Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line Attacked Again

    Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line Attacked Again

    The Shiroro-Katampe 330kV transmission line has once again fallen victim to vandals, disrupting power supply and necessitating urgent repairs.

     On December 18, 2024, at approximately 11:43 pm, the line experienced a sudden outage.

     Efforts to restore power through a trial reclosure failed, as the line tripped again, indicating significant damage.  

    A team from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Abuja Regional Office was promptly dispatched to assess the situation.

     Upon inspection, they discovered that a section of the conductor between towers T216 and T218 had been stolen. 

    This act of sabotage has further strained efforts to maintain stable electricity supply in the affected areas.  

    READ ALSO: Wike Revokes Buhari, Onnoghen’s land Titles, 760 Others Over Non-payment of Fee

    In response, TCN mobilized its maintenance crew to the site to replace the stolen conductor. 

    The repair process is ongoing, with the company working around the clock to restore the line and minimize disruptions to bulk power supply.  

    This recurring problem raises concerns about the security of critical infrastructure. 

    TCN has called on citizens to remain vigilant and report any unusual activities near power facilities. 

    Such cooperation is crucial in safeguarding vital assets from further vandalism and ensuring reliable electricity supply across the nation.  

    Efforts to enhance surveillance and tighten security measures around power installations are becoming increasingly important as these incidents persist.

  • Edo LG Chairmen Suspension Declared Invalid by AGF

    Edo LG Chairmen Suspension Declared Invalid by AGF

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has described the suspension of Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen in Edo State as unconstitutional.  

    The controversy began when the Edo State House of Assembly suspended council leaders from all 18 local governments for two months. 

    The suspension was based on allegations of gross misconduct and insubordination.

     Governor Monday Okpebholo reinforced the decision by directing the officials to hand over to their legislative leaders, citing their failure to submit financial reports dating back to September 2022.  

    READ ALSO: Ex-President Buhari Denies FCT Minister Wike’s Revocation Of Land In Abuja, Disowns Trust Foundation

    In defiance, the suspended officials have vowed to remain in office until their terms end in 2026. 

    According to Fagbemi, the suspensions violate the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling, which safeguards the autonomy of local government councils and restricts state interference.  

    The AGF clarified that disciplining local government leaders is solely the responsibility of their legislative houses, emphasizing that governors lack the authority to remove elected council officials.  

    This development has reignited discussions about the separation of powers between state and local governments, with implications for governance across Nigeria’s 774 local councils.

  • Tinubu Orders Investigation into Ibadan Funfair Tragedy

    Tinubu Orders Investigation into Ibadan Funfair Tragedy

      

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the recent incident at a children’s funfair in Ibadan that claimed lives and left several injured.

     Extending condolences to the affected families and the Oyo State community, the President mourned the loss of young lives in the unfortunate event.  

    In response, Tinubu has directed authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident to uncover its cause and address any lapses.

     He has also urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen safety measures at public gatherings to avoid similar occurrences in the future.  

    ALSO READ: Tinubu Names Chairmen, MD’s, Executive Director’s for 12 River Basin Dev Authorities

    Calling for stricter adherence to safety protocols, the President reminded event organisers of their responsibility to ensure the well-being of all attendees, particularly children. 

    He highlighted the need for regular safety inspections and professional oversight at public venues to prevent future tragedies.

    AFP reports that a stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has killed 35 children and seriously injured six others.

    A socialite and former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Ogunwusi, the lead sponsor of the funfair was arrested by the @Ngpolice on Thursday.

  • Reps Propose Removal of NECO, UI, Police from 2025 Budget

    Reps Propose Removal of NECO, UI, Police from 2025 Budget

    The House of Representatives has put forward a proposal to exclude several ministries and agencies from the 2025 national budget due to their failure to comply with financial reporting requirements. 

    Among the affected entities are the National Examinations Council (NECO), the University of Ibadan (UI), and the Nigeria Police Force. 

    The recommendation came after repeated invitations to these bodies, which failed to attend hearings or provide necessary documentation for scrutiny.

    The Public Accounts Committee made the decision following concerns about the non-compliance of these agencies, which included hospitals, universities, and other institutions. 

    ALSO READ: Dele Farotimi: The Trial Within a Trial

    The committee emphasized that these bodies should be excluded from the budget until they provide clarifications on their past financial activities. 

    Other institutions in question include the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre in Bida. 

    The committee’s move aims to enforce greater accountability for the use of public funds.

  • Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Released on N500 Million Bail

    Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Released on N500 Million Bail

    Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been granted bail by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. 

    The court set the bail amount at N500 million and required three sureties, each responsible for the same sum. 

    The sureties must be reputable Nigerians with property in areas such as Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro. 

    Additionally, Bello is to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court and is prohibited from leaving the country without prior approval.

    Bello, who served as Kogi State’s governor from 2016 to 2024, faces charges related to an alleged N110 billion fraud. 

    READ ALSO: PDP BoT Plans January Talks With Wike to Address Party Crisis

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused him and two former state officials, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. 

    The alleged illicit acquisitions include several properties in Abuja and Dubai, as well as substantial sums transferred to foreign bank accounts.

    This bail follows a previous N500 million bail granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 13, 2024, concerning a separate 19-count charge involving an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

     Both cases are set for trial in early 2025.

  • PDP Expels Southeast Ex-Vice Chairman Over Alleged Misconduct

    PDP Expels Southeast Ex-Vice Chairman Over Alleged Misconduct

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has officially removed Ali Odefa, the suspended National Vice Chairman for the Southeast, from its membership. 

    Odefa’s troubles began on September 11, 2024, when the ward executives suspended him, citing accusations of anti-party activities.

     This suspension was later upheld by the Federal High Court in Abakaliki on November 29, 2024.

    Following an internal review, the party’s disciplinary committee presented its findings, concluding that Odefa’s alleged actions were contrary to party regulations. 

    Acting on this recommendation, the ward leadership announced his expulsion.

    The PDP confirmed that this decision aligns with its constitutional guidelines, effectively terminating Odefa’s membership.

  • APC Requests Dismissal of PDP’s Petition Against Okpebholo’s Victory

    APC Requests Dismissal of PDP’s Petition Against Okpebholo’s Victory

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to reject the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

     In a motion presented on Wednesday, APC’s lawyer, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, argued that the PDP’s petition was improperly filed and does not comply with the law. 

    Orbih also claimed the tribunal lacked the authority to hear the case, citing additional points in a motion paper dated November 30. 

    In response, PDP’s lawyer, Ken Mozia, SAN, refuted APC’s claims, presenting counter-arguments to the tribunal.

     The tribunal’s chair, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, deferred a ruling on the matter until the final decision day. 

    The APC also sought to have certain paragraphs in the PDP’s petition struck out. Orbih urged the tribunal to make a decision on this before proceeding with the main case. 

    PDP’s lawyer, however, called for the rejection of the APC’s motion. Justice Kpochi decided that rulings on preliminary motions would be made on the final day.

    The case centers around the PDP’s challenge to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21 election, where he secured 291,667 votes, defeating the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. 

    The tribunal is set to resume on December 21.

  • Defence Tops Tinubu’s 2025 Spending Plan  

    Defence Tops Tinubu’s 2025 Spending Plan  

    President Tinubu has presented the 2025 budget of N49.7 trillion, prioritizing defence, infrastructure, education, and healthcare to address key national challenges.  

    As it is to be expected, the president has titled it as the Budget of Renewed Hope, even when the highest percentage of the budget has been allocated to defence.

    Defence and Security: The highest allocation of N4.91 trillion (9.88%) is set for defence and security, focusing on modernizing military equipment, improving border control, and tackling insurgency and banditry. Clearly arming the military to combat domestic violence does not indicate renewed hope.

    Also, it is argued by some analysts that allocating the lion’s share to defence does not represent sound judgement as it seems to address the symptom rather than the root cause of insecurity in the country. Even the lay man on the street can hazard a sound guess that poverty is at the root of insecurity in the land.

    This explains why the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces is altering their strategy of war by adopting a soft approach rather than kinetic means.

    Kidnapping, farmers/herders clashes, cattle rustling and banditry are some of the major forms of violent crimes bedeviling Nigeria. Moreover, these challenges are more prevalent in the north where poverty is most pervasive.

    This trend has been amply established by the recent NBS Survey which has attributed most violent crimes in Nigeria to poverty.

    Infrastructure Development: With N4.06 trillion or 8.17% allocated, infrastructure aims to boost the energy sector, expand transportation networks, and complete major public works projects using private investments.  

    Education: Allocated N3.52 trillion or 7.08% ,the government plans to enhance school facilities, fund the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, and invest in teacher training programs.  

    Healthcare: The N2.48 trillion or 4.99 percent set aside for health will improve primary healthcare services, strengthen infrastructure, and support initiatives like the Basic Health Care Fund.  

    The budget is anchored on an oil benchmark of $75 per barrel, production of 2.06 million barrels daily, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar, reflecting a focused approach to economic recovery and stability.

    This part of the budget however, does not sit well with many analysts who challenge the reality of these assumptions.

  • Late Submission of Budget 2025: Fiscal 2024 Extended

    Late Submission of Budget 2025: Fiscal 2024 Extended

    The National Assembly has opted to extend the 2024 budget into the new year, signaling a delay in implementing the 2025 fiscal plan.

    This decision follows President Bola Tinubu’s late presentation of the ₦47.96 trillion 2025 budget, which made finalizing the plan impossible before January.  

    This development disrupts the January-December fiscal cycle reinstated in 2020, returning the country to a less predictable budget timeline. 

    The National Assembly assured the public of a smooth continuation of the budget process despite the adjustments.

  • Kwara NLC Warns of Strike Over Unpaid November Salaries

    Kwara NLC Warns of Strike Over Unpaid November Salaries

    The Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the state government a three-day deadline to resolve the unpaid November salaries of local government workers.  

    According to the NLC, about 75% of the state’s workforce, including members of unions like the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN), and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), are yet to be paid for November 2024.  

    READ ALSO: How Abdulfattah Ahmed, Ex-Kwara Governor Allegedly Stole N5bn UBEC Fund – Witness

    The union has demanded that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq address the delay by ensuring immediate payment. It stated that December salaries would not be accepted until the November arrears are cleared.  

    The NLC has warned of statewide industrial action if the issue is not resolved by Thursday, December 19, 2024. This action could result in a shutdown of key services, potentially disrupting activities across the state.  

    The union has called on the government to act promptly to prevent further unrest and maintain stability in the workforce.