Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

Appeal Court Sacks APC Reps Member Ilyasu Kwankwaso, Affirms Datti As New Winner

The Court of Appeal, Abuja division, on Monday sacked Musa Ilyasu Kwankwaso of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a ruling delivered on Monday, the appeal court affirmed and reinstated Yusuf Umar Datti of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as the rightful winner of the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency Election.

The three-man panel led by Justice Tunde Oyebamiji Awotoye allowed an appeal by Yusuf Datti.

Delivering its judgment, Justice Awotoye held that the tribunal was wrong to have counted the date of the appellant’s resignation on the date of his party’s primary election and that Section 77 of the Electoral Act was misapplied, saying no court has jurisdiction on the issue of membership of the party, report added.

Earlier, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed Danjuma Goje’s victory as the senator representing the Gombe Central senatorial district.

An appeal by the PDP candidate, Abubakar Aliyu, regarding the February 25 senatorial election was rejected by a three-member panel of judges at the appellate court.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has rendered a verdict in the case of the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency election in Kano State.

The panel upheld the decision of the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Gombe, which had previously dismissed Aliyu and the PDP’s petition against Goje and the APC.

11/06/2023
Fire Guts Canadian Embassy In Abuja

In a shocking incident that unfolded shortly before noon on Monday, the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria building located on Diplomatic Drive in the Central Business District was engulfed in flames.

The fire raised concerns about potential disruptions to its services and consultations.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police spokesperson, Istifanus Bako, confirmed the fire, which lasted for several minutes.

Fortunately, the situation has now been successfully controlled.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities, including the police and sister agencies, are actively investigating the incident to determine its origin.

Thankfully, there have been no reported casualties or injuries at this time.

Responders are currently assessing the extent of the damage, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

11/06/2023
Yahaya Bello Pays N497m WAEC Fees For 15,033 Students

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has released N497 million for the payment of 2023 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examinations fees for 15,033 students enrolled in the state’s public schools.

According to the governor, it is part of his administration’s commitment to free education and tackling the menace of out-of-school students in the state.

“This is part of my administration’s commitment to free education and `Zero Out-of-School Policy’ for our young citizens to fulfil their God-given destinies.

“It is also part of efforts at further improving the state’s educational system,’’ the governor’s media aide, Mr Onogwu Mohammed, quoted the governor as saying in a statement issued in Lokoja on Saturday.

The governor said also that the disbursement of the money was also in realisation of his administration’s recent pledge to provide free education from primary to secondary school level within the state’s public schools.

“This resolute step reflects my administration’s dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of his or her socioeconomic status.

“The gesture is aimed to empower students to undertake crucial examinations without imposing any financial burden on their parents or guardians.

“Furthermore, my administration won’t hesitate to penalise parents who fail to enrol their children in school.

“This comprehensive approach to education underscores the state’s commitment to not only increase access to education, but also ensure active participation,’’ Gov. Bello added in the statement.

Three of the 21 local government areas of Kogi led the list of benefitting students.

Out of the 15,033 students, Dekina Local Government Area has the highest number of 1,867 beneficiaries, followed by Lokoja Local Government Area, with 1,569 beneficiaries, while Okene Local Government Area has 1,345 beneficiaries.

11/04/2023
We’re Investigating Crash Land Of Plane Carrying Minister -NSIB

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said it is investigating the crash-landing of the plane involving the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and several of his companions in Ibadan, the principal city of Oyo State on Friday.

The bureau, operating under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, bears the responsibility of investigating any civil aircraft accident or significant event that arises during air travel within or over Nigeria.

An aircraft transporting the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and a contingent of his associates, experienced a crash landing in close proximity to the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, which serves as the capital of Oyo State.

The aircraft in question was an HS 125, a private jet operated by Flint Aero, and the incident unfolded on a Friday evening.

It has been reported that the aircraft took off from Abuja Airport with its destination being Ibadan.

The departure occurred around 6:41 pm, and the aircraft encountered the crash-landing situation as it attempted to land at approximately 7:21 pm, not far from the Ibadan airport’s runway.

Information from a reliable source indicates that the pilot had been granted permission to land prior to the occurrence, and fortunately, all individuals on board, including the crew members, were safely evacuated.

Unfortunately, the aircraft suffered extensive damage.

In reaction to this incident, the NSIB’s spokesperson, Tunji Oketunmbi, stated that the bureau had been apprised of the situation.

He confirmed that NSIB’s investigators were present on-site in Ibadan to determine both the immediate and the underlying causes of the incident.

11/04/2023
Nigerian Politicians, Elite Responsible For Continued Insecurity- Buratai

Former Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai (retired), has accused politicians and the political elite for the prolonged insecurity that has plagued the nation since 2009.

Speaking in an address at the 2023 National Public Service Lecture and the 65th anniversary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Buaratai criticized those who called for his removal during his tenure, asserting that such demands were influenced by personal biases rather than a fair assessment of his performance.

Buratai went on to express his belief that the Ninth National Assembly’s calls for the dismissal of the Service Chiefs were an attempt to undermine democracy by involving the military in political matters.

He emphasized the need for objective discussions on national security issues, focusing on pertinent aspects rather than personal prejudices.

Furthermore, Buratai urged political figures, public servants, and civil servants to uphold the highest ethical standards by combatting the corruption that has plagued the nation’s political landscape for decades.

He highlighted the prevalence of public fund misappropriation, bribery, and embezzlement, which divert resources from essential services and lead to public disillusionment.

In addition, he called upon politicians to be more transparent and accountable, as the absence of accountability has eroded public trust and hindered the country’s development.

He emphasized the importance of politicians delivering on their promises made during election campaigns to restore public confidence.

11/04/2023
I Support Tinubu But I’ll Never Insult Peter Obi – Yul Edochie

Renowned Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, took to Instagram on Friday to express his unwavering respect for 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Despite his vocal support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yul Edochie declared that he would never insult Peter Obi for any reason.

Yul Edochie described Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, as a “great Nigerian,” emphasizing his deep respect for the politician and his belief that Peter Obi could become president if it’s in God’s plan.

The actor firmly asserted that the current time belongs to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he believes will “fix Nigeria” during his anticipated eight years of administration.

In his words, Yul Edochie stated, “I have a lot of respect for Peter Obi. I will never insult him. He’s a great Nigerian. His time will come if God Almighty wills it. This time is for Jagaban. The next 8 years are for President Tinubu. And within that time, He will fix Nigeria for the good of all Nigerians.”

11/03/2023
NLC, TUC Issue Strike Notice Following Attack On Joe Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have issued a strike notice to the Federal Government, set for November 8.

This is in response to an attack on NLC President Joe Ajaero and other union leaders in Imo State on Wednesday.

In a joint statement released on Friday, the unions presented a six-point demand to the government.

These demands include the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, and the Area Commander, as well as other officials allegedly involved in the attack.

Furthermore, the unions have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals responsible for the attack, along with compensation for the victims.

They have also demanded a public apology from the Imo State Government and the Inspector-General of Police. Additionally, the unions seek assurances that such an attack will not recur in the future.

If the government fails to meet these demands within the next five days, the unions have warned that they will proceed with a nationwide strike.

11/03/2023
Phyna Recants Opinion About Getting Rid Of Pregnancy

Former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) ‘Level Up,’ winner, Phyna has retracted a statement she made that every woman in the world has at one point undergone an abortion.

In a public statement on her Instagram page, the actress said she did not mean to project it on every female gender.

She emphasized that she will never encourage abortion, especially not in this part of the world, where it can pose a great threat to the life of the person

with the illegal and unhealthy procedures that surround it.

Read her statement below:

“I am Josephina Otabor, also known as Phyna, and I write this statement to address the issues concerning an interview I did months ago where I talked about a very sensitive topic and inaccurately suggested that “all” women have engaged in it.

Firstly, I would like to address the fact that, as much as I was misunderstood, I didn’t mean to project it on every female gender. I will never encourage abortion, especially not in this part of the world, where it can pose a great threat to the life of the person, with the illegal and unhealthy procedures that surround it. I admit that I was being too expressive in the heat of the interview, hence my assertions.

I want to reiterate that abortion is not something I stand for, and I should not be seen in that light. I admit to all the mistakes I made.

In addition, I am currently working with gender-based organizations and NGOs to provide sensitization and education about abortion and other societal issues prone to the girl child”.

11/03/2023
Defamation: Kannywood Actress Slams Defamation Suit Against Civil Servant

Kannywood actress Hadiza Aliyu, popularly known as Hadiza Gabon, has taken legal action against Bala Musa, a civil servant.

The lawsuit, filed in a Magistrates’ court on Daura Road, Kaduna, accuses Musa of defamation of character.

Hadiza Gabon’s counsel, Mr. Mubarak Sani, stated that the actress had been subjected to negative reactions and comments from the public due to false allegations made by the defendant.

These allegations included claims that she cheated Musa by accepting his money but refused to marry him, allegations that were proven false.

Bala Musa, represented by his counsel, Mr. Naira Murtala, denied the allegations.

The Chief Magistrate, Shamsudeen Sulaiman, inquired if the complainant’s counsel had witnesses, to which they responded affirmatively.

The Chief Magistrate granted bail to the accused under the condition that he must provide two reliable sureties who are residents of Kaduna State and civil servants.

The case has been adjourned to November 15 to allow the complainant to present their witnesses.

Bala Musa had previously filed a suit against Hadiza Aliyu in a Shari’a Court in March 2022, alleging that she had refused to marry him after he had given her N396,000.

Aliyu had denied any knowledge of Musa and stated that she had never met or spoken to him, disavowing any relationship with him.

During the earlier case, it was revealed that four individuals were recipients of the money claimed to have been sent to the defendant.

Two of them, Fatima Abdullahi and Abdullahi Yusuf, confessed to impersonating the actress and receiving money in her name, pleading for forgiveness from the court.

Following a request from Musa’s counsel to transfer the case to an Upper Sharia Court, the case was dismissed by Judge Isiyaku Abdulrahman on October 31, and Hadiza Aliyu was discharged.

Additionally, the defendant’s counsel and client were ordered to pay N500,000 to the actress for wasting her time.

11/02/2023
We Didn’t Request For N5bn Yacht- Presidency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesperson, Tope Ajayi, has clarified that the President did not request the N5 billion presidential yacht proposed by the Nigerian Navy.

This statement comes in response to the public outrage following the revelation of the N2.1 trillion supplementary budget submitted by Tinubu to the National Assembly.

The supplementary budget included an allocation of N5.09 billion for the yacht, N2.9 billion for sport utility vehicles for the Presidential Villa, and an additional N2.9 billion for the replacement of operational vehicles for the presidency.

The yacht was listed as part of the Nigerian Navy’s proposed capital expenditure of N42.3 billion.

Ajayi expressed doubts about whether President Tinubu actually needed a presidential yacht to perform the functions of his office, suggesting that the request for such an expenditure likely had operational reasons within the Navy.

Furthermore, Ajayi highlighted the need for more accurate reporting and transparency in budget descriptions, emphasizing that budgetary provisions for the State House are often misconstrued, leading to misleading headlines.

He urged for a better understanding of the purpose behind such budget items, which often encompass state events, meetings, hosting VIPs, foreign dignitaries, and more, rather than personal expenses for the President and Vice President.

11/02/2023