Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Abducted girls in FCT: Remi Tinubu calls for prayers

    Abducted girls in FCT: Remi Tinubu calls for prayers

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has reacted to the abduction of the Al-Kadriyar sisters in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    In a post on X, Mrs Tinubu lamented over the devastating loss of Nabeeha, one of the sisters who the abductors killed.

    She extended her condolences to her grieving family and called for fervent prayers for the safe return of the other sisters and others in captivity.

    Her words:

    ”It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the devastating loss of Nabeeha and extend my deepest condolences to her grieving family.

    ”In difficult moments like this, I urge the nation to join in fervent prayers for the safe return of these girls. Let us hold the families close to our hearts in prayers.

    I implore our security agencies to intensify their efforts in addressing the pressing matter of kidnappings and insecurity in our nation. The safety and swift return of the Al-Kadriyar sisters and others in captivity should be our paramount concern.

    ”To the parents, especially mothers, I appeal for intensified prayers for our children and for peace to prevail in our beloved country.

    ”May the Almighty God comfort the Al-Kadriyar family for their loss, and may God bring the other children back home safely.”

  • Alleged N438m contract scam: CCB Summons Tunji-Ojo

    Alleged N438m contract scam: CCB Summons Tunji-Ojo

    The Code of Conduct Bureau has invited the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, over the involvement of his company in an alleged N438m contract scam uncovered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    The CCB has commenced an investigation into the alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers by the Minister.

    A company, New Planet Projects, allegedly belonging to the Minister, benefitted from an alleged contract scam from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

    A document exclusively obtained by newsmen on Monday revealed that the CCB invited the embattled minister to appear before it on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the CCB Headquarters, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.

    The document signed by Gwimi S.P, the CCB Director, Investigation and Monitoring, on behalf of the CCB Chairman, Murtala Aliyu, revealed that the bureau’s invitation is hinged on its mandate and powers as enshrined in the Third Schedule, Part 1, 3 (e) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

    The letter addressed to the Minister, read, “The bureau is investigating a case of alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in which your name featured prominently. Consequently, you are invited for an interview scheduled as follows:

    “Date: Tuesday, 16th January, 2024. Time: 1100hrs prompt. Venue: CCB Headquarters on 5th Floor, Annex III, Phase I, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.

    “This invitation is pursuant to the mandate and powers of the Bureau as enshrined in the Third Schedule, Part I, Paragraph 3 (e) to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. Please be properly guided.”

  • Rivers Guber: S’Court dismisses APM’s appeal against Fubara

    Rivers Guber: S’Court dismisses APM’s appeal against Fubara

    The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the appeal of the Allied People’s Movement against the victory of Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

    The five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun also reserved judgment in the appeal by the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Patrick Tonye-Cole.

    The counsel for the APM and its candidate in the March 18 election, Innocent Kere, at proceedings on Monday opted to withdraw the appeal.

    The appeal was subsequently dismissed by the apex court.

    Tonye-Cole and APC appeal was reserved for judgment, after the court listened to the arguments of the party involved in the matter.

    Tonye-Cole, among others, is asking the apex court to sack Fubara, adding that the governor did not resign as the Accountant General of the state under the deadline stipulated by the constitution and the Electoral Act.

    The lower courts had dismissed all appeals against Fubara and upheld his election.

  • Super Eagles draw 1-1 to Equatorial Guinea 

    Super Eagles draw 1-1 to Equatorial Guinea 

    In a tightly contested opening fixture at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in Ivory Coast on Sunday.

    Equatorial Guinea seized the initiative in the 37th minute when Iban Salvador skillfully netted a well-placed shot, catching the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, off guard and motionless.

    Nigeria responded swiftly, with Victor Osimhen demonstrating his prowess by heading in an equalizing goal just before the halftime whistle. The teams entered the break on level terms, setting the stage for an intense second half.

    Despite a flurry of chances, Nigeria was unable to secure the elusive winning goal. 

    In the 75th minute, Osimhen, who had earlier marked his first appearance in the AFCON with a goal, missed a significant opportunity to put Nigeria in the lead.

    The Super Eagles, placed in Group A, now turn their attention to upcoming challenges against Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau later in the tournament.

    As the group stage unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate the team’s performance and potential advancement in the prestigious African football competition.

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court Affirms Lawal’s Election As Zamfara Governor 

    BREAKING: Supreme Court Affirms Lawal’s Election As Zamfara Governor 

    The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Dauda Lawal as the duly elected Governor of Zamfara state.

    Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the lead judgment, criticized the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision, describing it as “perverse.”

    Justice Agim emphasized that the allegations of over-voting failed to stand as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not provide essential documents such as the voter register, polling unit officer report, and eyewitness testimony.

    The judge highlighted that BVAS machines alone could not establish electoral malpractices, and the petitioner, Mr Matawalle, did not provide sufficient evidence to support his claims.

    “The court is of the view that the tribunal was right. The judgment of the Court of Appeal was perverse because the petitioner failed woefully to prove his allegations,” declared Justice Agim.

  • Death Rumuor: Nollywood Actress, Ngozi Ezeonu Reacts

    Death Rumuor: Nollywood Actress, Ngozi Ezeonu Reacts

    Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Ezeonu has debunked reports making the rounds online about her demise.

    The movie star left many of her followers confused and scared after sharing a cryptic social media post.

    Ngozi shared a dark image with candlelight at the centre, stating that someone had died but failed to disclose the identity of the person.

    However, rumours made rounds online that the thespian had died and it was her son who made the social media post.

    Reacting, Ngozi Ezeonu, in a video shared on her Instagram page, said she is “alive and healthy” and people should stop peddling fake news about her death.

    According to her, the previous post in which she posted a candle was a tribute to a friend she recently lost.

    She said, “I lost a very close friend of mine, I posted a candle, a half-burnt candle and they now put my picture on that candle and everybody is saying that I died.

    “It is wrong. I am alive and healthy, please.

    “In journalism, what you do when in doubt is you leave out. If you cannot get across to the person to at least confirm the story, you don’t post.

    “Don’t do that, please. Don’t try it again. This is a new year, why would anybody want to hurt each other just because they want people to follow them?

    “The calls I have been receiving have been very worrisome. I don’t know why anybody should take my post.”

  • CBN Appoints New Executives for Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank

    CBN Appoints New Executives for Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank

    The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced the appointment of new executives for Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank. 

    The decision comes after the dissolution of the board and management teams of these financial institutions.

    The appointments, effective immediately, were disclosed in a statement signed by the CBN’s acting Director of Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali Hakama. 

    The appointees will now oversee the operations of the respective banks.

    Union Bank Appointments:

    Yetunde Oni: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
    Mannir Ubali Ringim: Executive Director

    Keystone Bank Appointments:

    Hassan Imam: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
    Chioma A. Mang: Executive Director

    Polaris Bank Appointments:

    Lawal Mudathir Omokayode Akintola: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
    Chris Onyeka Ofikulu: Executive Director

    The decision to dissolve the boards and management teams was attributed to non-compliance with Sections 12(c), (f), (g), (h) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020. The CBN emphasized that the actions of these banks posed a threat to financial stability.

    Despite the changes, the CBN assured depositors that their funds in the affected banks remain secure and unaffected by this decision.

  • Alleged Fraud: Olu Agunloye, Former Minister of Power and Steel Remanded in Kuje Prison

    Alleged Fraud: Olu Agunloye, Former Minister of Power and Steel Remanded in Kuje Prison

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has taken a decisive step regarding Olu Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. 

    Justice Donatus Okorowo ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre following charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging his involvement in fraudulent activities.

    Agunloye, who also previously served as Minister of State for Defence, pleaded not guilty to the charges. 

    However, the court ruled for his remand pending the determination of his bail application.

    This development unfolded after the EFCC had declared Agunloye wanted on December 13, 2023, for suspected involvement in fraudulent acts. 

    The anti-graft agency had sought information from the public regarding his whereabouts, urging individuals to report to the nearest police station or contact the EFCC.

  • Unpaid Bills: TCN Issues 14-Day Suspension Notice to Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd

    Unpaid Bills: TCN Issues 14-Day Suspension Notice to Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has taken decisive action against Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) due to non-compliance with market rules, issuing a 14-day disconnection notice. 

    According to TCN’s statement, ASCL has accumulated a substantial debt of N33.71 billion as of November 2023, with N30.85 billion owed for energy and capacity supplied by Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET) and N2.22 billion to service providers.

    Despite prior notifications and interventions by the Minister of Power to rectify the defaults, ASCL’s non-compliance remains unresolved. 

    TCN has demanded the settlement of outstanding invoices and the provision of bank guarantees within the specified 14-day period to avoid disconnection from the National Grid, as per Section 45 of the Market Rules.

    Failure to rectify these defaults within the stipulated timeframe may lead to disconnection, and if left unresolved after 30 business days, the Market Operator may terminate ASCL’s Market Participation Agreement, escalating the matter to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for further action.

    This action by TCN follows a hint in the NERC’s 2022 annual report regarding the potential disconnection of Ajaokuta Steel from the national grid due to its significant indebtedness of N25.06 billion.

  • Betta Edu: Why Youths Aren’t Fit To Lead Nigeria – Daddy Freeze

    Betta Edu: Why Youths Aren’t Fit To Lead Nigeria – Daddy Freeze

    Media icon Daddy Freeze has expressed his viewpoint that older corrupt politicians should retain power instead of transferring leadership to younger individuals. 

    He made these remarks during an Instagram live session following the suspension of Minister Betta Edu over alleged fraud, emphasizing that the lack of experience led to her involvement in corruption within a short period. 

    Freeze suggested that older politicians have a better understanding of the systems, while he criticized youths for potentially mishandling the system if in power, stating,

     “I’d rather have an experienced older individual comprehend the system than a young person who might recklessly exploit it.” 

    He further emphasized his preference for seasoned politicians like Tinubu, Atiku, or Obi over youths, suggesting some youths lack a moral compass.

    He said, “I don’t want youths to lead Nigeria. I would rather have an old thief that understands the system than a young thief that would just steal the system senselessly. You never do minister work how many months dem Don catch you already.

    “At least, other person wey dem dey catch, e dey reach like three years later. Someone who isn’t 40 yet, I’m 10 years older than her [Betta Edu]. She is a proper youth.

    “Those you saying you don’t want old people, for me, all this old people whether it’s Tinubu, Atiku or Obi, I prefer them to youths. Nigerian youths? Some of them were born deficient of a conscience.”