Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

  • Absence of Ribadu, General Musa, others stall Senate’s interface with security chiefs

    Absence of Ribadu, General Musa, others stall Senate’s interface with security chiefs

    The Absence of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and others, stalled planned interface of the Senate with the service chiefs and heads of security agencies on Wednesday.

    The Senate had on Tuesday last week through resolution adopted from collective motion on insecurity, summoned the Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies for grilling in plenary.

    The planned interface, as announced by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, on Tuesday was specifically fixed for Wednesday and Thursday this week.

    But the Senate in plenary on Wednesday announced that the interface could not hold due to the absence of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa .

    President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio, who made the announcement said apology, was received from Ribadu on his absence but that he and the Chief of Defence Staff, must be present at the very important session.

    He added that aside Ribadu and General Musa, the Senate has also resolved to add other security heads to the planned interface session.

    Those included at the planned session now postponed to Tuesday next week, are the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawale, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Ibrahim, Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun and Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar

    Akpabio in his remarks, thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoheed Lagbaja , Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Director General of Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, for honouring the Senate’s invitation.

    “We thank you all for honouring our invitation for the very important interface on way out of the lingering security crisis at hand. But due to the absence of the NSA and the Chief of Defence Staff, the interactive session will no longer hold today.

    “Besides, the Senate in its wisdom, has decided to add other public officers whose offices are connected to security matters, to be part of the interactive session .

    “Clerk of the Senate , has been directed to write them ahead of Tuesday next week , now fixed for the session.

    “We need their presence along with those of you here today , for holistic and comprehensive brainstorming on the problem at hand and required solution “, he said .

  • Senate Summons Service Chiefs Amidst Security Concerns; Economic Meeting Postponed

    Senate Summons Service Chiefs Amidst Security Concerns; Economic Meeting Postponed

    In response to the escalating security challenges gripping the nation, the Senate has called for a crucial meeting with the Service Chiefs, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday.

    This decision has prompted the postponement of another significant meeting – a session with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Yemi Cardoso, and the economic team, initially slated for Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Senator Tokumbo Abiru, clarified the rationale behind the rescheduling. He elucidated that the delay stemmed from the House of Representatives’ consultations with the CBN Governor concerning the country’s economic status. Senator Abiru emphasized the importance of understanding and cooperation among legislative counterparts, underscoring the need for patience.

    Consequently, the meeting with the economic team has been deferred to Friday, February 9, 2024, at 9 am. This adjustment aims to allow ample time for discussions with both the Service Chiefs and the economic experts.

    Postponing the meeting, the Chairman Banking Committee, Senator Tokumbo Abiru said “our plan today is to have a session with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the essence of the meeting is well known to all of us, which has to do with the economic situation in the country. But some how, the CBN governor has been held back in the House of Representatives as the House tries to do consultations with him regarding the situation of the economy as well.

    He said that was why the meeting was initially delayed, adding that their part “we should be rational in trying to see reasons with our brothers and sisters in the House of Representatives and the CBN governor.

    “To that extent, on our part we have to adjourn our own to Friday February 9, 2024.

    Another reason according to Senator Abiru, which he deemed proper to explain, was the meeting of the Senate with the Service Chiefs.
    “Tomorrow, we have a session with the Service Chiefs and that may extend to Thursday because they are issues of very serious concern to us. In order to play safe, to have enough time to interact properly with the economic team, which means we will extend the invitation beyond the governor to also include the economic team”, he added.

  • Nigerian-South Africa AFCON Semifinal: High Commission Urges Caution

    Nigerian-South Africa AFCON Semifinal: High Commission Urges Caution

    In anticipation of the Semifinal clash between Nigeria and South Africa at the on going African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has issued a stern warning to Nigerians residing in the host country.

    The advisory, titled “Safety Advisory for Nigerians During 2024 AFCON Semifinal Match Between Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana,” emphasizes the need for Nigerians to exercise restraint and abide by the law before, during, and after the football match.

    Amid escalating tensions fueled by online provocations, the High Commission urged Nigerians to be vigilant of their surroundings and cautious of where they choose to watch the game, especially in public spaces. The warning comes in light of veiled threats circulating on social media directed towards Nigerians, including references to “Nigerians cooking jollof rice” and potential repercussions if the Super Eagles defeat the Bafana Bafana.

    Nigerians were advised to refrain from engaging in provocative behavior or loud celebrations should the Super Eagles emerge victorious. Instead, they were urged to maintain their reputation for good conduct and to report any instances of harassment or intimidation to the appropriate authorities.

    The Nigerian High Commission’s advisory underscores the importance of prioritizing safety and responsible behavior during this highly anticipated sporting event, urging Nigerians to support their team while remaining vigilant and law-abiding in the face of potential tensions.

  • Revenue Target: Senate Urges Customs to Aim Higher

    Revenue Target: Senate Urges Customs to Aim Higher

    Worried by the dire state of the Nigerian economy, the Senate has ordered the Customs Service to jack up its revenue target currently at N5.079 trillion to a higher value by mid-2024.

    Members of the upper legislative chamber insisted that this measure must be adhered to if the federal government hopes to wean itself of further borrowing.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs, Isah Jibrin stated this, Monday at a crucial meeting with the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi and top management of the revenue agency.

    He said, “first of all, Nigeria is saddled with a lot of debt obligations, and we need to wriggle ourselves out of that trap, and one of the ways to do that is internally generated revenue. Customs is one of the major providers of internally generated revenue, and as it is today, we expect them to play one of the major roles in this drive to reduce our debt burden.

    “We need to pay off what we are owing now and minimize additional loans we are going to take. Customs is in a very good position, if they are able to block all perceived leakages, they should be able to generate significant amount of income that will enable Nigeria get out of debt, at least partially.

    On concessions given to some sectors of the economy for example, agriculture, the Kogi East senator said it is for those who are into agricultural services, those who are into solid minerals and those whose services have direct impact on the economy.

    “If somebody is bringing agricultural equipment into the economy and you try to take something out of that person in a way of import duty, that will discourage the person, and that is what we are saying. It is not that anybody took that money or custom compromised in the course of their services.

    “Concessions were in the interest of Nigeria to encourage importers who are going into specific areas in the economy. There is a trade-off here between importers and the country, particularly the things you think you are generating.

    Talking about the rate of unemployment in Nigeria, which he described as “very high”, Senator Jibrin said “Customs is not the only employer of Labour. They can only employ the number they believe they can adequately take care of, and we are putting them under pressure to exceed the 1,600 benchmark.

    “We may not get beyond 2000, but for sure, we will get 1,6000 and like we all know, there are so many unemployed Nigerians out there, I will always say, it is difficult for the Nigeria Customs Service to absorb all unemployed Nigerians, but they can only employ those they can.

    Answering questions from the law makers, the CG, NCS also disclosed that the service is seeking approval from government to allow them give waivers to owners of smuggled cars to allow them regularise their payment of Customs duties.

    He said the approval is given they could say that within a window, say within 3 months, if you are in possession of vehicles that were illegally imported into the country or that have not paid duties, you have this opportunity to go to Customs House for assessment and payment of duties.

    This he said will be done after adequate publicity so that those who find themselves in such a situation can get their vehicles regularise through payment of duties.

    On the naira exchange rate, Adeniyi said he is equally pained by the volatility in the exchange rate regime. In fact, even if it stays high and people can predict that this is what it will take me to clear, perhaps it is not particularly too bad, but when it is so volatile, today it is X, tomorrow it is X+10, X+20, it does not make for adequate planning and things like that.

    “Correctly, it 8s the mandate of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to fix the rate, either the one we use during Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF or the one we use for importation or the one used for payment of Customs duties. I have been in discussions with my minister. Perhaps what you are going to advocate is that there would be a meeting point between authorities of government that are in charge of monetary policy and those in charge of fiscal policies.

    “Personally, what I think we can do is to get a spot rate for a period of time. We can agree that for Q,Y 2024, this will be the spot rate for payment of Customs duties; we could say for the first half of the year”, he said.

  • Iconic Cultural Figure Jimi Solanke Passes Away at 82

    Iconic Cultural Figure Jimi Solanke Passes Away at 82

    The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the sudden demise of the consumate story teller and iconic cultural figure, Mr. Jiminy Solanke.

    The 82-year-old dramatist, folk singer, playwright, and poet has passed away after a brief illness this Monday, February 5.
    The veteran artist who left an indelible mark on the global entertainment scene breathed his last en-route to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.

    Born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Solanke’s artistic journey commenced with the Orisun Theatre Group, founded by the eminent Wole Soyinka in 1961. Over seven decades, his contributions resonated from Western Nigeria Television to international festivals in Senegal and Algeria during the 1970s.

    Solanke’s versatility illuminated through memorable performances like “Death and the King’s Horseman,” “Kurunmi,” “Kongi’s Harvest,” “The Divorce,” and “Ovaramwen Nogbaisi,” earning him acclaim on both local and international stages.

    Fondly known as Baba Agba, Solanke was more than an actor – he embodied the essence of a quintessential songwriter, performer, visual artist, and storytelling maestro. Praised for being “a better singer than an actor,” he seamlessly intertwined acting prowess with musical brilliance.

    His influence extended beyond the limelight as Solanke founded and directed Ibudo Asa in Ipara Remo, leaving a lasting legacy. Survived by his wife, Chief Mrs. Toyin Solanke, his departure signifies the end of a significant era in Nigerian entertainment, leaving a void that echoes globally.

    Jimi Solanke’s remarkable impact on African arts will be remembered as a profound contribution to the cultural heritage of the nation.

  • Former Yobe Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim is Dead

    Former Yobe Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim is Dead

    It has been confirmed that the former Yobe State Governor, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim has passed away, aged 73 years.

    The announcement came through the official social platform of Gujba Emirate Council and was later corroborated by a reliable source within the Emirate.

    Senator Ibrahim, a seasoned politician born in October 1950, served two terms as Yobe State Governor, from January 1992 to November 1993, and later from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.

    His political journey continued with distinction as he assumed the role of Senator for Yobe East Senatorial District, a position he held from June 2007 to June 2019.

    The late statesman took his final bow at Medina Hospital after battling an undisclosed illness. The nation mourns the loss of a stalwart in Nigerian politics, recognizing Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim’s enduring commitment to public service and his significant impact on the nation’s political landscape.

  • President Hage Geingob bows to Cancer at 82

    President Hage Geingob bows to Cancer at 82

    Namibia’s President Hage Geingob has passed away after losing a battle to cancer at the age of 82, as confirmed by his office. The news comes less than three weeks after it was revealed that he would undergo treatment for cancer.

    The presidential office conveyed the sad news through a statement on social media, attributed to Vice President Nangolo Mbumba, who is now assuming the role of acting president. President Geingob, who assumed office in 2015, breathed his last at a Windhoek hospital just after midnight.

    “The Namibian nation has lost a distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of our constitution, and the pillar of the Namibian house,” expressed Vice President Mbumba.

    Born on August 3, 1941, in Otjiwarongo, in what was then South-West Africa, Hage Geingob played a significant role in the struggle for Namibian independence. He served as Namibia’s first prime minister from 1990 until 2002, the year the country gained independence. He later returned to the position in 2012 before being elected president in 2015.

    Geingob spent his early adulthood in exile, first in Botswana and later in the United States, where he became a leader in the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO).

    He pursued higher education in the U.S., studying at Fordham University in New York City and obtaining a master’s degree in international relations at The New School.

    After Namibia gained independence, President Geingob played a crucial role in guiding the nation through the post-apartheid era. Notably, he chaired the Constituent Assembly and oversaw the drafting of Namibia’s new Constitution.

    As the nation mourns, Vice President Mbumba appealed for calm, assuring that the government would handle necessary state arrangements, preparations, and other protocols. Further announcements regarding this sad development are expected.

  • AFCON ’24: FG Pledges Full support for Super Eagles

    AFCON ’24: FG Pledges Full support for Super Eagles

    The Federal Government has vowed to provide the necessary support for the Super Eagles of Nigeria to win the African Cup of Nations 2024 currently going on in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The leader of the Federal Government delegation and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio dropped the hint while speaking via Zoom from Cote d’Ivoire to assure Nigerians that the Nigerian team has the support of the Government of the day to excel at the football competition.

    Akpabio who led top Government officials including National Assembly members to Cote d’Ivoire to cheer the Super Eagles to victory against the Palancas Negras of Angola at the quarter finals of the ongoing African Nations Cup, said sports is a unifying factor which must be harnessed for the benefit of the youths.

    According to Senator Akpabio, “I was very ecstatic at the stadium when the Super Eagles scored against Palancas Negras of Angola. The entire stadium exploded with the Nigerian supporters and those who love Nigeria.

    “Our presence here to support the Super Eagles is evidence of the fact that the Government is serious about sports and youth development and I’m very excited about the victory.

    “When I was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I gave the youths the best stadium in West Africa and under President Bola Tinubu, we shall replicate this in all parts of the country.

    “The Government of the day is very youth friendly and we are poised to create the enabling environment for the youths of Nigeria to realize their potentials. We are very determined to give opportunities to our youths to take them away from vices and I say congratulations to all Nigerians for this victory,” he said.

  • Biden’s Michigan Visit Sparks Criticism from Arab American Community Over Israel Support

    Biden’s Michigan Visit Sparks Criticism from Arab American Community Over Israel Support

    President Joe Biden’s recent trip to Michigan has laid bare a widening gap between him and the sizable Arab-American community in the state, casting doubt on his chances for re-election in the upcoming November general election.

    While meeting with members of the United Auto Workers union, who had endorsed his re-election bid, Biden’s motorcade was rerouted through side streets in Warren to avoid approximately two hundred protesters expressing their dissatisfaction.

    The Arab-American community in Michigan, a key electoral group, voiced their disapproval of Biden’s steadfast support for Israel, particularly during the Gaza conflict that resulted in the deaths of over 27,000 people, primarily women and children. Chants of “Genocide Joe has got to go” resonated among the protesters, who also displayed Palestinian flags.

    According to analysis, “If Biden loses even half of their vote, it’s unlikely he can win Michigan – and without Michigan, he has a very narrow path to winning a second term.”

    Protesters on the ground expressed frustration and disappointment, with one demonstrator, Hawraa, emphatically stating, “There is nothing that will ever make me vote for a genocidal president, ever.” The sentiment was echoed by others, highlighting a sense of betrayal within the Arab American community.

    Salma Hamamy, an activist with Students for Justice in Palestine, accused Biden of “entirely abandoning” the Palestinian and Arab communities, as well as “the concept of humanity.” Protesters vowed not to support Biden on election day, citing his continued backing of Israel.

    This protest signifies a shift in the voting approach of the Arab American community. As Salma Hamamy declared, “Arab Americans will no longer choose between the ‘lesser of two evils.’ We will be voting for people who are deserving of our vote.” This shift could have substantial implications for Biden’s electoral standing in this critical state.

  • State of the economy and free fall of the Naira : Senate Summons CBN Gov

    State of the economy and free fall of the Naira : Senate Summons CBN Gov

    The Senate on Wednesday summoned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) , Olayemi Cardoso , to appear before it on Tuesday next week to profer solutions to the parlous state of the economy and the free fall of the Naira at the forex market.

    The Senate Summon was made by its Committee on Banking , Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Chaired by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC Lagos East).

    The committee hurriedly met on Wednesday when Naira plummeted to N1,520 to a US dollar and resolved to summon the CBN governor on a way out of the foreign exchange quagmire.

    Speaking with journalists after the hurried meeting held behind closed door, Senator Abiru said the state of the economy, especially the spiraling inflationary trend was of great concern to the lawmakers.

    He said “We have held a meeting this afternoon essentially to focus on the direction of the Nigerian economy .

    “We are all living witnesses of what is going on. Underlining the major issue of the economy is the way the inflation index has been, and of course, it is a major concern to us .

    “We have deliberated among ourselves. Critical issues were addressed, and we believe that the next line of action is to summon the governor of the Central Bank on Tuesday at 3 O’clock to brief us properly on the state of the economy.

    “That we have resolved and will communicate to the governor of the Central Bank after which we will have further communication with members of the press’