Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Old national anthem: ‘Vagabonds in power distracting us —Charly Boy

    Old national anthem: ‘Vagabonds in power distracting us —Charly Boy

    Nigerian entertainer, Charles Oputa, also referred to as Charly Boy or Area Fada, has joined the chorus of criticism against the reinstatement of the old, colonial national anthem by President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly, echoing the sentiments of millions of Nigerians.

    President Tinubu formally initiated the recitation of the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” despite widespread disapproval from the public.

    This decision follows the recent enactment of a bill, signed into law by the President, replacing the current national anthem, “Arise O Compatriots,” with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” passed by the Senate on Tuesday and the House of Representatives last week.

    In his trademark candid manner, Charly Boy, also known as the ‘Senior Advocate of the Masses,’ took to X on Wednesday night to denounce the move, emphasizing that it does not align with the pressing priorities of the Tinubu administration.

    “Vagabonds in power wan distract us from hunger, kidnapping, high cost of living by organizing useless priorities for us to follow so we no go dey talk as e dey pain us?”

    “Animals in Agbada fit make me start to sing our olden days National Anthem, imposicant.

  • FG, Labour To Resume Talks Friday On Minimum Wage

    FG, Labour To Resume Talks Friday On Minimum Wage

    President Bola Tinubu-led government, on Wednesday, reached out to the Organised Labour consisting the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for the continuation of minimum wage negotiations.

    According to Punch, a source familiar with the matter disclosed the development in Abuja.

    The source noted that Labour would honour the invitation.

    The source said, “A letter has been addressed to Labour by the committee chairman and signed by the NSIWC chairman. The meeting is scheduled for Friday.

    “Of course, Labour will attend. If they present a better offer on Friday we will accept it.”

    Recall that the minimum wage committee, on Tuesday, adjourned indefinitely after talks between the Federal Government and Organised Labour broke down.

    During the meeting labour rejected the Federal Government’s ₦60,000 fresh proposal, up from the earlier ₦57,000 offer.

    At the meeting, labour also lowered its demand by removing ₦3,000 from the ₦497,000 it proposed last week, pegging the new proposal at ₦494,000.

    To fast-track the negotiation process, NLC and TUC on May Day gave the committee till the end of the month to wrap up talks on a new national minimum wage.

    The ultimatum will expire on Friday night.

  • Rivers Traditional Ruler Urges Presidential Intervention in Kano Emirship Dispute

    Rivers Traditional Ruler Urges Presidential Intervention in Kano Emirship Dispute

    In a bid to address escalating tensions surrounding the Emirship tussle in Kano State, HRH Appolus Chu, the Egbere Emere Okori of Eleme, Rivers State, has issued an appeal to President Tinubu, calling for immediate intervention to safeguard the revered institution of the Emir of Kano.

    In his appeal to President Tinubu, HRH Chu highlighted the broader implications of the dispute, stating, “The throne of the Emir of Kano transcends mere governance; it embodies centuries of tradition and serves as a pillar of cultural identity.”

    He expressed deep concern over attempts to politicize and undermine the authority of traditional rulers, warning of potential repercussions for peace and stability.

    “The traditional institution remains a beacon of stability, especially in times of crisis,” Chu affirmed, noting its pivotal role in community cohesion and governance. He urged all parties involved to respect a recent court order maintaining the status quo ante, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in preserving peace.

    Recognizing Kano’s significance as an economic hub and home to millions, HRH Chu appealed for concerted efforts to restore calm and respect for traditional authority.

    He urged President Tinubu to intervene decisively to avert further escalation and uphold the rule of law.

    Kano finds itself in the midst of a contentious dispute over the Emir’s throne.

    Governor Abba Yusuf recently enacted legislation repealing the Emirates law, resulting in the removal of five emirs.

    This move also reinstated deposed Emir Sanusi Lamido, who was previously dethroned under former Governor Ganduje’s administration.

    However, Emir Ado Bayero has opposed his dismissal and initiated legal proceedings in response.

  • Lagos Hajj Pilgrim, Oloshogbo Dies In Saudi Arabia

    Lagos Hajj Pilgrim, Oloshogbo Dies In Saudi Arabia

    Idris Oloshogbo, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Lagos State, has passed away in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the Hajj pilgrimage.

    The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board confirmed his death, which occurred shortly after he participated in the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba.

    The board Secretary, Saheed Onipede, conveyed the news through a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Taofeek Lawal, on Wednesday.

    Oloshogbo, a resident of Shomolu Local Government Area, reportedly died while eating his evening meal after performing the Solat Maghrib prayer.

    Medical experts have yet to ascertain the exact cause of death, but it is suspected to be related to high blood pressure and the physical strain of the Tawaf.

    Onipede expressed the state government’s condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and prayed for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Fridauos (Paradise).

    He emphasized that Oloshogbo’s death is particularly poignant as it occurred after fulfilling his intention to perform the Hajj, thereby potentially granting him the full spiritual reward of the pilgrimage.

    The deceased was buried in Makkah according to the principles laid down by Saudi Arabian authorities, with a Janaza prayer observed by a board member, Waheed Shonibare, state officials, and fellow pilgrims at the Kaabah.

    Onipede also used this moment to caution other pilgrims about the physical demands of the rites and advised them to avoid overstressing themselves as they prepare for the more intense rituals of the Hajj.

    The last batch of pilgrims is set to proceed from Madinah to Makkah on Thursday, continuing their spiritual activities.

  • FG Withdraws Terrorism Charges Against Miyetti Allah President

    FG Withdraws Terrorism Charges Against Miyetti Allah President

    The President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore, Alhaji Bello Bodejo became a free man on Wednesday after the Federal Government withdrew alleged terrorism charges filed against him.

    The charges against Bodejo were withdrawn by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on resumption of the trial on Wednesday.

    Upon resuming hearing, the lawyer to the AGF, Aderonke Imana, moved an oral application for the withdrawal of the three-count charge

    The lawyer said the application was under Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    She said the request was further predicated on the power of the AGF under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “Consequently, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice.

    “That is our humble application my lord,” she said.

    Bodejo’s team of lawyers, including Johnson Usman, SAN, but led by Ahmed Raji, SAN, did not oppose the application.

    The senior lawyer thanked the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for his “magnanimous gesture.”

    “We urge your lordship to discharge the accused person under the sections refers to by the prosecutor,” Raji said.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling, thereafter discharged Bodejo.

    Ruling, Justice Ekwo said though the matter was slated for commencement of trial, however, the prosecution applied to withdraw the charge citing relevant sections of the law.

    “The court is hereby moved to consider the application for the discharge of the defendant.

    “Consequently, an order is hereby made discharging the defendant. That is the order of this court,” the judge declared.

    Bodejo was arrested on the alleged raising up an armed militia in detriment of the nation’s unity.

  • Tinubu’s anniversary: FG begins N75,000 cash payment to 75 million Nigerians

    Tinubu’s anniversary: FG begins N75,000 cash payment to 75 million Nigerians

    The Federal Government announced on Tuesday the reinstatement of the suspended social investment programme, aimed at providing direct payments to 75 million Nigerians across 50 million households.

    This initiative is intended to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, as disclosed during a ministerial sectoral briefing marking President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office.

    Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, revealed that the cash transfer programme had undergone significant overhauls to address and mitigate fraud.

    This announcement follows the suspension of all National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) activities by President Tinubu on January 12 for a six-week period, due to alleged mismanagement.

    Concurrently, Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was suspended on January 8.

    The intervention programmes affected by this suspension included N-Power, the conditional cash transfer scheme, the government enterprise and empowerment programme, and the home-grown school feeding initiative.

    On March 13, the House of Representatives urged the federal government to resume these social investment initiatives.

    To revamp the programme, President Tinubu established a Special Presidential Panel, led by Edun, to conduct an intensive review and audit of the existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines of the social investment programmes.

    Providing an update on the committee’s progress, Edun emphasised the government’s commitment to providing relief for poor Nigerians.

    “I am duty-bound to give you an overview of the strategy, policies, and implementation of Mr President’s reform programme,” Edun said.

    “Immediately upon assuming office, Mr President launched macroeconomic reforms to restore stability to the Nigerian economy, including subsidy reforms and foreign exchange market reforms.

    “These reforms caused a spike in costs for individuals and businesses, but Mr President is committed to counterbalancing the negative effects with interventions across the social spectrum.”

    Edun outlined the government’s restarted social investment programme, which includes direct payments to 75 million Nigerians in 50 million households.

    He also mentioned improvements in access to credit, with ₦1 billion allocated to consumer credit and grants of ₦50,000 being provided to 1 million nanoindustries.

  • FG Reacts As Labour Rejects N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

    FG Reacts As Labour Rejects N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

    The Federal Government has appealed to the organised labour to be considerate and accept the proposed N60K minimum wage offer.

    Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha made the appeal in a statement signed by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The organized labour on Tuesday rejected the N60,000 proposed by the Tripartite Committee.

    They also reduced their demand from N500,000 to N494,000.

    Giving reasons for not accepting the N60K proposal, the Labour said:

    “How can we agree on N60,000- an amount that cannot buy a bag of rice to serve as national minimum wage. Let’s assume that you are buying a loaf of bread for your family at N2,000 every day and that is what you and your family want to be eating for one meal.

    “We have to be realistic in this country. When government increased the price of petrol, they asked labour to wait and demand for a living minimum wage and the government is going to provide a living a living wage for workers. But now, we are asking for a living wage and government is playing around it.”

    Reacting to the development, Onyejeocha said that the federal government had been consistent in taking steps to secure a fair and realistic wage for Nigeria workers.

    “We are committed to putting the people first and ensuring that our economic policies benefit all Nigerians, not just a select few.

    “The government remain dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of our citizens and its want to urge all relevant parties to demonstrate patriotism and understanding.

    “This is particularly during this critical period when the President, Bola Tinubu, is working diligently to revitalize the economy,”she said.

    “As a government, we recognise the importance of ensuring that our citizens receive a decent standard of living, and we are committed to making this a reality.

    “After hours of intense negotiations, labour leaders took a recess to consult with other key stakeholders and have pledged to return to the negotiating table for further discussion.

    “We welcome this development and are optimistic that our continued engagement will yield a positive outcome.

    “In light of the current economic conditions, we have made a concessionary move from N57,000 to N60,000.

    “This is the path that this government has chosen to pursue, and we will not deviate or stray from the course.

    “President Tinubu has been tireless in his efforts to revitalise the economy and improve the standard of living for all Nigerians.

    “His commitment to creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and reducing poverty is genuine, and we appeal to all to support him in this endeavour.

    “As we move forward, we will continue to engage with organised labour and other stakeholders to ensure that our economic policies are inclusive and beneficial to all,” she added.

    Meanwhile, yesterday’s meeting ended in a deadlock as both parties failed to reach an agreement.

    The meeting was subsequently postponed indefinitely.

    The Labour had vowed that if the Federal Government failed to come up with a reasonable amount by May 31, then a nationwide strike will begin.

  • FG approves first aviation school in Southeast 

    FG approves first aviation school in Southeast 

    To address the dearth of manpower in the aviation sector, the Federal Government has approved the listing of Eastwing Aviation Training Institute under the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

    Having met the technical evaluation by the FG, the Institute can now commence the process of admission of students through the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and the students, upon completion of their studies, will be awarded national diploma and high national diploma, respectively.

    Speaking on the approval, the founder and CEO of Eastwing Aviation, Dr. Christopher Edeh, urged youths to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the institution to achieve their dream of becoming pilots, aviation engineers, cabin crew or other functions found in the sector.

    He said: “What this approval means for our youths is that every one of them now has the opportunity to explore this field, even if it means just coming to us for advice. The institution would encourage and help build the dream because we do not want you to stay idle after graduating.

    “It has been my desire to give back to society considering what I have passed through from the day I joined the Nigerian Air Force.

    “Being the first aviation school in the South-East region means a lot to us. It means that I am getting closer to my dream and I have reached that stage where society can benefit from me.”

     Explaining the process of getting the institute certified, Edeh disclosed that he worked with former colleagues to realize the project. “Those who worked with me on this project were colleagues that we served together. They have been very supportive throughout this quest. It was purely a communal effort, what you would call ‘Wazobia’ and we are where we are today.”

    The Eastwing Aviation Institute also recently established a non-governmental organisation to encourage less privileged youths who are talented and who meet the basic requirements but are not able to financially pursue their dreams.

    According to the founder, “We are hopeful that the new dawn would encourage a huge turn up. Many people regard the aviation sector as rocket science; now we have brought it to their doorsteps. For interested candidates, there are many areas in this field they can fit in; go to airports, all you see are many people carrying luggage and we believe they can do more than that.”

    Speaking further, Dr Edeh recounted: “A good example is one of the security personnel I worked with who was talented and hardworking. I realised this and encouraged him to do more for himself seeing that he has potential. Today, he is an aircraft maintenance engineer in one of the airlines.”

  • Former EFCC Chairman, Larmode To Be Buried Today 

    Former EFCC Chairman, Larmode To Be Buried Today 

    Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, who passed away in Egypt on Sunday, has been laid to rest at Gudu Cemetry, Abuja. 

    The 61-year-old had travelled to Egypt for medical treatment before he passed on.

    The burial announcement was made by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, on his X handle on Tuesday. 

    Pantami shared a statement from Lamorde’s family, confirming the funeral arrangements.

    “The Jana’iza prayer of our late father, brother and Uncle DIG Ibrahim LAMORDE mni and Former Chairman of EFCC is coming up Tuesday 28/05/2024 at the National Mosque Abuja by 1:30 pm in sha Allah, immediately after Zuhr!” Pantami posted.

    Lamorde, born on December 20, 1962, joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1986 and retired as a Deputy Inspector General of Police in 2021. 

    During his career, he served as the Chairman of the EFCC from 2011 to 2015, playing a significant role in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

    Lamorde’s burial will take place at the National Mosque in Abuja, where a Jana’iza prayer will be held in his honour, attended by family, friends, and colleagues who will gather to pay their final respects.

  • Thugs clash as anti-Abure protesters storm LP Secretariat

    Thugs clash as anti-Abure protesters storm LP Secretariat

    An angry mob suspected to be thugs loyal to the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), attacked protesters believed to be party supporters from the Edo State chapter who were at the party secretariat to demand Abure’s ouster.

    Trouble began when the anti- Abure protesters stormed the party headquarters in a number of vehicles holding placards and chanting solidarity songs.

    No sooner than some of the protesters stepped out of one of the vehicles that the suspected thugs swooped on the vehicles with sticks and other objects forcing the drivers to zoom off.

    A detachment of armed policemen and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) intervened when the thugs started throwing stones into the nearby Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, in pursuit of reporters who were covering the fracas. 

    The intervention of the security officials prevented the situation from further degenerating. A police vehicle is currently stationed in between the warring factions.