Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Appeal Court Ruling: I’m Undeterred, Says Governor Dauda Lawal

    Appeal Court Ruling: I’m Undeterred, Says Governor Dauda Lawal

    Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has said he remains undeterred following the Appeal Court’s Thursday declaration of the state’s gubernatorial election as inconclusive.

    Recall that the Appeal Court in Abuja voided the election that produced Lawal as winner while declaring a rerun in three local government areas.

    In response to the ruling, Governor Lawal expressed confidence in the unwavering support of the people for progress and development in the state.

    Terming the court’s decision as a “temporary setback,” Governor Lawal reaffirmed his resolute commitment to honouring the people’s mandate. 

    He assured Zamfara citizens of his dedication to pursuing all legal avenues to ensure a fair and just resolution.

    “The ruling by the Appeal Court is a temporary setback,” said Governor Lawal. 

    “However, I remain optimistic that the collective decision of the people will ultimately prevail.”

    Acknowledging the challenges faced during the previous election, Governor Lawal emphasized his determination to uphold what he termed the “widely acclaimed mandate” and called for calm among the populace while his legal team rigorously reviews the verdict.

    “We will emerge victorious,” Governor Lawal affirmed. 

    “Our unwavering determination and steadfast commitment leave no room for doubt or fear.”

    Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, the governor urged the people of Zamfara to remain composed, stating,

    “Our legal team is thoroughly reviewing the verdict. We will follow through with the necessary actions to achieve a just outcome.”

  • Appeal Court Judgement: Police Ban Street Celebrations In Bauchi

    Appeal Court Judgement: Police Ban Street Celebrations In Bauchi

    Bauchi State Police Command has taken a decisive step to forestall potential unrest in anticipation of the impending judgment from the Court of Appeal on the gubernatorial election petition. 

    The Police Spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakil, emphasized the ban on street celebrations, roadblocks, and provocative statements by political party supporters.

    Scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2023, the judgment has led to the prohibition of all rallies or celebratory gatherings linked to the Gubernatorial Election Petition.

    SP Ahmed Wakil highlighted the directive’s aim to prevent any potential disruptions or tensions between supporters of the ruling party, represented by Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, and the opposition party, with its flag bearer, Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar (rtd).

    While recognizing the right to celebrate, Wakil emphasized the importance of supporters abiding by the law. 

    He emphasized that celebratory activities should not infringe upon the rights of others and urged compliance with legal provisions. He explicitly warned against road blockades, fireworks, inciting remarks, or attempts to intimidate the opposition party.

    The Police Command made it clear that any individual or group found violating the order or causing a breach of peace would face the consequences without hesitation.

    “Moreover, the blissful supporters must comport themselves in line with the provisions of the law; blockage of roads, fireworks, and inciting utterances or blackmailing the opposition party would not be condoned,” he said.

  • 22 Justices Nominated For Supreme Court Promotion (Full List)

    22 Justices Nominated For Supreme Court Promotion (Full List)

    The Federal Judicial Service Commission has forwarded a list of 22 justices from the Court of Appeal to the National Judicial Council, marking them as potential candidates for elevation to Nigeria’s prestigious Supreme Court.

    In a move highlighting geographical diversity, the nominations represent various regions across Nigeria, showcasing a comprehensive array of candidates. 

    Among the nominees, six justices originate from the north-central region, while the southeast and south-south regions boast six and two nominees, respectively. 

    Additionally, the southwest region has two nominations, and both the northeast and northwest regions contribute two candidates each.

    Here’s a breakdown of the nominated justices from the different regions:

    South East

    Hon Justice Nwaoma Uwa (Abia State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Onyekachi Otisi (Abia State) – Reserve

    Hon Justice Obande Ogbuinya (Ebonyi State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua (Imo State) – Reserve

    Hon Justice Anthony Ogakwu (Enugu State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Chioma Nwosu-lheme (Imo State) – Reserve

    South South

    Hon Justice Moore Adumein (Bayelsa State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Biobele Georgewill (Rivers State) – Reserve

    South West

    Hon Justice Adewale Abiru (Lagos State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Olubunmi Oyewole (Osun State) – Reserve

    North Central

    Hon Jummai Sankey (Plateau State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Sirajo (Plateau) – Reserve

    Hon Justice Stephen Adah (Kogi State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Ridman Maiwada Abdullahi (Nassarawa State) – Reserve

    Hon Justice Baba Idris (Niger State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Joseph Ikyegh (Benue State) – Reserve

    North East

    Hon Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani (Bauchi State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Abubakar Talba (Adamawa State) – Reserve

    North West

    Hon Justice Muhammad Lawal Shuaibu (Jigawa State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Bello Aliyu (Zamfara State) – Reserve

    Hon Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar (Kebbi State) – Priority

    Hon Justice Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero (Kano State) – Reserve

  • Gov Alia Wasn’t Stoned By Youths, Benue Govt Debunks Reports

    Gov Alia Wasn’t Stoned By Youths, Benue Govt Debunks Reports

    The Benue State government has denied allegations that youths threw objects at Governor Hyacinth Alia during his visit to Vaatia College in Makurdi. 

    Reports had emerged on Wednesday that youths stoned the governor while protesting over plans to bury their proprietor within the school premises in their community.

    The proprietor, Engr Vaatia, who died two days ago, was buried today.

    Sir Kula Tersoo, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, labeled the reports as untrue and aimed at tarnishing the governor’s image.

    Tersoo clarified that the governor’s purpose at Vaatia College was to address incidents of vandalism and theft, directing authorities to apprehend those responsible. 

    He emphasized that Governor Alia’s visit was uninterrupted, highlighting the governor’s track record of moving around the state without harassment.

    In urging media professionals to verify news sources before publication, Tersoo emphasized the need for accuracy and investigative reporting. 

    He condemned the “ill-intended” nature of the reports and stressed the importance of ensuring the truthfulness of news before dissemination.

  • 2024: PDP Unveils Timetable For Edo Guber Election 

    2024: PDP Unveils Timetable For Edo Guber Election 

    The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unveiled the much-anticipated timetable for the Edo State 2024 gubernatorial election. 

    This schedule, released after a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, outlines the key activities preceding the election.

    Key highlights from the timetable include:

    Aspirants eyeing the governorship seat can obtain nomination forms for N21 million, with a 50 percent discount available for youths aged between 25 and 30; Registration of both existing and new members is set between November 16 and December 7, while the crucial party congress, determining the governorship candidate, is scheduled for February 22, 2024; December 14 marks the deadline for the submission of ward registers to the Directorate of Organisation and Mobilisation; Stakeholders’ consultative meetings with the National Working Group will be held from December 19 to 20; Expression of interest and ad-hoc forms will be available for purchase from January 10 to 16, with January 17 as the final date for their submission; The screening of governorship aspirants by the National Working Committee is set for January 18, 2024; Sales of nomination forms for completed expression of interest submissions will take place from January 19 to 25, with January 27 as the deadline for their submission.

    The governorship primary is scheduled for February 22, while February 24 is earmarked for appeals related to the primary process.

  • Sectorial Debate: Reps Reject Service Chiefs, IGP’s Representatives

    Sectorial Debate: Reps Reject Service Chiefs, IGP’s Representatives

    *Insist On Personal Appearance  

    The House of Representatives has moved the Sectoral debate scheduled for Thursday (today) due to the absence of the Service Chiefs who were expected to attend in person.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, were invited to the session as part of the House’s Sectorial Debates, as per Order 17, Rules 1(3) of the Standing Orders.

    However, the Service Chiefs and the IGP failed to attend and instead sent representatives, who were denied participation by the House, insisting on the Chiefs’ personal presence.

    Despite the attempt by the representatives to introduce themselves, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu emphasized the importance of the Chiefs attending in person, stating, “Chief Executives, be it private sector or public sector, they must come in person. I want to pray that we don’t break this sacred tradition of our House lest we be taken for granted.”

    Following this, a motion to suspend the sectoral engagement until the leaders’ direct appearance was proposed by the Deputy Speaker and seconded by another member, which was ultimately adopted by the House.

    Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen conveyed the House’s stance, emphasizing the necessity for the Chiefs to be present, extending the engagement to the following Tuesday to accommodate their attendance.

    The House expressed appreciation for the representatives’ presence but maintained the firm requirement for the Service Chiefs’ personal appearance in the forthcoming session.

  • Tragedy As Building Collapse Kills One In Lagos

    Tragedy As Building Collapse Kills One In Lagos

    A tragic incident unfolded early on Thursday morning as a two-storey building situated at number 34 Oloto Street, Borno Way, off Freeman Street, Oyingbo, in Lagos collapsed, claiming the life of an elderly woman reported to be in her 80s.

    The unidentified woman gave up the ghost immediately the structure collapsed on her around 7:45 am on Thursday.

    Following the distress call, responders and concerned citizens swiftly gathered at the scene to provide assistance and address the situation.

    Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), confirmed the fatality, noting no additional injuries in the tragic incident.

    “LASEMA received distress calls at approximately 8:30am, and our response team arrived promptly at 8:42 am,” Oke-Osanyitolu said. 

    “Upon arrival, we discovered a partial collapse of a storey building, caused by the collapse of an internal suspended beam within a room due to the structure’s aging and lack of maintenance.”

    “Regrettably, an elderly woman lost her life due to the partial collapse,” he added.

    As of the latest update at 10 am, a joint search and rescue operation is underway at the scene, which has been cordoned off for safety measures.

    Emergency response units, including the LASEMA Response Team, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, paramedics, and the Lagos Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), are actively engaged to ensure safety and maintain order.

    “The affected area has been cordoned off, and we have alerted LABCA (Lagos State Building Control Agency) for further necessary actions,” Oke-Osanyitolu emphasized.

  • Nigerians Shouldn’t Expect Credible Elections In 2027 – Timi Frank

    Nigerians Shouldn’t Expect Credible Elections In 2027 – Timi Frank

    Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Timi Frank, has voiced skepticism regarding the prospect of free and fair elections in 2027 under President Bola Tinubu and the APC. 

    He said this in a statement on Tuesday.

    Frank highlighted concerns over alleged electoral fraud witnessed in Kogi and Imo states, suggesting it forebodes a lack of credibility in future exercises.

    He further accused security agencies of involvement in rigging, emphasizing their apparent alignment with the APC. 

    Frank lamented the compromised state of INEC, accusing it of manipulating systems and pre-writing polling unit results, while also expressing distrust in the judiciary, which he claimed had become aligned with the ruling party.

    “The election has nothing to write home about, and to imagine that it was the first set of elections conducted under the watch of President Tinubu. 

    “What happened in Imo and Kogi is a clear indication of the kind of elections Nigerians will witness in 2027,” he said.

  • Anyanwu Resumes PDP National Secretary Role After Imo Election Loss

    Anyanwu Resumes PDP National Secretary Role After Imo Election Loss

    Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has returned to his duties as the national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja after his defeat in the Imo state governorship election.

    Despite securing 71,503 votes, he trailed behind the incumbent governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who emerged victorious with 540,308 votes, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Expressing his dissatisfaction, Senator Anyanwu rejected the election outcome announced by the electoral commission.

    While uncertain about a legal challenge, there’s speculation about a potential court contest to challenge the results.

    In a heartening display of solidarity, a video shared by the PDP showcased jubilant party staff at the national secretariat, enthusiastically welcoming Senator Anyanwu upon his return to the Wadata Plaza office. 

    Addressing his supporters, Anyanwu expressed gratitude for their unwavering support and prayers.

    “It’s not over yet. Thank you for everything. I appreciate,” Senator Anyanwu remarked, settling in for the day’s activities amidst the enthusiastic reception by party members.

  • TCN Debunks National Blackout Report

    TCN Debunks National Blackout Report

    *Says It’s False, Misleading

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has debunked a report alleging that there would be a nationwide electricity blackout as false and misleading.

    A statement signed by TCN’s management, insisted that the statement was baseless and mischievous.  

    “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that the publication by Daily Post alleging that the Head of Public Affairs of TCN said that there will be a national blackout is false and totally misleading.

    “The statement is mischievous and baseless as TCN, through the Public Affairs Head, did not make such a statement,” the management said.

    The company assured Nigerians that “the nation’s grid is intact and supplying bulk electricity to distribution load centres nationwide.

    “As at when issuing this statement, the TCN National Control Centre Osogbo which controls bulk power transmission nationwide, is actively operational.

    “We would appreciate that reports are made with a sense of responsibility not just to cause panic,” the company added.