Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

Court Grants Emefiele N300m Bail

Former Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who is facing charges of financial impropriety and corruption, has been granted bail by Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja.

This recent bail, set at N300 million with two sureties in like sum, requires the sureties to possess certificates of occupancy within Abuja’s upscale Maitama District.

Moreover, Emefiele must surrender his travel documents to the court registrar and remain within the Abuja Municipal Council as part of the bail conditions.

This development follows a previous bail grant of N20 million by the Federal High Court in Lagos four months ago.

The charges against Emefiele are linked to alleged irregularities and misconduct during his tenure as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

More details later…

11/22/2023
Controversial Information: Procurement Agency Apologizes To Sanwo-Olu, Deputy

The Lagos State Public Procurement Agency has formally apologized to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat in light of the controversy caused by information published on its website.

Recently, the agency released details regarding government expenditures during the current administration, sparking considerable discussions on various social media platforms.

In a statement attributed to the director-general, Fatai Onafowote, the agency reiterated its unwavering commitment to upholding transparency, accuracy, and accountability in all governmental transactions.

Onafowote underscored the agency’s strict adherence to the provisions laid out in the Lagos State Public Procurement Law.

Acknowledging the confusion that arose from the information on the website, Onafowote clarified that the lack of descriptive clarity in certain details led to misunderstandings and unintended reactions.

“We deeply regret any confusion stemming from the insufficient descriptive information in our project disclosures, impacting both governmental bodies and our corporate partners,” the statement mentioned.

Expressing empathy for public concerns, the agency extended heartfelt apologies for any distress caused.

They emphasized that their intent was never to sow doubt or create misunderstandings that could harm the reputation of esteemed individuals or organizations involved in these transactions.

11/22/2023
Army Debunks CDS Christopher Musa’s Death Rumours

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vehemently denied a report claiming the demise of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa.

In a statement released on Tuesday, DHQ clarified that General Musa is alive, in good health, and recently returned from an official assignment overseas.

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, emphasized that the report alleging the death of the CDS is entirely unfounded and lacks credibility.

He further highlighted that the platform responsible for the initial publication has retracted the story and extended apologies to General Musa, his family, and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to an unfortunate publication by an online newspaper alleging that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa passed away yesterday,” the statement read.

“The report is unfortunate, unethical and lacks credibility.”

The DHQ reaffirmed General Musa’s well-being, stating, “To put the records straight, the CDS, General CG Musa is alive and hearty. The Chief of Defence Staff who just returned from an official assignment outside the country has resumed work with more vigour to continue with his uncommon leadership style to prosper the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

11/22/2023
Abba Moro Emerges Senate Minority Leader

Former Minister of Interior and Senator, Abba Moro, has been named as the new Senate Minority Leader.

The four-time senator was announced as leader by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The decision to appoint Moro, a four-time Senator, as the Senate Minority Leader was reached after consensus among lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Their agreement was rooted in the principle of fairness and equity, leading to the zoning of the position to the North-Central region.

Hailing from Benue State in the North Central zone, Moro’s emergence represents a strategic move by the PDP to uphold regional balance and inclusivity within the Senate leadership.

11/21/2023
NDLEA Nabs Notorious Drug Kingpin, Accomplices In Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has captured Ibrahim Momoh, popularly known as Ibrahim Bendel, a major distributor of illegal substances in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Monday, the arrest took place during a raid on Momoh’s hideout at Filin Dabo, Dei-Dei area, seven years after his escape from prison custody.

Momoh, previously convicted for drug dealing, absconded while serving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence in 2016.

“Acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives raided Momoh’s warehouse, recovering 1,278kg of Cannabis sativa hidden in 81 jumbo bags,” Babafemi stated.

The drug lord’s warehouse was discreetly situated within his poultry farm, with his manager, Richard Forson Gordon, a 55-year-old Ghanaian, apprehended during the operation and subsequently sentenced to two years in jail.

Continuing their pursuit, NDLEA operatives finally captured Momoh on November 5, 2022, in another raid at his hideout in Filin Dabo, seizing 56.9kg of Cannabis sativa and 42.7 grams of Diazepam.

Additionally, during a separate operation in the FCT, a 27-year-old suspect named Yusufa Ibrahim was arrested with 75.3kg of cannabis.

The NDLEA said it remains resolute in its efforts to curb illicit drug activities within the FCT, ensuring the law is upheld and perpetrators face justice.

11/20/2023
Kano APC Goes Spiritual, Declares Fast As Yusuf Heads To Supreme Court

Following the government-led demolition of illegal structures in Kano State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to its members and affected traders to observe a day of fasting and prayer.

In an audio message, the party’s chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, called for prayers in appreciation of the recent Court of Appeal victory.

Simultaneously, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has declared intentions to challenge the appellate court’s ruling at the Supreme Court.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor expressed confidence in the Supreme Court’s ability to rectify what he termed as “miscarriages of justice” by both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

Governor Yusuf said he remains resolute in his pursuit of legal action, expressing optimism that the Supreme Court will uphold the mandate bestowed upon him by the people of Kano State.

11/20/2023
Abatement Notice: Lagos Government Seals Construction Site

The building sealed by Lagos State Government

The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources took swift action following a public petition, closing off a construction site situated on Onasanya Street, off Ishaga Road.

Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab made this announcement in a statement shared on his official account on Saturday.

In his statement, Wahab detailed the intervention, explaining,

“Operatives from the Monitoring Enforcement and Compliance Department of #LasgMOE, responding to a public petition, sealed a building under construction at Onasanya Street, off Ishaga Rd, after the owner failed to comply with abatement notices.”

He added, “The owner of the sealed construction site had deposited building materials on the road and drains, causing disruption to the smooth flow of water in the area.”

Additionally, Wahab noted, “During the operation, illegal structures encroaching on setbacks along Onasanya Street were also demolished by the operatives.”

11/18/2023
Former Ondo Military Governor, Babakayode Opaleye Is Dead

Major-General Ekundayo Babakayode Opaleye (rtd), a distinguished military figure and former governor of old Ondo State has died.

The retired General breathed his last in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, succumbing to a heart attack early on Saturday morning.

General Opaleye (rtd) notably served as the military governor of old Ondo State, presiding over the region from August 1986 to December 1987.

His tenure fell within the regime of Military President General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

He succeeded Admiral Mike Akhigbe and subsequently handed over the reins to Commodore Olabode George.

Beyond his military contributions, General Opaleye (rtd) held the esteemed title of Balogun Erunmu of Owu in Abeokuta, Ogun State, up until his demise on this fateful Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun is mourning the death of the late Ondo governor.

He emphasized that the memory of late Maj. Gen. Opaleye’s patriotism as a military officer and commitment as an administrator would endure.

He highlighted that Opaleye’s significant contribution during his tenure as the military governor, his devoted service to the people of old Ondo State, and his unexpected passing constitute a profound loss for the entire nation.

11/18/2023
Liberia Election: Tinubu Hails George Weah For Conceding Defeat

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Liberia for the successful completion of its Presidential Election.

In a statement delivered by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu praised the Liberian government and its people for their commitment to a transparent and peaceful electoral process.

President Tinubu specifically congratulated President-elect Joseph Boakai on his victory, urging him to prioritize national unity and harness the overwhelming support expressed by the electorate to drive progress and effective governance in Liberia.

The Nigerian President also lauded outgoing President George Weah for his demonstration of remarkable leadership by gracefully conceding defeat, preventing potential socio-political tensions.

“President George Weah’s gracious concession sets a sterling example of democratic sportsmanship, especially at a time when democratic values face threats in West Africa,” President Tinubu remarked in his statement.

“His act underscores the importance of respecting the will of the people and avoiding unrest following election outcomes.”

Acknowledging the peaceful participation of Liberian citizens in exercising their democratic rights, President Tinubu urged continued dedication to upholding peace and democratic principles in the nation.

The recent electoral results showed opposition leader Joseph Boakai leading with nearly 51% of the votes, prompting President Weah to acknowledge the irreversible lead and gracefully accept defeat.

In a humble concession speech, President Weah emphasized that while the election might have ended his presidency, the true winners were the people of Liberia.

He highlighted the significance of respecting the electoral process and gracefully accepting outcomes for the greater good of the nation.

11/18/2023
Plateau: Muftwang Debunks Reports Of Bribery Collection By Judges

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has vehemently denied allegations suggesting judges received a $5 million bribe to annul his election victory.

Elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Mutfwang labeled the claims as “baseless and defamatory.”

Through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, in Jos on Friday, Mutfwang refuted the allegations, attributing them to deliberate attempts by detractors to sow discord between him and the judiciary.

Expressing deep concern, Mutfwang urged thorough investigations by security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the libelous publication, emphasizing the importance of facing legal consequences to deter such misconduct.

Terming the report a fabrication by individuals manipulated as pawns by the opposition party in Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang highlighted that it aims to tarnish the PDP government’s image in the state.

He reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Judiciary while cautioning against disparaging justices and respected leaders, warning of severe consequences for those engaging in destructive activities.

11/17/2023