Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

Fubara Commends Tinubu for Intervening in Political Crisis

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has extended his gratitude towards President Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention in the recent political turmoil gripping the state.

In a statement on Monday, Fubara credited Tinubu’s efforts for ushering in a lasting peace amidst the crisis, emphasizing the President’s dedication to the welfare of Rivers State.

“With the mantra of our administration being continuity and consolidation, we remain steadfast in delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” Governor Fubara reiterated.

He expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering support received during the challenging times, both locally and internationally.

Acknowledging President Tinubu’s instrumental role, Fubara highlighted the significance of Tinubu’s Presidential Peace Proclamation on December 18, 2023, as a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to fostering enduring peace within the state.

“Let me also use this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to our dear President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for wading into the near-crisis that almost punctuated the prevailing peace in our dear State.

“Indeed, by this singular effort, our dear President has demonstrated that he loves Rivers State and cherishes nothing short of a reign of perfect peace in our state with his Presidential Peace Proclamation on the 18th of December 2023”, Fubara said.

12/25/2023
Court Frees 36 IPOB Members After 2-Year Detention

The Ebonyi State High Court has finally released all 36 members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who had been held in custody for two years in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.

This release comes after a series of legal battles and unexpected charges brought against them.

Initially accused of murder, the IPOB members pleaded not guilty, and their case proceeded with the prosecution presenting six witnesses.

However, upon submission of a No Case Statement, the court upheld it, resulting in the dismissal of the initial charges (HAB/29c/2021).

The plot thickened when, on the day set for the ruling, the State government surprised the defense with new charges (HAB/43c/2022) related to possession of firearms, unlawful association, arson, breach of peace, warlike activities, and robbery.

Despite this, the court upheld the No Case Submission for the second set of charges but ordered a new charge (HAB/59c/2022) related to murder against the same defendants.

This legal maneuvering and the subsequent court discharge of the accused led to their return to prison due to the pending third charge, scheduled for plea and hearing on January 18, 2024.

The defense lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, expressed frustration, citing an apparent attempt to hinder the release of these individuals despite their clearance by the court.

Ejiofor emphasized their commitment to pursuing the freedom of these IPOB members, denouncing what he perceives as a manipulation of the judicial system.

He also hinted at disciplinary actions against those involved in what he views as a perversion of justice.

12/23/2023
Emefiele Meets Bail Conditions, Freed From Kuje Prison

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has been released from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja after fulfilling the conditions for his bail.

Adamu Duza, the facility’s spokesperson, confirmed this release on Saturday, stating that Emefiele regained his freedom on Friday, December 22.

Emefiele, along with Sa’adatu Yaro, a CBN employee, and her company, April 1616 Investment, faced accusations of procurement fraud.

The charges initially amounted to 20, but were later reduced to one by the federal government in November.

The allegations against Emefiele centered on favouring Yaro by awarding contracts for the purchase of 43 vehicles totaling N1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020.

These included various Toyota models and were purportedly obtained at inflated prices.

Upon his arraignment, Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the revised charges.

He had been in detention at the Kuje facility awaiting the court’s ruling on his bail application, which was granted on November 22 by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, setting bail at N300 million.

The conditions required two sureties with properties in the Maitama district in Abuja.

Emefiele’s legal issues began in June when the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested him following a suspension by President Bola Tinubu.

Subsequently, in July, he faced charges related to “illegal possession” of firearms at a federal high court in Ikoyi and was granted bail at N20 million.

This week, a federal government probe panel raised further allegations against Emefiele, accusing him of maintaining multiple foreign bank accounts and engaging in other financial misconduct during his tenure as CBN governor.

12/23/2023
Why I Don’t Have NYSC Certificate Despite Serving Nigeria – Sowore

Omoyele Sowore, the AAC presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has revealed the tough and rough journey he faced during his university days marked by activism at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

This resulted in his expulsion twice due to his staunch advocacy for human rights.

Speaking at THE PUNCH’s 50th anniversary and the launch of “Our Punch Years” book, Sowore recounted his challenging academic experience and the subsequent denial of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate despite completing the mandatory service year.

Recalling his tenure at UNILAG, Sowore emphasized the pivotal role played by media outlets like Punch Newspaper and Vanguard in supporting their cause during his expulsion struggles.

He spent six years instead of the usual four at the university due to these confrontations.

Regarding his NYSC service in Adamawa State, he detailed how he was arrested and detained by the military under the regime of Sani Abacha on allegations of plotting to overthrow the government.

This occurred after reporting the death of King Saro Wiwa during his work as a journalist at ATV Yola.

Despite completing his service, Sowore was never issued his NYSC certificate.

He credited a Punch reporter, Stanley Yakubu, for bringing attention to his unjust detention, acknowledging that without this intervention, he might have been forgotten and left to perish in the military facility.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Sowore asserted that despite not possessing the NYSC certificate, he believes his extensive service and contributions to the country far exceed that of an average corps member.

“Till today, I was never given my NYSC certificate. I don’t have my NYSC certificate as I speak, but I don’t need it anymore because I have served the country more than any corps member.”

12/21/2023
Tinubu Asks Senate To Confirm 11 Supreme Court Justices

President Bola Tinubu has formally submitted the names of eleven justices to the Senate, seeking confirmation for their appointments to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

This action, detailed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and disclosed during Wednesday’s plenary session, aligns with the constitutional provisions outlined in section 231(2) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

In the communication, President Tinubu identified the jurists slated for consideration and subsequent elevation to the apex court.

The nominated justices encompass a diverse array of legal expertise and experience, including Justices Jummai Sankey, Stephen Adah, Mohammed Idris, Haruna Tsammani, Jamilu Tukur, Abubakar Umar, Chidiebere Uwa, Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Obande Ogbuinya, Moore Adumein, and Habeeb Abiru.

12/21/2023
Nigeria’s Public Debt Rises To N87.91 Trillion

Recently released data by Nigeria’s Debt Management Office (DMO) reveals a slight rise in the country’s total public debt, reaching N87.91 trillion in the third quarter of 2023.

This represents a small 0.61% increase compared to the previous quarter’s N87.38 trillion.

Breaking it down, the external debt amounted to N31.98 trillion, while the domestic debt was N55.93 trillion for the same period.

The overall increase in debt was influenced by a drop in external debt, declining from $43.16 billion to $41.59 billion between June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023.

Conversely, domestic debt saw a moderate rise of N1.8 trillion during this period.

The reduction in external debt was due to paying off a $500 million Eurobond and an initial payment of $413.859 million as part of the principal repayment on a $3.4 billion loan obtained from the International Monetary Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The DMO stressed that consistently servicing these debts showcased the Federal Government’s dedication to meeting its financial responsibilities.

12/21/2023
Lagos Government Orders Tankers, Trailers To Vacate Apapa

The Lagos State Government has urged trailers and tankers to clear the Apapa-Oshodi expressway promptly.

Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made this call through an official statement today.

He emphasized that these large vehicles continuously block traffic on the expressway, leading to disturbances and inconvenience for commuters.

The aim of the directive is to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility on the road for residents.

Giwa highlighted that this action aims to create a more seamless commuting environment for everyone navigating through Lagos.

12/21/2023
FG Announces 50% Reduction In Transport Fare

President Bola Tinubu has given the go-ahead for a 50% reduction in interstate travel fares for Nigerians during the festive season, starting from December 21, 2023, until January 4, 2024.

Additionally, he has approved free rides on all train services within this period.

The announcement was made by Mr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, during a briefing with State House Correspondents at Aso Rock Villa.

He stated that travelers can benefit from this special presidential intervention by enjoying a half-price discount on public transport like mini and luxury buses.

Moreover, all train services operating during the holiday season will be available at no cost.

Alake emphasized that the government, in collaboration with transporters, road transport unions, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, is committed to ensuring the seamless implementation of this initiative.

He confirmed that consultations with relevant stakeholders have taken place, and the Minister of Transportation is fully informed and ready for effective execution.

However, the initiative does not cover air travel, as it’s aimed at benefiting the masses rather than luxury air passengers.

Alake clarified that since air travel is considered a luxury, the focus remains on providing support to the majority who rely on ground transportation.

12/21/2023
Supreme Court Reserves Judgement On Suit Challenging Sanwo-Olu’s Election Victory

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has postponed giving its decision in two legal suits brought forward by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party and Azeez Adediran (known as Jandor) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Their appeals contest the election victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos.A panel of five judges, led by Justice John Okoro, informed the involved parties that they will receive notification when the court reaches a verdict.

Present at the court session were Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, State Secretary Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and other high-ranking officials from the Lagos State Government.Rhodes-Vivour and Adeniran’s appeals challenge the Court of Appeal in Lagos’ rulings, which upheld the decisions of the election tribunal dismissing their petitions that contested Sanwo-Olu’s win in the March 18 governorship election.

12/19/2023
Ex Nassarawa Health Commissioner Dies

Former Nasarawa State Health Commissioner, Dr. Bawa Ahmed Abimiku, has passed away.

He died after a prolonged illness, as disclosed by a family member who chose to remain anonymous.

Known as Durbin Eggon, Dr. Abimiku succumbed to his long-term health battle on Tuesday, December 19, at the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi.

He played vital roles in the health sector, serving as both Commissioner and a Member of the State Executive Council during the tenure of the late Alhaji (Dr) Aliyu Akwe Doma.

His burial ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Abuja Central Mosque, FCT, following Islamic customs, at 2:00 pm.

12/19/2023