Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • UK Sacks Over 600 Police Officers 

    UK Sacks Over 600 Police Officers 

    The UK has dismissed nearly 600 police officers across England and Wales in the year leading to March 2024, according to newly released data.

     This increase, a sharp rise from the previous year’s 394 dismissals, reflects a renewed focus on accountability within police forces following a series of high-profile scandals.

     Among those removed from duty were 74 officers involved in sexual misconduct and 18 found with indecent images of minors.

    The College of Policing reported that dishonesty topped the reasons for dismissal, with 125 cases, followed by instances of discriminatory behaviour.

     This wave of sackings comes amid efforts to restore public trust after severe breaches in conduct, including the 2021 murder of Sarah Everard by a Metropolitan Police officer and other cases of sexual violence by police personnel.

  • Tinubu Advocates for Stronger UK-Africa Ties During Foreign Secretary’s Visit

    Tinubu Advocates for Stronger UK-Africa Ties During Foreign Secretary’s Visit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the State House, emphasizing Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing partnerships with the United Kingdom.

    The discussions centered around vital areas such as trade, culture, and security, which directly affect the livelihoods of citizens.

    During the meeting, Tinubu expressed gratitude for the UK’s ongoing support and underscored Nigeria’s role as a key partner in Africa.

    He urged the UK to extend its focus beyond conflicts like those in Ukraine to include pressing humanitarian issues in African nations, particularly Sudan.

    The President pointed out that security challenges in West Africa are exacerbated by the influx of displaced persons from neighboring countries, such as Mali and Burkina Faso, and called for greater collaboration to foster stability.

    Lammy, visiting Nigeria to explore avenues for strengthening ties, highlighted the UK government’s interest in economic growth across the continent and the necessity for innovative partnerships to address emerging challenges.

    He acknowledged the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the UK, noting that shared historical values within the Commonwealth continue to bind the nations together.

    The discussions also covered Nigeria’s progressive economic reforms aimed at long-term growth, with Lammy acknowledging the importance of Nigeria’s economic stability to bolster investor confidence.

    Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that agreements signed during the visit focus on job creation, enhanced security, and migration management, all aimed at modernizing the partnership between the two nations.

  • Federal Government Exits Tertiary Institutions from IPPIS, Shuts Down Platform

    Federal Government Exits Tertiary Institutions from IPPIS, Shuts Down Platform

    The Federal Government has officially taken Federal Tertiary Institutions (FTIs) off the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), resulting in the platform’s shutdown for these institutions. 

    According to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), this change aligns with a recent directive to transition FTIs to an alternative payroll management system.

    Starting this month, salaries for staff in these institutions will be processed via the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), requiring institutions to submit payroll data in Excel format for verification. 

    The OAGF has assured workers that there’s no need to alter their salary account details as no mandate for account changes has been issued. 

    The office emphasized the focus on maintaining workers’ welfare, encouraging financial institutions to ensure robust handling of salary-related accounts.

    Employees who choose to change their salary accounts are advised to use the official channels provided by the OAGF for a seamless transition.

  • Tinubu Swears In New Ministers

    Tinubu Swears In New Ministers

    President Bola Tinubu has expanded his cabinet, swearing in seven new ministers at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    These appointments are part of a broader response to Nigeria’s economic challenges, aiming to address pressing national issues.

    The new ministers include Nentawe Yilwatda for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi for Labour & Employment, and Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

    Others are Jumoke Oduwole for Industry, Trade, and Investment; Idi Mukhtar Maiha for Livestock Development; Yusuf Abdullahi Ata for Housing and Urban Development; and Suwaiba Said Ahmad for State Education.

    This development follows the discgarge of five former ministers in October, as well as portfolio changes for ten other officials.

    The reshuffle also involved structural adjustments, with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development transformed into the Ministry of Regional Development, overseeing multiple development commissions.

    Similarly, sports administration was redirected to the National Sports Commission, emphasizing a streamlined approach.

    These changes reflect Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to adapt governance strategies and improve national administration amidst evolving economic and social needs.

  • Edo D/Governor Dispute: Court Directs Omobayo to Appear for Contempt Hearing

    Edo D/Governor Dispute: Court Directs Omobayo to Appear for Contempt Hearing

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned Godwins Omobayo, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, to personally attend court on November 26, responding to allegations that he defied a court order by refusing to vacate the office.

    The summons follows an earlier judgment that reinstated Philip Shaibu to the role after the court invalidated his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

    Justice James Omotosho emphasized the need for Omobayo to present his defense in line with constitutional rights.

    The summons is part of Shaibu’s ongoing contempt charge, as he seeks to enforce his reinstatement after the court ruled that the assembly’s actions did not meet legal standards.

    Shaibu had initially challenged his impeachment by filing a case against multiple Edo State officials, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

    On April 8, Omobayo was sworn in as deputy governor, a move Shaibu argues violated the court’s directive.

    With the court’s latest order for personal appearance, it remains to be seen how Omobayo will respond as the case unfolds later this month, just days before the state government’s current term ends on November 12.

  • #ENDBADGOVERNCE Arrests: NCoS Refutes Claims of Juvenile Detention in Adult Facilities

    #ENDBADGOVERNCE Arrests: NCoS Refutes Claims of Juvenile Detention in Adult Facilities

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has countered reports suggesting it detained minors involved in recent #EndBadGovernance protests within adult custodial facilities in Abuja.

     Following the protests, 76 individuals were arraigned, with the court ordering separate detention for underage defendants in a juvenile center and adult detainees in standard facilities.

    Speculations surfaced that the Kuje Correctional Centre lacked juvenile-specific accommodations, raising concerns over possible mixed detentions. 

    NCoS responded, clarifying that its policies and the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 strictly prevent juveniles from being housed alongside adults. 

    It further stated that overcrowded facilities have the authority to reject new inmates, ensuring adherence to proper procedures.

    The NCoS urged the public to disregard misinformation, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to best practices and the protection of detainees’ rights.

  • It is cheaper to import petrol than buy from Dangote refinery – IPMAN chieftain

    It is cheaper to import petrol than buy from Dangote refinery – IPMAN chieftain

    Yakubu Suleiman, the National Assistant Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has disclosed that buying petrol is cheaper when they import than buying from Dangote Refinery.

    He recounted that as at last week, the local refinery was selling PMS at a bulk price of N995/Litre.

    Suleiman said this during an interview session he had with Arise Tv, on Friday, November 1.

    He said: “Dangote’s price is higher than other places. As at last week, Dangote gives at N995/litre and you have to bring your cargo to load.

    “How much will you pay the cargo? How much will you pay other charges to your depot? We have to pity Nigerians.

    “The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), are trying their best to salvage this country at this particular time when people are suffering.

    “So let us go for products that are cheaper that when we sell it to the people, the people appreciates. Most people don’t understand the whole dynamics that is going on at the moment.

    “So when we go and buy the higher price we come and sell it as higher as what people are not expecting and they’ll start calling ‘IPMAN’. We are tired.

    “If people understand the dynamics they will have praised IPMAN, because we are truly patriotic to Nigerians.”

  • FG releases funds for NASU salaries, retirees’ benefits

    FG releases funds for NASU salaries, retirees’ benefits

    The Federal Government has released funds to settle outstanding salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities.

    The release is also meant for the settlement of the benefits of retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.

    In a statement on Saturday by Bawa Mokwa, Director, Press and Public Relations, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation confirmed that payments to NASU members have commenced, with many already confirming receipt.

    The statement read, “The Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salary of Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities.

    “According to the OAGF, the Federal Government has also released funds for payment of benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector.

    “The OAGF said payments to the Non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities had commenced and many have confirmed receipt.”

    The OAGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees.

    On Monday, the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU embarked on an indefinite strike over its four months of withheld salary.Since then, activities have been grounded in universities across the country.

    In an earlier interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the National President of SSANU, Mr.Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, did not receive salaries for four months.

    He said as a result, the universities would remain completely shut down until the payments were made.

  • I thought I was going to die – Ufuoma McDermott struggles with kidney disease

    I thought I was going to die – Ufuoma McDermott struggles with kidney disease

    Renowned Nollywood actress and producer Ufuoma McDermott has opened up about her battle with Stage 4 kidney disease, sharing how her reliance on painkillers to cope with chronic pain led to a severe health crisis.

    In an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, McDermott recounted how her health issues began after the tragic death of her younger brother, who also suffered from kidney disease. 

    McDermott stated that initially she was diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease, which then progressed to Stage 4 due to delays in seeking medical attention.

    She said in part, “When I tell people I can afford to put on weight, I don’t want to die. I have little children.

    “I had pushed my body, and I was borderline stage 4. Last year was a very trying time in my life where I thought I was going to die. I have battled chronic kidney disease for about 12 years now.

    “But I was negotiating with the doctor about my life; she said I need you to go home, I need your blood pressure to drop, and take my medications.”

  • Reps pass bill mandating portfolios for ministerial nominees

    Reps pass bill mandating portfolios for ministerial nominees

    The House of Representatives has advanced a bill to its second reading, aiming to mandate the inclusion of specific portfolios in the nomination lists for Ministers and Commissioners submitted by the President and State Governors.

    Leading the debate, Okechukwu Dibiagwu highlighted that attaching portfolios to nominees would allow lawmakers in the national and state assemblies to conduct more effective and targeted scrutiny during confirmation processes.

    In related developments, a separate bill proposing an extension of the retirement age for health workers across Nigeria has also progressed to its second reading.

    This bill could bring significant changes to the healthcare workforce by retaining experienced health personnel in service for extended periods.

    A brief update on this was shared by the Nigerian Television Authority on its X account on Friday.

    It read, “The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking mandatory inclusion of portfolios in the nomination list of Ministers and Commissioners by the President or State Governors.

    “In his lead debate, Sponsor of the Bill Representative Okechukwu Dibiagwu argued that attaching portfolios to the list of nominations for ministerial positions will enhance thorough scrutiny of nominees by lawmakers at the national and state assemblies.

    “Another bill proposing an extension of the retirement age of health workers in Nigeria also scaled second reading.”