Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • #EndBadGovernance Protest: Tinubu Presides Over Crucial FEC Meeting

    #EndBadGovernance Protest: Tinubu Presides Over Crucial FEC Meeting

    President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to preside over a critical Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday afternoon at the Presidential Villa’s Council Chambers in Abuja.
    The meeting comes on the heels of the President’s national broadcast on Sunday, where he urged Nigerians to end the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests and engage in dialogue.
    The Council is expected to assess the current situation and explore strategies to address the economic challenges fueling the protests.
    In his Sunday broadcast, President Tinubu called for public order and reiterated his commitment to protecting the lives and property of all citizens.
    He said, “As President of this country, I must ensure public order. In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.
    “Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity. Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation. To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of this country, be warned: The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.”
  • Organisers Continue Protest against Hunger and Bad Governance

    Organisers Continue Protest against Hunger and Bad Governance

    “In our view, the president cannot be approbating and reprobating at the same time. The President cannot offer an olive branch while at the same time holding a dagger to our throat,”
    The Lagos State organisers of the protest against hardship and bad governance in the country have announced plans to resume their demonstration at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, on Monday, August 5, 2024, despite recent comments from President Bola Tinubu.
    This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday, by Hassan Taiwo, Ayoyinka Oni, and Adegboyega Adeniji on behalf of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organising Committee, saying that the group expressed disappointment that it took President Tinubu three days of protests to address the nation.
    The statement is coming after the President’s broadcast earlier on Sunday, where Tinubu acknowledged the protesters’ concerns and urged them to suspend their demonstrations in favour of dialogue.
    “We consider the President’s decision to address the nation an important victory for our movement,” the organizers said.
    “Without our courage and resolve to dare the odds, even this acknowledgement would not have happened. So far, we have demonstrated that a President is not greater than the rest of the country,” the statement read.
    The group faulted the President for what they described as a dual approach: offering dialogue while also demanding an end to the protests.
    They also condemned recent violence against protesters, including attacks by thugs during a Sunday morning worship session and an incident where a protester was struck on live television.
    “In our view, the president cannot be approbating and reprobating at the same time. The President cannot offer an olive branch while at the same time holding a dagger to our throat,” the trio said.
    The organizers then called on Nigerian youth and the general public to join them at 7 a.m. on Monday at Gani Fawehinmi Park for the fifth day of protests.
  • JUST IN: Gunmen kidnap Kogi LG chairman

    JUST IN: Gunmen kidnap Kogi LG chairman

    The caretaker chairman of the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Zacchaeus Michael, has been kidnapped by gunmen.
    The state Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, confirmed this on Saturday.
    Aya told our correspondent that the caretaker chairman was kidnapped on Friday night along Kabba-Okene Road in the Kabba area of the state.
    “Yes, I got the information. The state Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has already deployed officers for a search-and-rescue mission. We are on top of the situation,” he said.
    Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter said that Michael was abducted alongside some of his aides.
    One of the sources said, “Reports indicate that CTC Kabba/Bunu Chairman, Zacchaeus Dare Michael, and some of his aides have been kidnapped by gunmen on the Kabba-Okene Expressway in Kabba.
    “Authorities are seeking any credible information that may aid their safe rescue.
    “I urge everyone to pray for their immediate and safe release, asking for divine intervention and protection during this critical time.”
    Details later..
  • Gunmen Attack Military Checkpoint In Ebonyi

    Gunmen Attack Military Checkpoint In Ebonyi

    Meanwhile, a community source, who pleaded to remain anonymous, told newsmen that a soldier was killed while one of the gunmen was also killed by the soldiers during the attack.
    The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the attack by gunmen on a military checkpoint along the Amangwu axis of the Amasiri-Owutu Road in Edda local government area of Ebonyi State.
    Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Joshua Ukandu said the command received information from Owutu Police Division that some hoodlums attacked the military checkpoint in the early hours of Friday, shooting sporadically.
    Ukandu said the Command was yet to be briefed if there was casualties, but affirmed that “the attack was carried out by yet-to-be-identified gunmen operating on a motorcycle.”
    Meanwhile, a community source told LEADERSHIP Weekend on grounds of anonymity, that a soldier was killed while one of the gunmen was also killed by the soldiers during the attack.
    “There was an attack this morning at the Amangwu Military Checkpoint and two persons were killed. From the information available, a soldier was killed and one of the gunmen was also killed by the soldiers,” the source said.
    The attack has caused panic and apprehension in the area as motorists and commuters plying the road spent several hours before normalcy returned to the area.
    Reacting to the attack, some elders in the Community who condemned the incident described the perpetrators as enemies of the state and the community.
    They said the criminal elements were those not happy with the peace that the community had witnessed in the last two years.
    Speaking to LEADERSHIP, an elder of the Community, Chief Orji Ama said, “We woke up this morning to hear about the attack at one of the military checkpoints in our local government. It was an unfortunate incident. It left many of us in shock as we have not witnessed any attack in our local government in the last 2 years.
    “Just recently, part of our community known for hostility celebrated seven (7) months of peace and unity. Only for some hoodlums to attack the military checkpoint. The presence of the military in our local government has brought about peace in the community and we are happy.”
    He called on the security agencies to go after the perpetrators of the dastardly act with a view to arresting and prosecuting them.
    He restated that Edda is a peaceful community, saying anyone who under the guise of unknown gunmen to cause havoc in the community must be fished out and prosecuted.
    Another Community Leader, Chief James Chima who also condemned the attack, maintained that the community will go all out to assist the security agencies to ensure the security of lives and properties of indigenes.
    Chima added that an attack on the military checkpoint was a complete sabotage to the peace and security being witnessed in the local government, adding that hoodlums cannot sabotage the peace and security in the local government.
    “The attack could best be described as sabotage. It is a sabotage to the peace and security the local government had witnessed in the last two years. Enemies of the local government want to bring about insecurity again in the community, but we will do everything to resist it.
    “The military presence has also helped immensely to ensure peace and security of the local government. That security and peace will never be truncated by those parading as unknown gunmen. The security agencies must go all out to fish out the hoodlums and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”
  • Hunger Protests: Don’t be agents of destruction – Emir Sanusi

    Hunger Protests: Don’t be agents of destruction – Emir Sanusi

    The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has appealed to the people of Kano and beyond to refrain from being used as agents of destruction, as protests resumed in the city despite a curfew.
    The emir made the appeal at a press conference held at his Gidan Rumfa palace on Friday evening.
    He expressed concern over the looting and vandalism of public and private properties that occurred during the protests.
    He described the events as a setback to the state, the northern region, and the country at large.

    Other Stories: hunger-protest-d-day-in-nigeria/

    The Emir’s plea came as protesters regrouped in Tudun Wada, Nassarawa Local Government Area, after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf relaxed the curfew to allow for Jumaat prayers.
  • BREAKING: Harris emerges Democratic candidate 

    BREAKING: Harris emerges Democratic candidate 

    I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will officially accept the nomination next week.
    Vice President of the United States of America (USA), Kamala Harris has officially emerged as the candidate of the Democratic Party for the U.S. 2024 presidential election.
    Harris emerged presidential candidate of the Democratic Party on Friday after securing the majority of delegates’ votes in a virtual roll call.
    “I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will officially accept the nomination next week.
    .
    “This campaign is about people coming together, fueled by love of country, to fight for the best of who we are,” Harris stated shortly after.
    Though the online voting process ends on Monday, Harris has crossed the threshold to become the candidate of the party for the U.S. 2024 presidential election.
    Recall that President Joe Biden, presumptive Democratic nominee, had on July 21, 2024, pulled out of the election race and endorsed Harris.
    Jamie Harrison, chair of the Democratic national committee, announced the emergence of Harris as the party’s flag bearer for the U.S. election during a call with supporters.
  • Controversy Brews as VC Appoints Self Director of University Institute

    Controversy Brews as VC Appoints Self Director of University Institute

    … move  sparks controversy, with many questioning the ethical implications of a sitting Vice-Chancellor appointing himself to a directorial position within the same institution.

    In an unprecedented move, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Professor Innocent A.O. Ujah, has appointed himself as the Director of the Institute of Maternal & Reproductive Health of the same institution he currently heads.

    Prof Ujah has barely three months to the end of his five year appoint as pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University. This appointment is therefore viewed by many as a desperate act that is fueled by greed.

    Moreover, this decision has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions within the university community about the apparent desperation behind such an appointment.

    The official communication from the Registrar, Mal. Aminu Abba, as sighted by Nigerian Anchor, confirms the approval of Professor Ujah’s appointment for a period of one year, effective from May 19, 2024.

    As Director, Professor Ujah is expected to oversee the daily administration of the Institute, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor—an office he currently occupies.

    The letter, issued from the Office of the Registrar, states:

    “I write to convey the approval of your appointment as the Director, Institute of Maternal & Reproductive Health in the University. The appointment is for a period of one (1) year in the first instance with effect from 19th May, 2024.

    As Director, you are responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the day-to-day administration of the Institute in accordance with the provisions of the extant regulations of the University.”

     

    Read also: https://punchng.com/benue-community-youths-protest-alleged-neglect-by-varsity-management/

    This move has sparked controversy, with many questioning the ethical implications of a sitting Vice-Chancellor appointing himself to a directorial position within the same institution.

    Critics argue that this could be seen as a conflict of interest and a potential misuse of power, especially given the proximity to his retirement.

    The university community and stakeholders await further developments as the situation unfolds.

  • #EndBadGovernance: Please Protect Our Lives And Properties – APC Begs Security Operatives

    #EndBadGovernance: Please Protect Our Lives And Properties – APC Begs Security Operatives

    APC Begs Security Operatives As Protesters Target Matawalle’s Residence

    The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the attempt by some protesters to attack the residence of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in Gusau, Zamfara State.
    The party shared its concerns on Thursday via a statement by its Zamfara Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris.
    Idris said the party was disturbed by the nationwide supposed peaceful protests in the state.
    He claimed that many thugs were deployed to attack the personalities and properties of the APC members.
    Idris subsequently urged the security operatives to protect their lives and properties.
    “We observed that many thugs were strategically deployed to attack and destroy personalities and properties of the APC members.
    “It is very unfortunate that on the first day of the protests, the protesters attempted to attack the former Governor BelloMatawalle’s personal residence,” he claimed.
    Idris recalled that Matawalle’s residence was burgled in 2023 by some thugs, adding that security operatives should not allow such an ugly act to recur.
    “Luckily, the quick intervention of the security personnel who blocked the protesters from destroying the minister’s house saved the situation
    “We commend the security agencies in the state for being proactive.
    “Those political thugs, most likely implementing the directives of their leaders, would have razed down the minister’s house and property,” he explained.
    Idris claimed that the thugs also attacked the residence of Senator Sahabi Yau at his hometown of Kaura Namoda, where they destroyed many valuables and damaged his Toyota Hilux van in the name of peaceful protests.
    “We have earlier forecast the possible hijacking of the protests by the hoodlums and other miscreants in the state, which they actualised.
    “We wish to implore security agencies in the state to give our members and all well-meaning citizens the desired protection of lives and property.
    “We are calling on youths not to allow themselves to be used by bad politicians, especially as the nationwide protest is supposed to be peaceful and address concerns in the country.
    “The protest, which is a constitutional right of Nigerians, should be peaceful and without any threat to life and property,” the APC scribe added.
  • BREAKING: August 1 Protest: Protesters march to Presidential Villa

    BREAKING: August 1 Protest: Protesters march to Presidential Villa

    “We are marching to the Villa, bad governance must end”, one of the protesters angrily told DAILY POST.
    Thousands of protesters demanding a change in the economic situation in the country are marching towards the Central Business District and Presidential Villa, Abuja.
    DAILY POST reports that many of the protesters, mostly northern youths are currently marching through Berger Junction, Wuse Market towards CBD.
    “We are marching to the Villa, bad governance must end”, one of the protesters angrily told DAILY POST.
    Many government facilities around the central business District have been shut down, including Wuse market and business plazas around the district.
    Some commercial banks have also shut down their doors over fear of attacks.
  • Protesters Shot Dead In Niger State

    Protesters Shot Dead In Niger State

    The victims were said to have been killed while security operatives were struggling to dislodge a group of protesters who mounted barricade on a section of Abuja-Kaduna highway.

    At least six people have been reportedly killed while some sustained injuries in the ongoing #ENDBADGOVERNANCE protest in Suleja, Niger State.
    The victims were said to have been killed while security operatives were struggling to dislodge a group of protesters who mounted barricade on a section of Abuja-Kaduna highway.
    Daily Trust had reported how passengers and motorists were trapped on the road for hours.
    Some policemen who were around the barricade could not control the youths who outnumbered them.
    However, a reinforcement team was sent to the scene where pandemonium occurred.
    Among those killed was said to be Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was hit by a stray bullet.
    The bullet reportedly hit Isa on his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division where protesters had assembled.
    A nephew of the deceased told Daily Trust that his uncle was on his bike when the bullet fired to disperse the protesters hit him on his chest and he died on the spot.
    “He was my uncle. He was not even protesting. He was passing in front of the Police ‘A’ division where some people were protesting when stray Bullet hit him on his chest and he died. As I speak with you, I am in his house alongside other mourners. It’s unfortunate”, he said.
    Another victim was simply identified as Mallam Abu also said died on the spot.
    One of the residents who did not want his name mentioned told Daily Trust that 3 other people were shot at the same scene while 2 others were shot at the Suleja Junction on Abuja-Kaduna road but could not confirm if other victims were dead.
    Another resident who said his shop was not far from the Suleja Police “A” division said he had to close to run for his life.
    “We heard people shouting and gunshots were heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is ugly”, Bala Abdullahi, another resident.
    Spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said some hoodlums also attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze but they were dispersed by security operatives.
    “The miscreants attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze, they were dispersed by the Police and military. Kaduna road and toll gate was cleared”, he said.
    When contacted over the phone, Wasiu Abiodun, Police Public Relations Officer in Niger, said, “Let me verify and get back to you.”
    However, he had not sent his response as of the time of filing this report.