Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Road Blocked As Kaduna Residents Protest Bandits Attack

    Road Blocked As Kaduna Residents Protest Bandits Attack

    Residents of Goningora in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have blocked the Abuja-Kaduna highway following the attack on the community by bandits.

    Following the attack on the night of Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, several members of the community were said to have been kidnapped and several injured.

    Channels Television reports that angry residents took to the streets on Thursday morning, blocking the busy Abuja-Kaduna highway.

    The development has caused heavy traffic on the road, with many motorists stranded.

    Two people, including a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, were reportedly killed in the attack.

    The latest attack on the Goningora community comes barely a week after soldiers killed a notorious bandit, Kingpin, Boderi Isyaku and some of his fighters in the same Chikun local government.

    A military armoured vehicle was said to have been set ablaze by the bandits when soldiers attempted to repel them.

  • Tinubu promises Restructuring Nigeria

    Tinubu promises Restructuring Nigeria

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his determination to restructure Nigeria but emphasised that the proper foundations must be laid in order for the goals to align properly. 

    Tinubu assured that with the structures put in place by his administration, the country will soon be better off, and Nigerians will be out of the current economic hardship.

    The President stated this at a meeting with the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, at his country home in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Wednesday.

    The meeting with the leaders of the mainstream Yoruba group was held behind closed doors.

    In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, and disclosed to newsmen, the core issues on how to move the country forward were the focus of the meeting.

    According to Ajayi, the President said, “I prayed for it, I danced for it, I campaigned for it, and I got it. I know the enormous amount of responsibility, so don’t pity me, Baba, just sit down and relax.”

    “He (Tinubu) assured Nigerians that the struggle he undertook and that he is trying to build the structures that will not be reversed.

    “He said that the structure he is trying to put in place in Nigeria economically, socially, and politically would be such that it would bring Nigeria back to where it was supposed to be.

    “We should eat the food we grow. Doing so would prevent us from depending on foods from foreign sources. A nation that fully depends on food from outside cannot get it,” Ajayi added.

    Fasoranti, who commended Tinubu for keeping his word to return to his residence after emerging as President, stated, “Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible.

    “We seek, therefore, a true Federal Republic that would reflect fiscal federalism. If the derivation principle is good for oil, why is it not good for value-added tax, for example?”

  • Release Nnamdi Kanu now, Sunday Igboho Tells Tinubu

    Release Nnamdi Kanu now, Sunday Igboho Tells Tinubu

    Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho has called on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 

    The plea, delivered through a viral video on Tuesday, coincided with Kanu’s trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Kanu, who appeared in court on February 26, 2024, for the first time since a Supreme Court ruling on December 15, 2023, has been in custody since June 2021. 

    Igboho emphasized Kanu’s innocence, urging an end to political maneuvers and highlighting the need for Kanu to be reunited with his family.

    Igboho stated in the video, “Release Nnamdi Kanu. Stop politics. This guy didn’t do anything. Today is February 27, 2024. Release him, let him go, and stay with his family. This guy just fights for his people in the Southeast like me that I’m fighting for my people in Yorubaland. Release him, let him go. Stop these political games. Release Kanu, let him go home, please release him.”

  • You’ve Grown Wings – APC Knocks Seyi Makinde For Criticizing Tinubu

    You’ve Grown Wings – APC Knocks Seyi Makinde For Criticizing Tinubu

    The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Seyi Makinde for condemning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to remove the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel. 

    In a statement, the APC accused Makinde of overstepping his bounds and lacking the authority to criticize Tinubu’s leadership.

    APC’s Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, emphasized that Makinde is the only governor openly criticizing the incumbent president for the subsidy removal. 

    Sadare argued that the governor should focus on addressing challenges within the state rather than blaming Tinubu for the economic situation.

    The statement highlighted Makinde’s past silence during the subsidy removal under former President Muhammadu Buhari and accused him of exploiting the recent labour protest to deflect blame from his administration. 

    The APC also raised concerns about the utilization of allocations, claiming that Makinde received over N207 billion without significant positive impact.

    APC accused him of engaging in wasteful spending, capital flight, and misplaced priorities, leaving the state grappling with issues of hunger, poverty, and unemployment.

    The statement reads: “Makinde has grown more wings in his penchant for misleading the public and sacrificing others for his ineptitude in government. Funny enough, the PDP-dominated State House of Assembly spoke in the same tone on the same day, and we understand the script being played by the governor.

    “Gov. Makinde holds the record of the only governor in Nigeria who constantly blames the sitting President for his failure to add value in his state. Out of the 36 governors, the Oyo State helmsman was the only one who criticized President Bola Tinubu over the removal of fuel subsidy when he stated that the decision was untimely and not well thought out. This was what he did to former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023 as he distanced himself from Aso Villa on account of ego and thereby denied the Pacesetter state a lot of opportunities for four years.

    “As he is wont to do, Makinde attempted to take advantage of the labour protest on Tuesday to heap all the blame for the bad economy in the country on the federal government, forgetting that governors like him were more culpable for the extent to which the quality of life has degenerated. Why blame President Tinubu for stopping wasteful spending on fuel subsidy when the decision has been enabling you to collect improved allocations in the last nine months, although without much to show for it?

    “The Oyo State government has received over N207 billion in allocations from Abuja since May last year, and this excludes the billions of naira accrued to the 33 local government councils which the governor hijacked from them.

    “Rather than use the whopping allocations to create wealth, Gov. Makinde mopped up more funds from loans, grants, IGR, and illegal sale of government assets without accountability. So, who then addresses hunger, poverty, and unemployment in Oyo State when the governor always engages in wasteful spending, capital flight, and misplaced priorities?” the statement added

  • Why Oronsaye Report Won’t Reduce Governance Cost — Falana

    Why Oronsaye Report Won’t Reduce Governance Cost — Falana

    A Senior Lawyer and Human Rights Activist, Femi Falana, SAN has stated why the Oronsaye reported adopted for implementation by the Tinubu led federal government will not reduce the cost of governance. 

    Falana, described the 12-year old Steve Oronsaye Report as outdated. 

    In a statement on Tuesday, the Senior lawyer, said the report won’t “substantially reduce the enormous costs of governance in the country as it does not reflect the current situation in the public service,” contrary to the belief in official circles. 

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by President Bola Tinubu had on Monday approved the full implementation of the Oronsaye report.

    According to the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, the move was in line with the need to reduce cost of governance and streamline efficiency across the governance value chain.

    Falana said, “No doubt, the implementation of some of the recommendations of the Panel will take appreciable time as the merger of certain bodies require constitutional amendments or repeal of a number of statutes.

    “The 800-page report of the Steve Oronsaye Panel recommended the reduction of statutory agencies from 263 to 161, scrapping 38 agencies, merging 52, and reverting 14 to departments in different ministries,

    “Since the Goodluck Jonathan administration produced a White Paper on the Steve Oronsaye Report in 2014, the Federal Government has created more ministries, departments and agencies.

    “Whereas the Report recommended the reduction of 263 agencies to 151, the number of ministries, departments and agencies has increased to 1316. Even the current administration has increased the number of ministries and created new agencies. To that extent, the Steve Oronsaye Report is completely outdated.

    “However, in implementing the Oronsaye Report the Federal Government should ensure that the crisis of insecurity is not compounded through the retrenchment of hundreds of thousands of workers.

    “Instead of downsizing the public service the Federal Government should ensure that the two houses of the National Assembly are merged while the number of Ministers, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants is significantly reduced.”

  • Islamic Cleric Apologizes To Remi Tinubu Days After He Called For Her Death

    Islamic Cleric Apologizes To Remi Tinubu Days After He Called For Her Death

    An Islamic cleric based in Katsina, Idris Tenshi, has apologised to the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, over his recent comments.

    Recall that the cleric, in a sermon preached in the Hausa language which went viral, described the First Lady as an “infidel” who should be killed.

    He had said: “Tinubu’s wife is an unbeliever, and even among the unbelievers, she is a leader.

    “She is among those that Allah has instructed us to kill because she is among the leaders of the unbelievers.”

    Following the development, the cleric came under fire as individuals and groups demanded his immediate arrest and prosecution.

    However, in a new video, Tenshi apologised to the wife of the president over his comments, saying that everything he said was “a mistake”.

    The cleric also revealed that he had withdrawn his earlier comments after other clerics properly explained the verse he quoted.

    He said: “I would like to pass this message to Nigerians regarding a video I did which is circulating on social media.

    “All the things I said were a mistake, and I don’t stand by the words I said. Other clerics have given me a proper explanation of the verse that I quoted.

    “As a human being, I am prone to making mistakes. I am apologising to Her Excellency Remi Tinubu for the comments I made and for taking back the words I said.

    “I am also apologising to Nigerians because she (Remi Tinubu) is like a mother to us. The season of politics is over. I made those comments during the time the campaign was taking place.

    ‘Now that God has given Bola Tinubu power, we have no other option than to support him and wish him and his family well. Whoever felt offended by the things I said, I am sorry.”

  • Hunger Protests: NLC, FG Trade Tackles

    Hunger Protests: NLC, FG Trade Tackles

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reacted to the presidency’s claim over the ongoing protests.

    The organized labour said the nationwide protest is not about minimum wage but hunger and economic hardship.

    Contrary to the Presidency’s claim that the protest revolves around the minimum wage review, NLC’s National President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized that the union is addressing broader issues.

    Speaking on TVC, presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale described the demonstrations by the NLC as needless.

    Ajaero accused the Federal Government of neglecting the union’s demands since the removal of fuel subsidy, resulting in an increased cost of living. 

    Expressing concerns about the minimum wage, he stated, “What will be the minimum wage that will remove hunger?”

    Highlighting the impact of deregulation, Ajaero pointed out that the rising expenses, especially in transportation, have worsened the already dire situation.

    The NLC proposed various solutions, including the introduction of CNG buses, but lamented the lack of implementation.

    Notable figures such as Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, NLC president Joe Ajaero, Omoyele Sowore, Deji Adeyanju, and Lawyer Femi Falana actively participated in the protest in Abuja. 

    The demonstrations have unfolded across all states in Nigeria, signaling a widespread concern for the economic well-being of the citizens.

  • NECO Releases 2023 November/December SSCE Results 

    NECO Releases 2023 November/December SSCE Results 

    The National Examinations Council (NECO) has unveiled the results of the external 2023 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), revealing a commendable 67.35% of candidates achieving five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.

    The official announcement was made by NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi, at the headquarters in Minna, Niger State, on Monday. 

    The results, accessible on the official NECO website, www.neco.gov.ng, were released just 67 days after the conclusion of the examination held from November 20 to December 20, 2023.

    Out of the 74,950 candidates who registered, 39,213 were males (52.31%) and 35,737 were females (47.68%). Notably, 50,066 candidates secured five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics, representing 67.35%. 

    Furthermore, 84.11% of candidates, totaling 62,530, achieved five credits and above irrespective of English Language and Mathematics.

    Professor Wushishi also highlighted a decline in examination malpractice cases, with 8,518 reported cases, reflecting a 25.4% reduction from the previous year. 

    Notable actions were taken, including blacklisting one centre each in Kaduna and Ogun States for whole centre cases, blacklisting two supervisors in Oyo and Lagos States for poor supervision, and blacklisting a Borno State centre for aiding and abetting through sharing WhatsApp messages.

    In a significant development, NECO introduced the e-Posting Software to streamline staff posting, addressing historical challenges such as lopsidedness and favoritism. 

    The Registrar emphasized that this digitalized process would provide staff with notifications about eligible assignments at the beginning of each year, enhancing transparency and fairness.

  • Police Denies Sealing NLC Lagos Office

    Police Denies Sealing NLC Lagos Office

    Lagos State Police command has denied a report of sealing the secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Yaba, Lagos, on Monday.

    State’s Police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the report as rumour, saying the Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade only went to the NLC secretariat to address protesters.

    The police spokesman stated this in reaction to the rumour, and giving reasons for heightened security upgrades in hotspots around Lagos on Monday.

    Hundeyin told newsmen that the police proactively arrived at the NLC secretariat and other hotspots to ensure adequate security for planners of the strike and to prevent their procession from being hijacked by hoodlums.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fayoade addressed the protesters before the procession took off in his presence.

    “The procession was peaceful and without any untoward incident,” Hundeyin said, adding that CP Fayoade monitored the security operation and the protest, ” he said.

    He stated that the protesters neither caused traffic obstruction nor got involved in violent activities.

    Heavily armed police operatives were seen at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, and other parts of Lagos on Monday, in readiness for a planned protest by organised labour.

    The NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC had scheduled a nationwide strike for February 27 and 28 to protest what they called hardship currently faced by Nigerians.

  • Cost of Governance: FG Lists Agencies to be scrapped

    Cost of Governance: FG Lists Agencies to be scrapped

    The federal government announces the list of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), either to be eliminated, merged or prunned as part of the implementation of the Oronsaye report that has been pending for more than a decade. 

    This decision, announced after Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, stems from a report initiated by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. 

    Led by Steve Oronsaye, the committee identified overlapping agencies causing competition and wasteful expenditure, recommending the reduction of 263 statutory agencies to 161, abolishing 38, and merging 52.

    Additionally, 14 agencies are proposed to revert to departments within ministries, aiming for a more streamlined government structure.

    Below are government agencies set to be merged or scrapped.

    – 38 Federal Agencies to be abolished – Public Complaints Commission, National Poverty Eradication Programme, Utilities Charges Commission, National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, National Intelligence Committee, etc.

    – 14 agencies to be fused into ministries where they were created e.g Debt Management Office to the Federal Ministry of Finance

    – Public Health Department back to the Federal Ministry of Health

    – National Information Technology Development Agency to be fused into the Ministry of Communication Technology

    – Reduction of statutory agencies from 263 to 161

    – 52 institutions to be merged: NTA, FRCN & VON into the Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria (FBCN)

    – NCC & NBC into Communication Regulatory Authority of Nigeria (CRAN);

    – CCB, EFCC & ICPC to be merged into the Anti-Corruption Commission.

    – Another key recommendation of the committee was to discontinue government funding of professional bodies and councils. Consequently, there is a need to amend the Professional Bodies (Special Provisions) Act, of 1972 which mandates the government to provide financial support of various kinds to such bodies. – They include the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN); Computer Professionals Council of Nigeria (CPRCN); Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON); Nigeria Press Council; Architects Registration Council; Council for Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN); Estate Surveyors’ Registration Board (ESRB); Town Planners Council (TPC); Nigerian Builders Council (NBC; Quantity Surveyors’ Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRB); Nigerian Builders Council (NBC); and Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG).

    Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution to be scrapped and its functions to be transferred to the Department of Strategic Studies in the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA).

    The committee recommended that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA) and Petroleum Equalisation Fund be merged with Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF).

    Based on the White Paper, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) would be abolished and its enabling law repealed as its functions are being performed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission. A similar fate awaits the Salaries and Wages Income Commission.

    – The trio of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) were recommended to be merged into a new body to be known as the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) and their respective enabling laws amended accordingly to reflect the merger.

    – Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the Committee recommended that it be merged with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to synergize for management and utilization of resources.

    – The Committee recommended that the enabling law of the National Commission for Nomadic Education be repealed and the Commission’s activities taken over by the Universal Basic Education Commission.

    – National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).