Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Chike Ozohili

  • Man remanded for allegedly defiling 14-year-old girl

    Man remanded for allegedly defiling 14-year-old girl

    A Badagry Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered a 40-year-old man, Adex Opara, who allegedly defiled a 14-year-old girl, to be remanded in a correctional centre pending legal advice.

    The police had on Tuesday charged Opara with defilement, breach of peace and threat to life.

    Opara pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

    The Magistrate, Mr T A Popoola, who did not take Opara’s plea, ordered the police to duplicate the case file and send the same to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, for legal advice.

    Popoola, who frowned at the high rate of rape of minors, adjourned the case until July 31 for hearing.

    Earlier, the prosecuting officer, Inspector Ayodele Adeosun, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 21, at about 11.00 a.m., at No. 46, Komata Street, Magbon, Badagry, Lagos.

    Adeosun alleged that Opara was caught red-handed having canal knowledge by penetration with one eight-year-old girl, whom he lured into his room and defiled without her consent.

    The prosecutor said the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by having canal knowledge of the minor.

    The offences, he said, contravened the provisions of Sections 261, 168 and 56 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015. 

  • Don throws weight behind fuel subsidy removal

    Don throws weight behind fuel subsidy removal

    Professor of Finance and the Capital Market at Nasarawa State University, Uche Uwaleke, has backed the removal of fuel subsidy due to its huge cost on the economy. 

    In a chat with Nigerian Anchor on Monday in Abuja, he said the continued payment of subsidy by the federal government had become unsustainable.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his inaugural speech at Eagle Square had said his government would no longer subsidise fuel. 

    According to Uwaleke, “fuel subsidies have proven to be sustainable.

    “I equally support unification of exchange rates because doing so will discourage round tripping, bring more transparency to the forex market which supports foreign investments.”

    To minimise the impact of the subsidies removal, Uwaleke called for caution as the government goes ahead with it’s implementation. 

    “However, in order to minimize negative impact on the livelihoods, issues of fuel subsidy and exchange rates unification which he mentioned in the speech should be handled with care.

    “Stakeholder engagement is required.

    “To this end, I suggest an immediate constitution of an “Economic policies’ coordinating committee” made up of  Economic and Finance experts,” he said. 

  • We’re not in a hurry to shut down 2G, 3G network- MTN

    We’re not in a hurry to shut down 2G, 3G network- MTN

    The Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mohammed Rufai, has said the telecoms giant is not in a hurry to shut down its 2G and 3G network as it deploys its 5G network.

    The CTO noted that with many Nigerians still unable to upgrade their devices to 4G or 5G, it would be difficult to end investments in 3G technology.

    Rufai added that the 3G spectrum can also be converted to provide 4G and 5G service when 3G is shut down in the future.

    “The fact that we are going to 5G does not mean we will not cater to the needs of subscribers that require the lower technology.

    He revealed that 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population has 2G technology while over 83 per cent of the population has 3G coverage, and the 4G coverage has reached over 79 percent of Nigerians and it is still growing.

    “Each subscriber has their own needs. Some only need 3G; some subscribers will move to 4G. Even though there are significant benefits to moving to higher technology in terms of speed and latency, we try to cater to the needs of everyone. So, devices are one of the main factors in moving to higher technology, and we’re moving quickly.

    He said the company is making progress in the 5G service expansion, saying that it has so far deployed the service in 6 more cities after the initial 7 at the launch in September last year. This brings the total number of cities with 5G networks to 13.

    “So, right now, we are in 13 cities (Lagos, FCT, Owerri, Ibadan, Maiduguri, Abeokuta, Shagamu, Ifo, Warri, Enugu, Benin City, Kano, Port Harcourt etc) and are still expanding. Nigerians are already enjoying the benefits of 5G,” he said.

    Ends

  • New A’Ibom Gov promises enhanced security, welfare for civil servants

    New A’Ibom Gov promises enhanced security, welfare for civil servants

    Newly sworn-in Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Umo Eno has called on all Akwa Ibom people to join hands with him to take the state to enviable heights.

    He made the call after he was administered the oath of office by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ekaette Obot, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

    Umo promised to create an enabling environment for investors to lift Akwa Ibom people out of poverty as he assumed the mantle of leadership, whilst pledging to improve security, education, health, and the welfare of the civil servants a priority of his administration.

    He promised a golden era for Akwa Ibom, saying his government would usher in a new era of peace and security for the state.

    The governor urged the people to support his ARISE agenda to build on the legacies of the immediate past governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

    He said he would be the governor of all Akwa Ibom people irrespective of their political affiliations.

    “I am in awe of the grace that has located me. I am in awe of the grace of God upon my life. I am sure together, we will usher in the golden era for our state.

    “As we begin this government, we will invite all Akwa Ibomites to arise to the feat of greatness with our ARISE agenda from investment in agriculture, healthcare services, and education; we will ensure that we continue changing the narratives of our state.

    “We will continue to support our state civil servants, and we will ensure that their welfare becomes paramount. We will continue to build on the successes of Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

    “We will tackle insecurity and we will ensure that Akwa Ibom continues to remain peaceful. We are resolved to ensure we fight insecurity in our state because we have the assurance of the security agencies to continue and improve upon what they are doing currently,” he said.

    Eno, who commended Emmanuel for supporting him against all odds, applauded the people for their support of his candidacy.

    He appealed to Emmanuel not to desert him after he exits the office, as he would continue to seek his wise counsel.

    Eno said he never believed he could be a Governor of Akwa Ibom because he had no aspiration for the office of the governor, added that the grace of God has placed him in the current position to govern the state.

    The governor said he would ensure the development of agriculture, education and empowerment of Akwa Ibom youth.

    The Chief Judge also swore in Sen. Akon Eyakenyi as the Deputy Governor of the state. 

  • Buni sworn-in as Yobe Gov, pledges to serve with dignity, honour

    Buni sworn-in as Yobe Gov, pledges to serve with dignity, honour

    Alhaji Mai Mala Buni was, on Monday, inaugurated as the fourth democratically-elected governor of Yobe, with a pledge that he would serve the state with dignity and honour.

    Speaking at the inauguration in Damaturu on Monday, Buni thanked the people of the state for finding him worthy of being re-elected for a second term in office.

    “We are indeed very grateful. I extend hands of fellowship to all and sundry to join us in the task of building our dear state.

    “It is a duty we must discharge with dignity and honour. We are first and foremost collective stakeholders, dedicated to making Yobe State peaceful and prosperous, irrespective of any differences,” he said.

    The governor noted that his first tenure had recorded tremendous success in security, health care, agriculture, commerce, infrastructure, mass housing, water resources, environment, governance, mineral resources, law and order, public service reform and ease of doing business.

    He listed some of the achievements to include: resettling of persons displaced by Boko Haram, rehabilitation of all schools destroyed by the insurgents and rehabilitation and upgrade of 138 primary health care centres.

    Others, he said, were the establishment of livestock development centres in three senatorial districts, completion of three modern markets, construction of 2,500 housing units and enactment of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, among others.

    The governor paid special tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for his ‘enormous support’ to the state and wished him well in his future endeavours.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Jagoran Talakawa, occupies a special place in my heart and the hearts of all Yobeans. We thank Allah the Almighty for enabling him to complete his eight-year tenure peacefully and strongly.

    “Allah endowed him with excellent health to the pleasure of his teeming well-wishers. Alhamdulillah. His administration had invested in the largest infrastructural development and had restored the integrity and dignity of all Nigerians.

    “I enjoyed a special relationship with President Buhari. I consulted him regularly for fatherly advice and will continue to do so.

    “As the president retires to Daura and into the hall of elder statesmen, I wish him Allah’s blessings, excellent health and happy retirement,” he said.

    Buni congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Vice- President Kashim Shettima for their election and inauguration, assuring them of his maximum cooperation.

    “President Tinubu deserved to be elected, more than any of the presidential candidates, given that he was at the forefront of restoring democracy in Nigeria.

    “On behalf of the good people of Yobe State, I assure him and the vice-president of our commitment and support in the onerous task ahead,” he said. 

  • Fintiri sworn-in for 2nd term in office

    Fintiri sworn-in for 2nd term in office

    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa has been sworn-in for a second term of office in Yola.

    The Oath of office was administered to the governor by the state Chief judge, Justice Hapsat Abdurrahaman in Yola on Monday.

    Abdurrahaman also administered the oath of office to the deputy governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta.

    In his address, the governor thanked the people for their resilience, commitment, and dedication to the democratic idles.

    He said the 2023 governorship election witnessed an unprecedented drama, especially during the supplementary election.

    Fintiri said that his administration recorded tremendous achievements in infrastructure, education, agriculture transparency, and accountability.
    He added that other areas were environment and climate change, food security, civil service reforms, youth development, commerce and industry, and security.

    The governor promised to consolidate the gains recorded in his administration.
    “The oath we just took is a sacred act not just a constitutional duty,” he said.
    Alhaji Attahiru Shehu, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, thanked the electorate for voting for the party to ensure Fintiri’s second term in office.

    The ceremony was attended by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, traditional rulers politicians, members of the diplomatic corps, and former governors of Adamawa, Boni Haruna, and Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankombo.

  • Podium collapses during swearing-in of new Kano Gov

    Podium collapses during swearing-in of new Kano Gov

    *Many were trapped under the collapsed stage

    A podium at the Sani Abacha Stadium where dignitaries were seated during the inauguration of the new Kano State governor, Abba Kabir, has collapsed.

    According to media reports, the podium collapsed shortly after Mr Kabir was sworn in and delivered an inauguration speech.

    He was about to leave the podium to the VIP seats in the stadium when the incident happened and he was sandwiched by security agents, including the police commissioner, Ahmad Gumel.

    The event was cut short as the new governor was unable to supervise the parade due to the throng of supporters at the stadium.

    The crowd of NNPP supporters wearing red caps soon became uncontrollable. They booed and stoned the Emirs of Kano and Bichi, Aminu Bayero, and Nasiru Bayero, who were at the event, with sachets and bottled water.

    The event was concluded as of 11 a.m. but up to the time of filing this report, security agents are still devising means for the safe evacuation of the emirs.

    The Kwankwasiyya followers, as the NNPP supporters are also called, consider the emirs as being sympathetic to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • Lagos: Sanwo-Olu sworn-in for second term

    Lagos: Sanwo-Olu sworn-in for second term

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat have both been sworn in for their second terms in Lagos State on Monday.

    The oath of office and oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of the State, Kazeem Alogba, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).

    Sanwo-Olu, who was decked in a white Agbada and a purple cap, took the oaths at exactly 11:44 a.m.

    In the 18 March governorship election, Mr Sanwo-Olu was re-elected, having secured a total of 762,134 votes against his main challengers — Olajide ‘Jandor’ Adediran of the PDP who polled 62,449 and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the LP who got 312,329 votes.

    Also present at the venue are the council of traditional chiefs, members of the state house of assembly and other dignitaries.

  • Buhari to Nigerians: Look beyond rising debt, focus on infrastructure

    Buhari to Nigerians: Look beyond rising debt, focus on infrastructure

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to look beyond the country’s rising debt, insisting that without investing in infrastructure, the situation in the country would have been tougher.

    President Buhari who disclosed this in a statement, urged Nigerians to look at the assets and investments that are financed by these debts and not just the country’s debt profile.

    According to him, his administration had doubled Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from about 20 per cent to more than 40 per cent, adding that some of the projects are commercially self-liquidating.

    He said Nigeria was able to achieve this despite the plunging of the global oil prices to almost zero at some point, the recession that was experienced by the country, the unexpected outbreak of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, and the global effects of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

    The pronouncement by the president is coming against the backdrop of criticisms over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, most of which are used to finance these infrastructures, by economic and financial experts as well as international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF.

    “In eight years, I am proud to say that we have doubled Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure to GDP from about 20 per cent to over 40 per cent, and that is no small undertaking.

    “This happened when global oil prices plunged to almost zero, when we encountered a recession that was not predicted, when we dealt with a pandemic that was unforeseen, and when we are still grappling with the global effects of an ongoing war in Europe.

    ‘’So, as we look at Nigeria’s debt profile, I urge us to also look at the assets and investment profiles, some of which was paid for by debt and some by investment income.’’

    He said, “The wealth and prosperity of many nations, especially post-war Europe, was built largely on infrastructure and on debt redeemed over decades. Some of the projects are commercially self-liquidating. Without investing in infrastructure, the road out of poverty is a much tougher one.’’

  • Interest rate hike will affect output, increase unemployment – MAN

    Interest rate hike will affect output, increase unemployment – MAN

    Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that increase in the monetary policy rate by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would reduce the sector’s output and its ability to absolve new personnel.

    The Director General of MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir who disclosed this in a statement said an increase in MPR will compound the imminent recession in the manufacturing sector and negatively impact on its operations.

    He said that such a rise would not not only lead to decline in government revenue as result of low productivity of the manufacturing sector, it will as well lead to high cost of production and decline in capacity utilisation.

    According to him, a hike in MPR will result in an increase in the cost of borrowing that will further discourage investment, reduction in inflow of investment and high product prices owing to rising factor costs, which will in turn render the sector less uncompetitive. 

    Stating MAN position on the increase, he said upward review in MPR from 18 per cent to 18.5 per cent will certainly lead to an increase in lending rates and worsen the uncompetitiveness of the manufacturing sector. 

    He said the interrelationship among macroeconomic variables is essential in policy formulation, as the movements of interest rate, inflation rate and exchange rate have direct impact on investment, employment and output of any economy.  

    He said according to the conventional monetary framework that was adopted by the CBN, increase in MPR should increase interest rate and by extension attract financial investment.

    However, it will also increase the cost of borrowing, crowd out more investments in the real sector and lower the output of the manufacturing sector.”

    He said there is a need for the government to take pragmatic steps to quell the inflationary pressure and reposition the economy.

    “To sustained growth in the sector and economy in general, he said the government needs to take immediate and concrete action to address the manufacturers’ forex needs in order to support and sustain production, adding that prioritizing allocation of forex to the manufacturing sector to procure raw materials, machines and spare parts that are not available locally is the way to go,” he said.