Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Bandits storm Buhari’s home state, kill several villagers

    Bandits storm Buhari’s home state, kill several villagers

    The Katsina police command has confirmed that bandits attacked three villages in Bakori Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of 11 people. 

    Police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu announced this in a statement on Sunday.

    “We are aware of a misleading report making the rounds, especially on Facebook, that bandits attacked three villages in Bakori and killed 40 people. The command wishes to categorically debunk this claim as misleading and set the record straight,” the police statement said.

    It added, “On May 25, 2024, bandits launched an attack on Unguwar Lamido village in Bakori where they shot and killed 11 people. The Divisional Police Officer in Bakori, on receiving the information, quickly mobilised operatives and rushed to the scene where they successfully restored normalcy and prevented further losses.”

    The command urged the public to disregard the false report, warned against circulating unverified news, and advised them to always verify information through official channels before sharing, as the spread of false information could cause panic, fear, and unnecessary tension.

    “The commissioner has also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and deployed additional personnel to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators. The commissioner has also urged anyone with useful information that will assist the investigation to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

    “The investigation is ongoing; the command is working closely with relevant stakeholders and members of the community to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack,” the police command said.

  • Nigerian Army denies involvement in Kano Emirate tussle

    Nigerian Army denies involvement in Kano Emirate tussle

    The Nigerian Army has clarified that contrary to claims, it is not involved in enforcing any court order related to the ongoing Kano Emirate tussle.

    Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, clarified in a statement on X that the troops are not engaged in the emirate dispute.

    He said instead, the Army has taken proactive measures to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order that might arise from the conflict.

    “The issue of paramount concern to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies is the prevention of breakdown of law and order in the state, which could be taken advantage of by adversarial non-state actors.

    “The military would imminently intervene when it becomes apparent that the intensity of the security situation becomes overwhelming for the police.

    “All the Army is doing at this stage is to monitor the situation as it unfolds and be on standby in the event of any escalation that could threaten the security of the state and the region in general,” the statement reads in part.

  • Obasanjo proffers solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes

    Obasanjo proffers solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes

    Former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo has told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ramp up activities around production and productivity to tackle Nigeria’s economic woes.

    Obasanjo disclosed this in a statement by his Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Sunday, quoting the ex-president as having spoken at a Colloquium: “Nigeria’s Development: Navigating the Way Out of the Current Economic Crisis and Insecurity” delivered at the Paul Aje Colloquium (PAC) in Abuja.

    Obasanjo blamed fuel subsidy removal, the Harmonization of foreign exchange markets and dealing with a military coup in Niger for Nigeria’s economic hardship.

    However, as a solution, the former President said the government should focus on production, noting that there is no shortcut to economic progress.

    “The way forward is production and productivity, which belief and trust in government leadership will engender. No shortcut to economic progress but hard work and sweat.

    “The economy does not obey orders, not even military orders. I know that. If we get it right, we will begin to see the light beyond the tunnel in two years. It requires a change of characteristics, attributes and attitude by the leadership at all levels to gain the confidence and trust of investors who have alternatives,” he said.

    Recall that in June last year, Tinubu’s administration announced fuel subsidy removal and the Harmonization of Foreign exchange markets.

    In April, fuel pump price surged by 176.02 per cent on a year-on-year basis to N701.24 per litre compared to N255.06 last year.

    Similarly, the country’s Naira dropped to N1482.81 per dollar last Friday from N465.50 per dollar on June 14, 2023.

    This development has led to a surge in prices of goods and services, as headline and food inflation increased to 33.69 per cent and 40.53 per cent, respectively.

  • Fresh facts emerge about Ajayi Crowther University Student Tortured To Death by colleagues 

    Fresh facts emerge about Ajayi Crowther University Student Tortured To Death by colleagues 

    Fresh facts have emerged about the Ajayi Crowther University Student who was tortured to death by colleagues recently.

    An activist from Warri Kingdom in Delta State, south-south Nigeria, identified as ‘Lord Of Warri’ has revealed that a student of Ajayi Crowther University killed by fellow students was a prince.

    He identified the deceased student as Prince Alex Timileyi of Warri Kingdom.

    In an open letter addressed to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and posted on his X page, the activist called on the governor to ensure those who tortured Alex to death are brought to justice.

    His letter is titled, ‘Regarding the Tragic Murder of Prince Alex Timileyi of the Warri Kingdom at Crowther University, Oyo State.’

    In the letter, he identified the deceased as “the son of Princess Antonia Emiko, daughter of Olu Erejuwa II (1951-1986), and an aunt of the current Olu of Warri. He was also a first cousin of His Majesty, Ogíamè Atuwatsé III CFR, the Olú of Warri Kingdom”.

    He said, “This incident has left us deeply saddened and concerned about the safety and security of students in schools not just in Oyo State but in Nigeria as a whole. As Itsekiri people, we appeal to you, the Governor of Oyo State, Makinde, to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.

    “While we are aware that the deceased was alleged to have stolen, we vehemently oppose the act of taking the law into one’s hands without proper investigation.

    “The claim that he was caught with a stolen phone led to a brutal 6hours torture, the beating that began on Friday at 6pm and tragically ended with his death on Saturday at 10am. This inhumane treatment is unacceptable.

    “No one should be punished without a fair trial and due process. It is equally unacceptable for the school management and the perpetrators of this crime to go unpunished.”

    He noted that according to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the courts of law, “with both sides having an opportunity to present their case and evidence”.

    He said, “However, the young prince was neither on trial nor was he arrested. Instead, he was beaten to death. He was also the only son of his mother, making this loss even more devastating.

    “Therefore, we urge your office and the security agents in Oyo State to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and ensure that justice is served.

    “The perpetrators of this heinous act must be held accountable and face the full wrath of the law. We cannot allow the murder of an Itsekiri prince to go unpunished. It is important for His Excellency to know that the Yoruba and Itsekiri people are one and the same.

    “Allowing these murderers to go free would be equivalent to allowing the killers of your own family members to go unpunished, without seeking justice.”

    “Your Excellency, we eagerly await your swift action in bringing the culprits to justice,” added.

    Meanwhile, the university management in a statement credited to its spokesperson, Femi Atoyebi, and published by the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, said the group of students who assaulted the deceased had been expelled.

    He added that the students had been handed over to the police for prosecution.

    “Contrary to what is trending, the university affirms that there is no cultism in the institution, just as the university has zero tolerance for any sort of anti-societal vices and misconduct.

    “It is important to stress that the expelled students do not belong to any cult group,” Atoyebi said.

  • Murdered Students: Kogi varsity announces three-day mourning

    Murdered Students: Kogi varsity announces three-day mourning

    Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Kogi has initiated a three-day mourning period following the tragic loss of two students to kidnappers.

    Registrar Olufunke Hudson conveyed this somber announcement in a statement released on Sunday.

    The victims, identified as James Michael-Anajuwe and Musa Hussein, were both first-year students studying Information Technology and Software Engineering, respectively.

    They were among the group of students abducted on May 9 while preparing for their upcoming examinations scheduled to commence on May 13.

    Thanks to the concerted efforts of security operatives and local hunters, twenty-one students have been successfully rescued from captivity.

    Ms Hudson said, “It is with deep shock and pain that the management of CUSTECH is mourning our beloved slain students. Consequently, all activities in the university are to be held low-key from May 27 to May 29 in memory of our departed students.”

    The registrar said the university management shared in the grief of the families and colleagues of the deceased students. She urged the parents, other family members, guardians, friends and well-wishers of the deceased students to take solace in God.

    According to her, the state government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining students from their abductors.

    “Governor Usman Ododo is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the students are released safely. We, therefore, urge everyone to remain calm and maintain the peace the state is enjoying,” said the statement.

  • Governor Yusuf Orders Arrest Of Deposed Emir Of Kano

    Governor Yusuf Orders Arrest Of Deposed Emir Of Kano

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of of Kano State has ordered the immediate arrest of the former Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

    In a statement, which Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, his spokesperson, issued on his behalf, Yusuf accused Ado Bayero of creating tension in the state.

    “The former Emir was smuggled into Kano city last night in an attempt to forcefully return to the palace two days after being deposed by the Governor.”

    “”The Governor, it was confirmed that the new Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, arrived at the palace in the company of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the State Assembly, and other top government functionaries at about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, 25th May 2024.

    “As the Chief Security Officer of the state, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir with immediate effect for disturbing public peace and attempting to destroy the relative peace the state enjoys.”

  • Confusion as NSA Nuhu Ribadu reportedly orders return of Emir Bayero

    Confusion as NSA Nuhu Ribadu reportedly orders return of Emir Bayero

    The traditional leadership crisis in Kano State has taken a new twist as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has reportedly ordered the reinstatement of HRH Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano. 

    Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam, revealed this in an interview with journalists in Kano

    The National Security Adviser’s directive to return Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir directly contradicts the actions taken by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who recently signed a law reinstating Muhammadu Sanusi II and abolishing the five additional emirate councils.

    Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam expressed the administration’s confusion and concern over the federal directive. 

    “National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu ordered the return of HRH Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano, we’re confused,” he stated.

    Governor Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment Number 2) Law, 2024, which aimed to consolidate the emirate system under Kano and reinstate Sanusi II, who was deposed in 2020 by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Heavy security presence has been reported at the Kano Emir’s Palace as the state government prepares to support Sanusi II’s return.

  • Governor Abba Yusuf Reacts As Court Stops Him From Reinstating Sanusi 

    Governor Abba Yusuf Reacts As Court Stops Him From Reinstating Sanusi 

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has vowed to report what he described as the abuse of court orders to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

    He said this while reacting to the court order which restrained the reinstatement of Sanusi and restrained the dethronement of five Emirs in the state.

    Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano, had granted an interim injunction restraining the Inspector General of police, Kano state police commissioner, Nigeria security and civil defense corps NSCDC and the department of state service DSS from enforcing, executing, implementing or operationalizing the Kano state emirate council (repeal) law.

    The judge granted the order based on a motion filed by Aminu Babba Danagundi who held the title Sarkin Dawaki Babba.

    But speaking shortly after issuing the reinstatement letter to Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II at Africa House, Kano State Government House, on Friday, Yusuf said, “The person that issued the court order was in America but he is ordering us to stop what we are doing. This issue of abuse I must present before the Governor’s Forum so that we can tackle it accordingly.

    “We are agents of following due process, that’s why we did what we did openly before everybody. Those that are meant to maintain that rule of law remains must follow that also.”

  • Makinde Approves Immediate Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals in Oyo State

    Makinde Approves Immediate Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals in Oyo State

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has sanctioned the urgent recruitment of doctors, nurses, consultants, and other healthcare professionals to address staffing shortages in the state’s health sector.

    The announcement was made by Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the Hospitals Management Board, following a meeting with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Ibadan.

     This decision comes in response to an indefinite strike initiated by the NANNM on May 21, due to unmet demands from the state government.

    Fagbemi emphasized the importance of this recruitment drive, noting it will significantly alleviate the current workforce deficit in hospitals and healthcare centers across Oyo State. 

    He praised Governor Makinde for his commitment to transparency and accountability in the health sector, which are vital for delivering quality healthcare services.

    “The governor’s approval for the immediate recruitment of additional healthcare professionals is a crucial step towards resolving the staffing crisis and enhancing healthcare delivery in our state,” Fagbemi stated. 

  • Ondo Federal Lawmaker, Jimoh Ibrahim Speaks On Leaving APC

    Ondo Federal Lawmaker, Jimoh Ibrahim Speaks On Leaving APC

    Senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim has dismissed allegations that he was leaving the All-Progressive’s Congress (APC).

    Ibrahim stated this during an interview with Arise Television on Wednesday.

    The Ondo lawmaker said he has never engaged in anti-party activities, adding that if he were to leave the party, he would publicly declare it.

    He said, “Everyone is informed that I will never engage in anti-party activities. If I am no longer going to be APC, I will announce it publicly.”

    Ibrahim said adhering to internal democratic processes is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the political landscape and articulated the constitutional procedures for suspending party members.

    He said it should be done at the state, local government, and additional working committee levels.

    Ibrahim said, “I entered politics to help my people because we were deprived for a very long time. I felt that with my message, I could make a great impact.”