Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Injury Blow for Super Eagles As Alhassan Yusuf Is Ruled Out for 2023 AFCON Clash Against Ivory Coast

    Injury Blow for Super Eagles As Alhassan Yusuf Is Ruled Out for 2023 AFCON Clash Against Ivory Coast

    The Super Eagles’ head coach, Jose Peseiro, has confirmed that Alhassan Yusuf will miss the crucial 2023 AFCON match against Ivory Coast due to an injury sustained in the opening game.

    Yusuf, who replaced the injured Wilfred Ndidi, impressed in the first match but had to be substituted in the 69th minute after suffering a knock.

    Despite his impactful performance in the game against Equatorial Guinea, Yusuf won’t be fit for the upcoming clash.

    Peseiro expressed disappointment but hinted at the possibility of Yusuf returning for the team’s last group game.

    The absence of the Belgian-based midfielder poses a challenge for the Super Eagles, especially in the defensive midfield role. 

    Fans are eager to see if Southampton’s Joe Aribo, who played as a substitute in the previous match, will step up to fill the void.

    As Nigeria faces Ivory Coast, who secured a 2-0 victory in their opening game, the team aims to overcome this setback and secure a positive result in the highly anticipated fixture at 6 p.m. on Thursday.

  • INEC Releases Final List of Candidates for February Bye-Elections 

    INEC Releases Final List of Candidates for February Bye-Elections 

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially unveiled the roster of candidates for the upcoming by-elections scheduled for February 3, 2024. 

    The bye-elections are necessitated by the unfortunate death or resignation of members from both the National and State Houses of Assembly.

    According to a statement issued on Wednesday by INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun, the electoral process will span nine states, encompassing two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies. 

    Notable areas include Ebonyi South, Yobe East, Kebbi State, Lagos State, Ondo State, and Taraba State, among others.

    The timetable, schedule of activities, as well as the personal particulars and final list of candidates, have been made accessible in INEC state offices and the relevant constituencies.

     INEC has also adhered to the provisions of Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022, by publishing this information on their official website and social media platforms.

    Commissioner Olumekun urged Nigerians to meticulously examine the personal details, including Form EC9 and academic credentials, of the candidates.

    He emphasized that individuals with reasonable grounds to believe that a candidate provided false information during party primaries can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court, as stipulated in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.

    Importantly, the commissioner clarified that this publication is exclusively for the upcoming bye-elections, which involve fresh elections with candidates nominated through party primaries.

    For re-run elections occurring on the same day, the list and personal particulars of candidates were published before the 2023 General Election, as they are not open to new or disqualified candidates.

  • Tinubu Reacts To Ibadan Explosion

    Tinubu Reacts To Ibadan Explosion

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the tragic incident which happened in Ibadan, Oyo state, on Tuesday, January 16.

    This was made known in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, via Dada Olusegun’s X handle on Wednesday, January 17.

    The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the devastating explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    “The explosion killed two persons and wounded about 80 others. It also destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties. 

    “It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners. Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished,” the President said.

    “President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State and called on all concerned agencies of government to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy with alacrity.

    “The President directs the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.”

  • Taraba: Deputy Gov Alkali confident of victory at S’Court

    Taraba: Deputy Gov Alkali confident of victory at S’Court

    Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Aminu Abdullahi Alkali has expressed optimism that the People’s Democratic Party PDP and governor Kefas Agbu will emerge victorious in a legal battle against them at the Supreme Court.

    The New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP and its governorship candidate, Prof Yahaya Sani are contesting the victory of the governor and PDP in the last year March 18 gubernatorial election in Taraba State.

    The Deputy Governor, who was at the Apex Court on Wednesday to witness proceedings in an appeal filed by NNPP and Sani said that the coast has appeared very clear for the two respondents to be victorious.

    He praised the transparent and unambiguous ways and manners proceedings at the Supreme Court are being conducted adding that the court has shown that there can never be miscarriage of justice.

    The position of the Deputy Governor followed the request by the lead counsel to governor Agbu and PDP, Kanu Agabi SAN to the apex court to either strike out the case the appellants or dismiss it outrightly.

    Agabi who led a retinue of senior lawyers told Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun led panel of five Justices that the case of the NNPP and its governorship candidate was lacking in merit and substance.

    He said that the appeal of the appellants was grossly incompetent to be considered because of the several flaws in the way the case was couched and presented at the Apex Court.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC adopted the arguments canvassed by the governor’s lawyer in resolving the dispute on the governorship election.

    However, lead counsel to the NNPP and Sani, Olusegun Jolaawo SAN appealed to the Justices to allow the case of his clients and grant all the reliefs they are praying.

    The Court of Appeal had in Abuja affirmed the election of PDP and Kefas Agbu as Governor of Taraba State.

    The three-member panel of the appellate court in two separate appeals held that Agbu, was lawfully declared winner of the March 18 governorship election in Taraba State.

    The appellate court held that the allegations of non-compliance, irregularities and other malpractices were not proved by the appellants in line with the provisions of the law.

    In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Peter Affen, the appellate court had faulted the appellants for dumping documents on the court, stressing that even if there was manifest incidents of malpractices or irregularities on the face of the documents, the appellants ought to have led oral evidence to support the allegations.

    Besides, the court of appeal had dismissed the appeal for being incompetent and lacking in merit on grounds that the record of proceedings transmitted to the appellate court was not complete.

    It will be recalled that a three-man panel of justices led by Justice G. A. Sunmonu of the Taraba State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had on September 30 dismissed the petition filed by the NNPP and its governorship candidate for lacking in merit.

  • Seun Kuti Knocks Super Eagles Over Performance At AFCON

    Seun Kuti Knocks Super Eagles Over Performance At AFCON

    Afrobeat sensation Seun Kuti has voiced his disappointment over the perceived lack of commitment from Super Eagles players during national duty. 

    Following Nigeria’s underwhelming 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Kuti took to Instagram to express his concerns.

    Kuti dismissed players’ claims of underperformance due to financial motivation, asserting that many are already financially stable and not dependent on payments from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

    “Nigerian footballers are not patriotic. They are more interested in their oyibo clubs and the glams. They might say it’s because the national football body doesn’t treat them well, but it’s our duty to do well for Africa because it is ours,” Kuti stated.

    He emphasized the disparity in focus, pointing out the contrasting dedication exhibited by European teams in major competitions. 

    Kuti urged Nigerian footballers to display the same level of seriousness during international events as they do at their respective clubs.

    “I watched Super Eagles last game. Do you guys watch the Euros and World Cup? Don’t you see how European teams enter fields? Don’t you see how focused their players are? Even Nigerian footballers, when they are at their clubs, they are always focused. But when they come to the Nations’ Cup, they are unserious. African footballers are the craziest of athletes. I’m sorry to say this.”

  • Seyi Makinde Reveals Cause Of Ibadan Explosion

    Seyi Makinde Reveals Cause Of Ibadan Explosion

    Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says two people were killed in the explosion which took place in Ibadan, the capital of the state, on Tuesday night.

    Makinde said the explosion, which injured 77 people, was caused by illegal miners who stored explosive devices in one of the buildings in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

    “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan,” the governor said.

    “This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties. We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations.”

    He said preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that “illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast”.

    Makinde said the investigations are ongoing and all those found culpable for this will be brought to book.

    The governor said the rescue operations will continue throughout the night.

    “Earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident,” he said.

    “The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.”

    Condoling the families of those who lost lives and properties to the explosion, Makinde said “in total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.

    Makinde assured residents that the state government would take care of the medical bills of all victims of the blast.

    “We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives,” he said.

    “I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.

    “We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured.

    “Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations.”

  • New Jersey To Return $8.9m Looted Under Jonathan To Nigeria

    New Jersey To Return $8.9m Looted Under Jonathan To Nigeria

    Jersey’s Royal Court has ruled in favour of returning stolen assets valued at £6.9 million ($8.9 million) to Nigeria.

    The decision comes after Jersey’s Attorney General issued a forfeiture notice in November, asserting that the funds, deposited in a Jersey bank account, were likely misappropriated by Nigerian government officials in 2014.

    The illicit transfer of funds was reportedly disguised as government-sanctioned contracts for arms purchases during Boko Haram incursions in Nigeria between 2009 and 2015.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power between 2010 and 2015. It will also be recalled that a lot of controversy had surrounded the purchase of weapons in the fight against insurgency with the then National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, being accused of diverting funds meant for security equipment.

    Also in late 2014, a private jet belonging to the-then President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, was arrested in South Africa with $10m cash, which was allegedly meant for the purchase of military weapons.

    The Jersey court found that most of the funds, initially intended for legitimate arms deals, had been diverted through foreign bank accounts and shell companies linked to the former ruling party in Nigeria.
     
    Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, noted the collaboration between Jersey and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the recovery process.

    Temple stressed the effectiveness of the 2018 Forfeiture Law in combating corruption and restoring funds to victims of crime. Plans are underway to negotiate an asset return agreement with the Nigerian government.

    He said: “This case again demonstrates the effectiveness of the 2018 Forfeiture Law in recovering the proceeds of corruption and restoring that money to victims of crime.

    “I now intend to negotiate an asset return agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Surge of Kidnappings: FCT Minister Summons Emergency Meeting

    Surge of Kidnappings: FCT Minister Summons Emergency Meeting

    In response to the alarming surge in violent crime within the nation’s capital, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has initiated a crucial emergency security meeting.

    Recent incidents involving brazen bandit operations, including the tragic killing of several residents, including a 13-year-old Secondary School Student, have prompted heightened concerns.

    Addressing the gathering, Minister Wike reassured FCT residents about their safety, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing security forces with necessary resources to combat the rising insecurity.

    The closed-door summit, presently in session, brings together heads of security agencies in the FCT, key officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), council chairmen, and traditional rulers.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.

  • AFCON 2024: Equatorial Guinea Coach Insists His Mission Is Not Over After Drawing With Nigeria

    AFCON 2024: Equatorial Guinea Coach Insists His Mission Is Not Over After Drawing With Nigeria

    The head coach of Equatorial Guinea, Juan Micha, has insisted that his team has an incomplete mission despite doing the unthinkable against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

    On Sunday, January 14, the Super Eagles were expected to beat lowly-rated Equatorial Guinea in their opening 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) encounter.

    To the dismay of most football enthusiasts, the Super Eagles had to come from a goal down to draw 1-1 in front of over 8,000 spectators at the 60,000-capacity Alassane Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.

    Jesus Owono of Equatorial Guinea made over six fantastic saves to deny Victor Osimhen and the rest clear goalscoring opportunities. Due to his performance in the game, he won the best player of the match award.

    Despite the rave their performance has generated, the Equatorial Guinean coach refused to describe the outcome of the match as an accomplishment.

    He told reporters after the game that he and his team will continue to strive toward their aims for the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

    He said, “I think this selection that I lead is prepared day by day to compete in this tournament.

    “I am lucky to know the details of football, having been a high-level player.”

    Coach Micha added: “Our mission is not complete, we still have a lot to do.

    “We are in a group stage, this is the first match. We will try to reach the next stage before seeing what happens next.”

  • EFCC arrests ex-Minister Charles Ugwuh over alleged N3.6bn fraud

    EFCC arrests ex-Minister Charles Ugwuh over alleged N3.6bn fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Charles Ugwuh, over an alleged conspiracy and fraud to the tune of N3.6 billion.

    EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday that Mr Ugwuh was arrested alongside Chief Geoffrey Ekenma on Jan. 11, in New Owerri, Imo.

    Mr Ugwuh, an engineer, industrialist and a former President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, served as Minister of Commerce and Industry from July 2007 to October 2008.

    Mr Oyewale said that the arrest followed a petition to the commission from a new generation bank on the alleged fraud perpetrated through a company, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., linked to the ex-minister.

    “Investigations revealed that Ugwuh, a former President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, and Ekenma, Managing Director, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., allegedly obtained a loan facility from the bank for the purchase and production of polished rice.

    “However, the suspects, according to the petitioner, failed to meet up his obligations to the bank and all efforts to get him to repay the loan facility proved abortive,” he said.

    Mr Oyewale said that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.