Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • APC South-South Region Urges Tinubu to Contest Again In 2027

    APC South-South Region Urges Tinubu to Contest Again In 2027

    The All Progressive Party (APC) in the South-South region has called on President Bola Tinubu to re-contest for the office of the president in the 2027 election. 

    This was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the APC Congress South-South Zonal Executive after a meeting in Calabar, Cross Rivers, on Sunday.

    It commended Tinubu for his policies, projects, and programmes, adding that the economic reforms were targeted at repositioning the country.

    The committee reaffirmed its unwavering support for the policies and programs of the Tinubu administration in areas of good governance, economic reforms, national security, and infrastructural development.

    Tinubu had on May 29, 2023, declared an end to petrol subsidies, a move that saw Nigeria’s headline inflation rising to 33.95 per cent in May, according to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The data revealed that on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.54 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in May 2023, which was 22.41 per cent.

    The NBS report also revealed that the Food inflation rate in May 2024 was 40.66% on a year-on-year basis, which was 15.84 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in May 2023 (24.82 per cent).

    Despite the rising inflation rate, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has also implemented several money-tightening policies which have been criticised by the World Bank. Different tax policies to increase revenue have also been put in place by the apex bank.

    As if the inflation was not enough, the Federal Government is currently battling the duo of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, on a new minimum wage. FG has insisted on N62,000 despite rejection by labour.

    But the committee has expressed optimism with Tinubu’s reforms and also commended the president for his commitment to the coastal road project, and the commencement of the construction from both ends of the project.

    The committee said it has resolved to set up a reconciliation committee in the South-South region, to be headed by the Coordinator of the South-South geo-political zone, Senator Bassey Otu.

    The communiqué said the move is to bridge any existing gap, foster collaboration, and work towards a common goal of strengthening the party’s presence and influence in the region.

    It also resolved to mobilise available party assets towards winning more states; particularly using the forthcoming elections in Edo State as a test case.

    “Resolves to mobilise efforts towards the e-registration program of the All Progressives Congress by creating the required awareness to engender inclusivity, participation, and ownership of the party,” the communiqué added.

    It also passed a vote of confidence on the President of the Senate, Sen (Dr) Godswill Akpabio, as the Leader of the APC in the zone, and on Victor Giadom and the zonal executive members of the party.

    The meeting concluded with a call to action for all party members, to actively participate in the re-building and strengthening of the APC in the zone.

  • South-East Govs, Igbo Leaders Plot To Keep Nnamdi Kanu Detained Untill 2027 – Ohanaeze Alleges

    South-East Govs, Igbo Leaders Plot To Keep Nnamdi Kanu Detained Untill 2027 – Ohanaeze Alleges

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has accused South-east governors, Igbo leaders, and National Assembly members of conspiring to extend the detention of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until 2027.

    In a statement issued by the factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization blamed the South-east governors for the deteriorating security situation in the zone.

    The organization stated that the Southeast governors and certain Igbo leaders had not provided the essential assurances required to explore political resolutions for the release of Kanu.

    The body expressed disappointment that certain South-east governors and Igbo leaders merely took photos with Kanu at the DSS facility rather than actively seeking political solutions for his release.

    The statement partly read, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo decries and brings to light the plots by South-east governors, Igbo elders, and National Assembly members to prolong Nnamdi Kanu’s detention until 2027.

    “The failure of some South-east governors to utilise their political ties to advocate for Kanu’s release is regrettable and underscores self-interest over communal welfare.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscores the crucial need for unity and cooperation among South-east governors and esteemed Igbo personalities, such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Pa Ebitu Ukiwe, Sen. Ike Nwachukwu, and others, in providing the federal government with assurances regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s future conduct post-release.

    “Regrettably, it appears some South-east governors and Igbo elite have chosen to exploit Nnamdi Kanu’s detention for personal gain, political bargaining, and the pursuit of political relevance.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo expresses deep concern over the behaviour of South-east governors, senators, representatives, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other prominent Igbo figures who prioritise visits to Kanu in detention over seeking his release and addressing the pressing security challenges in our region.

    “It is paramount for Ndigbo to hold South-east governors, Igbo elders, National Assembly members, and traditional rulers accountable for the extended detention of Nnamdi Kanu, and refrain from laying blame on the federal government or President Tinubu.

    “The federal government awaits a united stance and commitments from the Igbo community to facilitate a potential release of Nnamdi Kanu.”

    Isiguzoro called on all stakeholders in the South-east to put aside personal ambitions and unite in the effort to secure Kanu’s release and address the security challenges in the region.

  • Why My Brother Is Not Fit To Be The President Of Nigeria – MKO Abiola’s Son, Abdul

    Why My Brother Is Not Fit To Be The President Of Nigeria – MKO Abiola’s Son, Abdul

    Abdul, one of the sons of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO Abiola), has claimed that his elder brother, Kola is not fit to be the president of Nigeria.

    Like his father, Kola contested for the presidency on the platform of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2023 elections.

    However, Abdul stated that Kola failed in his duty to manage Abiola’s empire.

    He lamented over his brother’s failure to sustain Abiola’s political legacy and unite the family.

    Abdul stated this while speaking on Seun Okinbaloye’s Podcast, Mic On.

    According to him, “MKO Abiola’s legacy would have been properly sustained if Kola was in a better position and could have been a voice of better democratic values, but he chose not to.

    “During the time my father was still in jail, he was having a relationship with Babangida’s daughter. It’s sad, but I’m a little pleased that my father didn’t come out to see what his first son has turned out to become.

    “I’m unhappy with him, and even Nigerians are unhappy. You can see how many people voted for him when he campaigned for the presidency. I wondered how he thought he could be president when he could not manage Abiola’s empire. How will he manage Nigeria?

    “This is the problem in Nigeria: people are not showing capacity in their own little sphere of work but want a higher position.”

  • Again, ASUU Rejects New University Governing Councils

    Again, ASUU Rejects New University Governing Councils

    The ding-dong between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the appointment of Governing Councils continues as the latter voiced disappointment regarding the composition of the new membership of the governing councils for federal universities.

    ASUU’s national president, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed these concerns in a recent interview with the Nigerian Tribune, highlighting a worrying trend in the appointment process.

    According to Prof Osodeke, the new list of council members is dominated by retired politicians rather than experts in academia or relevant fields.

    “Most of them are retired politicians. They are honourable this and honourable that,” Osodeke remarked, questioning the suitability of such appointments for the strategic development of higher education institutions in the country.

    Prof Osodeke further criticized the new list as being worse than its predecessor, indicating a regression rather than progress in the appointment policies.

    “Go and look at the list again, you will see that most of them are retired politicians. That is how terrible the thing has become,” he lamented.

    ASUU also raised issues beyond the qualifications of the appointed individuals. The union pointed out that the formation of new councils was procedurally flawed and possibly illegal.

    The Federal Government had dissolved the previous councils over ten months ago before their tenures had expired, contrary to the stipulations of the University Act.

    ASUU argued that these members should have been allowed to complete their terms instead of assembling a new council, which seems to overlook legal frameworks.

    The union emphasized that university education should not be subject to partisan politics if Nigeria aspires to achieve real educational quality that can lead to economic prosperity.

    “We can’t run our universities like this if we truly want genuine development to take place,” Prof Osodeke stated, urging a reevaluation of how university councils are constituted.

  • BREAKING: Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rises to 33.95%

    BREAKING: Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rises to 33.95%

    Nigeria’s annual inflation rate climbed to 33.95 per cent in May 2024, up from 33.69 per cent recorded in April, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This increase marks a rise of 0.26 percentage points month-on-month.

    Compared to May 2023, when the inflation rate stood at 22.41 per cent, the current figure reflects a significant year-on-year increase of 11.54 percentage points, illustrating a sharp uptick in inflationary pressures over the past year.

    On a month-on-month basis, the NBS reported that inflation for May 2024 was 2.14 per cent, slightly lower than the 2.29 per cent recorded in April 2024.

    This indicates a moderated pace of increase in the average price level compared to the previous month.

    In terms of food prices, the inflation rate accelerated to 40.66 per cent year-on-year in May 2024, marking an increase of 15.84 percentage points from May 2023, when it was 24.82 per cent.

    The sharp rise in food inflation highlights continued challenges in food affordability and accessibility across Nigeria.

  • Minimum Wage : Senate Deny Plan To Seize States, LGs Funds

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, has categorically denied recent speculations suggesting that the National Assembly’s Upper Chamber is considering a clause to seize funds from states and local councils in the forthcoming New Minimum Wage Bill proposed by the Executive.

    The controversy began after a report by a national daily, claimed that federal lawmakers were contemplating the inclusion of a controversial clause that would allow for the seizure of funds when the bill is introduced in the Senate.

    This report has since sparked widespread discussions and concerns among stakeholders.

    In response to these claims, Yemi Adaramodu issued a formal statement from Abuja on Saturday, dismissing the allegations as entirely unfounded.

    Adaramodu said, “Mr. President in his national broadcast on Democracy Day only informed Nigerians that he would soon send the New Minimum Wage Bill to us.

    “No one among us, not even the Senate President, knows the content of the Bill. How can we take a position on a document that we haven’t even sighted?

    “During my interface with some journalists, who approached me for an interview as part of activities to mark the one year anniversary of the 10th National Assembly, I did not at any point, state that the allocations belonging to States and Local Governments will be seized.

    “Nigeria is a federation, with sub-national governments that are autonomous. The misleading headline by The Punch Newspaper that allocations belonging to States and local councils will be seized is false and should be disregarded.

    “We are still awaiting the Executive Bill and once we have it, it will go through all Legislative stages and once this is done and it receives Presidential assent, it becomes law. And it is law that can specify sanction, not the National Assembly.

    “My interview was well reported today in the national dailies. It was not exclusive to The Punch. Other newspapers reflected adequately what I said. Why did Punch choose to misrepresent me?”

  • ‘I Have Lost My Respect For Finidi George’ – Victor Osimhen Says As He Curses Critics 

    ‘I Have Lost My Respect For Finidi George’ – Victor Osimhen Says As He Curses Critics 

    Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen, has taken to Instagram Live to blast the team’s head coach, Finidi George, for singling him out for criticism.

    Finidi George, who has reportedly resigned from his role as Super Eagles coach barely two months after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), appointed him, invited Victor Osimhen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

    Unfortunately, Osimhen pulled out of the must-win qualifiers because he was battling a muscle injury.

    In his absence, the Super Eagles drew 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo and went on to lose 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan.

    These two unexpected results have pushed the Super Eagles to the 5th spot out of 6 teams in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They are currently four points below first-placed Rwanda, second-placed South Africa, and third-placed Benin Republic.

    When coach Finidi George was asked why Victor Osimhen wasn’t in his squad for the qualifiers, the former Enyimba of Aba head coach reportedly said he wouldn’t beg the 25-year-old Napoli striker to play for the national team.

    This statement didn’t sit well with the reigning Africa Player Of The Year winner. Hence, he took to his Instagram Live session to share his side of the story.

    In the Instagram Live session, Osimhen stressed that he had evidence to prove that he had explained to George that he was injured and even requested to be in the camp with the national team to motivate his teammates.

    He said the coach refused to grant him the request and urged the football star to stay with his family.

    Osimhen further blasts his critics, especially those doubting his commitment to the Super Eagles, saying: “Eni kure, ogun kee anybody wey doubt my commitment.”

  • Why We Halted Durbar Activities – Ado Bayero 

    Why We Halted Durbar Activities – Ado Bayero 

    The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the occasion of Sallah festivities.

    The Emir also announced that the durbar ceremonies earlier scheduled were halted following recommendations of the security and for peace to continue to reign in the State.

    The Emir made the remarks while delivering a broadcast at the Nassarawa mini palace on Saturday.

    He said, “On this day when all Muslim faithful are observing the day of Arafat, we felicitate with all during this important occasion.

    “Eid is practiced and we are taught by our holy prophet to sacrifice animals if we are opportune to. For those who cannot afford it, we pray to Allah to grant them what to sacrifice.

    “We therefore felicitate with the President and the Governor on the occasion of Sallah and we pray that God gives them the courage and strength to deliver.

    “We call on them to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, protection of their lives and properties while also the people should pray for their leaders.

    “We have lifted all durbar activities following the recommendations of security operatives for peace to continue to reign.”

  • BREAKING: Court frees Binance executives Gambaryan, Anjarwalla

    BREAKING: Court frees Binance executives Gambaryan, Anjarwalla

    The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has discharged Tigran Gambaryan, a 39-year-old American, and fleeing Nadeem Anjarwalla over alleged tax evasion.

    The duo, both executives of cryptocurrency exchange platform Binance, were dragged to court by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over alleged tax evasion.

    The court made the decision following fresh amended charges filed by the FIRS in view of a notice from Binance about its appointment of a Nigerian representative, Ayodele Omotilewa. 

    Recall that Gambaryan and fleeing Anjarwalla are facing a four-count charge by the Nigerian government brought before the court, a case now before Emeka Nwite, the trial judge.

    Even though Binance had no legal representation in court, Gambaryan took to the dock to have the charges read to him.

    But his counsel, Chukwuka Ikwazuonu, notified the court that his client had not been served with the charge, stating it was rather too hasty to have him take to the dock without knowing what his client is about to be tried for.

    The prosecutor from the FIRS, Moses Ideho, informed the judge that service of the charge hadn’t been possible due to lack of access to the defendant in custody. 

    This prompted the Court to order service of the charge on the defendant in open court. And following this, the judge adjourned till 19 April for arraignment of Gambaryan. 

    In the second case by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC, through its counsel E.E. Iheanacho informed the Court that he had served Gambaryan with the charge.

    But Mark Mordi, counsel for the defendant, this time around, said Binance, the company which he represents hasn’t been served, therefore arraignment couldn’t go ahead. 

    Moreso, as it’s a joint charge, Mordi argued that it’s necessary to serve every person individually with the charges before the case can go ahead. He also informed the Court that his client declined service of the charge on behalf of Binance because he wasn’t authorized to do so. 

    The prosecutor however maintained that the defendant, being a top official of Binance was a fitting representative of the company in this particular instance.

    But stated that in the alternative however, the Court can enter a not guilty plea for Binance to allow the case go ahead.