Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Court stops Dstv, Gotv from increasing subscription prices

    Court stops Dstv, Gotv from increasing subscription prices

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order to halt the planned increase in subscription prices by Multichoice Nigeria Limited, the operator of DStv and GOtv.

    The court’s decision comes in response to Multichoice’s announcement of a forthcoming price increment across its DStv and GOtv packages, set to take effect from May 1, 2024. 

    The company cited a rise in the cost of business operations in Nigeria due to price adjustments.

    According to the notice signed by Multichoice CEO John Ugbe, subscribers received via email, the new prices for DStv packages included increases for the Premium package, now priced at N37,000 monthly, up from the current N29,500 subscription fee. 

    Similarly, the Compact+ bouquet increased to N25,000 from N19,800 monthly, while the Compact bouquet would cost N15,700 instead of the current N12,500.

    For GOtv users, price adjustments were also announced, with increases across packages such as Supa Plus, Supa, Max, and Jolli.

    However, the court’s intervention has temporarily put a stop to the planned price increases, offering relief to subscribers who expressed concerns over the successive hikes in subscription fees over the past year.

    Multichoice had faced criticism for the frequency of its subscription fee increments, with this being the third increase in the past year alone.

  • WASSCE Announces Date To Commence Exams

    WASSCE Announces Date To Commence Exams

    The West African Examinations Council, Nigeria, has announced the commencement date for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.

    The examination is scheduled to start on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, and will conclude on June 24, 2024.

    Dr Amos Dangut, the Head of the Nigeria Office at WAEC, made this declaration on Monday at the WAEC Lagos Office, affirming the council’s preparedness to administer the examination.

    He further specified that the examination period would span seven weeks and six days.

    Dangut said, “I am delighted to inform you that WASSCE for School Candidates, 2024 will take place between Tuesday, April 30 and Monday, June 24, 2024, in Nigeria, spanning seven weeks and six days.

    “The examination will be conducted in four WAEC member countries, namely: Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.”

    “We want to inform candidates of the council’s readiness to conduct WASSCE.”

    He added, “We are set for the conduct of WASSCE for School candidates in 2024 in Nigeria. The Council also, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, the State Ministries of Education, the Nigeria Police, other security agencies and other stakeholders, deliver, on its mandate to conduct credible examinations for the Nigerian Child and the general public.

    “We remain ever grateful to the Honourable Minister of Education, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, all the State Ministries of Education, the Inspector-General of Police, and indeed, all our stakeholders, for their usual support and cooperation, even as we count on them once again.

  • Defection: Court dismisses APC suit seeking sack of ex-Benue gov, Ortom

    Defection: Court dismisses APC suit seeking sack of ex-Benue gov, Ortom

    By Vivian Michael, Abuja

    Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress(APC) seeking the removal of former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, from office over his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

    In the ruling, the court held that the suit had become academic, exercise in futility and can no longer confer any benefits on the APC. It stated that it has been overtaken by events.

    Besides, the judge said that the court has no power to extend the tenure in dispute to accommodate the request of the APC.

    Justice Ekwo said that the tenure being eyed by the APC had been spent by Ortom before the case could be concluded.

    The APC had dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, PDP and Ortom before the court praying that Ortom be kicked out of office on account of his defection to the PDP.

    APC asserted that it canvassed for votes and won the majority of lawful votes of 422,932 as against the PDP which scored 313, 878 to come second, in the 2019 governorship election in Benue State.

    The party asked the judge to invoke sections 1, 177 and 179 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2010 to hold that Ortom cannot transfer its lawful votes to PDP, thereby making PDP to unlawfully become the winner of the 2019 poll.

    However in his judgment in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/458/2022, Justice Ekwo held that the cause of action had ceased from the day the former governor completed the tenure of office.

    He dismissed the suit, noting that it no longer has life to sustain it and therefore lacked merit.

  • Ighodalo Denies Involvement In Shaibu’s Impeachment

    Ighodalo Denies Involvement In Shaibu’s Impeachment

    The Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has refuted claims that he has a hand in the impeachment of the state’s former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.

    Ighodalo, who described the allegation as fake, added that the claims were cooked up to tarnish his reputation.

    This was contained in a statement released by his media team on Monday.

    The statement read, “While we would not usually join issues in response to every passing comment, it has become imperative to address the recent spurious allegations by former Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu.

    “It is necessary for the record, to state in no uncertain terms, that Mr. Asue Ighodalo has had no role or involvement in any form whatsoever in the very public process leading to Mr. Shuaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal from office by the Edo State House of Assembly.

    “These claims are completely without merit, and Mr. Ighodalo categorically denies any such involvement. These allegations are a clear attempt to unjustly tarnish his reputation and divert attention from the actual issues at hand.”

    He, however, called on the public to disregard the claim, saying, “We urge the public and the media to regard these false statements with well-deserved scepticism.”

  • NNPCL Speaks On Fuel Scarcity Across Nigeria

    NNPCL Speaks On Fuel Scarcity Across Nigeria

    Far short of advancing cogent reasons for sudden fall in supply of petroleum products nationwide, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Sunday, reacted to the scarcity of fuel by merely stating that the scarcity will soon abate.

    The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, in his reaction to the crisis, expressed optimism that the long queues will clear in the coming days, adding that NNPC Ltd has adequate stock.

    He said, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, wishes to clarify that the tightness in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit currently being experienced in some areas across the country is a result of logistics issues and they have been resolved.

    “It also wishes to reiterate that prices of petroleum products are not changing. It urges Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there are sufficient products in the country.”

    Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Secretary, Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Clement Isong, said, “As the NNPC Ltd said, there were logistics issues and they have been resolved. The marketers who have fuel, are working round the clock and the queues will be cleared in the coming days.”

    However, the shortage of petrol witnessed in Nasarawa, Niger, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, last week, spread to Lagos, Oyo, Osun and other states, weekend, thus affecting the movement of goods and persons and by extension, the nation’s economy.

    In Lagos, motorists and other users woke up yesterday to witness long queues at the few filling stations which had the product to sell, while many outlets belonging mostly to independent marketers, without the product, were closed.

    However, some major marketers, including 11 Plc and NNPC Ltd, with stocks sold the product at over N600 per litre, while the few independent marketers with the product sold it at between N650 and N700 per litre, depending on location.

  • Niger State Gov Bago’s Special Adviser Is Dead

    Niger State Gov Bago’s Special Adviser Is Dead

    Mohammed Adam Erena, a Special Adviser to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on Labour Matters, has reportedly died.

    Governor Bago confirmed the sad development in a condolence message conveyed through his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim.

    The governor expressed that the loss of the former secretary to the state government (SSG) is a significant one for the entire state.

    He highlighted the deceased’s dedication as a public servant and his invaluable contributions to the state, emphasizing that his legacy of unwavering commitment to service and tireless efforts in advancing the development of Niger State will always be cherished.

    Bago offered prayers for the deceased to be granted entry into Aljannah Firdausi, and encouraged the family members of Comrade Erena to accept this loss with patience and faith, recognizing that the will of Allah is absolute.

    Erena, who sadly passed away, held the position of SSG of Niger State during the tenure of the late former governor Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure from 2002 to 2007.

    Additionally, he dedicated his service to the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria at both the national and state levels. He also served as the national vice president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and served two terms as the chairman of the Niger State Council of NLC.

  • Tinubu govt lacks the capacity to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenge – Suswam

    Tinubu govt lacks the capacity to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenge – Suswam

    Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, said the government of President Bola Tinubu can not change Nigeria’s economic fortunes.

    Suswam made this statement in an interview on Channels Television.

    He said the Tinubu administration can not take the country out of the economic woe inflicted by his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Well, it’s rather unfortunate right from the Buhari Government where the mantra of ‘Change’ was the singsong. Unfortunately, people didn’t ask what kind of change he was bringing into governance. Is it positive change or negative change?

    “What we experienced under those eight years were what dovetailed into what we’re experiencing today because whatever foundation that was built by the PDP was completely destroyed by that (Buhari) government.

    “We now began a journey to the abyss. The state of the nation, economically, is nothing to talk about, it’s unfortunate that the current (Tinubu) leadership does not have what it takes to change the economic fortunes of this country,” he said.

    According to him, the removal of petrol subsidy, floating of the naira, and an increase in electricity tariff, among other policies, is evident that the government is out to make things worse for the Nigerian masses.

  • TETFund Denies Allegations of Misconduct Amidst ICPC Claims

    TETFund Denies Allegations of Misconduct Amidst ICPC Claims

    In a twist to recent developments, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has refuted assertions made by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding his alleged custody. 

    Contrary to ICPC’s statements, Echono maintained that he remains in his office and was not detained.

    The ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, previously stated that Echono was in their custody for questioning, indicating an ongoing investigation. 

    However, Echono clarified that while an official from TETFund was indeed invited by the ICPC for document submission, they have since been released.

    These developments follow earlier reports, revealing TETFund’s awarding of contracts totaling N7.6 billion to Fides Et Ratio Academy and Pole Global Marketing without the required approval from the federal executive council. 

    The contracts, aimed at enhancing capacity-building courses and learning management systems for 2 million students across higher institutions, raised concerns about due process.

    In response to the allegations, TETFund issued a rejoinder denying any wrongdoing and emphasizing adherence to due process in its procurement activities. 

  • Lagos Temporarily Shuts Down Churches, Hotels Over Noise Pollution

    Lagos Temporarily Shuts Down Churches, Hotels Over Noise Pollution

    The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has temporarily shut down various establishments, including churches, bars, and hotels, in several areas like Ifako-Ijaiye, Abule-Egba, Alagbado, Command, Abesan Estate, and Dopemu due to noise pollution.

    This was made known in a post shared by the state Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on his X account on Friday.

    Affected establishments include the Catholic Church, Seventh Heaven Bar & Lounge, 1602 Hotel, Lourita Hotel & Suites, Wonderful Bible Prayer Ministries, God’s Porch Ministries, White Pavilion Hotel, Quest Hotel & Suites, Honey Comb Confectioners Ltd, and Excel Hotel & Suite. 

    The statement reads: “In a significant effort to address noise pollution and other environmental breaches, LASEPA #LasepaOfficial conducted a comprehensive enforcement operation today in strategic areas of lfako-ljaiye, Abule-Egba, Alagbado, Command, Abesan Estate, and Dopemu within Lagos State.

    “Among the affected establishments are the Catholic Church, Seventh Heaven Bar & Lounge, 1602 Hotel, Lourita Hotel & Suites, Wonderful Bible Prayer Ministries, God’s Porch Ministries, White Pavilion Hotel, Quest Hotel & Suites, Honey Comb Confectioners Ltd, and Excel Hotel & Suite these establishments have been temporarily closed to compel compliance with environmental regulations.

    “LASEPA emphasized the vital importance of businesses adhering to environmental standards.”

  • Presidency, LP, PDP React To US Report On 2023 General Election

    Presidency, LP, PDP React To US Report On 2023 General Election

    A United States 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices arrived at its conclusion that the 2023 polls reflected the will of Nigerians.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency welcomed the report but emphasized that the party’s electoral successes did not depend on external validation.

    However, the opposition Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) questioned the basis on which the report concluded that the 2023 polls accurately represented the will of Nigerians, given the evident irregularities.

    The report, issued by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour within the US Department of State, detailed human rights practices and violations across various nations, including Nigeria.

    The report  also stated that there were reports of campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy and various irregularities during the country’s 2023 elections

    According to the report, the recent general elections in Nigeria were deemed to reflect the will of the people, despite significant irregularities.

    The report highlighted allegations that supporters of the APC impeded voting in Igbo-dominated areas during the Lagos gubernatorial election in March 2023.

    The report partly read, “National elections were widely reported to have reflected the will of voters, despite technical and logistical difficulties, and some irregularities.

    “Many independent observers who assessed the results of the presidential, legislative, and state-level elections during the year reflected the will of voters despite reports of voter suppression and vote-buying, campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy, violence, and intimidation.

    “During the March 18 state election in Lagos, All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters reportedly intimidated and suppressed voters in Igbo-dominated areas, which Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, won in the February 25 national election.

    “Viral videos on social media showed APC supporters in Ojo (LGA in Lagos) threatening to attack ethnic Igbo voters presumed to be pro-Obi.

    “In Eti-Osa, APC supporters also attacked journalists and, in some cases, shut down voting and prevented non-Yoruba voters from accessing polls. They similarly destroyed property and physically blocked voters in Amuwo-Odofin.

    “According to videos posted on social media, police officers were present but failed to respond to attacks.”

    However, in response to the report, the two primary opposition parties, the PDP and the LP, reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing democracy in Nigeria, notwithstanding its imperfections.

    National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, in a telephone chat with Vanguard said: “I am yet to read the report but one thing we, as a party, can assure Nigerians is that we remain committed to the advancement of democracy in our country.

    “We are also committed to ensuring that our country does not become a one-party state or slide into dictatorship.”

    Speaking in a similar vein, his counterpart in the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, said: “With all said and done, we take solace in the fact that the report was fair enough to admit that there were irregularities, including but not limited to vote buying, ballot box snatching, intimidation and physical attacks on our party supporters, especially in Lagos.

    “The report was magnanimous enough to note that supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, suppressed votes in areas dominated by our supporters during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos.

    “To say the outcome of such an election reflects the majority view of Nigerians is left for the people to judge. Our commitment to the development of democracy in Nigeria remains unshakable.”

    The Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the ruling party, APC, Nze Chidi Duru, stated that the party had moved forward, focusing on advancing Nigeria’s electoral democracy.