Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

  • Marafa’ll bury himself in shame – Zamfara APC Chairman

    Marafa’ll bury himself in shame – Zamfara APC Chairman

    Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Zamfara, has described recent political comments against President Bola Tinubu by Sen. Kabiru Marafa as unfortunate.

    Danfulani, in a statement he issued in Gusau on Thursday, described the comments by Marafa as an action of selfish motives.

    He said: “We, therefore, call on Marafa to come to Zamfara and reassess his popularity among the electorate, I believe he will bury himself in shame.

    “Marafa’s unguarded utterances are just out of frustration of loosing election and his inability to secure appointments in President Bola Tinubu administration.

    “Ordinarily, if not because Marafa touched Mr President in his uncivilised manner, we would not have responded to a lower and rejected politician like him.”

    According to Danfulani, the State APC leadership had listened to the recent interview granted by Marafa, threatening to reduce one million votes from Tinubu’s 2023 votes.

    “I would like to address that by telling the Nigerian public that apart from being disgraced from the Senate by his constituents in 2019,  he has not recovered from his dementia.

    “Even in the 2023 polls where he made uncorroborated  calls on the 2023 elections, it should be noted that Marafa could not even win his constituency in the same elections.

    “Talk less of securing the votes which largely came through the faith the electorate have in the party and in Matawalle, Yari and other respected party leaders in the state,”the chairman said.

    Danfulani recalled that Matawalle, the present Minister of State for Defence now, served as the Coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council for the whole of North-West and initially to doubled as the Zamfara Coordinator.

    “Matawalle honourably suggested that the Zamfara coordination should be given to Marafa but unfortunately, he, Marafa did not merit it.

    “Having lost everywhere, Marafa who insisted he be given a high ranking position in the government, began to create one problem or the other.

    “He sometimes used alliances with other trouble makers who would also leave him immediately they discovered his selfish motives,” he added.

    Danfulani said that the APC supporters in Zamfara had grown wiser and more loyal to political leaders like Matawalle, Yari and many others who were carrying them along.

    “That was why the party won the just- concluded Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly by-election with a wide margin against the runner up (PDP).

    “This was without any input from the likes of Marafa who tried to sabotage APC’s chances of winning through anti-party maneuvers that didn’t work for them.

    “It’s laughable that Marafa who couldn’t win even his ward of Yandoton Daji or his local government of Tsafe or his central constituency, could boast of reducing one million votes out of President Bola Ahmed’s votes of 2023.”

    “The question is, from where Marafa will get these votes, because the entire Zamfara votes in 2023 were not close to one million votes, except if he is going to use his bragging nature.

    “So, I want the public to consider Marafa as just a l@me dog that can only bark but without any tooth to bite,”Danfulani added.

    He said that what was expected from Marafa during the interview was to tell the world how many votes he secured himself and that of his opponent in the last election.

    “He should have done this before talking about reducing President Bola Tinubu’s votes while peddling lies and propaganda that are dead on arrival,” Danfulani further said.

  • Andy Odeh is the Spokesman of NNPCL

    Andy Odeh is the Spokesman of NNPCL

    … Morenike Adewunmi is Chief Relations Officer

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the appointment of Andy Odeh as Chief Corporate Communications Officer and Morenike Adewunmi as Chief Relations Officer.

    Odeh’s appointment follows the resignation of Femi Soneye two months ago.

    With over three decades of experience spanning communications, advertising, broadcasting, and oil and gas, he joins NNPCL after a 26-year career at Nigeria LNG (NLNG).

    At NLNG, Odeh held senior roles in community relations, business logistics, government engagement, and corporate communications.

    He also spearheaded the company’s rebranding, developed a micro-credit scheme for host communities, and established the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting.

    Odeh is an alumnus of the University of Jos, University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

    Meanwhile, Morenike Adewunmi, a seasoned legal professional with over 25 years in the oil and gas industry, takes up the role of Chief Relations Officer.

    She previously worked with Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN), where she specialized in stakeholder management, advocacy, and regulatory compliance.

    According to NNPCL, Adewunmi is widely respected for her ability to navigate complex external landscapes and safeguard the company’s license to operate.

  • Hoodlums attack Malami in Kebbi

    Hoodlums attack Malami in Kebbi

    A crowd suspected to be hoodlums, have attacked the convoy of the former Justice Minister and Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in Birnin Kebbi.

    Malami’s convoy was attacked on Monday while returning from a condolence visit in the state capital.

    Subsequently, the Police Command in the state says it has begun investigation into the reported attack on the convoy of the former minister.

    Malami resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on July 2 and later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    After an emergency security meeting with security chiefs, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Sani, confirmed that no arrest had been made.

    “We have commenced investigation into the attack, and no arrest has been made yet. The governor convened this meeting to review security developments,” Sani said.

    He added that incidents occurred around the GRA area involving political party members, linked to breaches of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) campaign regulations.

    The commissioner stated that leaders of political parties would be summoned and cautioned against further violations of electoral guidelines.

    He stressed that the measures aimed to prevent further violence as the elections draw nearer.

    The commissioner also urged political leaders to remain calm and sustain peace and stability in the state.

  • Christopher Okigbo: NCAC Celebrates Poet’s Induction into UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

    Christopher Okigbo: NCAC Celebrates Poet’s Induction into UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

    The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has celebrated the induction of the archives of late poet Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo into UNESCO’s prestigious Memory of the World Register.

    Okigbo, regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest literary figures, made history in 2007 when he became the first Nigerian and indeed the first African to receive the distinction.

    His collection of manuscripts, letters, photographs, and unpublished works was inscribed into the register, placing his legacy among humanity’s collective heritage.

    In a statement, the NCAC said the honor reaffirms the global significance of Okigbo’s contributions to literature.

    His poetry, which fused Igbo spirituality with modernist brilliance, continues to resonate with readers and scholars around the world.

    The Council noted that the recognition immortalizes a writer whose promising career was cut short by the Nigerian civil war but ensures that his voice will endure for generations to come.

    It added that the induction also serves as inspiration to upcoming Nigerian poets, authors, and cultural pioneers.

    “Christopher Okigbo remains not only a national treasure but also a symbol of Africa’s enduring contribution to world literature and culture,” the NCAC said.


    Recall that the late poet became the first Nigerian, and indeed the first African, to be accorded the distinction, placing his literary legacy alongside the world’s most treasured cultural and intellectual heritage.

  • Nigeria a killing field: APC disagrees with Peter Obi

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State chapter, has dismissed the statement attributed to Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Labour in 2023, that Nigeria is now a killing field.

    Mr Obi, in a post on his official X handle on Monday, said that more than 10,000 lives have been lost to terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs in just two years.

    According to Obi, the figure was released by the Amnesty International.

    But in a swift reaction, APC Lagos State Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said that there were evidential proofs that Tinubu’s administration had made significant progress in securing Nigeria.

    Oladejo said: “APC utterly rejects and condemns the allegation by Mr Peter Obi that Nigeria is now a killing field with more than 10,000 deaths under Tinubu’s watch.

    “These sensationalist claims are not only baseless they are a disgraceful distortion of reality made in bad faith to score political points.

    “Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s Armed Forces have delivered extraordinary successes, dismantling terror infrastructure and restoring stability to previously threatened communities.”

    According to him, from the hard data, (not hype) the defence ministry midterm report (Aug. 2023–April 2025) revealed that 9,415 terrorists neutralised, more than 3,159 suspects arrested while 5,449 hostages rescued.

    He added that the data from the defence headquarters’ two-year summarised that 6,260 terrorists killed, 14,138 terrorists and criminals apprehended while 5,365 civilians rescued.

    He said that the data showed that N83 billion worth of stolen crude recovered.

    On military operations across the zones, Oladejo said that in the North-East (Operation Hadin Kai), no fewer than 1,246 terrorists killed, 2,467 arrested, 1,920 civilians rescued.

    According to him, in the North-west (Operation Fasan Yamma), data showed that 1,374 bandits killed, 2,160 surrendered or arrested, while 3,288 hostages rescued.

    “These are not statistics they are lives saved, communities secured and terrorists dismantled.

    “Just recently, the military air strikes in Katsina freed 76 hostages, including children some kidnapped during a mosque attack that claimed at least 50 lives.

    “One child, tragically, died during the rescue, illustrating both the danger and the bravery involved.

    Additionally, air strikes eliminated 35 militants in the same region.

    “In Borno, precision air strikes killed 35 militants, restoring critical ground communications and stabilising the area.

    “A week-long operation in Borno earlier this year neutralised 76 extremists, arrested 72 suspects and rescued eight hostages,” he added.

    On the technological and structural strengthening of the military, Oladejo said that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Nigerian Air Force had been transformed with modern acquisitions.

    He listed these to include purchase of 24 M 346 attack jets, 10 AW 109 Trekker helicopters, among others.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army and Navy have also received cutting-edge hardware from tactical vehicles to patrol vessels strengthening ground and maritime security effectiveness.

    “Local defense manufacturing is booming: DICON has produced more than 4.6 million rounds of ammunition, 53 MRAPs, 14,040 PPE units and even drones, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers,” he said.

    He said that the administration had also received credible recognition for the remarkable progress Tinubu’s administration had made in the fight against banditry and terrorism.

    According to him, the Coalition for Human Rights and Freedom (CHRF), has commended the armed forces’ performance, citing that more than 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued under coordinated operations.

    “These are tangible, verifiable successes, adding that nothing like the exaggerated sensationalism offered by Mr Obi.

    “The Nigerian Armed Forces, under this administration, are not only standing tall, but they are also striking back aggressively, saving lives and securing our nation.

    “The Lagos APC stands firmly behind the leadership of President Tinubu and our military heroes on the frontline.

    “We invite Mr Obi and others to acknowledge the progress made or risk being left behind in baseless political dramatics.”

  • Court Orders Freeze of Four Bank Accounts Linked to Ex-NNPCL Boss Kyari

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four accounts at Jaiz Bank, allegedly linked to Mele Kyari, former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Tuesday after hearing an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency told the court that Kyari is under investigation for alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.

    According to an affidavit presented by EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi, the four accounts — two in Kyari’s name and two belonging to the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief — were discovered to contain ₦661.4 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    The EFCC alleged that the funds were disguised as payments for a book launch and NGO projects but were in fact linked to suspicious inflows from the NNPCL and oil companies. It further claimed that the accounts were being controlled by Kyari through family members acting as fronts.

    Justice Nwite, while granting the order, said the application had merit and adjourned the matter to September 23 for a report on the investigation.

    The Commission said the freeze order was necessary to preserve the funds while investigations continue, with a view to possible prosecution.

  • Media urged to champion fight against illegal mining

    …Nigeria loses N41.1bn annually to the menace

    Stakeholders in Nigeria’s extractive industry have called on the media to take the lead in the fight against illegal mining.

    The call was made, Wednesday at a media parley and workshop in Abuja.

    It was disclosed at yhe event that Nigeria currently loses an estimated N41.1 billion annually to the menace of illegal mining.

    The Media Parley and Workshop was titled Illegally, Mining: The Role of the Media, and organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.

    Declaring the session open, the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council Comrade Grace Ike noted that illegal mining has become a national crisis, threatening not only Nigeria’s economy but also its environment, security, and communities.

    She urged journalists to see themselves as “catalysts for change” by investigating, exposing, and educating the public on the dangers of the practice.

    “As gatekeepers of truth and agents of accountability, our duty goes beyond mere reportage.

    We must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining, particularly on host communities and water resources,” she said.

    The NUJ pledged to continue amplifying the voices of affected communities while working with security agencies, civil society, and government institutions to ensure accountability and promote sustainable mining practices.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, described illegal mining as not just an economic crime but a security threat that fuels banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.

    He warned that cartels involved in the activity have links with organised criminal networks.

    “Illegal mining robs our nation of vital resources. It is directly linked to insecurity in states like Zamfara, Niger, and even parts of the FCT.

    Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has estimated losses from illegal mining and gold smuggling at $9 billion annually, draining foreign exchange and tax revenues,” he stated.

    Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC A. J. Onoja, spoke passionately about the need for everyone to pitch in. He explained how illegal mining has cost Nigeria billions in lost money, ruined farmland, and stirred up trouble in communities.

    “The fight against illegal mining in Nigeria cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone, but through a broad coalition that includes the government, industry players, communities, and, most importantly, the media,” he said.

    Onoja praised the government’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to clean up the sector by creating the Mining Marshals.

    He stressed that this unit is no ordinary group—it’s backed by strong laws and a strict code of conduct to ensure fairness and toughness.

    “We have dismantled illegal mining camps, arrested and prosecuted offenders, ensuring that the emerging policies of the Federal Government for the mining sector are working,” he added.

    He also warned of challenges like tough landscapes and attempts to blackmail them through the media. He urged journalists to report fairly: “When individuals under investigation run to the press to spin their self-serving sides of the story, alleging victimisation despite breaches of the law, we ask for balanced reportage that reflects the intricacy of our work.”

    In his remarks, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, lamented that legitimate investors are being discouraged as illegal operators continue to undermine the sector.

    He called for stronger enforcement of mining laws and collaboration with the media to sustain advocacy against the menace.

    The workshop pointed out the economic, social, and environmental costs of illegal mining, including: Loss of government revenue due to unreported extraction and tax evasion, Water pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, Exploitation of child labour and unsafe mining practices and Increased insecurity in mineral-rich communities.

    Participants stressed that the media has a critical responsibility to keep the issue in the public spotlight, mobilise communities, and hold both government and operators accountable.

    The parley, themed “Sustaining the Fight Against Illegal Mining: The Role of the Media”, also emphasised the need for investigative journalism, grassroots monitoring, and responsible use of digital platforms to expose cartels and protect Nigeria’s natural resources.

  • Kaduna Guvnor cautions APC, says grassroots, not social media win elections

    Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has cautioned All Progressives Congress (APC) members against relying on social media propaganda, stressing that elections are not won on X, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.

    He made the remark on Monday during an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, following the party’s victory in Saturday’s bye-election.

    Sani said while the opposition focused on “X battles and Facebook noise,” the APC concentrated on grassroots mobilisation, inclusivity, and effective governance, which delivered the party’s electoral success.

    “There is no ballot box on Twitter. There is no ballot box on Instagram or Facebook. Elections are won at the grassroots, not online,” he stressed.

    The governor insisted that propaganda could never secure electoral victory, adding that only governance, inclusivity, and people-centred policies could sustain the APC in power.

    “Our opponents fought a propaganda battle, but we fought a political battle. They lost because the people know who truly works for them,” he declared.

    Sani told stakeholders that Saturday’s victory was historic, especially in communities where the APC had never won since 1999, attributing it to deliberate investment in rural empowerment and agriculture.

    “Before now, some communities never voted for our party. Today, they stood with us because they saw inclusivity. We defended everyone, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or party,” he said.

    He noted that Kaduna had reclaimed over 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmlands and emerged a leader in maize, tomato, and ginger production, boosting farmers’ livelihoods.

    According to him, agricultural policies supported by strong budgetary allocations had restored hope to rural dwellers, proving that grassroots voters are the people who truly matter.

    Sani also urged party leaders not to abandon the APC manifesto, warning that 2027 success depended on maintaining close ties with communities.

    “Party first, politics second. We must not neglect our wards and councils. If we remain with the people, no party can defeat us,” he stated.

    APC State Chairman, Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (rtd.), commended the governor’s inclusive leadership style and praised stakeholders for ensuring the party’s victory in the bye-election.

    He expressed optimism that with unity, the APC would further consolidate its hold on power in 2027. 

  • Kogi bye-election: INEC confirms receiving sensitive materials

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi  says it  has received sensitive materials for the Dekina-Okura II house of assembly bye-election in  the state.

    INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC)  in Kogi, Mr Oliver Agundu, made the disclosure on Friday.

    Agundu, who spoke through the commissions’s  Voters Education Officer in Kogi,  Mr Haruna Haliru, said the sensitive materials were collected from the  Central Bank of Nigeria  Zonal Office in Lokoja.

    He said the  commission is ready to commence distribution of the sensitive materials to  various polling units in the four affected wards for the election.

    “The Dekina-Okura II state constituency has a total of 78, 059 registered voters, out of which 76, 385 had collected their Permanent Voter Cards  and ready for the election, ” he said.

    The REC  said that only five out of the 18 registered political parties are contesting in the election.

    He listed the parties as  Accord, African Democratic Congress,  All Progressives Congress; Allied People’s Movement, and the  People’s Democratic Party.

    The REC  expressed satisfaction with the deployment of security operatives and observers for the election.

    He,  however, assured all stakeholders in the constituency of a free, fair, transparent and credible election.

  • Ground rent: Wike threatens immediate sanction for defaulters

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Friday, demanded the list of ground rent defaulters across the territory for immediate implementation of necessary sanctions.

    Wike gave the directive in Abuja while inaugurating two committees to address land issues at River Park Estate and abuse of land use act in the FCT.

    The FCT Administration had on June 2, published a demand notice for the payment of ground rent due to the FCT Administration from 2014 to 2024.

    The FCT Administration gave the defaulters two weeks to comply.

    Wike noted that the two weeks had long elapsed into months, adding that it was time for enforcement of necessary sanctions.

    “We have allowed so much time. Initially we gave two weeks; it has passed one month, two months, three months.

    “You know how Nigerians are, if you don’t take steps nothing will happen.

    “So, all those owing, from the ones we have published up to 2025, you have to provide the list so that we commence immediate implementation.

    “This will enable us to receive the needed funds that will aid us in the development of infrastructure in the FCT,” he said.

    The minister said that the FCT 2025 budget had been passed and assented to, by President Bola Tinubu.

    He, however, pointed out that without funds, there was no way the administration would undertake projects that would have a positive impact on the lives of FCT residents.

    “So, please, Directors of Land, Abuja Geographic Information System, Development Control, Urban and Regional Planning, you need to work tirelessly to make sure that this is achieved,” the minister said.