Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Police, DSS Neutralise 3-Man POS Robbery Gang

    Police, DSS Neutralise 3-Man POS Robbery Gang

    Operatives of the Nigeria Police and those of the Department of State Services neutralised a three-man robbery gang in Enugu on Sunday.

    The gang specialised in robbing Point of Sale (POS) operators.

    Police spokesman in Enugu State, DSP Daniel Ndukwe stated that the gang members were neutralised in a gun duel after which arms and ammunition and their operational tricycle were recovered from them.

    Two locally-made pistols, six rounds of 0.9mm calibre ammunition and N500,000 cash were also recovered from the gang, he stated.

    “Other exhibits recovered were rolls of POS transaction printing papers, assorted mobile phones, wallets, bags and objects suspected to be charms,’’ he added.

    Ndukwe stated also that the hoodlums had earlier robbed different POS operators and their customers at gunpoint in different locations in Enugu.

    “At about 1 p.m., the hoodlums attacked POS operators at different locations in Enugu metropolis, dispossessing them of the recovered exhibits.

    “The hoodlums opened fire on security operatives who mounted surveillance on them upon sighting the latter.

    “The security operatives responded with superior firepower, neutralising the three of them and recovering the exhibits in the process,’’ the police spokesman stated.

    He added that many of the victims later identified the assailants and some of the recovered exhibits.

    “Investigation is on-going to possibly fish out other members of the criminal gang,’’ Ndukwe also stated. 

  • Tinubu Mulls Full Varsity Autonomy

    Tinubu Mulls Full Varsity Autonomy

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed plans to reinstate the Policy of University Full Autonomy, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s belief that autonomy empowers institutions to progress independently.

    During the University of Benin’s 48th convocation ceremony, conveyed by Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, the president stated, “University autonomy will shift performance responsibility directly to individual institutions, alleviating uncertainties.”

    Acknowledging concerns over unpaid salaries, Tinubu admitted, “The government is aware of the issues arising from months of overdue payments, particularly among teaching staff unions due to an eight-month industrial action.” To address this, he announced a four-month salary payment for university workers.

    Clarifying, Tinubu asserted, “This payment waiver is necessary and does not nullify the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy.”

    The government also pledged to enhance university conditions by providing vital infrastructure—lecture halls, student accommodations, administrative facilities, and educational resources—through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), aiming to boost staff and student performance.

    Tinubu affirmed, “As a responsible government, we’ll allocate substantial resources to education and develop sustainable policies transcending this administration.”

    Highlighting universities’ multifaceted roles in research, technological advancements, skills impartation, and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, Tinubu expressed commitment to fortify these institutions.

  • Just In: Edo Deputy Gov, Philip Shaibu Declares Governorship Bid

    Just In: Edo Deputy Gov, Philip Shaibu Declares Governorship Bid

    Amid mounting speculations, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has formally announced his bid to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki as the Governor of Edo State in the upcoming 2024 election.

    In a televised address on Monday, Shaibu expressed his firm resolve, stating, “With great conviction and dedication, I declare my intention to contest for the office of Governor of Edo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming 2024 election. Together, with your support, we can steer Edo State to unprecedented progress.”

    Shaibu outlined a comprehensive vision centered on five key pillars crucial for the advancement and prosperity of Edo State during his campaign.

    Following his announcement, Shaibu inaugurated his campaign headquarters in Benin City, the state capital, signaling the commencement of his gubernatorial campaign.

    Last week, the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation issued invitations, inviting dignitaries to witness Shaibu’s formal declaration to serve as the Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State.

    Shaibu’s candidacy sets the stage for a potential political battle against Governor Obaseki, who is reportedly supporting an alternative candidate for the state’s leadership. 

    Recent months have witnessed escalating tensions between Shaibu and Obaseki, hinting at a fierce electoral contest in the run-up to the 2024 elections.

  • Tinubu’s Intervention Can’t Solve Ondo Crisis – PDP

    Tinubu’s Intervention Can’t Solve Ondo Crisis – PDP

    Amidst the ongoing efforts to resolve the protracted political standoff in Ondo State, the Peoples Democratic Party’s state chapter has rebuffed the involvement of President Bola Tinubu, asserting that his intervention falls short in resolving the crisis.

    President Tinubu had convened a late-night meeting with the leadership of the State House of Assembly and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, aiming to address the contentious situation.

    Kennedy Peretei, the Publicity Secretary of the opposition party, labeled the meeting as a superficial attempt, emphasizing that the absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu poses a significant obstacle to any genuine resolution.

    Peretei expressed skepticism, drawing parallels to previous reconciliation endeavors that yielded no tangible results, citing the example of the Bello Masari Reconciliation Committee set up by APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, which culminated in parties returning to court despite assurances of case withdrawal.

    “While the impeachment of the Deputy Governor might be halted out of deference for the presidential intervention, the crisis remains unresolved as long as Akeredolu evades return,” stated Peretei. 

    “The ongoing political deadlock is far from over, resembling a cat-and-mouse race until substantial steps are taken.”

  • Kogi Guber: Tribunal Gives INEC 2 Days To Grant SDP Access To Election Materials

    Kogi Guber: Tribunal Gives INEC 2 Days To Grant SDP Access To Election Materials

    The Kogi governorship election petition tribunal has mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to furnish the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with certified copies of electoral materials related to the November 11 off-cycle election within 48 hours. 

    This directive encompasses allowing the SDP’s forensic experts to examine specific electoral materials crucial to their case.

    The tribunal’s ruling, delivered in Lokoja on Saturday by Chairman Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, was prompted by motions filed by the SDP and its governorship candidate, Muritala Yakubu-Ajaka, seeking access to materials necessary to challenge the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.

    Among the materials requested are the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and result sheets from various Local Government Areas including Adavi, Okene, Okehi, Ogori-Magongo, Ajaokuta, Lokoja, Kogi, and Bassa.

    Justice Birnin-Kudu emphasized the importance of timely access to these materials to facilitate a smooth judicial process within the constitutional and electoral legal frameworks.

    In response to the tribunal’s order, lead counsel to the petitioners, John Adele (SAN), highlighted their challenges in obtaining these materials from INEC since November 13, stressing the urgency of the situation.

    The tribunal adjourned the case to November 29 for INEC to report compliance and for further hearings. 

    The SDP, represented by Mr. Ajaka, aims to contest the victory of APC and its candidate, Usman Ododo, who was declared the winner with 446,237 votes, while Mr. Ajaka garnered 259,052 votes in the election.

  • Akeredolu Remains Ondo State Governor, Says Tinubu

    Akeredolu Remains Ondo State Governor, Says Tinubu

    In a bid to restore calm and political stability in Ondo State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened in the ongoing crisis between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announcing Akeredolu’s continuation as Governor. 

    The decision came after a high-level meeting with Ondo State stakeholders at the Presidential Villa at the weekend.

    A statement released by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, clarified the President’s stance, dismissing speculations about the invocation of the doctrine of necessity to appoint Aiyedatiwa as the acting governor. 

    The Presidency emphasized that Akeredolu retains his position as the state’s Governor, reaffirming Aiyedatiwa’s role as the Deputy Governor.

    Following extensive negotiations involving the President, representatives of both factions, federal and state lawmakers, and APC officials in Ondo State, Tinubu urged all parties to prioritize peace, fostering commitments toward reconciliation.

    As a result of these deliberations, Governor Akeredolu will continue as the Chief Executive of Ondo State, maintaining the current administration’s stability.

     The announcement also ensures the uninterrupted functions of the State Executive Council, while preserving the leadership of the State’s House of Assembly and the APC Chapter in Ondo State.

  • Kano Governor Sacks 3000 Illegally Employed Workers

    Kano Governor Sacks 3000 Illegally Employed Workers

    The Kano State government has taken decisive action by terminating the employment of 3,234 individuals who were allegedly hired improperly during the tenure of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

    In a press briefing held on Friday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abudullahi Baffa Bichi, revealed that these individuals were not deemed eligible for employment within the Kano State Civil Service.

    This action stems from the government’s commitment to implementing the findings of a committee tasked with scrutinizing and verifying employment procedures conducted under the previous administration.

    Bichi highlighted various irregularities, citing instances where appointments were not aligned with the 2023 Approved Budget, individuals were employed without applying or expressing interest, and many appointments lacked proper screening and interview processes.

     Additionally, cases of suspected or forged certificates were discovered among the employed, and non-indigenous individuals were reportedly hired despite qualified indigenous individuals being available.

    To handle the substantial number of cases, the committee divided into three panels to scrutinize 12,566 individuals, deviating from the initial count of 10,800.

    However, in light of the committee’s assessment and recommendations, the Governor approved the reinstatement of 9,332 staff across 51 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who were deemed eligible through the verification process.

    Moving forward, the SSG emphasized the need for further interviews for those individuals found with offers of appointments but not on the payroll, appropriate placement of staff based on qualifications and vacancies, and deploying eligible staff to relevant MDAs for effective utilization.

  • Omo-Agege Heads To Supreme Court As Appeal Court Upholds Oborevwori’s Election

    Omo-Agege Heads To Supreme Court As Appeal Court Upholds Oborevwori’s Election

    Ovie Omo-Agege, the APC gubernatorial candidate in Delta State, has announced his intention to appeal to the Supreme Court following the recent ruling by the Appeal Court. 

    Recall that an appeal court sitting in Lagos affirmed the election victory of Sheriff Oborevwori.

    Describing the verdict as a delay in “redemption for Deltans,” Omo-Agege emphasized his commitment to pursuing justice for the people of Delta State.

    In a statement released by his media adviser, Sunny Areh, Omo-Agege acknowledged the judiciary while expressing disagreement with the interpretation of evolving electoral laws aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s democracy.

    Asserting that justice remains unfulfilled for his supporters, Omo-Agege reiterated his dedication to defending their trust by pursuing the case further. He highlighted the significance of the issues at stake for the future and well-being of the state, pledging to uphold what he believes is right.

    Encouraging his supporters to remain calm and abide by the law, Omo-Agege conveyed his confidence in the Supreme Court’s justices to scrutinize overlooked aspects and ensure justice prevails.

    He emphasized his unwavering commitment to fighting for what he believes is just and in the best interest of the people.

    The APC candidate affirmed his faith in the judiciary and its capacity to deliver the anticipated redemption at the final stage of the legal process.

  • Tinubu Appoints 8 New Permanent Secretaries 

    Tinubu Appoints 8 New Permanent Secretaries 

    President Bola Tinubu, on Friday appointed eight new permanent secretaries in the Federal Civil Service.

    The appointment follows “the recently concluded selection process by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,” a statement signed by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, read Friday.

    The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu appoints eight new permanent secretaries.’

    According to Ngelale, the new appointees include Ndakayo-Aishetu Gogo, Adeoye Ayodeji, Rimi Abba, and Bako Deborah Odoh.

    Others are Omachi Omenka, Ahmed Umar, Watti Tinuke, and Ella Agbo.

    Tinubu said he expects the new Permanent Secretaries, having emerged at the top of qualified candidates after a diligent assessment process, to deploy their expertise and competence to revitalise service delivery in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the interest of Nigerians.

  • Tinubu Not Sick, Still Nursing Knee Injury After Surgery – Presidency

    Tinubu Not Sick, Still Nursing Knee Injury After Surgery – Presidency

    President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has explained why the president can’t walk properly.

    Onanuga disclosed that his principal still nurses a knee injury.

    He made the disclosure while stressing that Tinubu was not nursing any other ailment.

    In 2021, Tinubu had knee surgery in London, which was before he commenced his presidential campaign.

    However, Onanuga said the surgery was responsible for the president’s inability to walk properly.

    Responding to questions from Tribune, the presidential aide said Tinubu is not sick.

    According to Onanuga: “No, he was not sick. We made this clear to Nigerians. Tinubu was as fit as the fiddle in the run-up to that election.

    “Before that campaign began, I think a year before, he went for knee surgery, which was not a secret as President Buhari even went to see him in London when he was recuperating.

    “So, that was what he went to do – knee surgery. That was why he could not walk properly.

    “When you do knee surgery, you cannot walk like a 25-year-old man. He is still nursing it up till now because it was a major surgery. It is not that he has any other ailment,” Onanuga said.