Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Sokoto Judicial commission winds down, Tambuwal shunned invitation

    Sokoto Judicial commission winds down, Tambuwal shunned invitation

    The Sokoto State Judicial Commission of Inquiry has wrapped up its public hearings on the administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. 

    The Commission clarified that the investigation was not aimed at tarnishing the former governor’s image but to review his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

    The inquiry, which began in October 2023, sought to examine state properties and governance during Tambuwal’s time in office. 

    Despite repeated invitations, Tambuwal did not appear as a witness, prompting the Commission to close the hearings after multiple extensions.

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    Lead counsel Hassan Liman emphasized that the investigation was not a legal trial but a fact-finding mission. 

    He noted that ample time had been given for Tambuwal to testify, but his absence persisted. 

    The Commission’s chairman, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, confirmed the decision to end public hearings, citing over a year of proceedings and no further grounds for delays.

    Witnesses have been given 14 days to submit written responses to outstanding memos, with 10 days for replies, before the inquiry formally concludes.

  • INEC Reveals Adamawa REC No Longer on Payroll

    INEC Reveals Adamawa REC No Longer on Payroll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, is no longer receiving payments from the commission.  

    Yunusa-Ari was suspended in April 2023 after unlawfully declaring Aishatu Binani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner of the governorship election while vote collation was ongoing. 

    At the time, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was leading.  

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    INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated that Yunusa-Ari’s payments stopped in August 2023 when charges were filed against him. 

    The former REC was later arraigned in a Yola court following directives from former President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the case.  

    Prosecution efforts have reportedly faced setbacks due to the Nigeria Police Force’s failure to act on court orders.

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     Despite a bench warrant for Yunusa-Ari’s arrest, the police have not presented him in court.  

    INEC’s legal representative, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), expressed frustration, citing police inaction as a major obstacle. 

    Court orders have been ignored, hindering progress in the case and leaving the prosecution, judiciary, and INEC dissatisfied.

  • Petrol Price Jumps to N955/Litre at Dangote Refinery

    Petrol Price Jumps to N955/Litre at Dangote Refinery

    The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased the price of petrol to N955 per litre. 

    This change comes into effect today, January 17, 2025, starting at 5:30 PM.  

    The new pricing applies to bulk buyers purchasing between 2 million and 4.99 million litres. 

    For those buying 5 million litres or more, the price is slightly lower at N950 per litre.  

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    This marks a N55.5 increase from the discounted N899.50 per litre rate offered during December’s festive period. 

    The refinery attributed the rise to higher global crude oil prices, which have impacted production costs.  

    All pending orders and unsold stock will be subject to the revised rates.

  • Appeal Court Confirms Julius Abure as Labour Party Chairman

    Appeal Court Confirms Julius Abure as Labour Party Chairman

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has confirmed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.  

    On Friday, a three-judge panel upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the Abure-led leadership.  

    The court also validated the March 2024 convention held in Nnewi, which established Abure’s leadership.  

    This ruling ensures the Labour Party under Abure retains its legal rights as a registered political organization. Further updates are expected.

    The court further declared that any action that is taken outside of its jurisdiction is void. Because Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the Federal High Court’s October 8, 2024, judgment without jurisdiction, it was declared ineffective, and the court struck it out.

    The Appeal Court upheld its earlier ruling on November 13, 2024, which said that “Abure remains National Chairman of the Labour Party,” by dismissing the lawsuit.

  • House Proposes Bill to Settle Election Cases Before Swearing-In

    House Proposes Bill to Settle Election Cases Before Swearing-In

    The House of Representatives is discussing a constitutional amendment to ensure that all electoral disputes are resolved before newly elected officials take office. 

    This includes the President, Vice President, governors, and lawmakers.  

    The bill, introduced by Mansur Soro, a representative from Bauchi State, aims to modify Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution. 

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    It proposes that all appeals from election tribunals be settled by appellate courts before winners are sworn in.

     The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would also be required to adjust election timelines to allow litigation to conclude before handover ceremonies.  

    According to Soro, unresolved election cases disrupt governance and waste public funds. 

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    He pointed out that billions of naira used for legal battles could be better spent on public services. 

    He also suggested that courts must prioritize election cases to meet the proposed deadlines.  

    The bill, introduced in October 2024, will likely be debated in early 2025. Lawmakers will examine how it could improve the electoral process and reduce governance challenges.

  • Tinubu Mourns Former Lagos Head of Service Sunny Ajose 

    Tinubu Mourns Former Lagos Head of Service Sunny Ajose 

     Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, a former Lagos State Head of Service, has passed away at the age of 78. He died early Thursday, January 16, 2025.  

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his condolences to the Lagos State Government, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the people of Badagry, where Ajose was a respected leader. 

    Tinubu recalled working with Ajose during his tenure as governor, acknowledging his contributions to reforming the civil service and supporting development efforts in the state.  

    Ajose’s influence extended beyond his civil service role.

     He was a key representative of Badagry in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council and a trusted figure within the APC.  

    Born on February 10, 1946, in Badagry, Ajose pursued higher education in the United States, earning degrees from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and Governors State University. 

    He joined the Lagos Civil Service in 1979 and rose to become Head of Service in 2004.  

    President Tinubu offered prayers for Ajose’s family and described him as a committed leader who made lasting contributions to Lagos State.

  • UAE President to Visit Nigeria in 2025 

    UAE President to Visit Nigeria in 2025 

    The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will visit Nigeria this year. 

    He accepted an invitation extended by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a meeting on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025.  

    President Tinubu, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, participated in the global forum, which addresses challenges such as climate change, water, and energy issues. 

    On Wednesday, he shared Nigeria’s views on these matters and praised the UAE for hosting a successful event.  

    During their discussions, the UAE President expressed interest in strengthening economic ties with Nigeria. Both leaders discussed ways to attract investment into Nigeria. 

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    President Tinubu highlighted his government’s recent reforms, which he said have improved the economy and drawn billion-dollar investments from foreign companies.  

    The meeting took place at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, with top officials from both countries in attendance. 

    The Nigerian delegation included Ministers Yusuf Tuggar and Wale Edun, as well as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.  

    The UAE delegation featured senior officials like Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber.

  • Tinubu To Grant Presidential Pardons 

    Tinubu To Grant Presidential Pardons 

     

    The Nigerian government has announced its intention to grant presidential pardons to certain convicts in correctional facilities across the country. 

    To implement this, a Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy was inaugurated in Abuja on Wednesday.  

    This committee, led by Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, includes representatives from the police, correctional services, human rights organizations, and religious bodies like the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Christian Association of Nigeria. 

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    Legal professionals such as Justice Augustine Utsaha and Prof. Nike Ijaiya are also part of the team.  

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, explained that the initiative is based on the 1999 Constitution, which gives the President authority to grant clemency to federal offenders. 

    The committee, with a four-year tenure, will guide the President in this process to ensure justice and fairness.  

    Fagbemi noted that many applications for pardons have been submitted and promised a thorough evaluation.

     The committee will also visit correctional centers in different regions to identify cases deserving of clemency.

     After completing their work, they will present recommendations to the President for final decisions.

  • Global Collaboration Vital for Sustainable Growth – President Tinubu

    Global Collaboration Vital for Sustainable Growth – President Tinubu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed a global audience at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

     Speaking on the topic “From Climate Imperatives into Economic Prosperity: Bridging Africa with the Global Energy Future,” he emphasized the importance of international cooperation to tackle climate change and build a sustainable future.

    Tinubu stated that sustainability is not achievable by any one country alone and requires global unity, knowledge exchange, and shared efforts. 

    He highlighted that addressing climate change presents an economic opportunity, which can reshape Africa’s future and the global energy landscape.

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    The Nigerian leader reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. 

    He detailed Nigeria’s strategies focusing on energy transition, climate resilience, and sustainable development, while also ensuring they align with both local and global objectives. 

    Nigeria aims to diversify its energy sources, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and invest in renewable energy as part of its national growth plan.

    Tinubu also discussed Nigeria’s efforts in promoting clean energy through initiatives like Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles, as well as using solid minerals for the green energy transition. 

    The Nigerian government is also implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to improve food security and reduce environmental damage.

     Additionally, Nigeria’s National Clean Cooking Policy seeks to advance clean energy for health and socio-economic benefits.

    Recognizing the impact of environmental challenges such as deforestation and flooding, Tinubu called for international cooperation to address these issues and implement sustainable practices across sectors.

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     He urged global partners to support Africa’s green economy initiatives, noting that such projects require substantial investment and collaboration.

    Nigeria has already taken steps towards financing green projects, becoming the first African nation to fund these initiatives through Sovereign Green Bonds.

     The third issuance of these bonds is currently in progress.

    In conclusion, President Tinubu praised the UAE for hosting the event, which brought global leaders together to discuss solutions to the world’s pressing environmental challenges.

  • Bafarawa Leaves PDP to Focus on Youth Empowerment Initiative

    Bafarawa Leaves PDP to Focus on Youth Empowerment Initiative

    In a gesture that demonstrates his commitment to walk the talk, former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa his quit partisan politics to focus on youth empowerment.

    Towards this end, Alhaji Bafarawa, yesterday in Abuja, turned in his letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    The letter dated January 13, 2025, addressed to the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, Bafarawa stated that his decision was motivated by his dedication to a new initiative aimed at empowering the youth.

    He explained that his vision for uplifting humanity through youth development no longer aligned with his role in the party.

    Bafarawa expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had during his time in the PDP, acknowledging the party’s contributions to Nigeria’s political scene.

    However, he emphasized that his new focus would be on supporting and inspiring the country’s youth, who he sees as crucial to the nation’s future.

    The term governor of Sokoto State noted that his resignation would prevent any potential conflicts of interest.

    The challenge posed by a ballooning youth population in Nigeria has been a trending talking point on national development discourse.

    However, many are of the opinion that the Nigerian youth challenge is essentially a phenomenon that is most rife in Northern Nigeria.

    This arises from the fact that the region accounts for most of the negative indices that characterise the youth population.

    Such indices include high out-of-school population, drug abuse, violent crimes, destitution and unemployment.

    Danladi Ibrahim, an agricultural economist and youth empowerment advocate told Nigerian Anchor that the move by Alhaji Bafarawa may be the game changer that the north has being waiting for.

    He urged other accomplished individuals to join the move by the former governor as, according to him, “it was high time we taught our young people how to fish rather than hand them bowls of fish meals.”