Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

Tinubu Launches 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the emblem appeal launch for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day on Wednesday, held at the state house in Abuja.

During the event, President Tinubu praised the Nigerian armed forces for their commitment to safeguarding the nation.

He emphasized the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for all residents within the country’s borders, stating, “Our foremost objective is to provide a conducive environment free from threats and criminality to enable all who reside within our borders to thrive and live in peace.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the debt of gratitude owed to the gallant troops who have worked tirelessly to ensure the nation’s security.

He emphasized that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem serves as a symbol of remembrance and a beacon of hope for a peaceful future, as well as a way to honor veterans and their fallen colleagues’ families.

In a unifying message, President Tinubu called upon all Nigerians and non-Nigerians residing in the country, regardless of their political affiliation or religious beliefs, to proudly wear the emblem and show solidarity with those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the peace and security of the nation.

10/25/2023
Senate Swears In Amos Yohanna To Replace Sacked Abbo

Amos Yohanna, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was officially sworn in as the senator for the Adamawa senatorial north district.

The oath of office was administered by Jibrin Barau, the deputy president of the senate, during a ceremony held on Wednesday.

This development follows the recent court of appeal decision that led to the removal of Elisha Abbo, the former senator representing Adamawa north.

Abbo had made accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio in connection to his removal, but he later retracted the allegations.

Yohanna’s path to the senate was paved with legal action.

He filed a petition (marked EPT/AD/SEN/02/2023) challenging the outcome of the senatorial election, contesting that Abbo’s election should be invalidated due to corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

Yohanna specifically cited over-voting at various polling units, false entries, alteration, and cancellation of votes at several polling stations.

He also pointed out that some of these alterations and cancellations were not properly signed by the presiding officers of the polling units.

While the tribunal initially dismissed Yohanna’s appeal, the court of appeal ultimately upheld it, solidifying his position as the senator for Adamawa north district.

10/25/2023
I Believe In Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Says Tonto Dike

*Actress/Politician Explains Why She Joined APC

Nollywood actress turned-politician, Tonto Dikeh, has shed light on her decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led by President Bola Tinubu.

In an official statement posted on her Instagram page, the 37-year-old emphasized that “facts accompanied with evidence” were the driving forces behind her decision.

During her unveiling at the APC headquarters in Abuja, Tonto Dikeh expressed her commitment to working for the greater good of Nigerian youth, women, and the country as a whole.

She pointed to the importance of impactful leadership, which she believes comes from visionary leaders dedicated to selfless service to humanity.

Dikeh, known for her advocacy work through the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) in partnership with the Federal Government, underlined her strong belief in Nigeria’s prosperity under the “RENEWED HOPE AGENDA” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She concluded by saying, “This is not a win for me alone but a win for our dreams, hope, and struggles to ensure we make our unborn generation proud with good legacies. I am headstrong for you Nigerians, and in due time, you will surely feel the positive impacts of my decision as it will be evident through us all.”

10/24/2023
Tinubu Orders Speedy Implementation Of Tax Reforms Report

President Bola Tinubu has instructed his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman, to work with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to coordinate the recommendations of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee for swift implementation across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

This directive was issued during a meeting with the Chairman of the reforms committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who presented a 30-day report on “quick wins” at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed that President Tinubu met with Mr. Zack Adedeji, the Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the tax policy review committee.

The President emphasized the need for effective synergy in implementing tax policy recommendations across government institutions.

President Tinubu has also prioritized the recommendations of the tax policy review committee at the next Federal Executive Council meeting scheduled for Monday, October 30, 2023. The aim is to expand the tax net, reach the 18% tax-to-GDP threshold, and enhance public service provision without burdening vulnerable segments of the population.

The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, established on July 7, 2023, is responsible for tax law reform, fiscal policy coordination, harmonization of taxes, and revenue administration. Its mission is to improve tax morale, promote a healthy tax culture, and encourage voluntary compliance with tax regulations by utilizing tax and other revenues effectively.

10/24/2023
CAC Exposes 189 Fake Companies Involved FCT Land Allocation Scam

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has sounded the alarm about a disturbing surge in counterfeit companies operating within the country.

Their concerns were heightened when they revealed the discovery of 189 fake companies that had been exploiting their status to obtain land allocations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

During a press briefing held on Tuesday, the Registrar General of the CAC, Hussaini Magaji, unveiled these shocking findings.

The investigation was initiated following a complaint from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) regarding a dubious company seeking land allocation.

Magaji delved into the details, explaining that the exposure of the non-existent company prompted an extensive inquiry.

This, in turn, led to the identification of several other fraudulent entities operating for the same nefarious purpose.

Two suspects, including a lawyer, have been apprehended in connection with this fraudulent activity.

The investigation further revealed the existence of a cartel comprising individuals from the Abuja Geographical Information System, lawyers, and even some within the commission itself.

Magaji emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Let me use this opportunity to inform the public that one of the major milestones achieved so far since I assumed office is our ability to bust a cartel or a network of individuals that are causing havoc for the commission.

This cartel collaborates with certain lawyers who falsely claim to be accredited agents of the commission and conspires with staff from the Abuja Geographical Information System to secure land allocations in the FCT. We only became aware of this criminal activity after a complaint from the Federal Capital Territory Administration prompted us to verify some applications made by these entities, which, shockingly, were non-existent within our system.”

10/24/2023
FG Announces New Date For Students’ Loan Take-Off

The Nigerian government has officially declared a revised date for the commencement of the Access to Higher Education Act, often referred to as the Students Loan Law, which was recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June.

The legislation has faced substantial criticism from many Nigerians who fear it could pave the way for the introduction of tuition fees in the country’s tertiary institutions.

Despite initial plans for implementation to begin in September, the timeline was not realized.

However, President Bola Tinubu, speaking at the 29th National Economic Summit on Monday, confirmed that the student loan program is now set to kick off in January 2024.

Tinubu said the loan programme “must commence” in January 2024. The announcement comes in the midst of ongoing debates and concerns surrounding the law.

Further details regarding the program’s structure and execution are anticipated as the implementation date approaches.

10/23/2023
Nigeria Wins $11bn P&ID Case In UK Court

Nigeria has successfully put a stop to the enforcement of the $11 billion arbitration award in favour of P&ID after an arduous legal battle lasting over five years.

The ruling, delivered via email by Robin Knowles, the judge of the Commercial Courts of England and Wales, hinged on Nigeria’s claim that the award was procured through fraudulent means.

With this ruling, Judge Knowles faces the task of deciding on one of three options: returning the award to the tribunal for reconsideration, setting the award aside, in whole or in part, or declaring the award to be of no effect, in whole or in part.

The concerned parties will have the opportunity to present their arguments regarding the next course of action on a date to be arranged.

The roots of this legal dispute can be traced back to a private arbitration tribunal’s decision on January 31, 2017, ordering Nigeria to pay $6.6 billion to P&ID, with interest accruing from March 20, 2013, fixed at seven percent, leading to a substantial accumulation that pushed the potential payment to over $11 billion prior to the final verdict.

Judge Knowles, in his ruling, emphasized that the awards were obtained through fraudulent means and were contrary to public policy. He stressed the seriousness of the case and the importance of upholding the rule of law in such matters.

Nigeria had appealed against the enforcement of the arbitration award, and the UK commercial court granted relief in September 2020, redirecting the case to the high court for a full trial.

The legal proceedings, spanning two months from January to March 2023, saw the Nigerian legal team argue that substantial evidence pointed to the contract and arbitration award being the result of “an audacious fraud on Nigeria.”

They sought to set aside the award, citing convictions related to corruption and money laundering as evidence of extensive misconduct.

10/23/2023
Lagos Government Shuts Down Alaba International Market

Officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit have taken decisive action against Alaba International Market, Ojo.

The operation took place during the early hours of Monday, and was revealed through an official statement posted by Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

Commissioner Wahab disclosed that the renowned Alaba International Market had been sealed due to a combination of serious environmental violations.

The primary reasons cited for this action were the market’s poor waste disposal practices, failure to settle outstanding waste bills, and a host of gross environmental sanitation offences.

Recall that Ladipo Market in Mushin was reopened after being close for various environmental infractions.

10/23/2023
FCT Residents Get October 31 Ultimatum To Revert Land For Residential Use

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued an ultimatum to beneficiaries of monetized federal government properties in Abuja.

They are required to revert to their original land use by the end of October, or they risk having their properties revoked by November 1.

This announcement was made by Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control in the Administration, during a news conference in Abuja.

He emphasized that the monetization program was initiated by the Federal Government in 2005 due to the high maintenance costs of these properties, and beneficiaries must adhere to the terms of purchase.

Galadima stated, “The minister has approved and directed that all owners of such properties should revert the properties to their original and designated land use, which is residential. Failing to comply with this directive from Nov. 1, the houses are considered as revoked and returned to FCTA.”

The Department of Development Control has recorded over 111 cases of land use conversion for these sold houses, spanning across all districts of the capital city.

Additionally, the minister has ordered owners of properties, especially those along major streets, who have converted their properties without approval, to either revert to the original use or pay contravention charges.

Non-compliance with these directives may result in the administration taking appropriate action, including revocation.

The primary objective of these measures is to maintain the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.

10/22/2023
Augusta Oseodion’s Murder: Falana Vows To Ensure Speedy Extradition Of Killaboi

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has successfully engaged with Sierra Leone’s Inspector-General of Police, Fayia Sellu, in an effort to secure the speedy extradition of a Nigerian murder suspect, Best Nnanyereugo Benjamin, to Nigeria for prosecution.

Nnanyereugo, who had been on the run, was declared wanted by the Nigerian Police Force in connection with the alleged murder of Miss Augusta Oseodion Onuwabhagbe, a student at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State. He was apprehended in Sierra Leone.

In a statement released on Saturday, Falana, who represents the victim’s family, revealed his contact with Sierra Leone authorities regarding the matter.

He stated, “I am in touch with the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, and Chairperson of the Transition Committee of the West African Bar Association, Madam Michaela Eddinia Swallow in respect of the matter.”

He further added, “A few minutes ago, I had a telephone conversation with the Sierra Leonean Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Fayia Sellu. He assured me that he would cooperate with his counterpart in Nigeria, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, in ensuring a speedy extradition of the suspect to Nigeria.”

Best Nnanyereugo Benjamin had been declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command on October 10, 2023, after the alleged murder of his girlfriend on July 13, 2023. He had eluded authorities until he was arrested at a club in Freetown by Sierra Leonean police on Friday.

According to a source, the suspect is currently being held in detention in Freetown, awaiting extradition to Nigeria to face charges. The source also revealed that the suspect had been active on social media even after the murder, using the victim’s phone.

A concerned individual in Sierra Leone noticed the suspect’s social media activity and informed the deceased’s mother. She then contacted her lawyer, Chief Femi Falana (SAN), who assisted the family in reaching out to Sierra Leonean police authorities.

The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Idowu Ohonbunwa, had directed the Lagos State Police Command to declare Best Nnanyereugo Benjamin wanted on October 10, 2023. Following this, the Sierra Leonean police initiated a manhunt for the suspect, ultimately leading to his arrest.

The source revealed that Augusta was 21 years old when she was brutally murdered by the suspect, who claimed to be a real estate executive.

10/21/2023