Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Buhari’s Ex-aide Reacts To Ganduje’s Suspension 

    Buhari’s Ex-aide Reacts To Ganduje’s Suspension 

    Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has reacted to the suspension of the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    Ganduje was suspended by his ward in DawakinTofa local government area of Kano State over alleged corruption.

    Speaking to journalists, the legal adviser of the ward, Haladu Gwanjo, said the former Kano Governor is alleged to have committed gross misconduct and misappropriation of public funds during his administration in Kano.

    Reacting in a post via his X handle, Ahmad said if the suspension of Ganduje was conducted in accordance with due process, then he is no longer a party member.

    The former presidential aide added that constitutionally, Ganduje cannot serve as the national chairman since he has been suspended.

    Ahmad stated that the current situation is similar to the tactics used during Senator Adams Oshiohmole’s tenure.

    He wrote: “If the widely reported suspension of the national chairman of our great party was conducted in accordance with due process, then he is no longer a party member, and constitutionally, he cannot serve as the national chairman since he is not a registered member of the party.

    “This situation has a resemblance to the tactics used during Senator Adams Oshiohmole’s tenure. There must have been maneuvers happening behind the scenes.”

  • BREAKING: Kano APC sanctions ward leaders over Ganduje’s suspension

    BREAKING: Kano APC sanctions ward leaders over Ganduje’s suspension

    The Kano State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken action against Ganduje Ward Leaders who suspended the National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano State Chairman of the APC, announced the sanction during a press briefing in Kano on Monday.

    He stated that the Ganduje Ward leaders have been suspended for six months due to their involvement in anti-party activities.

    Abbas explained that the State Working Committee made the decision based on the resolution of the party’s Dawakin Tofa Local Government Committee, which also recommended the suspension.

    “We have evidence of meetings between the State Government officials and those that suspended the National Chairman, and the state working committee has agreed to sanction them for six months and they stand suspended,” Abbas stated.

    Earlier on Monday, the Ganduje Ward leaders in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area had announced the suspension of Dr Ganduje, alleging corruption during his tenure as Governor.

    The ward’s legal adviser, Haladu Gwanjo, cited gross misconduct and misappropriation of public funds, particularly referencing the “dollar video” scandal.

    However, the State Working Committee declared the suspension invalid, null, and void, asserting that it cannot stand.

  • Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Hits 33.20% As Naira Rebounds 

    Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Hits 33.20% As Naira Rebounds 

    Nigeria’s inflation rate jumped to 33.20% in March 2024 compared to February 2024 headline inflation rate which was 31.70%.

    This was according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released on Monday.

    “Looking at the movement, the March 2024 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 1.50% points when compared to the February 2024 headline inflation rate,” said the NBS.

    “On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.16% points higher compared to the rate recorded in March 2023, which was 22.04%.

    “On a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in March 2024 was 3.02%, which was 0.10% lower than the rate recorded in February 2024 (3.12%). This means that in the month of March 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is less than the rate of increase in the average price level in February 2024.”

    The inflation report by the NBS followed the hike of Nigeria’s interest rate from 22.75% to 24.75% by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Interestingly, the March inflation rate was released at a time when measures by the apex bank to strenghten the naira against foreign exchange have seen some positive results.

    The naira has appreciated against the dollar in recent weeks, gaining over 40%, from about N1,900/$ to about N1,100/$1 now.

    As the naira rebounds, Nigerians expect significant reduction in the prices of food and basic commodities but this hasn’t been the case with cost of living still high.

  • Former Senate President, Lawan Reacts As Soldiers Allegedly Kill Three ‘Innocent’ Civilians In Yobe

    Former Senate President, Lawan Reacts As Soldiers Allegedly Kill Three ‘Innocent’ Civilians In Yobe

    Former President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has reacted to the alleged killing of three innocent civilians by soldiers in Gashu’a, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State.

    According to reports, the soldiers, on Sunday, fired indiscriminately at groups of protesters who were approaching their ‘Stop-And-Search’ checkpoint near Gashua Bridge.

    The protesters were demonstrating against the alleged killing of a tricycle operator by soldiers in Gashu’a on Sunday.

    Three civilians lost their lives in the incident, while 12 others were injured and taken to the Federal Medical Centre Nguru for treatment.

    In a statement he personally signed on Sunday, Senator Lawan urged the military authorities to conduct an immediate investigation into the tragic incident.

    As the Senator representing Yobe North in the Upper legislative chamber and the current chair of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Lawan emphasized the need for the Nigerian Army to ensure that those responsible for these acts of violence are held accountable.

    He said, “Gashua community has always been a peaceful place with calm people, who always give support and cooperate with the military, paramilitary, and, indeed, all government agents operating in the town.”

    Lawan urged the residents to remain calm, stating that he had already consulted with military officials to guarantee that the perpetrators would be caught and punished in accordance with the law. He stressed that justice would prevail.

    The legislator also pledged to oversee the care of all injured individuals.

    “I am deeply saddened by Sunday’s tragic event that took place in Gashua, Yobe State, where soldiers allegedly killed three innocent civilians who were amongst those protesting the killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers.

    “I call on the military authorities to swiftly investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the killings. It is imperative that those behind these senseless acts of violence are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served for the victims and their families.

    “Accordingly, I have waded into the issue by contacting the Bade Local Government Chairman and Commanding Officer for an hourly brief to keep me abreast of developments. I have also taken responsibility for the treatment of all the 12 persons who sustained various forms of injuries from attack by the soldiers.

    “I urge the community of Gashua in Bade local government area, to remain calm and peaceful in the midst of this tragedy.

    “I stand in solidarity and unity with the residents of Gashu’a during this difficult time to mourn the loss of innocent lives. Together, we can honour the memories of the lives lost and work towards a more peaceful and just society for all.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who died during this tragic incident. May the souls of the deceased rest in Aljannatul Firdaus,” Leadership quoted Senator Lawan’s statement.

  • Army To Probe Torture Of Hotel Manager To Death By Soldiers In Abia

    Army To Probe Torture Of Hotel Manager To Death By Soldiers In Abia

    The Nigerian Army has begun an investigation into the death of a hotel manager, Achimugu Etubi, in Abia State.

    Some soldiers were said to have tortured Etubi to death in Abia after an Air Force cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche, reportedly drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the Nigerian Army’s spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed an investigation of soldiers allegedly involved in the torturing of the manager.

    Nwachukwu said the Army is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager.

    He said Lagbaja had immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book anyone found culpable.

    Nwachukwu said the Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed at the conclusion of the investigation.

    The statement read, “The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assures the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served.

    “The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions.

    “Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria.”

  • Army Speaks On Recruiting Repented Boko Haram Members

    Army Speaks On Recruiting Repented Boko Haram Members

    The Nigerian Army has refuted a viral report that it recruited repented Boko Haram members.

    The Army made this known in a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Onyema Nwachuckwu.

    On Thursday, one Hauwakulu Tabra was reported to have been killed by Adamu Muhammad, a soldier she was in a relationship with, at the army barracks in Enugu.

    A report on Saturday said two senior military officers alleged that the soldier was a repented Boko Haram member who joined the Civilian Joint Task Force and was later enlisted into the Nigerian Army in 2021.

    But according to the statement, the Army said while it is highly regrettable that the lady was killed, the incident should not be used to propagate the claim that the act was committed by a repentant Boko Haram member recruited into the Nigerian Army.

    It also condoled with the family of the deceased and reiterated that at no time did it enlist repentant Boko Haram members into its fold “as mischievously insinuated”.

    However, the Army stated that at no point in time, either in the past or present enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength.

    The statement read: “The NA has at no point in time, either in the past or present enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength. However, considerations were given to Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East distinguished themselves morally and patriotically.

    “Such members of the CJTF must have also shown commitment, dedication and loyalty to the service and the nation.

    “The sad incident of the gruesome murder of Miss Hauwakulu Tabra by Private Adamu Muhammad occurred on the night of Thursday 11 April 2024 and her corpse was discovered within the barracks on Friday 12 April 2024.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that the late Hauwakulu Tabra was actually murdered by the said soldier, who is presently in detention for further investigation to unravel the motive behind his actions.

    “The general public should be rest assured that justice will be served, as the NA will not condone any unprofessional conduct or indiscipline within its ranks.”

  • Aiyedatiwa Will Be Disqualified From Ondo Governorship Race – Jimoh Ibrahim 

    Aiyedatiwa Will Be Disqualified From Ondo Governorship Race – Jimoh Ibrahim 

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an aspirant in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo has said that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would be disqualified from the race.

    Describing Aiyedatiwa as a joker, Ibrahim said the incumbent governor was never the choice of Ondo people.

    Taunting the governor, Ibrahim displayed his entire academic and award certificates to journalists at the screening at the APC secretariat in Abuja.

    Ibrahim said Aiyedatiwa was only trying to ride his way into the Government House again on the back of the ticket of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and a few endorsements he got from the State House of Assembly.

    He said: “As you can see, all my credentials and certificates are complete. What has Aiyedatiwa achieved? He was just a pair to Aketi. We didn’t vote for him. It was Aketi we voted for.

    “But I can assure you, the governor is a huge joker. He can’t continue in government with his P8 and P7 (alleged grades). The governor will be out of that place by the time we finish the APC primary next week. He is gone and there is nothing he can do about it.

    “I don’t normally go against people. Left alone to me, clear everybody and let them go for primary. Let the electorate decide. I have won the election as senator. I won in six of the six local governments, 65 of the 66 wards, and bagged 111,677 votes as against Agboola Ajayi’s 60,000 votes.”

    However, Aiyedatiwa told the APC screening committee for the upcoming governorship election in the state that his credentials are genuine.

  • Gunmen attack Ortom’s ex-aide, abduct wife, housemaid

    Gunmen attack Ortom’s ex-aide, abduct wife, housemaid

    Gunmen have abducted the wife, Mrs Abigail Orbunde and housemaid, Patience Ogute, of Terwase Orbunde, a former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.

    Orbunde, alongside his wife and the housemaid, was said to have gone to inspect his farm located close to the Genocide Cemetery along Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road in Makurdi, the state capital on Friday, when they were attacked.

    The incident, according to a source who witnessed the attack, happened at about 6 pm on Friday.

    The eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised by the family to speak on the issue, said, “After the inspection of the work, five gunmen suddenly attacked the former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor, his wife and housemaid who were on the farm along Mobile Barracks/Welfare Quarters in Makurdi.

    “This happened around 6 pm on Friday and the gunmen opened fire and the bullet hit Orbunde, while they ordered him and the women to follow them to an unknown destination.”

    The shooting was said to have caused villagers and passersby to scamper for safety in different directions.

    Another eyewitness who watched from a far distance said the gunmen marched the victims on a footpath but later abandoned Orbunde who was said to be bleeding profusely and unable to walk fast.

    “As they abandoned the man, the gunmen then whisked the women to an unknown destination while good Samaritans conveyed Orbunde to hospital,” the eyewitness said.

    Orbunde’s close ally and media consultant, Tahav Argezua, confirmed the attack on his Facebook page.

    The Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident.

  • Nigeria Becomes first country to unveil new meningitis vaccine

    Nigeria Becomes first country to unveil new meningitis vaccine

    World Health Organisation (WHO) has said Nigeria is the first country in the world to roll out a new meningitis vaccine (called Men5CV).

    The new vaccine, uses the same technology as the meningitis A conjugate vaccine (MenAfriVac®), which wiped out meningococcal A epidemics in Nigeria.

    The vaccine and emergency vaccination activities are funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which funds the global meningitis vaccine stockpile and supports lower-income countries with routine vaccination against meningitis.

    WHO stated that the revolutionary new vaccine offers a powerful shield against the five major strains of the meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, Y, and X) in a single shot. All five strains cause meningitis and blood poisoning.

    This, it noted, provides broader protection than the current vaccine used in much of Africa, which is only effective against the A strain.

    The new vaccine is said to have the potential to significantly reduce meningitis cases and advance progress in defeating meningitis.

    “Meningitis is an old and deadly foe, but this new vaccine holds the potential to change the trajectory of the disease, preventing future outbreaks and saving many lives,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

    “Nigeria’s rollout brings us one step closer to our goal to eliminate meningitis by 2030.”

    “Northern Nigeria, particularly the states of Jigawa, Bauchi, and Yobe were badly hit by the deadly outbreak of meningitis, and this vaccine provides health workers with a new tool to both stop this outbreak but also put the country on a path to elimination,” Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate of the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was quoted as saying by Channels Tv.

  • Ogunbanjo Family Files Lawsuit Against Helicopter Company After Fatal California Crash

    Ogunbanjo Family Files Lawsuit Against Helicopter Company After Fatal California Crash

    In response to the tragic helicopter crash near the California-Nevada border in February, the family of Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), has taken legal action against the U.S. helicopter company involved.

    The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday at the San Bernardino County Superior Court, alleges that Orbic Air, the charter company, should not have authorized the flight in adverse weather conditions, ultimately resulting in the loss of Ogunbanjo’s life and five others. 

    Among the victims were Dr. Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Holdings, his wife, and their son.

    Andrew C. Robb, an attorney representing the Ogunbanjo family, emphasized the preventable nature of the crash, citing hazardous weather conditions at the time of the flight. 

    The lawsuit is seekinh accountability and answers regarding the circumstances leading to the fatal accident.

    Named as defendants in the lawsuit are Orbic Air and its CEO, Brady Bowers, with allegations of negligence for allowing the flight to proceed despite known risks.

    Additionally, the lawsuit implicates unidentified successors believed to share responsibility for the crash.

    While investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash, the Ogunbanjo family is pursuing legal action to seek compensation for wrongful death and other damages through a jury trial.