Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • My dad collapsed after DSS forced him to trek – late Iwuanyanwu’s son

    My dad collapsed after DSS forced him to trek – late Iwuanyanwu’s son

    Jide, son of the deceased Elder statesman and leader of OHANAEZE NDIGBO, Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has narrated how his father slumped upon his return from the DSS Headquarters, after he was forced to trek long distance while he went visiting IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu

    Jide Iwuanyanwu, son of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has shared details about his father’s final trip before his passing.

    The former President-General of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo died at 82 on July 24, 2024, and was buried on November 2, 2024.

    Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Jide expressed gratitude to the government for their support during the funeral.

    He revealed that his father’s last journey was to Abuja, where he visited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    During the visit, security operatives at the DSS headquarters prevented Chief Iwuanyanwu from being driven into the premises, requiring him to walk instead.

    “While at the DSS headquarters in Abuja where Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being held, the security operatives at the gate denied him from being driven into the premises. They said the only condition for him to achieve his mission there was for him to walk down and he obliged,” Jide said.

    After returning home, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away.

    Jide urged the government to fulfill his father’s final wish by releasing Kanu, believing it would restore peace, boost business, end the Monday sit-at-home protests, and improve the situation in the South East.

    He also thanked Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for engaging with his late father on issues such as Kanu’s release and the South East Development Commission.

    While appreciating President Tinubu for approving the commission, Jide called on him to grant Kanu’s release as a tribute to his father’s legacy.

  • Rivers LG: S/Court reserves ruling on suit seeking sack of Chairmen 

    Rivers LG: S/Court reserves ruling on suit seeking sack of Chairmen 

    The Supreme Court has postponed its decision on an appeal challenging the validity of the local government elections in Rivers State, held on October 5, 2024.

     The All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking to overturn the results of the polls.  

    A five-member panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, concluded the hearing after all parties presented their final arguments. 

    The APC’s lawyer, J.B. Daudu, asked the court to nullify the election, while Governor Siminalaye Fubara’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali, and Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s (RSIEC) counsel, Chris Uche, defended the poll’s legitimacy.  

    Earlier, the Court of Appeal had overturned a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had halted the elections.

     The appellate court stated that the lower court had no jurisdiction over the matter, as state elections are not covered under Section 28 of the Electoral Act.  

    The initial ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing a voter register for the election, citing non-compliance with legal requirements. 

    The court also criticized RSIEC for failing to issue the mandatory 90-day election notice.  

    With the Supreme Court set to decide, the fate of the Rivers LG election remains uncertain.

  • Egbetokun Assigns New Leaders for SIS, Marine Unit

    Egbetokun Assigns New Leaders for SIS, Marine Unit

    Kayode Egbetokun, IG of Police has appointed Abayomi Shogunle as the head of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Chima Ogarashi as the Force Marine Officer (FMO).

    The decision aims to strengthen security operations and tackle crime, especially along the country’s waterways. 

    The announcement was made on Friday, February 7, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

    Shogunle, an experienced officer in operations and public relations, will also oversee Elections Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, as well as the Safe School Protection Squad. 

    Ogarashi will manage maritime security, ensuring effective enforcement of maritime laws.

    These appointments coincide with the launch of 25 newly acquired gunboats, along with plans to obtain more equipment to boost security on the waterways. 

    The move is part of the Nigeria Police’s efforts to enhance safety and protect lives and property across the country.

  • N3 Billion fraud: ICPC arrests NSCDC officer, ex-naval chief

    N3 Billion fraud: ICPC arrests NSCDC officer, ex-naval chief

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Adam Imam Yusuf, a Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, for allegedly diverting over N3 billion public fund.

    Yusuf, who had been on the run, was caught at his home in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

    Information available to Nigerian Anchor indicate that Yusuf and his co-travelers will soon be charged to court.

    Investigations by ICPC linked former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (rtd.), and former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum (rtd.) to the case. 

    The funds were allegedly misused through 92 unregistered companies.

    Some of the diverted money was traced to Lahab Integrated, Gate Coast Properties, and other firms.

     These funds were reportedly used to acquire more than 18 properties, including filling stations.

    So far, four of these properties have been seized by the government, while legal action continues on the rest.

    ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed the arrests in Abuja and said efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects still at large.

  • Protest Hits Lokoja Teaching Hospital as 272 Doctors Resign

    Protest Hits Lokoja Teaching Hospital as 272 Doctors Resign

    Turbulence in the nation’s Ivory Towers has hit the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja as doctors took to the streets on Friday to protest poor working conditions, leading to the resignation of 272 doctors. 

    The hospital’s doctor count has fallen from 315 to just 43, according to Dr. Olushola Baoku, the former Chairman of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD).

    READ ALSO: Federal polytechnic Abuja named after Tinubu

     The protestors are calling on President Bola Tinubu and Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate to address the situation before the hospital faces a complete breakdown.

    Baoku described the hospital as being poorly managed under the leadership of Dr. Olatunde Alabi, the Chief Medical Director (CMD). 

    He pointed out issues such as short-term contracts, no pensions, no hazard allowances, and faulty medical equipment.

     The hospital is unable to handle emergencies, which led to the death of a staff member due to power failures.

    The protestors also demanded the return of their suspended president, Dr. Jimoh Umar. Despite an order from the Ministry of Health in December 2024 for his reinstatement, Dr. Alabi has not complied. 

    The doctors have pledged to continue their protests until the government addresses their demands.

  • Nigeria to build more dams for water supply and agriculture

    Nigeria to build more dams for water supply and agriculture

    The federal government is set to construct more dams across the country to improve water storage, prevent flooding, and support food production through irrigation.

    The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, shared this update during a meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    At the 31st Regular Meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation, themed Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change, Utsev explained that irrigation is key to food production, job creation, and poverty reduction.

    New irrigation projects have been approved in several states, including Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo. The government is also conducting safety assessments on existing dams, following a major flood in Maiduguri last year. Efforts are ongoing to complete Mangu Dam in Plateau State and Ogbesse Dam in Ekiti State by 2025.

    READ ALSO: Abia increases salaries of traditional rulers

    The Ministry has completed 44 water supply projects and is working on 64 more, funded by the African Development Bank. Additionally, 113 water supply contracts are in progress, with plans to finalize the Asaba and Umuahia National Water Quality Reference Laboratories.

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom urged the federal government to reactivate the abandoned Nkari and Ibiono Ibom dams to support agriculture and economic growth in the state. He pledged N200 million to support irrigation projects and expressed readiness to collaborate with the federal government and development partners.

    The event included an inspection of exhibition stands and a keynote address on securing Nigeria’s future through better water management.

  • Appeal Court affirms IPOB as a terrorist organisation

    Appeal Court affirms IPOB as a terrorist organisation

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the decision to label the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organization.

     The court, in a unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel led by Justice Hamma Barka, supported the Federal High Court’s 2017 judgment that banned the group.

     The court agreed that the Federal Government acted within the law due to the threat IPOB posed to national security.

     The court dismissed IPOB’s appeal, stating it lacked merit. 

    The IPOB’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chukwuma-Machukwu Umeh, had argued that the proscription was unlawful and misrepresented facts, claiming it unjustly labeled millions of Igbo Nigerians as terrorists.

     Despite this, the appeal was rejected, reinforcing the Federal High Court’s earlier ruling that prohibited IPOB’s activities, especially in the South-East and South-South regions.

  • Max Air Suspended for Three Months After Kano Incident

    Max Air Suspended for Three Months After Kano Incident

    Max Air has been slammed with three months grounding following an incident on January 28, 2025 at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

    In the incident the plane lost its landing tyre as it burst into fames during landing.

     The Boeing 737, with 53 passengers aboard, was safely evacuated, and the airport reopened by 8:00 AM the next day.

     This marks the third safety issue for Max Air in recent months.

    READ ALSO: Muslims tasked to watch out for Sha’aban moon on Wednesday

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the suspension of the airline’s domestic flights starting January 31, 2025, to allow for internal reviews.

     During this period, the NCAA will also conduct an audit of Max Air’s safety and financial operations. 

    The airline will resume operations only after passing the necessary evaluations. 

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an inquiry into the incident, though the exact cause remains unclear until the investigation is completed. 

    The NCAA has assured the public that passenger safety remains the top priority, and the suspension will help address ongoing concerns.

  • Labour Party Rejects Bribery Claim, Challenges Atiku for Proof

    Labour Party Rejects Bribery Claim, Challenges Atiku for Proof

    The Labour Party (LP) has denied receiving a N50 million bribe from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as alleged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. 

    The party said it has no knowledge of such payments and has never accepted money from any external source.

    LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh stated in Abuja that the party was surprised by Atiku’s claim.

     He criticized the former vice president for making the allegation without providing evidence, calling it reckless and unfair to opposition parties.

    READ ALSO: FG gives 10 companies 25-year gas distribution licenses

    Atiku made the claim during a national conference on democracy in Abuja, accusing the APC of offering financial inducements to weaken the opposition.

     In response, LP insisted it operates on internally generated funds and remains committed to its principles despite challenges.

    The party urged Atiku to back his statement with proof, warning that unverified claims could mislead the public and harm democratic opposition.

     LP also emphasized that a strong opposition is essential for democracy and should not be undermined by baseless accusations.

  • Chaos at PDP headquarters as thugs disrupt BoT meeting

    Chaos at PDP headquarters as thugs disrupt BoT meeting

    A violent scene erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday when suspected thugs stormed in and disrupted a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting.

    The disruption led to panic among party members present.

    The meeting, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, had key figures in attendance, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye.

    Tensions escalated between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye, both contesting for the PDP National Secretary position. Ude-Okoye arrived early but was later forced out after Anyanwu entered with Damagum.

    The conflict stems from a leadership dispute within the party.

    In 2023, PDP’s South East zone nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had contested in the Imo State governorship election.

    A High Court ruling in December 2024 removed Anyanwu from the position, declaring Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary.

    However, a recent Court of Appeal order allowed Anyanwu to stay in office until the Supreme Court decides on the matter.