Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Fubara Appoints Ehie As Chief Of Staff, Names Special Advisers

    Fubara Appoints Ehie As Chief Of Staff, Names Special Advisers

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the appointments of a Chief of Staff and Special Advisers.

    Former factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, has been appointed as Chief of Staff, Government House.

    During the political crisis in the state, Ehie resigned from his position as the member representing Ahoada East State Constituency 2 and as Speaker of a faction of the State House of Assembly.

    Meanwhile, the Special Advisers appointed include Solomon Abel Eke, Aminayanasam Fiberesima, Deeyah Bariene, Darlington Orji and Prince Obi Ohia.

    In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, it was announced that: “The newly appointed Chief of Staff and Special Advisers, alongside one guest each, are expected to be seated at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Monday, 29th January, 2024 at 10:30 am, for the swearing-in ceremony by His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State at 11:00am.”

  • BREAKING: Many Feared Killed As Soldiers, Gunmen Clash In Mangu

    BREAKING: Many Feared Killed As Soldiers, Gunmen Clash In Mangu

    Many were reportedly killed when soldiers and gunmen clashed in two villages of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Saturday morning.

    The clash occurred after Governor Caleb Mutfwang relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on the area.

    Mutfwang had said following improvement of security, the curfew should be from 8am to 4pm.

    Sources said that about 30 gunmen were killed while some soldiers sustained injuries during the clash at Satguru and Tyop villages.

    A security operative, said, “The incident occurred between 7 to 7:30 am when the gunmen came in their numbers and started attacking some communities along Gindri road. In no time, the soldiers were alerted and immediately responded.

    “About 30 of the gunmen were killed while more than 50 of them were arrested with guns and ammunition. Four soldiers were equally injured.”

    Another source in the area who also pleaded for anonymity confirmed the incident, adding that people were still in fear.

    Spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security taskforce maintaining peace in the area, is yet to respond to the inquiries.

  • NCAA suspends private jet operator’s licence after Ibadan airport mishap

    NCAA suspends private jet operator’s licence after Ibadan airport mishap

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the licence of Mattini Airline Services Limited, the private jet operator whose aircraft overshot the runway on Friday at Ibadan airport.

    The private jet had 10 persons onboard before it overshot the runway, as firefighters and rescue officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria were immediately deployed to the scene.

    The NCAA declared in a statement that the licence suspension was with immediate effect pending the outcome of investigations into the incident.

    The Challenger CL 601 aircraft, registered as N580KR and operated by Mattini Airline Services Limited, departed from Abuja to Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan before the incident at 11 a.m.

    The regulatory body announced its intention to conduct a comprehensive safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria, emphasising its commitment to ensuring the highest standards in the aviation sector.

    The ownership of numerous private jets, linked to both serving and non-serving governors as well as National Assembly members across the country, has come under scrutiny.

    These private jet owners have faced accusations of violating both economic and safety regulations set by the regulator.

    The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Michael Achimugu, issued a statement saying it enlisted the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to conduct a thorough investigation into the Ibadan Airport incident.

    While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an economic inquiry into the aircraft’s operation, specifically concerning the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its documents.

    “In the meantime, and in accordance with Sec 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA has also suspended the PNCF of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect.

    “The suspension, NCAA said will subsist until a determination is made that the conditions of the PNCF have been adhered to.

    “NCAA has further initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.

    “NCAA however assured the traveling public of its utmost commitment to safety and the entrenchment of global best practices.”

    In a press conference last week, the acting Director-General of NCAA, Chris Najomo said that all private jet owners operating commercial services risk losing their licenses for non-compliance.

  • Lagos PDP Chairman Kidnapped 

    Lagos PDP Chairman Kidnapped 

    The Lagos State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Philip Aivoji, has been abducted.

    He was abducted along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway around 6 p.m on Thursday, according to sources.

    The state publicity secretary of the party, Hon. Hakeem Amode, confirmed the abduction.

    He called on security agencies and government authorities at all levels to intervene promptly and secure his release.

    Amode stated that the chairman was returning from a stakeholders’ meeting in Oyo State convened by Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke.

    He said, “It is disheartening that kidnapping has become a prevalent issue in our country, and the government’s inability to address this menace is deeply concerning.

    “The abduction of Aivoji underscores the pressing need for decisive actions from the government and stakeholders to eradicate this menace.

    “Aivoji’s abduction was a violent incident, and his current whereabouts or any communication from the abductors remain unknown.

    “We implore the governments of Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos States, alongside security agencies, to expedite efforts and secure his safe return to his family and well-wishers. We firmly believe that, with increased efforts from security agencies, Aivoji can be rescued from these criminals, and we call on the public to support initiatives aimed at ending this threat to innocent lives.”

  • BREAKING: Britain’s King Charles III admitted to hospital for prostate surgery

    BREAKING: Britain’s King Charles III admitted to hospital for prostate surgery

    In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, it has been confirmed that King Charles, aged 75, has been admitted to the London Clinic private hospital for a corrective procedure addressing his enlarged prostate. 

    This comes just a week after his daughter-in-law, Princess Catherine, underwent abdominal surgery at the same facility.

    The monarch made his health condition public, using the opportunity to raise awareness about prostate health for men. 

    The disclosure resulted in a notable increase in searches on the NHS website, indicating heightened public interest in understanding and addressing prostate-related issues.

    King Charles visited Princess Catherine in the hospital on Friday morning, ahead of his scheduled treatment. 

    Queen Camilla accompanied him upon his arrival at the central London hospital. The duration of the King’s hospital stay remains unknown at this time.

    A statement from Buckingham Palace expressed the King’s satisfaction with the positive impact his diagnosis has had on public health awareness.

    The statement also conveyed his gratitude to those who sent their good wishes during this period.

    The plan for the corrective procedure was revealed by the palace last week, emphasizing that the benign prostate problem, while common in men over 50, is typically non-cancerous and not considered a serious condition by the NHS.

  • Ganduje hasn’t contacted Abba Yusuf over request to join APC, says aide

    Ganduje hasn’t contacted Abba Yusuf over request to join APC, says aide

    Sunusi Bature Dawakin, director-general of media and publicity in the office of Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano state, says his principal has not been contacted by Abdullahi Ganduje, national chair of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over joining the APC. 

    Dawakin said this in reaction to comments credited to Ganduje who said he had asked the Kano governor to abandon the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the APC.

    “We are appealing to those who want to join APC to come,” the APC national chair had said.

    “In particular, we are inviting the Governor of Kano and his NNPP to join APC.”

    Speaking on the BBC Hausa service on Friday, Dawakin said they only learnt of the invitation via social media.

    The director-general said as a former governor and former deputy governor, Ganduje knows the right channels to get to his principal.

    “We learned about the invitation on social media, but Dr Ganduje, as a former Governor and former deputy governor, knows more than any other person how to send a message to an incumbent governor, appropriately,” he said.

    Dawakin said Yusuf is yet to take any position on whether he would join the ruling party or not.

    President Bola Tinubu is reportedly working to reconcile Ganduje and Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano.

    Kwankwaso and Yusuf defected to the NNPP before the 2023 polls where they both pursued presidential and governorship bids respectively.

    While the former governor was not successful with his presidential bid, Yusuf was declared winner of the gubernatorial election which has now been affirmed by the supreme court.

  • $500,000 bribe: Supreme Court affirms Farouk Lawan’s five-year sentence

    $500,000 bribe: Supreme Court affirms Farouk Lawan’s five-year sentence

    The Supreme Court has affirmed the five-year jail term handed to a former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan by the Court of Appeal.

    Lawan was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2021 for accepting $500,000 bribe from businessman, Femi Otedola, Chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.

    In a unanimous judgment on Friday, a five-member panel affirmed the 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal which upheld Lawan’s sentencing to five years in respect of only count three on the three-count charge on which he was tried at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    In the lead judgment prepared by Justice John Okoro but read on Friday by Justice Tijjani Abubakar, the apex count found that Lawan’s appeal was without merit and proceeded to dismiss it.

  • Presidency Replies Atiku Over NNPC’s $3.3 Billion Emergency Loan

    Presidency Replies Atiku Over NNPC’s $3.3 Billion Emergency Loan

    The Presidency has replied to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) $3.3 billion emergency crude repayment loan.

    Recall that the repayment loan was secured on August 16, 2023, and was designed to bolster the naira and stabilize the foreign exchange market.

    The transaction, arranged by the African Export-Import Bank, was not only intended to support the national currency but also to aid the Federal Government’s monetary and fiscal reforms.

    Notably, three weeks ago, the Federal Government received $2.25 billion of the $3.3 billion foreign exchange facility from the bank.

    However, in a statement on Thursday, Atiku called on President Bola Tinubu to provide a detailed account of the repayment loan, adding that the only available details were emerging from sources within the NNPCL.

    He highlighted that the transaction is being facilitated by a Special Purpose Vehicle named Project Gazelle Funding Limited, which was incorporated in the Bahamas.

    Reacting to Atiku’s query on Thursday, presidential aide, Otega Ogra said the Tinubu’s administration has taken the time to educate all Nigerians further on the loan at various times.

    He said the loan also known as Project Gazelle, is a financing agreement secured by NNPC Limited to prepay future royalties and taxes to the federal government.

    Ogra stated that NNPC Limited’s project is a forward-thinking financial strategy that aligns operational needs with broader economic goals by utilising future crude oil sales for immediate funding, enhancing liquidity, and contributing to Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.

    He said the project showcases NNPC Limited’s operational autonomy and financial acumen while ensuring immediate liquidity, minimising the impact on future earnings, and potentially enhancing Nigeria’s credit rating.

    Ogra noted that the repayments are strategically planned and tied to future oil sales, with conservative pricing in oil sales contracts mitigating the risks associated with oil price volatility.

  • Police Declares Same-Sex Marriage Illegal, Vows To Arrest Perpetrators

    Police Declares Same-Sex Marriage Illegal, Vows To Arrest Perpetrators

    The Nigeria Police Force has warned Nigerians to steer clear of same-sex marriage as it is illegal in the country, saying anyone caught in the act of same-sex marriage in the country would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who issued the warning on Thursday in a statement, said that in accordance with the Nigerian Criminal Code Act applicable in Southern states of Nigeria, unnatural offences are prohibited under Sections 214 to 217.

    According to Adejobi, the prohibition is re-echoed by Section 284 of the Nigerian Penal Code applicable in the Northern part of the country.

    He said that “Following recent trend on social media where some individuals who identify as queer were visibly encouraging and associating themselves with activities perceived to be unnatural in light of Nigerian Laws, the Nigeria Police Force hereby wishes to enlighten the public on the legal aspects concerning unnatural offences and same-sex marriage within the country.

    “In accordance with the Nigerian Criminal Code Act applicable in Southern States, unnatural offences are prohibited under Sections 214 to 217.

    “These sections specifically criminalize acts considered unnatural, such as having carnal knowledge of a person, or permitting a person to have carnal knowledge of one against the order of nature, or having carnal knowledge of an animal, and those found guilty may face legal consequences as outlined by the law.

    “This is re-echoed by Section 284 of the Nigerian Penal Code applicable in the Northern part of the country.

    “Similarly, it is imperative to note that same-sex marriage is strictly prohibited in Nigeria. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 criminalizes the solemnization, operation, and public display of same-sex marriages.

    “We therefore emphasize the importance of understanding and adhering to these laws as any violation will be met with due legal processes.

    “We remain dedicated to maintaining law and order and call on all citizens to report all suspicious activities related to unnatural offences or same-sex marriage, providing crucial information that will aid our efforts to enforce the law.

    “We need to collectively kick against such while we urge parents and guardians to take note and support the Police in the fight against such inhuman activities which are alien to our culture and also punishable under the law.”

  • Why there is a drop in power supply across the country – TCN

    Why there is a drop in power supply across the country – TCN

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has revealed the reason for the drop in power supply nationwide.

    According to Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s general manager of public affairs, gas constraints on thermal generating companies resulted in low power generation across the country.

    She said the situation had impacted the quantum of bulk power available on the transmission grid for onward transmission to the distribution load centres nationwide.

    The statement reads: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN hereby announces that there has been a gradual decrease in available generation into the grid due to gas constraints to the thermal generating companies, which has impacted the quantum of bulk power available on the transmission grid for onward transmission to the distribution load centres nationwide.

    “TCN is doing everything possible in collaboration with stakeholders in the power sector to ensure that it keeps the grid intact despite the current low power generated into the system.

    “Consequent to the current load on the grid, load distributed to the distribution load centres have also been reduced, as TCN can only transmit what is generated.

    “TCN is committed to ensuring a gradual increase in electricity supply to load centres as gas improves to the power available thermal plants.

    “Please bear with us as we continue to work with the stakeholders in the value chain to ensure that supply through distribution companies to electricity consumers nationwide improves”, the company stated.