Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • FCCPC summons MultiChoice over planned price hike

    FCCPC summons MultiChoice over planned price hike

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its decision to raise subscription prices, a move set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

    In a statement released on Monday, the FCCPC directed MultiChoice Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before an investigative hearing at its headquarters on February 27, 2025. 

    The Commission cited Sections 32 and 33 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) as the basis for the summons.

    The action follows MultiChoice’s formal announcement of the price adjustment, raising concerns over frequent price hikes, possible abuse of market power, and anti-competitive practices in Nigeria’s pay-TV industry. 

    The FCCPC noted that Nigerian subscribers face repeated increases, while reports suggest MultiChoice applies different pricing models in other countries.

    The regulatory body warned that if the company fails to provide a satisfactory explanation or is found to have violated fair market rules, it could face penalties, sanctions, or other corrective actions.

    To address these concerns, the FCCPC is working with the industry regulator and other relevant agencies to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers in the pay-TV market.

  • US Announces 2025 Visa Waiver List, Excludes Nigeria, Other Countries

    US Announces 2025 Visa Waiver List, Excludes Nigeria, Other Countries

    The United States on Tuesday revealed its updated list for the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP).

     This programme allows citizens from participating nations to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without needing a visa for tourism or business purposes.

    The United Kingdom, along with several other nations, was not included in the list this year, though it can still qualify under certain conditions.

     Notably, no African country, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, made the cut.

    The list saw some changes, with Romania being added to the program this year.

    In total, 40 countries are now part of the Visa Waiver Programme, allowing their citizens to travel to the U.S. without a visa.

    To travel without a visa, citizens of these countries must get approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before their trip. This step is mandatory even though the VWP offers visa-free travel.

    The U.S. government has also strengthened security measures, giving priority to countries with solid diplomatic relationships and strong border control standards.

    The full list of 2025 VWP participants includes:

    1. Andorra

    2. Australia

    3. Austria

    4. Belgium

    5. Chile

    6. Czech Republic

    7. Croatia

    8. Denmark

    9. Estonia

    10. Finland

    11. France

    12. Germany

    13. Greece

    14. Hungary

    15. Iceland

    16. Ireland

    17. Italy

    18. Israel

    19. Norway

    20. Poland

    21. Portugal

    22. San Marino

    23. Singapore

    24. Slovakia

    25. Japan

    26. Slovenia

    27. Latvia

    28. South Korea

    29. Liechtenstein

    30. Spain

    31. Lithuania

    32. Sweden

    33. Luxembourg

    34. Switzerland

    35. Malta

    36. Netherlands

    37. New Zealand

    38. Qatar

    39. Romania

    40. Monaco

    Following recent acts of tit-for-tat diplomacy by countries targeted by the United States, it is expected that some of the excluded countries may announce their counter measures in due course.

  • Five candidates to contest for AfDB Presidency

    Five candidates to contest for AfDB Presidency

     

    The African Development Bank (AfDB) has confirmed five candidates who will compete for the position of its president.

     The announcement followed a two-day meeting of the board of governors’ steering committee at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

    The candidates are Hott Amadou from Senegal, Maimbo Munzele from Zambia, Tah Ould from Mauritania, Tolli Mahamat from Chad, and Tshabalala Swazi from South Africa. 

    The election is set to take place on May 29, and the winner will take over from Akinwumi Adesina, who has led the bank since 2015.

    Adesina, whose tenure is coming to an end, recently spoke about his future, stating that he remains committed to serving people in various capacities. 

    He described his passion for making a difference in communities and improving lives.

    The AfDB election is expected to draw significant attention as the candidates present their plans for the bank’s future.

    READ ALSO: Insubordinate commissioner nominee denied screening by Nasarawa assembly

    The presidency of Africa’s apex development banking institution is usually a context of vested interests within Africa and non-regional investors that is led by the United States of America.

    With a hawkish Donald Trump as president of the United States, many analysts fear that who emerges as the new president of the continental body would likely be a stooge of the USA.

  • National Assembly Sends Investment Bill to Tinubu for Assent

    National Assembly Sends Investment Bill to Tinubu for Assent

    The National Assembly has forwarded the Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) 2024 to President Bola Tinubu for approval.

    Osita Izunaso, chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, shared this update during the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) budget defence in Abuja.

     The bill, already signed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is now with the executive for final approval. Tinubu is expected to sign it into law within 30 days.

    The committee has also urged the finance ministry to allocate ₦10 billion in the 2025 budget for investor education.

    Meanwhile, SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama stated that the bill’s implementation is expected to begin on March 1.

     He credited the National Assembly’s support for recent market improvements, noting that Nigeria was among the top-performing markets in 2024.

    Agama also confirmed a reduction in government deductions from 50% to 20%, a move aimed at improving SEC’s financial performance.

     In 2024, SEC generated ₦26.9 billion in revenue, surpassing its projected ₦22.4 billion. After expenses and deductions, it recorded a net surplus of ₦2.5 billion.

    He added that market participants have shown higher compliance with regulations, leading to fewer penalties.

     The commission remains committed to ensuring transparency and accuracy in financial disclosures.

  • Nasarawa Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioners

    Nasarawa Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioners

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has approved 16 commissioner nominees sent by Governor Abdullahi Sule for positions in the State Executive Council.

    After two days of screening on February 17 and 18, lawmakers at the Assembly complex in Lafia gave their approval.

    The Speaker, Hon. Danladi Jatau announced the decision on Tuesday, congratulating the nominees and urging them to focus on policies that will improve the state’s development. He also advised them to maintain integrity in their duties.

    The confirmed nominees are Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga (Awe LGA), Dr. John D.W. Mamman (Kokona LGA), Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi (Doma LGA), Mr. Gabriel Agbashi (Doma LGA), Barr. Isaac Danladi Amadu (Karu LGA) and Princess Margaret Itaki Elayo (Keana LGA).

    Others are Dr. Ibrahim Tanko (Keffi LGA), Hon. Mohammed Aga Muluku (Nasarawa Eggon LGA), Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata (Lafia LGA), CP Usman Baba (Rtd) (Lafia LGA), Hon. Mohammed Sani Ottos (Nasarawa LGA) and Barr. David Moyi (Obi LGA).

    Also confirmed are Dr. Gaza Gwamna (Toto LGA), Barr. Jugbo Hauwa Samuel (Wamba LGA), Hon. Mu’azu Adamu Gosho (Wamba LGA), and Hon. Yakubu Kwanta (Akwanga LGA).

    Jatau urged them to align with Governor Sule’s plans for the state’s progress. The Clerk of the House was directed to officially notify the governor of the confirmation.

    House Majority Leader Suleiman Yakubu Azara (APC–Awe North) moved the motion for approval, which Minority Leader Luka Iliya Zhekaba (PDP–Obi 2) supported.

    Lawmakers from the nominees’ constituencies backed their appointments, praising their leadership abilities as the assembly unanimously confirmed their selection.

  • Shortfall in January pay: FG working to address discrepancy

    Shortfall in January pay: FG working to address discrepancy

    The Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) has assured federal workers that the government is taking steps to resolve discrepancies in January salaries, which were reported to be lower than usual.

    Benjamin Anthony, the National Chairman of the JPSNC, spoke to the media in Abuja on Monday, addressing concerns raised by federal civil servants about the unexpected reduction in their salaries.

     Some workers had noticed that their January pay was lower than the amounts received between October and December 2024.

    The issue was traced back to a “systematic error” in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

     In response to the complaints, the JPSNC issued a memo to industrial unions to collect detailed reports from their members and escalate the issue to the government for correction. 

    PLEASE READ: The six zonal political system and Nigeria’s stability and economic development

    Anthony also mentioned that some sources from within the IPPIS system had indicated that a technical error was behind the discrepancies, and the team is actively working on fixing it.

    Anthony advised workers affected by the salary reduction to report the issue through their unions to ensure a smoother resolution process.

     The JPSNC has already reached out to the Head of Service of the Federation, who promised to forward the matter to the Accountant General’s office for further investigation.

     The Head of Service also reassured the council that, should any issues arise, the affected workers will be paid their correct salaries.

    One possible explanation for the shortfall is a peculiar allowance that was negotiated by the council and agreed upon by the government. 

    Anthony suggested that this allowance may have been accidentally removed by the IPPIS system. However, he expressed confidence that the allowance would be reinstated, and all affected workers would receive the full pay owed to them.

  • NNPCL Petrol Passed Industry Quality Tests – PETROAN

    NNPCL Petrol Passed Industry Quality Tests – PETROAN

    As NNPCL, refiners and petroleum marketers progress in their game of conspiracy theories and feeble schemes to de-market each other’s brands and products

    The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) says the petrol supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) meets top industry standards.

    This follows online claims that NNPCL’s fuel was of poor quality. 

    PETROAN conducted a thorough test on NNPCL’s petrol, which showed that it meets all key industry requirements.

     Tests included flash point, density, viscosity, sulfur content, water content, and ash content, all of which passed the necessary benchmarks.

    PETROAN’s spokesperson, Joseph Obele, stated that NNPCL’s fuel has a safe flash point, meets density standards for engine performance, and has acceptable viscosity levels to protect engines. 

    The sulfur content and water levels were also within limits to prevent engine damage and pollution.

    Obele urged the public to disregard false information from unverified sources and to rely on accurate reports.

     PETROAN president, Billy Gillis-Harry, also warned content creators against spreading misleading information that could harm the economy.

    The NNPC refuted the claims in the viral video, calling the allegations baseless and based on inaccurate research.

  • Adesina Denies interest in 2027 Presidential Election

    Adesina Denies interest in 2027 Presidential Election

    As expected, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has denied reports suggesting he is preparing to contest Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

    The speculation began after his recent interview on Arise Television, where he mentioned that he would be available for national service after his tenure at AfDB.

     He stated that he is open to serving in any role, whether globally, in Africa, or in Nigeria. 

    His remarks led to widespread interpretations that he might be considering running for president.

    In response, Adesina took to X on Thursday to clarify his statement, saying his words had been misrepresented. 

    He maintained that while he expressed willingness to serve in various capacities, he never declared an intention to contest the presidency. 

    He urged the public to listen to his full interview for proper context.

    PLEASE READ: Sub-Sahara Africa dominates global terrorism related deaths

    Adesina, who was Nigeria’s minister of agriculture before becoming AfDB president in 2015, secured a second term at the bank in 2020. 

    His leadership at AfDB has focused on economic growth, infrastructure, and development financing across Africa.

    While his statement sparked political discussions, he emphasized that his priority remains his current role at AfDB, and he has no plans to enter the 2027 presidential race.

  • Court Dismisses Defamation Case Against Dele Farotimi

    Court Dismisses Defamation Case Against Dele Farotimi

    The Ekiti State Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti has dismissed a defamation case against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi. 

    The case was withdrawn after the police prosecutor, Martins Akala, filed an application to discontinue it.

    Farotimi had been charged on December 4, 2024, over claims in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he accused legal icon Afe Babalola of influencing Supreme Court justices.

    The court had granted him bail on December 20, 2024, and scheduled a hearing for February 13, 2025.

    The decision to drop the case followed a request from Afe Babalola, who agreed to withdraw all criminal defamation charges after discussions led by traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

    During the court session on Thursday, the police prosecutor informed the court that authorities had instructed the withdrawal of the case. The defense counsel, Kembi Adejare, had no objection.

    Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ruled that the case be struck out, marking its official end.

    Following this development, some have expressed the view that the claims in the book by the author had been validated.

  • Shake-up: Kano Judiciary sacks corrupt officials 

    Shake-up: Kano Judiciary sacks corrupt officials 

    The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has dismissed one official and forced another into retirement for taking bribes.

     The decision was made during the commission’s 79th meeting on February 6, chaired by Chief Judge Dije Aboki.  

    According to the judiciary’s spokesperson, Baba Jibo, the disciplinary action followed an investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC). 

    The probe was triggered by a complaint from Alhaji Sani Bozo Rimin Gado against Hudu Idris, a registrar at the Upper Sharia Court in Gwarzo, and Abba Bala Gwarzo, a watchman at the same court. 

    The two were accused of extortion and illegal monetary demands. After appearing before the JPCC, they admitted to collecting a total of ₦214,000 in bribes.  

    As a result, Hudu Idris was demoted and placed on immediate compulsory retirement, while Abba Bala Gwarzo’s contract was terminated.  

    The JSC also reinstated three officials—Bilya Abdullahi, Auwalu Khalil, and Ismaila Garba—who had been suspended over allegations of forging a court reversal order. 

    An investigation by the JPCC and a police inquiry found no sufficient evidence to prosecute them. Consequently, their suspensions were lifted, though Bilya Abdullahi received a warning to avoid unethical conduct.  

    The commission also approved several new appointments in the judiciary. Chief Magistrate Hajara Ahmad was named acting chief registrar of the High Court of Justice, while Musa Umar became acting deputy chief registrar for administration and general services. Other appointments included:  

    – Usman Adam as acting deputy chief registrar (Magistracy)  

    – Fatima Yakasai as acting deputy chief registrar (Legal)  

    – Chief Magistrate Hadiza Bello as acting director of the Judicial Service Commission  

    – Chief Magistrate Zuhura Madaki as acting director of the Training Department  

    – Senior Magistrate Malikatu Nuraini as acting assistant director of the Training Department