Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • I Never Held Private Meeting With Obasanjo – Ohanaeze Leader

    I Never Held Private Meeting With Obasanjo – Ohanaeze Leader

    The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has clarified that he did not engage in any private discussions with former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo during the latter’s closed-door meeting with Ohanaeze chieftains in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    Iwuanyanwu made this statement during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday.

    The meeting, which took place at the residence of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, had sparked curiosity due to its private nature and the status of the attendees.

    According to the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okey Emuchay, the meeting involved discussions on “issues of mutual interest” between the former President and the Ohanaeze chieftains.

    Emuchay described the meeting as symbolic and crucial, noting that it led to fruitful deliberations.

    However, he refrained from providing specific details about the topics discussed during the visit.

    The meeting and Iwuanyanwu’s subsequent clarification indicate the ongoing engagement of prominent leaders in addressing issues concerning the Igbo community and Nigeria at large.

    Emuchay said, “Issues of mutual interest were discussed, and the Ohanaeze PG informed Chief Obasanjo that Nigeria should erect monuments in his name for the sacrifices he has made.

    “Iwuanyanwu had recalled Obasanjo’s role in ending the civil war with the slogan of no victor no vanquished; repayment of huge external debts and recovery of the economy during his time as President.

    “He informed the former President that the Igbo nation will bestow honour on him appropriately.”

    The former President was accompanied by Chief Oyewole Fasawe; while some Igbo leaders and Ohanaeze chieftains who were at the meeting included Emuchay; former Minister for Aviation, Kema Chikwe; Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Fidelis Ozichukwu; and Chief Tony Ukasanya, among others.

  • APC, Labour Party react as Atiku vows to contest for 2027 presidency

    APC, Labour Party react as Atiku vows to contest for 2027 presidency

    By Doris Israel Ijeoma

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential bid.

    Atiku through his spokesperson, Daniel Bwala confirmed that he will contest for presidency again after being defeated by Bola Tinubu in 2023.

    Atiku has contested the presidency six times before, failing in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.

    Despite his repeated losses, Bwala described him as “the president we never had,” citing his experience and understanding of the private sector.

    Reacting to the development, the APC promised Atiku a “heavy defeat” in 2027.

    The party’s director of publicity, Bala Ibrahim said;

    “Our party, which is the All Progressive Congress, thrashed Atiku not once, not twice. Even when we thought he had the energy and little credibility to make him viable to Nigerians, we defeated him completely.

    “How can someone who is just trying to regain his balance be a threat to the APC come 2027? That is unthinkable; Atiku can never be a threat to the APC. He wasn’t a threat when he had little value. How can he be a threat when he is already valueless? It’s a dream that will not come to pass.’’

    Ibrahim advised Atiku to quit politics, suggesting he was being misled by his advisors.

    Labour Party, while reacting said that Nigerians are tired of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and others from the “old stock.”

    Spokesman for the 2023 Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko said:

    “Anybody who wants to show ambition and start building at the moment, it is the person’s fundamental rights. But, we believe that we have the interest of people at heart. And the people are tilting towards us, especially the Nigerian youths. They are tired of the old stock

    “So even if anybody coming from the old stock still wants to run for election, we wish him all the best. But it could have been better for them to support a younger generation like Peter Obi in the form of uniting this country so that we can move forward collectively. That will have made more sense and more appreciative to the Nigerian people at the moment.”

  • Late Akeredolu’s Body Arrives Nigeria

    Late Akeredolu’s Body Arrives Nigeria

    The body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has arrived Nigeria.

    The plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m on Friday, January 5, 2024.

    The late Governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away.

    The body was received by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother.

    Akeredolu passed away in Germany on December 26, 2023.

    His remains have been deposited at the morgue until the final burial. 

    Details of the burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.

  • Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele as A Tribe Called Judah’ grosses N1bn

    Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele as A Tribe Called Judah’ grosses N1bn

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated box office queen, Funke Akindele as her movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ became the first nollywood film to to gross N1bn (One Billion Naira).

    In a Statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale on Friday, the president celebrated the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry. 

    He commended the thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.

    “The President extols the excellence of the Nigerian creative industry, acknowledging its pivotal place as a medium not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export.

    “The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration. I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further,” the statement read.

  • Actor Charles Okocha Breaks Silence After Being Defeated By Portable In Celebrity Boxing Match

    Actor Charles Okocha Breaks Silence After Being Defeated By Portable In Celebrity Boxing Match

    Nollywood actor Charles Okocha has opened up on recent defeat to street-pop artist Habeeb Badmus, popularly known as Portable, in a high-profile celebrity boxing match.

    Expressing his disappointment, Okocha claimed that the fight was manipulated in Portable’s favor. 

    He cited inadequate preparations, a slippery ring, and Portable’s decision to remove his boxing gloves during the bout as factors contributing to the unexpected outcome.

    “When Portable rushed at me in the first round, I slipped due to the slippery ring. However, in the subsequent rounds, I had the upper hand until he refused to continue fighting. I expected a disqualification when he removed his gloves mid-fight,” Okocha stated.

    Despite the loss, Okocha said he remains determined and vocal about his desire for a rematch, expressing confidence in his abilities to emerge victorious under better circumstances.

    Addressing the accusations of a financial dispute leading to the fight, Okocha clarified, 

    “There was no N40 million ripoff as rumored. Our participation was solely due to the offer from the organizers and the social media hype. It was business; there are no personal issues between us.”

    Looking ahead to the rematch, Okocha emphasized his readiness and determination to secure a win, promising to leverage his strengths and exploit his opponent’s weaknesses.

    The rematch, anticipated to be better organized and fairer, is set to take place at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, with both fighters expected to bring their A-game for a definitive conclusion.

  • Former Presidential Spokesperson, Charles Igoh Dies

    Former Presidential Spokesperson, Charles Igoh Dies

    The ex spokesperson to former President Shehu Shagari, Charles Amedu Igoh, has reportedly passed away.

    His death was announced in a statement by his son, John Ada Igoh, on Thursday.

    Charles Amedu Igoh was a journalist, media practitioner, and administrator who served as the Chief Press Secretary to Nigeria’s 2nd Republic president, the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979-1983. He started his journalism career in the early 70s where he was a Sports Editor and Assistant Editor at the Daily Times newspapers.

    He served as a Press Officer to the Shehu Shagari Presidential Campaign Council in the run-up to the 1979 general elections. Charles Amedu Igoh was eventually appointed by the late Shehu Shagari as his Chief Press Secretary upon his victory at the polls.

    The statement by John Igoh reads: “It is with a heavy heart, but in total submission to the will of God that we regret to announce the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle and brother, Mr Charles Amedu Igoh,which sad event occurred on Saturday the 23rd of December, 2023 after a brief illness. He was 83 years old.

    “Mr Charles Amedu Igoh was a journalist, media practitioner, and administrator who served as the Chief Press Secretary to Nigeria’s 2nd Republic president His Excellency the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979-1983. He started his journalism career in the early 70s where he was a Sports Editor and Assistant Editor at the Daily Times newspapers.

    “He also worked with the Nigerian Breweries in the Public Relations department. He had a stint at the National Sports Commission in the mid-70s before being appointed as the Public Relations Manager of Volkswagen Nigeria.

    “He served as a Press Officer to the Shehu Shagari Presidential Campaign Council in the run-up to the 1979 general elections. He was eventually appointed by the late Shehu Shagari as his Chief Press Secretary upon his victory at the polls. He served in that capacity in the first term of that administration. and then farming. He was later appointed to the Board of Directors of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in 1990.

    “He became a deacon in his church, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), where he served the Lord.

    “He is survived by children, grandchildren, younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.”

  • Atiku will run for presidency in 2027 – spokesperson

    Atiku will run for presidency in 2027 – spokesperson

    Spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign council, Daniel Bwala has revealed that the former vice president will contest again at the 2027 presidential election.

    Bwala revealed this information on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels TV. 

    He said that the former vice president is the president the nation never had.

    He further revealed that Atiku understands the private sector, adding that the country’s economy can only come alive if its led by the private sector.

    When asked if Atiku would contest again in 2027, Bwala said, 

    “Sure he will run, he has the capacity, he has the wisdom, he has the knowledge, he has the energy and he is the president we never had. 

    “If i am going to be honest with you if there is any politicians who understand the private sector very well it is Atiku Abubakar and this our economy can only come alive if there is a private sector led economy.”

    He also said there is a need for the opposition political parties to form a solid coalition to stop President Bola Tinubu from winning the 2027 election.

    “Without a coalition of political parties, Tinubu is going to spend the next eight years. That one is for sure.

    “The truth of the matter is that there will be a coalition of political parties that will be very strong. This is a fact that I know. The coalition that is coming will swallow some of the elements that are creating the problems in the various political parties.”

  • NNPCL Dismisses Rumors of Impending Fuel Price Increase

    NNPCL Dismisses Rumors of Impending Fuel Price Increase

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has quashed rumors circulating on social media regarding an alleged plan to increase petrol prices to N1,200 per litre.

    Responding to the speculations, the NNPC clarified that there are no imminent plans to hike fuel prices despite widespread discussions on various platforms.

    The NNPC’s Group Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, issued a rejoinder today, affirming that the company has not engaged in any conflicts related to this matter. 

    The statement emphasized the inaccuracy of a headline from The Punch, terming it “unfortunate.”

    Additionally, NNPC addressed inquiries about subsidy reductions, clarifying that the subsidy has indeed been completely eliminated.

    “NNPC Ltd emphasises it has not clashed with any party. The Punch headline is deemed unfortunate. The publication sought confirmation on the alleged subsidy reduction, to which NNPC responded that the subsidy has been entirely removed.”

    This response comes amidst heightened concerns and mixed reactions among the public due to the challenging economic conditions prevalent in the country. 

  • 2024 Hajj Payment Deadline Extended

    2024 Hajj Payment Deadline Extended

    The National Hajj Commission has announced an extension of the payment deadline for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, now set for January 31, 2024, instead of the earlier stipulated December 31, 2023.

    In response to concerns raised by religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, State Governors, and other stakeholders regarding a low turnout, the commission reconsidered its stance.

    Assistant Director on Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, emphasized that the extension aims to provide additional opportunities for a broader range of faithful individuals seeking to participate in this sacred journey.

    Despite initially intending to proceed with the pilgrims who made payments by the initial deadline, NAHCON acknowledged the inevitability of the extension due to overwhelming requests and the significance of accessibility for all interested individuals.

    Usara highlighted that this extension period not only offers a chance for new registrations but also allows those needing to balance payments to do so within the extended timeframe.

    Moreover, she stressed the urgency of finalizing all Hajj deposits into designated accounts by the end of February, aligning with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s contractual deadlines.

    Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Chairman of NAHCON, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort among religious leaders, state boards, and governors in advocating for the pilgrims’ interests. 

    He underscored the commitment to ensuring a meaningful and inclusive Hajj experience and urged all stakeholders to utilize this extended opportunity effectively for the success of the 2024 Hajj operations.