Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • FG Registers New Trade Union 

    FG Registers New Trade Union 

    The Federal Government has registered a new trade union.

    This means that illegal price fixing and exploitation of customers in Nigerian markets may soon be a thing of the past.

    These are some of the roles members of the newly registered National Union of Market Trade of Nigeria are to perform as workers.

    At its executive inauguration, officials of both the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC however told the new union to avoid clashes with related workers groups and government established agencies in the market.

    The National Union of Market Trade of Nigeria is the latest affiliate of the NLC and with this latest addition, the labour centre now has 46 affiliates.

  • Obaseki speaks on plans after leaving office 

    Obaseki speaks on plans after leaving office 

    Governor Godwin Obaseki says he wants to learn more, do research, and impart knowledge after his eighth year in office ends in Edo.

    Mr Obaseki stressed that after completing his second term in Osadebey House, he will not attempt to be a godfather.

    The incumbent Edo governor assumed power in 2016 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. In his second coming, he lost favour with his so-called godfather, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who, with the help of other party members, wrested the gubernatorial ticket from him, forcing Mr Obaseki to pitch his tent with the Peoples Democratic Party. Mr Obaseki won the subsequent election.

    When asked in an interview with THISDAY what was next for the Edo governor, who has some months left in office, Mr Obaseki said, “Obaseki is very fortunate and has every reason to thank God. If you look at Nigeria today, I am one of the few persons who have had solid private sector experience and have been in government. 

    “I have been in the APC and I have been in PDP. My role is to sit back and see how I can assist and help, nurture, let people know, share my experiences with them and support them. So, I see myself going back to school, research, teach and just impact knowledge.”

    Regarding entrenching leadership in Edo as a godfather, Mr Obaseki said, “There is no need to.”

    The governor added, “You always mentor people, but when you want to sit and begin to direct them, that’s where the problem is. I don’t like being directed, so why should I direct anybody? If I wanted to direct somebody, 

    “I would not get one of Nigeria’s most accomplished lawyers to come and run the state, make sacrifices, and step down from all his enviable professional engagements just to come and be directed in Edo state.”

  • Gunmen Kidnap 6 Anambra Clerics

    Gunmen Kidnap 6 Anambra Clerics

    Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have reportedly abducted Archbishop Uka Uka Osim of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star.

    The cleric, his wife, Anne Osim and son, Roland Uka Osim, and three other clerics from the ministry were abducted on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Abia State while travelling to Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

    They were reportedly on evangelical duties when they were ambushed by the armed men. The other three priests also kidnapped were identified as Azuka Ochu, Moses Okafor and Anderson Akwazie.

    The kidnapping incident was confirmed to journalists by the administrator of the spiritual organisation in Abia State, BCS, Bishop Denis Onuoha.

    He said four days later, the abductors had not reached out to anybody.

    “We are very worried, but we are assured that the Almighty Father, whom they worship and work for with total devotion, will help them out,” Bishop Onuoha told reporters.

    The cleric urged security agencies to assist and rescue the clergymen, stating that the church has embarked on deep prayers, believing that the Archbishop and his brethren will be rescued unhurt.

  • Why I Refused To Return Edo Government Vehicle – Shaibu 

    Why I Refused To Return Edo Government Vehicle – Shaibu 

    Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has opened up about his impeachment, the state’s politics, godfatherism and the contentious issue of the campaign vehicles in his position.

    In an interview, Shaibu, who had previously accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of orchestrating his impeachment, revealed that he has forgiven the governor and is ready to reconcile with him.

    Addressing the issue of campaign vehicles in his possession, Shaibu clarified that the vehicles in his possession were not new but refurbished ones that belonged to previous deputy governors. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability during his tenure.

    He said, “The vehicles they are referring to are the two Prado SUVs used by Lucky Imasuen as the deputy governor. The other Hilux was the one (Dr Pius) Odubu’s wife used, and the Land Cruiser was the one Odubu used.

    “I took all those vehicles to the mechanic who changed their engine and refurbished them. Those are the vehicles that they are telling me to return.

    “So, you can see how heartless men can be. I got only one new vehicle in almost eight years that I served as the deputy governor of the state.”

    He emphasized his commitment to activism and the need for political leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people.
     
    On the issue of his impeachment, Shaibu criticized the process, stating that the oath of office had been breached by Governor Obaseki multiple times. He also highlighted the need for constitutional amendments to protect deputy governors from arbitrary impeachment.

  • Edo APC deputy gov candidate files N2bn libel suit against Ighodalo’s campaign DG

    Edo APC deputy gov candidate files N2bn libel suit against Ighodalo’s campaign DG

    Dennis Idahosa, the All Progressives Congress, APC, deputy governorship candidate for the September 21, 2024 election in Edo State, has filed a N2.15 billion libel suit against Olu Martins, the Deputy Director General, Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship campaign council.

    Idahosa, in the suit, accused Martins of authoring an article that portrayed him as a fraudster.

    The incumbent lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency instituted the suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

    The case with the suit number CS/2259/24 was filed May 3, 2024 by Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, counsel to the claimant.

    In the suit, Idahosa demanded N2 billion as general, punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages from the Martins for a libelous and malicious publication against him.

    The APC deputy gpvernorship candidate also demanded N15 million, being the cost of the action.

    The Federal lawmaker alleged that the defendant published an article in several social media platforms titled, ‘APC GUBER CANDIDATE, OKPEBHOLO MOCKS OSHIOMHOLE AS IDAHOSA RETURNS FROM FOREIGN TRIP’.

    He said the article, published on May 2, 2024 is libelous and discredited his personal and political reputation in the eyes of the general public.

    Idahosa, as a result, prayed the court for a declaration that the content of the publication made vide various whatsapp group chat pages, facebook and other social media outlets by the defendant is libelous and malicious.

    He also demanded an order of perpetual injunction restraining Martins, his agents or privies from further writing, printing, publishing online or causing to be written, printed or published online, the aforesaid article or words therein or similar words.

    Other reliefs sought include “An order directing the defendant to issue a clear and unqualified public apology to the claimant, in words acceptable to him, to be published by the defendant on the group whatsapp chat pages and other social media outlets, running uninterrupted for four weeks and in retraction of the aforesaid publication.

    “An order of court directing the defendant to cause the withdrawal and removal forthwith of the posting of the aforesaid publication.”

  • Nigeria Police Reacts To Reports Of Packing Lagos State Residents In Buses To Osun

    Nigeria Police Reacts To Reports Of Packing Lagos State Residents In Buses To Osun

    The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command on Saturday claimed that it was not aware nor were its operatives involved in packing some residents of the state to Osun State. 

    Reports emerged on Saturday on how the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with the Lagos State Task Force packed hundreds of residents and young people from the streets of the state on Friday and dumped them in Osun State. 

    One of the youths who said he was taken away by the Nigerian policemen at his place of work on Friday afternoon narrated his ordeal.

    He had said the law enforcement agents packed young people from Ajah, TBS and Island areas of the state and gathered them inside an uncompleted building at the Makoko police station before moving them to a forest in Ilesha town in Osun State.
    He had said there were about five luxurious buses filled with the youths that were taken to Osun State in the company of policemen. 

    Reacting to this in a press statement issued on X, the state command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin claimed the force was not aware of the operation.

    The statement reads: “Following news making the rounds that the “Nigerian Police…Pack Residents…to Osun,” the Lagos State Police Command wishes to clarify that it is not aware, neither was it part, of any such operation.

    “The command, in keeping with its mandates of prevention and detection of crime, conducts raids of black spots from time to time, and promptly arraigns only culpable suspects in courts of competent jurisdiction in the state after a thorough screening of the people raided.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Adegoke Fayoade, assures the good people of Lagos State that the command would continue to prioritise their safety and security at all times.” 

  • It’s the people’s turn in Abia; Politicians have enjoyed enough – Otti

    It’s the people’s turn in Abia; Politicians have enjoyed enough – Otti

    Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has declared that the State under his watch, is the turn of the masses to enjoy the dividends of democracy, arguing that politicians who presided over the affairs of the state since the return of democracy in 1999, have helped themselves enough with the common patrimony.

    Otti who made the declaration while hosting a delegation of the Course 17, Syndicate 2 of the National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja, at Government House Umuahia, said he was on a mission to make the masses and not just a handful of privileged politicians, have a taste of good governance.

    The governor told his audience that his recent decision to wipe off backlog of pension arrears owed retirees since 2014 was a demonstration of his passion for the masses, who had been shortchanged by the ruling elite.

    He said that “never again shall Abia pensioners be owed their pension”, adding that he had also directed that they be paid along with workers on the 28th of every month, a directive, he affirmed, had taken effect from April.

    “This is the people’s time, politicians have helped themselves enough for the past 24 years”, Otti thunderered.

  • Gov Obaseki finally swears in five Edo high court judges after 11-month delay

    Gov Obaseki finally swears in five Edo high court judges after 11-month delay

    After a lengthy 11-month delay, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has finally sworn in five out of the eight judges recommended for appointment as Honourable High Court Judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in June 2023.

    The newly sworn-in judges are Justice Obayuwana Osarenren Mathias, Justice Ehinon Anthony Okoh, Justice Ovenseri Otamere, Justice Bright Eraze Oniha, and Justice Osayande Ikwuemosi Awawu.

    Reports indicate that the delay in swearing in all eight judges stemmed from petitions against some of the nominees. 

    Chris Nehikhare, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, noted that the petitions necessitated further investigations before the full panel could be appointed.

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had condemned Governor Obaseki’s delay in swearing in the judges, citing it as an abuse of power and a disregard for constitutional provisions. 

    Specifically, the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) highlighted the constitutional obligation of the Governor to swear in appointed judicial officers promptly.

    SPIDEL said the delay hindered the functioning of the justice delivery system and left the appointed judges needing means of sustenance. 

    In response to the mounting pressure, Governor Obaseki eventually swore in five of the judges at the Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City. 

    During the ceremony, he reminded them of the importance of impartiality in dispensing justice

  • 2024 Hajj: Nigeria’s inaugural flight commences May 15

    2024 Hajj: Nigeria’s inaugural flight commences May 15

    As expectations are high on this year’s holy pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday informed that the country’s inaugural flight would take off on May 15.

    This was made known by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, in his opening remark at the first National Stakeholder Summit of Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah Industry held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

    Arabi informed that close to 65,500 Nigeria pilgrims would participate in the 2024 Hajj, adding that they would be airlifted by the approved airlines from 10 departure centres across the country.

    The NAHCON boss said the commission had decided that for this year’s operations all Nigerian pilgrims would visit and spend at least four days in Madinah before the commencement of the Hajj rites proper.

    Speaking on the summit, Arabi said coming together of stakeholders was a divine responsibility on all, noting that the theme of the summit, “Partnership, Collaboration and Teamwork: The tripod of success for 2024 Hajj operations”, was carefully chosen.

    He said the Hajj body deemed it fit to dialogue with critical stakeholders to ensure successful Hajj operations this year.

    He added that it is important that all stakeholders work together for the pilgrims to have memorable Hajj experience this year.

  • Military Court Martial Two Officers Over Kaduna Bombing

    Military Court Martial Two Officers Over Kaduna Bombing

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has acknowledged errors in the drone strikes on the Tudun Biri community in Kaduna State, resulting in the deaths of numerous innocent citizens.

    The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this information during a media briefing on Thursday.

    He stated that investigations had been completed, and the strikes were deemed a case of mistaken identity.

    Recall that the drone strikes occurred on December 3, 2023, and claimed the lives of several non-combatants in Tudun Biri village, located in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.

    The spokesperson for DHQ mentioned that the individuals responsible for the incident would be subjected to a military court martial.

    While he did not provide specific details regarding the disciplinary actions, he confirmed that the two personnel involved will face the consequences of their actions.