anofi Elegushi for Commissioner of Operations
    – Prof. Abubakar Yagawal for Commissioner of Planning and Research

    Acknowledging the importance of adherence to the Act, Senate President Akpiabio underscored the requirement for commission members to represent all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. He indicated that further communication with the President’s Chief of Staff would be initiated to ensure compliance with this provision.

    Subsequently, the Senate referred President Tinubu’s request to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for meticulous examination and legislative recommendations.

    The committee has been tasked with providing a comprehensive report within 10 days, ensuring that the nominees meet the necessary criteria and represent the diversity of Nigeria’s regions.

  • Senate Holds Closed-Door Meeting with Service Chiefs and Ministers on National Security

    Senate Holds Closed-Door Meeting with Service Chiefs and Ministers on National Security

    In response to the escalating state of insecurity across the nation, the Senate convened another closed-door executive session on Tuesday to receive a detailed security briefing from top military officials and federal ministers.

    The decision to transition into the executive session was prompted by a motion by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who sought to temporarily suspend regular proceedings to allow for the admission of invited guests.

    The guests granted access to the session comprised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, along with the Ministers of Defence, Police Affairs, Interior, and Finance.

    Additionally, all Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and Directors-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were present.

    Senate President, Godswill Akpiabio, in his opening remarks, underscored the significance of involving ministers responsible for overseeing the financial allocations to security agencies. Akpabio emphasized the pivotal role of adequate funding in facilitating the procurement of essential equipment necessary for combating security threats.

    Of notable presence was the Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, whose insights were sought on avenues for financing critical security initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives and properties.

    Akpiabio reiterated that the invitation extended to the ministers and security chiefs was a response to numerous petitions received from constituents, demonstrating the Senate’s commitment to addressing the concerns of citizens.

    The interactive security briefing was framed within the context of the Senate’s oversight mandate, providing an opportunity for direct engagement with key stakeholders to assess the current security landscape and explore legislative interventions.

    Senators seized the opportunity to raise pertinent security-related queries and collaborated with relevant agencies to devise effective strategies for mitigating the nation’s security challenges.

  • Senate President Administers Oath to Three New Senators

    Senate President Administers Oath to Three New Senators

    Three new senators, elected during the recent national by-election, were on Tuesday, sworn in by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio as members of the 10th Senate.

    The ceremony, conducted within the confines of the Senate chamber, saw Mustapha Musa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Yobe East, Professor Anthony Ani of the APC representing Ebonyi South, and Prince Pam Mwadkon of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) representing Plateau North taking their oaths of office and allegiance.

    With the guidance of Senate Clerk Mr. Chinedu Akubueze, the new senators solemnly pledged their commitment to their legislative duties before being escorted to their designated seats by the Sergeant-At-Arms.

    The inclusion of these three senators brings about a shift in the Senate’s political landscape, as the distribution of lawmakers across different parties now stands at: APC – 59, PDP – 37, LP – 7, NNPP – 2, SDP – 2, APGA – 1, and ADP – 1. This alteration promises increased diversity and representation within the Upper Chamber, shaping the legislative agenda with varied viewpoints and interests.

  • INEC Receives Primaries Schedule from Political Parties for Edo State Governorship Election

    INEC Receives Primaries Schedule from Political Parties for Edo State Governorship Election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been notified by sixteen political parties of their intention to participate in the upcoming off-cycle governorship election in Edo State.
    With the primaries scheduled for conduct between 1st and 24th February 2024, parties are gearing up for a crucial phase in the electoral process.

    The schedule (dates and modes) of primaries proposed by the political parties has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public information.

    In line with the provisions of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are required to inform INEC at least 21 days prior to their planned primary dates. The recent deadline for notification expired on 4th February 2024, prompting INEC to assess the parties’ readiness.

    It is stipulated under Sections 84(4) and 5(b) of the Electoral Act 2022 that the primaries must be conducted within the boundaries of Edo State. This geographical specificity aims to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process.

    In anticipation of the primaries, INEC is set to deploy monitoring teams to oversee the proceedings. The Commission emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to electoral guidelines, cautioning against any disruptions or irregularities.

    Political parties are urged to avoid last-minute changes, including postponements, venue alterations, or manipulation of delegate lists.

    Additionally, INEC warns against the submission of candidate names that did not emerge from valid primary elections, as well as the occurrence of contentious primary processes that may lead to legal challenges.

    To enhance transparency, the schedule outlining the dates and modes of primaries proposed by the political parties has been made publicly available through INEC’s official website and social media channels.

  • State of the Nation: Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum Calls for Urgent Action

    State of the Nation: Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum Calls for Urgent Action

    Worried by the growing spate of insecurity and mass suffering that is largely caused by recent economic policies of government, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) have called on president Bola Tinubu to take urgent steps to stem the slide into anarchy.

    Rising from their meeting convened in Abuja on wednesday, the group also reminded the president of what they referred to as his democratic posture and urged him to commence measures aimed at reconstructing the polity.

    The meeting chaired by Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, saw the participation of prominent figures including Chief Ayo Adebanjo of Afenifere, Chief Engr (Dr) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Pogu Bitrus of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman of PANDEF, among others.

    Discussions at the meeting centred primarily on the state of the Nigerian nation, the national economy, and the escalating insecurity plaguing various regions of the country.

    The leaders expressed deep concern over the continued fracture and retrogression of the nation due to what they termed as a faulty federal system.

    Specifically, the SMBLF called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to demonstrate leadership in championing the cause of true federalism, citing his past advocacy efforts in this regard.

    They urged President Tinubu to initiate the process of constitutional amendment by implementing both the 2014 National Conference Report and the El Rufai Committee Report on True Federalism of 2018.

    While addressing the rising insecurity, the forum noted with alarm the pervasive threat posed by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across the country. They decried the deteriorating security situation in states such as Plateau, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and the FCT, calling on the federal government to take decisive action to safeguard citizens’ lives and property.

    Furthermore, the SMBLF emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture, advocating for increased federal government support for state and community policing efforts, condemneding the recent formation of an ethnic militia by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in Nasarawa State, stating that the action could escalate ethnic tensions and undermine national unity.

    On the economic front, the forum highlighted the worsening poverty levels in the country, which they described as a significant threat to the federation’s stability. They called on President Tinubu and his administration to devise practical solutions to address the economic challenges facing Nigerians, particularly in light of the steep depreciation of the Nigerian Naira.

    Additionally, the SMBLF addressed the situation of Nnamdi Kanu, condemning his continued incarceration and its implications for peace and security in the Southeast. They urged President Tinubu to uphold the rule of law and ensure the obedience of all court rulings concerning Kanu’s case.

    The forum also expressed concerns about the political situation in Rivers State, urging President Tinubu to review decisions to ensure compliance with the constitution and foster lasting peace in the state.

    Finally, the SMBLF discussed recent developments in neighboring West African countries, calling on President Tinubu to take proactive steps to promote unity and welfare within the region.

    In conclusion, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum reiterated its commitment to national unity, peace, equity, fairness, and justice, underscoring the importance of addressing these critical issues for the nation’s progress.

  • Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien takes a bow at 100

    Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien takes a bow at 100

    The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien has reportedly passed away at the age of 100. Edozien, who served as the 13th Asagba of Asaba, joined his ancestors on Wednesday, according to sources.

    The news of his demise spread throughout the streets of Asaba, with residents mourning the loss of their revered monarch. Edozien had recently commenced activities marking his 100th birthday anniversary, making his passing even more shocking for the community.

    While the palace has yet to officially announce the monarch’s passing, multiple sources have confirmed the sad news. Efforts to obtain an official response from the Palace Secretary, Chief Patrick Ndili, were reportedly unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

    The death of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Joseph Chike Edozien, marks the end of an era for the Asaba kingdom, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service that will be remembered for generations to come.

  • Electoral Bill Passes Second Reading, Paving Way for Electronic Transmission of Election Results

    Electoral Bill Passes Second Reading, Paving Way for Electronic Transmission of Election Results

    The Nigerian House of Representatives achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday as it passed the Electoral Act 2022 Amendment Bill for Second Reading, brightening the prospect for electronic transmission of election results to minimise fraud in the nation’s electoral process.

    The Bill sponsored by Hon. Francis Waive, representing the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu federal constituency of Delta State, aims to amend the existing Electoral Act to facilitate the electronic transmission of election results.

    During the debate on the general principles of the bill, Hon. Waive underscored the inadequacies of the current Electoral Act 2022 and emphasized the importance of modernizing it to accommodate electronic transmission of election results. He argued that such an amendment is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and combating electoral fraud.

    In addition to advocating for electronic transmission, Hon. Waive proposed a regular review of the voter register every ten years. This measure, he argued, would contribute to the overall transparency and fairness of the electoral system by ensuring accuracy and integrity in voter data.

    The advancement of the Electoral Act 2022 Amendment Bill to its Second Reading marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s electoral reform efforts. If passed into law, it has the potential to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in the country’s electoral processes.