Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • 2027: No chance for Atiku in PDP, says Wike

    2027: No chance for Atiku in PDP, says Wike

    In yet another display of his enormous control over the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has ruled out any likelihood of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar clinching the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election, saying it will simply not happen.

    This declaration further affirms the source of the unrelenting strife that has dogged Nigeria’s main opposing and former ruling party.

    Speaking during a live media parley on Wednesday evening in Abuja, Wike said Atiku had severally presented his blueprint to Nigerians and he had been serially rejected.

    Atiku who was the PDP Presidential Candidate in 2023 had recently said if he had won the election, he would have done things differently from President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians would not have been faced with the current level of hardship

    Wike said; “Did he (Atiku) not present it (blueprint) before Nigerians? Did Nigerians choose him? He is lobbying for another chance. The chance will not be there. In which party? How can we use one man for how many years?

    “Look at America, I am sure you all did not support Trump saying he is this, he is a racist, he is that, we are crying, Americans were thinking about something else, thinking for the good of their own country made a decision.

    “You presented your blueprint in 2023, Nigerians heard you clear and said thank you, but it will not work, we will not support you. Criticisms do not mean opposition is working”.

  • Wike Dismisses Claims Of Building Homes For Judges To Curry Favours

    Wike Dismisses Claims Of Building Homes For Judges To Curry Favours

    As would be expected, FCT Minister, Wike, has refuted allegations that the construction of homes for judges is intended to curry favours.

    Speaking during a media chat on Wednesday, Wike clarified that the housing project is not his personal initiative but part of a welfare package designed by President Bola Tinubu to support judicial independence.

    Wike insisted that he is simply fulfilling his role by implementing an already approved project.

    Wike explained, “(Tinubu said) ‘Where are the judges living? They have no homes and are therefore open to political manipulation and for me, as a president who wants to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, judges must have their homes’.

    “I am not Mr President; I am only lucky to be appointed as a minister under this administration and who is in the position to implement his policies. And Mr President said, look, this is what he wants; come up and see what we can do.

    “It was approved by Mr President, sent to the National Assembly in the 2024 budget that there should be construction of judges and Justices quarters. That they should move judges from where they are renting houses, living among criminals.

    “A policy anybody should commend Mr President, it is in the budget of 2024, appropriated by the National Assembly, assented to by Mr President which is a law. What is the problem? I am only the implementor, go and implement this.

    “Federal Executive Council approved the contract and everything, it is not my policy, how will you now want to kill me that I am implementing what the Federal Government approved?”

    Wike insisted that there is nothing wrong even if it was his idea to construct homes for judges, adding that he had done something similar as the governor of Rivers State.

    The former Rivers State governor lamented the criticisms for this project instead of commendation, especially from those in the legal profession.

  • Taraba Governor Approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for Workers

    Taraba Governor Approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for Workers

    Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for public sector employees, effective November 2024.

    The decision was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Service, Paul Maigida Tino.

    “I wish to inform you that the governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, has approved the implementation of N70,000 new minimum wage for workers in the State with effect from November 2024,” Tino said.

    This wage increase is expected to significantly relieve state civil servants, many of whom have expressed their satisfaction with the move.

    Workers expressed their appreciation for the governor’s decision, noting that the wage adjustment would help alleviate their economic pressures.

    One civil servant remarked, “This increase will go a long way in addressing the economic challenges we have been facing. We are grateful for the governor’s consideration.”

    The wage hike reflects the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its workers amidst challenging national economic conditions.

  • Ex-Delta Gov Ifeanyi Okowa Opens Up After EFCC Detention

    Ex-Delta Gov Ifeanyi Okowa Opens Up After EFCC Detention

    Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has denied any fraudulent activity following his recent detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In a statement from his media aide, Olisa Ifeajika, Okowa emphasized that the EFCC had failed to establish any evidence of wrongdoing against him.

    Addressing the recent allegations involving the diversion of N1.3 trillion from oil derivation funds, Okowa dismissed the claims as “ludicrous” and “outlandish.”

    He clarified that he had voluntarily reported to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt to clear his name and respond to petitions filed by what he described as “disgruntled elements.”

    “The EFCC has not established any case against Dr. Okowa,” he stated, stressing that these accusations were based on “unsubstantiated claims” from individuals with “malicious, myopic, and prejudiced” motives. Okowa further pointed out that these same allegations had been raised during his tenure as governor.

    The former governor also refuted accusations of misappropriating state resources, which included claims of acquiring an 80% stake in Premium Trust Bank and diverting funds for housing estates in Asaba and Abuja, as well as two hotels.

    Okowa emphasized his commitment to transparency and the integrity of his actions while in office.

    With the EFCC inquiry ongoing, Okowa reiterated that he had nothing to hide and continues to seek justice and clarification.

  • DHQ Takes Action Against Lukarawa’s Recruitment Plans

    DHQ Takes Action Against Lukarawa’s Recruitment Plans

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has raised alarms about the growing activities of the Lukarawa terror group, which has started recruiting to strengthen its forces.

     The DHQ confirmed that the military is actively collaborating with state authorities and other security agencies to prevent the group’s expansion, especially in Sokoto and Kebbi states, where it has been operating. 

    Lukarawa, which has had a presence in northern Nigeria for several years, recently intensified its recruitment drive, particularly targeting local youth through sermons and welfare incentives.

     The group is also exploiting social media platforms to spread their message. 

    Despite these efforts, the DHQ remains vigilant, working alongside other agencies to halt the group’s influence.

    A former DSS director, Mike Ejiofor, clarified that while the group has been active since 2018, its size is not currently a major national security threat. 

    However, he urged for continued surveillance and community cooperation to prevent further escalation. 

    Security expert Timothy Avele echoed this sentiment, revealing that the group’s operations, such as collecting levies and influencing local governance in Kebbi, highlight gaps in intelligence operations. 

  • Abia State to Enforce Free Education  

    Abia State to Enforce Free Education  

    Abia State Government, South East Nigeria, has announced free and mandatory primary education for all children starting January 2025. 

    This policy will apply to pupils from grades one to three in public schools, with the aim of ensuring that no child is left out of the educational system.  

    In line with this directive, parents and guardians are now legally obligated to enroll their children, as per the Abia Child’s Rights Law of 2006. 

    The administration warns that non-compliance will result in legal action.  

    Governor Otti’s administration has also paid off 90% of the N191 billion debt inherited without resorting to loans. 

    The government is pressing ahead with the relocation of Abia State University’s Law Faculty from Umuahia back to its main campus in Uturu, citing public interest as the driving factor.  

    Additionally, contracts have been awarded for the rehabilitation of nine roads across the state. 

    Urgent repairs are also underway on the Osisioma flyover, which has shown signs of wear less than two years after its construction.

     The government reassures residents that these issues pose no immediate danger.  

    Efforts are ongoing to finalize the implementation of the new minimum wage, further underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving living standards and infrastructure.

  • Grow Nigeria first: Advocates Trade Minister, Oduwole

    Grow Nigeria first: Advocates Trade Minister, Oduwole

    Grow Nigeria first: so seems to be the advocacy of Industry, Trade, and Investment Minister, Jumoke Oduwole as she advises the government to focus on strengthening local businesses before seeking foreign investment.

     She emphasized that domestic companies are the best representatives of Nigeria’s economy. 

    During an interview on Arise TV, Oduwole discussed how improving Nigeria’s business environment—through regulatory reforms, better bureaucracy, and updates to the legislative and judicial systems—would support the growth and expansion of local businesses.

     A thriving domestic sector, she argued, would naturally attract foreign investors looking for reliable local partners. 

    Oduwole also highlighted her ministry’s commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector, including revitalizing commodity exchanges and ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts.

     She reaffirmed her dedication to fulfilling promises made during her Senate screening and ensuring that Nigeria’s policies align with its economic goals.

  • IPMAN Partners with Dangote Refinery for Direct Product Supply

    IPMAN Partners with Dangote Refinery for Direct Product Supply

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has reached an agreement with Dangote Refinery to procure petroleum products directly for distribution. 

    Abubakar Garima, IPMAN’s National President, made the announcement in Abuja after a meeting with the Association’s National Working Committee.

    The partnership aims to guarantee a consistent and affordable supply of petrol, kerosene, and diesel across the country. 

    Garima shared that following discussions with Aliko Dangote and his team in Lagos, Dangote Refinery will provide IPMAN with products directly for its depots and retail outlets.

    Garima encouraged members of IPMAN to support Dangote Refinery, highlighting the benefits of using local refineries, which will create jobs and boost the nation’s foreign exchange. 

    He also expressed confidence that the partnership would lead to competitive pricing.

    Regarding the shift to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Garima mentioned that IPMAN is preparing for the establishment of CNG refueling stations across Nigeria. 

    He emphasized the potential economic benefits of CNG and reaffirmed IPMAN’s commitment to working with the Federal Government to ensure the success of the transition.

    This partnership between IPMAN and Dangote Refinery is set to improve the efficiency and affordability of Nigeria’s petroleum sector while fostering economic growth.

  • Tinubu Calls for End to Gaza Conflict, Supports Two-State Solution

    Tinubu Calls for End to Gaza Conflict, Supports Two-State Solution

    In an address at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Bola Tinubu called for an immediate halt to the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, stressing the prolonged suffering caused by the conflict. 

    Speaking to heads of state from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, Tinubu highlighted the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, urging the world to work toward lasting peace.

    Nigeria’s President reaffirmed his country’s strong support for a two-state solution, advocating for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine. 

    He emphasized that this solution remains the key to achieving lasting peace, with both nations deserving security and dignity. 

    Tinubu called on global leaders to take collective action, beyond mere condemnation, to end the violence that has devastated so many innocent lives.

    The President also noted the importance of respecting international law, emphasizing that while nations have the right to self-defense, such actions must be proportionate and mindful of the rights of civilians. 

    He stressed that the lives of innocent people cannot be dismissed as mere collateral damage in the pursuit of political or military goals.

    Reflecting on Nigeria’s unwavering stance on the two-state solution, Tinubu remarked that it is a vision of equality, mutual recognition, and self-determination for both peoples. 

    He called for dialogue, mutual respect, and an understanding of the historical context to resolve the conflict. 

    The President urged the international community to find new, innovative paths to peace, noting the profound impact of the ongoing violence and the global exposure of the conflict.

    Tinubu commended King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening the summit and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. 

    He reminded attendees that Nigeria’s own experiences have underscored the importance of respecting diversity and avoiding identity politics in the pursuit of peace.

  • Vandals Attack Disrupt power on Lokoja-Gwagwalada Transmission Line 

    Vandals Attack Disrupt power on Lokoja-Gwagwalada Transmission Line 

    These are very difficult times for Nigeria, as the “giant of Africa” is buffeted by a barrage of security challenges nationwide. The latest is that the Lokoja-Gwagwalada transmission line, a key component of Nigeria’s power grid, has been disrupted due to vandalism.

     Three towers along this line were targeted, resulting in damaged infrastructure and missing spans of aluminum conductors. 

    This incident affects power transmission on the main route, though power continues via an alternative circuit.

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is actively working to replace the stolen conductors and address the situation.

     Rising cases of vandalism on power infrastructure are posing challenges to Nigeria’s power stability, prompting TCN to call on local communities to assist security forces in safeguarding transmission facilities.