Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Why I Don’t Support Hardship Protest – Sunday Igboho

    Why I Don’t Support Hardship Protest – Sunday Igboho

    Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has kicked against the nationwide protests planned for August 1 over the hardship in the country.
    Igboho in a statement issued late last night, said: “I, Chief Sunday Igboho, am issuing this press release in response to the planned protests by some unknown and faceless individuals, who are working to disintegrate the country.
    ‘’Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assumed office on May 29, 2023, he has implemented revolutionary policies, which his predecessors lacked the political will to pursue.
    ‘’These bold steps have, unsurprisingly, unsettled those who believe it is their birth right to rule Nigeria. And in response, there have been attempts to undermine his administration, particularly on social media, with the aim of creating discord between the government and the people.
    ‘’Recently, we have become aware of notices from unknown individuals threatening ’10 days of rage’, beginning August 1, 2024, under the slogan ‘Tinubu Must Go!’
    ‘’While the right to peaceful protest is enshrined in our constitution, it does not extend to calls for an unconstitutional regime change. It is worth noting that during President Buhari’s eight-year tenure, there were no such protests for regime change from the Southwest, even when our people faced oppression and atrocities by Fulani terrorists.
    ‘’Our protests were focused on protecting our communities, not on destabilizing the country.
    The Yoruba Nation Movement and I firmly declare that we will not participate in any protest aimed at using the Southwest as a battleground for political upheaval.
    ‘’We stand resolute in our belief that the Yoruba nation will not be a launchpad for disintegrating Nigeria. We recognize that economic hardship is a global phenomenon, not unique to Nigeria.
    ‘’Since my release from the unjust detention orchestrated by former President Buhari and his then attorney general of federation, Abubakar Malami, I have traveled extensively across Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, and North America.
    ‘’Everywhere, people are facing challenges, and governments are implementing palliatives to alleviate these hardships. In Nigeria, PBAT’s government has introduced measures to reduce food prices and increased the minimum wage from ¦ 30,000 to ¦ 70,000, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of the working populace.
    ‘’Let us be clear: the protest is politically motivated. We call on all Yoruba people and well-meaning Nigerians to reject this movement. The Yoruba Nation unequivocally opposes any such protests.
    ‘’Like President Buhari, President Tinubu must be allowed to complete his term in office. The path to change lies in democratic processes—through the ballot box or a referendum. Those who seek change must wait until the next elections in 2027.
    ‘’We urge our members and the broader community to resist any temptation to participate in these protests, as they do not serve the interests of the Yoruba people or the nation as a whole.
    ‘’We also issue a strong and unequivocal warning that we will firmly resist any individuals or groups attempting to instigate violence under the guise of these protests. They are strictly warned to stay off the streets across Yorubaland on the designated protest days and in the future. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.’’
  • Confusion As Wike’s Office Refuses Protest Organiser’s Letter Requesting Use Of Eagle Square

    Confusion As Wike’s Office Refuses Protest Organiser’s Letter Requesting Use Of Eagle Square

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stirred controversy by refusing to acknowledge a formal request from the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, a key organizer of the upcoming nationwide protests.
    The Take-It-Back group had written to Wike, seeking permission to use Eagle Square in Abuja from August 1 to 10, 2024, for the demonstrations.
    The letter, signed by Damilare Adenola, the Director of Mobilization for TIB in Abuja, emphasized the necessity of having round-the-clock access to the venue during the protests.
    Despite this, Wike asserted at a town hall meeting with critical FCT stakeholders on Saturday that his office had not received any such letter.
    “No letter was sent to my office requesting to use Eagle Square for the demonstration,” Wike claimed.
    This denial has led to accusations from Adenola, who suggested that the issue could stem from either bureaucratic delays or Wike’s unwillingness to admit receipt of the letter.
    Adding to the dispute, a source disclosed to SaharaReporters on Monday that “Wike’s office refused to acknowledge TIB’s letter requesting use of Eagle Square.”
    This revelation casts doubt on the minister’s earlier statements and has intensified the debate surrounding the protests.
    In a move seen as an attempt to suppress the planned demonstrations, Wike encouraged residents to disregard the protests and instead participate in celebrations with traditional rulers receiving their certificates on August 1.
    He also dismissed the protesters as “faceless,” a characterization that has provoked a strong response from the organizers.
    Adenola, speaking in an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, described Wike’s label of “faceless” as a “double insult,” highlighting that the protest leaders are “hungry Nigerians” and “unemployed Nigerians roaming the streets.”
    He stressed, “The greatest motivation of this #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest is hunger.”
    Adenola also clarified that the protest’s demands were formulated through democratic discussions among young Nigerians, reflecting their widespread frustrations.
    He emphasized that the Take It Back Movement is part of a larger coalition, not the sole organizer of the protests.
    “Take It Back is one of the organizers of this protest, but not the only organizer,” he stated, underscoring that the leadership of the protest comes from the collective will of the Nigerian people, not just a single entity.
  • Man Stripped Of Traditional Title For Supporting Nationwide Protests

    Man Stripped Of Traditional Title For Supporting Nationwide Protests

    The District Head of Bosso in Minna Emirate Council in Niger State, Alhaji Mu’azu Adamu Laka Bosso, has relieved one Abdulahi Isah, aka Biodun, of the title: Wakilin Matasan Bosso.
    According to Daily Trust, the traditional title holder was reportedly dismissed for supporting the planned nationwide protests.
    In a letter titled: “Letter of dismissal”, Mu’azu, who did not give the reason for the sack, said: “I hereby write to inform you that you have been dismissed from your title as Youth Leader of Bosso (Wakilin Matasan Bosso) with immediate effect from 28/07/2024. You should no longer call yourself as Youth Leader of Bosso.”
    However, speaking in an interview Tsalle Daya, a Hausa programme on Prestige, the district head said that Biodun was stripped of his title for declaring support for the forthcoming nationwide protest over hardship.
    The district head was cited as saying his domain would not condone any act that would lead to breakdown of law and order.
  • How Thousands Of Dollars Are Flown Out Of Nigeria Every Hour – INTERPOL

    How Thousands Of Dollars Are Flown Out Of Nigeria Every Hour – INTERPOL

    Massive looting of the Nigerian national treasury continues unabated as the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has revealed that “hundreds of thousands of dollars” are being laundered out of Nigeria every hour, reaching other African countries and locations worldwide.
    INTERPOL Vice President for Africa, Garba Baba Umar, made this disclosure at the EFCC Academy in Abuja while inaugurating a four-day workshop for Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
    He emphasized the monstrous scale of money laundering across Africa and the globe, calling for enhanced collaboration among security agencies to combat the menace.
    To tackle the scourge of money laundering and illicit financial flows, Umar announced the launch of “Silver Notices Against Money Laundering.”
    This initiative aims to make it significantly more challenging for criminals to launder illicit funds worldwide, especially within Africa.
    “Evidence has shown that every hour, hundreds of thousands of dollars are flowing out of Nigeria to the region and across the world, laundered before it reaches the pockets of criminals to enjoy the profits of their crimes, while the hardworking and honest Nigerians pay the price of crime,” Umar stated.
    The workshop, themed “Strengthening Capacity and Coordination against Financial Crimes,” aims to reassess current strategies and reaffirm the commitment to providing security.
    Umar stressed the importance of regular training for law enforcement to stay ahead of transnational financial crimes.
    The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, represented by Francis Usani, Director of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control, highlighted the necessity of collaboration in fighting corruption.
    Olukoyede emphasized that the complex nature of global corruption can only be addressed through the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
    Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, praised the workshop as a crucial joint initiative between Japan and Nigeria to combat financial crimes.
    He stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing financial crimes that transcend borders.
    The Director-General of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Bakare, underscored the significance of financial intelligence and analysis techniques in tackling economic crimes.
    She noted the interconnected nature of the criminal justice system and the threats posed by organized cybercrimes.
  • Keyamo orders suspension of 800% planned navigation charges on Airlines

    Keyamo orders suspension of 800% planned navigation charges on Airlines

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has approved the suspension of the planned 800 percent increase in navigational charges by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA.
    Abdullahi Musa, the spokesperson for the agency, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
    He explained that the suspension was on the grounds of what the Minister, Keyamo described as “current economic challenges faced by Nigerians”.
    According to him, Keyamo stressed the need for further consultation before implementing any changes.
    Earlier, it was reported that the NAMA boss, Umar Farouk blamed the planned hike on the significant economic pressures faced by the aviation industry, exacerbated by global economic volatility, fuel price hike, and currency instability.
    He proposed to increase NAMA’s fees by 800 percent from September 1, 2024.
  • Planned Protest: FG Issues Safety Directive To Universities

    Planned Protest: FG Issues Safety Directive To Universities

    The Federal Ministry of Education has directed all Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities to ensure the safety of staff, students, and public infrastructure amid the planned national protest scheduled for August 1.

    In a circular released through the National Universities Commission (NUC), signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Dr Chris Maiyaki, the ministry acknowledged the right of citizens to protest but expressed concerns about potential violence.

    The circular, issued on Monday morning, urged university authorities to take proactive measures to secure their campuses.

    The circular is titled: “Urgent Arrangements for the Security and Safety of University Staff, Students and Property During the Proposed Nationwide Protests”, emanated from the directive of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman

    It reads, “The Minister of Education has directed that the attention of Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protests. The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerian to peaceful protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students and university property should there be any protest action.

    “Consequently, the Honourable Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.

    “In addition, Vice-Chancellors are to please issue specific statements to assure staff and students of their safety.

    “It is also advisable that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits so as to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests.

    “Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes”.

  • Afenifere rejects Supreme Court Ruling On LG Autonomy 

    Afenifere rejects Supreme Court Ruling On LG Autonomy 

    The Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, has faulted the Supreme Court verdict that granted fiscal autonomy to local government areas.

    It lamented that the Apex Court verdict has “done incalculable injury to the Nigerian state.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the leader of the group, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and it’s National Publicity Secretary Prince Justice Faloye, made available to newsmen in Akure, the state capital.

    It’s entitled ” Tinubu and the Grand Conspiracy Against Democracy and True Federalism in Nigeria.

    The statement declared that ” Afenifere views the judgment of the Supreme Court in the case filed by the Federal Government on the so-called Local Government autonomy as sheer judicial conspiracy in cahoots with the Tinubu administration against the Nigerian state and its foundational principles of federalism.

    Rather than interpret the constitution to uphold its elementary but overriding federal principle which recognises only a two-tier federal structure of the central government and federating states, the Supreme Court played to the gallery and wittingly allowed itself a most retrogessive declaration that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.

    For the avoidance of any doubt, Afenifere makes bold to say that in line with its negotiated basis of existence, Nigeria is a “Federation consisting of States and a Federal Capital Territory”. as affirmed by Section 2 (2) of the 1999 constitution.

    While Afenifere frowns at corruption and misuse of public funds at levels of government, it condemns in most unmistaken terms the subjugation of the states and its constitutional roles including the Local Government system to the whims and caprices of the federal government by any means including obvious manipulation of the federation account as in the present case.

    The 1999 constitution, which in spite of its flaws, gives life and power to the Supreme Court provides in Section 162 and particularly subsection (6) that “each state shall maintain a special account to be called “State Joint Local Government Account” into which shall be paid all allocations to the local government councils of the state from the Federation Account and from the Government of the state”.

    “Against this unambiguous provision the Supreme Court held that “demands of justice requires a progressive interpretation of the law.

    ”It is the position of this court that the federation can pay Local Government allocations to the Local Government directly or pay them through the states.

    ”In this case, since paying them through states has not worked, justice of this case demands that Local Government allocations from the federation account should henceforth be paid directly to the Local Governments .

    ”Contrary to this invented alternative routes, Section 162 of the Constitution is not ambivalent about the process and route through which “all allocations to the local government councils of the state from the Federation Account and from the Government of the state” shall become payable to the Councils.

    ‘In other words, the interpretation does not require a voyage into jurisprudential sophistry leading to the absurdity of deliberate judicial amendment of the grundnorm.

    “By wittingly or inadvertently equating the Nigerian Federation with the Federal Government in the erroneous belief that both expressions are used interchangeably, such that the President may withold funds to the credit of the Local Governments from the Federation Account, under the guise of having no democratically elected officials, which is obviously subject to the interpretation by the Federal Government.

    ”The apex court has not only done incalculable injury to the Nigerian state, it has lent itself to setting aside its precedent in the hallowed judgment against the President Obasanjo administration withholding funds to the credit of Local Governments in Lagos State even when the Supreme Court said so.

  • Presidency Reacts To Supreme Court Ruling On Local Government Autonomy

    Presidency Reacts To Supreme Court Ruling On Local Government Autonomy

    The presidency has reacted to Thursday’s victory against 36 state governors at the Supreme Court on local government autonomy.

    The Supreme Court ruled that all federal allocations for local government councils should be paid directly into their accounts.

    In Nigeria, most states operate a joint account with local governments, Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of justices, said local government allocation should be paid directly to a separate account belonging to each local government.

    The federal government through the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) approached the Supreme Court, in a suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, and sought that 36 governors of the federation grant full autonomy to the 774 local governments.

    Giving details of federal government’s prayer in the suit, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his X handle on Thursday, wrote, “The details of the Supreme Court ruling giving 774 local councils financial autonomy

    “The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that all federal funds for local government councils should be paid directly into their accounts.

    “Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of justices, delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the federal government against the 36 state governors.

    “According to the judgment, henceforth, no more payments of local government area allocations will be made to state government accounts. The court also prohibited the governors from receiving, tampering with, or withholding funds meant for local governments.

    “Furthermore, the court barred the governors from dissolving democratically elected officials for local governments and deemed such actions a breach of the 1999 Constitution.

    “The federal government had approached the Supreme Court with a suit seeking to compel the governors of the 36 federating states to grant full autonomy to local governments in their domains. The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government.

    “The Federal Government accused the state governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power in its suit, which was based on 27 grounds. In the originating summons, the FG prayed the Supreme Court to make an order stating that funds standing to the credit of local governments from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the local governments rather than through the state governments.

    “The justice minister also requested an order restraining governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is in place in the states.

    “Finally, the Federal Government sought an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments, contrary to the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.”

  • Buhari’s Minister Of Power, Sale Mamman Collapses In Court

    Buhari’s Minister Of Power, Sale Mamman Collapses In Court

    The trial of Saleh Mamman, who served as the Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was postponed on Thursday after he fainted just outside the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Mamman, who was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning for his trial, fainted before the proceedings began.

    The lawyer for Mamman, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho right after the trial was announced that Mamman needed to take his plea.

    When the trial resumed, the former minister entered the courtroom and took his place on the dock, with some of his clothing already soaked.

    Justice Omotosho then inquired about Mamman’s condition, asking if he was overheating or if it was raining outside.

    Mamman, from his position on the dock, replied that he had been drenched with water.

    The lawyer for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, while speaking in court, mentioned that the trial for Mamman had been scheduled, but there was an unexpected incident outside the courtroom.

    Olumide-Fusika explained that he had a conversation with Ate outside the courtroom regarding Mamman’s health issues.

    “I was informed of an incident outside. I will want my learned senior advocate to tell the honourable court himself,” he said.

    Addressing journalists on Thursday morning, Ate said Mamman, “Upon being brought into the premises of the court, he collapsed and had to be resuscitated and treated by the medical personnel of the Federal High Court.”

    Ate stressed that his client (Mamman), was served with the charge after he was resuscitated.

    “He was served this morning,” he added.

    The senior lawyer requested a delay in proceedings from Olumide-Fusika to ensure the arraignment could take place on Monday, when his client would be in a better state.

    However, the judge informed them that the court was so busy with cases that the arraignment could only be rescheduled for the end of September.

    Following this, Olumide-Fusika decided to cancel the request for a delay.

    Olumide-Fusika mentioned that he had corrected a typo in the defendant’s name earlier that morning and asked the court to inform Mamman of the updated charge, hoping he would give his plea. However, Justice Omotosho opposed this request.

    The judge then inquired if Mamman was capable of giving his plea today, to which he replied in the affirmative.

    The former minister explained to the court that he fainted outside the courtroom due to not eating and the effects of the drugs he had taken. While waiting outside, his blood pressure dropped.

    Mamman, on the other hand, stated that he was in good health and ready to proceed with the arraignment.

    “It can happen to anyone,” the judge said.

    The former minister stated to the judge that he notified his attorney about the mistake the EFCC made regarding the name included in the arrest warrant they presented to him.

    “I was complaining about the name, that it was not my own,” he said.

    However, Justice Omotosho then stepped down the arraignment until 1 pm today.

  • BREAKING: Ondo NLC gets New Chairman

    BREAKING: Ondo NLC gets New Chairman

    The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has elected Comrade Olapade Ademola as the Chairman of the Congress.

    Comrade (Prince) Ademola is equally the State Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU).

    Members of the State Executive Council (SEC) of the Congress spreading across 22 affiliate unions took the decision at a special meeting held at the State NLC Secretariat at Alagbaka Akure today Thursday 11th July, 2024.

    The position of the NLC Chairman became vacant last month following the retirement of the former occupant, Comrade Victor Oladele Amoko.

    During the meeting presided over by the NLC Vice Chairperson, Comrade (Mrs) Busola Adewumi, the SEC members numbering 41, unanimously empowered Comrade Ademola to henceforth act as the Chairman of the NLC in the state in line with Article 11 of the Congress’ Constitution.

    The SEC-in-Session also approved Comrade Akin Sunday as the substantive State Secretary of NLC.

    In an acceptance speech, Comrade Ademola Olapade who appreciated the determination and doggedness of the SEC members in enthroning leadership for the Congress, vowed that he would work for enhanced welfare packages for workers in Ondo State.

    The NLC Acting Chairman who commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment towards improving welfare of the state workers and pensioners since he assumed, described the recent payment of gratuities to primary school teachers and local government workers who retired since 2012 as heart warming.

    Ademola said “I want to appreciate the SEC members of Ondo state Nigeria Labor Congress for giving me the privilege and power to pilot the leadership of the Congress, I’m very happy about it and it is a big task and i pray that Almighty God should help me to do the needful.

    “Workers should be expecting something better in terms of improved salary, pension, promotion and training. For that reason, I want to appreciate the state Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the area of wage award to the tertiary institutions, government should not relent, they should continue the payment and then should please review upwardly that of the workers of Ondo state too because base on the economic factor.”

    Ademola also called on government to approve labour demand on the new minimum wage for better welfare of Nigerian workers.