Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Customs Auctions 462 Seized Vehicles For N556m

    Customs Auctions 462 Seized Vehicles For N556m

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a successful outcome from its ongoing e-auction, raking in a substantial N556.74 million from the sale of 462 impounded vehicles.

    Dismissing rumours of impropriety, the NCS refuted claims by the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) 100 Compliance team, which had accused the e-auction committee of engaging in a monumental fraud.

    According to Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, the National Coordinator of the Compliance Team, the committee allegedly allotted over 300 impounded vehicles to a single individual at the remarkably low rate of N10,000 per vehicle.

    However, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, countered these accusations in a statement, revealing that 13,605 applicants registered on the e-auction portal during five successful bidding windows. 

    Out of the 476 impounded vehicles uploaded, 462 found new owners, resulting in a revenue of N556,738,736 for the government.

    Maiwada strongly denied any fraudulent activities or underhand dealings within the e-auction process, emphasizing the NCS’s commitment to accountability and transparency. 

    He expressed concern over the serious allegations, asserting that the NCS operates within the confines of the law, adhering strictly to established guidelines for disposing of seized/overtime goods.

    In response to claims of allotting vehicles to a single individual, Maiwada stated, “This is entirely false, misguided, and spurious.” He also refuted the suggestion of a token sum of N10,000 collected as duties, emphasizing that such claims were misleading and a misrepresentation of facts.

    The NCS reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining a high level of integrity in the ongoing e-auction process, designed to provide a fair playing field for all Nigerians.

  • FG Reopens Abuja Store After Being Sealed Over Misleading Pricing

    FG Reopens Abuja Store After Being Sealed Over Misleading Pricing

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reopened Sahad Stores, a popular supermarket in Abuja, following its temporary closure on Friday, February 16. 

    The closure was prompted by the store’s alleged lack of transparency in pricing practices, as revealed by FCCPC investigations.

    The commission accused Sahad Stores of displaying lower prices on shelves while charging higher prices at checkout, leaving customers with no choice but to pay inflated amounts. 

    This was labelled as “violations involving misleading pricing and lack of transparency” by the FCCPC.

    In a statement issued by the acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, on Saturday, it was confirmed that Sahad Stores had been reopened after a temporary closure. 

    The FCCPC conducted random checks and found that deceptive practices persisted, prompting the initial closure under Section 18(f) of its authority.

    The statement highlighted the reopening on February 16, 2024, at around 7 p.m., following a commitment from Sahad Stores to implement transparent pricing practices.

    The FCCPC emphasized the importance of businesses displaying transparent pricing information, especially during challenging economic times.

    The commission reiterated its commitment to combating exploitative or misleading practices and protecting consumer rights. 

    It urged all businesses to adhere to fair and transparent pricing practices, emphasizing potential penalties outlined in Section 115 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

    Providing background information, the FCCPC recalled its initial investigation on January 8, 2024, which revealed misleading pricing practices at Sahad Stores. 

    Following this, the commission issued a summons to the store’s staff to discuss corrective measures on February 12, 2024, but they failed to appear without justification, raising concerns about potential violations under Section 33(3) of the FCCPA.

  • Edo Election: Imasuen Withdraws From APC Gubernatorial Primaries 

    Edo Election: Imasuen Withdraws From APC Gubernatorial Primaries 

    Lucky Imasuen, ex-deputy governor of Edo State, has decided to step back from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in the state.

    Imasuen cited the party’s National Working Committee’s decision to zone the ticket to Edo Central Senatorial district as the reason for his withdrawal.

    In an open letter addressing supporters, Imasuen stated, “I have come to the conclusion that since members of our National Working Committee (NWC) have expressed their preference for zoning the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial District, it is wise to align with the decision of the party.”

    Despite being screened and cleared along with 11 other candidates on February 10, Imasuen’s decision adds another twist to the unfolding dynamics of the Edo APC governorship primary election, scheduled for today (Saturday).

     
    His withdrawal follows closely on the heels of Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s surprising exit less than 24 hours ago, further intensifying the intrigue surrounding the contest.

  • Tinubu Approves Immediate Upgrade Of Key Health Infrastructure

    Tinubu Approves Immediate Upgrade Of Key Health Infrastructure

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones in line with his administration’s vision of overhauling the health and social welfare sector for enhanced service delivery to all Nigerians.

    Upgrading health infrastructure and equipment is a top priority of President Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. 

    To advance this landmark effort, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will carry out the comprehensive upgradation of cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geopolitical zones, in addition to the full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-quality healthcare in all six geo-political zones of the federation.

    The following teaching hospitals across geo-political zones have been marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres per facility as part of President Tinubu’s bid to ensure that world class cancer diagnosis and care is accessible across the country:

    (1) University of Benin Teaching Hospital

    (2) Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital

    (3) University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital

    (4) Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina

    (5) University of Jos Teaching Hospital

    (6) Lagos University Teaching Hospital

    The following ten critical health care service expansion projects across the fields of radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization will be carried out in ten hospitals across all geo-political zones:

    (1) North-West: Reference Hospital, Kaduna — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology)

    (2) South-East: Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex, Enugu — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical & radiation oncology)

    (3) North-West: Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)

    (4) South-West: University College Hospital, Ibadan — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)

    (5) South-South: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (6) North-East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (7) South-South: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (8) North-Central: Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex, Ilorin — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (9) North-Central: Jos University Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (10) North-East: Federal Medical Centre, Nguru — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

  • Ize-Iyamu Withdraws From Edo Governorship Race

    Ize-Iyamu Withdraws From Edo Governorship Race

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship aspirant, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has withdrawn from the Edo State gubernatorial race, barely 24 hours to the party’s primary election.

     Ize-Iyamu announced his withdrawal on Friday, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin, the State capital.

    The withdrawal notice was addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and copied to the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.

    Ize-Iyamu described the decision as painful but stated it has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters.

    He further pledged that he and his teeming supporters would support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.

    Read the full text of the withdrawal letter:

    “Few montha ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political assonates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial race as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo state from the current condition of decrepitude.

    “I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commended the effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest. The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.

    “Having being cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels.

    “I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo state to accept my decision which I very personal and I promise to be there for them at all times.

    “Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s National leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organization who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage.

    “Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.”

  • FCT Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu Whom Wike Placed N20 Million Bounty

    FCT Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu Whom Wike Placed N20 Million Bounty

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police has arrested a notorious kidnapper, Dahiru Adamu, who is part of the criminals terrorising Abuja and its environs.

    Adamu, whose real name is Saidu Abdulkadir, was arrested on Thursday by the FCT Police Command’s Anti-kidnapping unit when the operatives raided two kidnappers’ camps near the Nasarawa-Abuja border via Kuje area council at about 12am.

    Confirming the arrest, the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Friday, said on sighting the police, the criminals opened fire but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the Police.

    Adeh added that one Habu Yakubu and Isufu Abubakar, earlier abducted from Kwaita village via Pegi district of Kuje area council, were rescued unhurt during the process.

    The arrested suspect is the gang leader and one of the wanted suspects of the kidnapping syndicate paraded by the Police Command on 14th February, 2024.

    Adeh said: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect masterminded the kidnap and killing of one Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the district head of Ketti village.

    “While effort is till ongoing to apprehend the other wanted suspects on the run, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh psc, mni, wishes to reassure criminals in FCT that there is no hiding place for them. He equally urges residents to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines ; 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; PCB: 09022222352.”

    The arrest comes a few hours after the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced a 20 million naira reward for the capture of the kidnapper.

  • Abure Denies Plan To Join Edo Governorship Race

    Abure Denies Plan To Join Edo Governorship Race

    Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has stated that he has no intention of participating in the Edo State gubernatorial election to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    In an interview on Arise Television,  Abure expressed concerns about leadership failures in the country, attributing them to a lack of internal party democracy within political parties.

    Abure emphasized the need for an open, transparent, and competitive electoral process, pledging to work with the National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure the Edo State gubernatorial race is fair, free, and credible.

    He stated, “I have the responsibility to ensure the party gets the best candidate for the people of Edo State. Once again, I have no interest in becoming the gubernatorial candidate in the state.”

    Addressing the suspension of the party’s National Treasurer, Oluchi Okpara, over an alleged N3.5 billion fraud, Abure attributed the internal issues to external interference aimed at destabilizing the party post-2023 general elections.

    He remarked, “It is obvious that a lot of people are being used to disrupt and cause chaos in the party, jeopardizing its credibility as a formidable opposition force in the country.”

  • NUPRC To Move Key Departments To Lagos

    NUPRC To Move Key Departments To Lagos

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission is contemplating relocating some of its units to Lagos.

    This was disclosed in a memo dated February 14, 2024. 

    The move aims to bolster service delivery, trim operational costs, and optimize assets in Lagos.

    Dr. Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu, on behalf of the Commission, signed the memo urging departments to identify units capable of independent operation with minimal supervision. 

    The statement read;

    “In line with our objectives of improving organizational efficiency, driving industry growth, and managing office accommodation in Abuja, we are exploring the possibility of relocating certain units to Lagos.

    “This initiative is driven by the need to enhance our service delivery, reduce operational costs, and make adequate utilization of our assets in Lagos.

    “Consequently, we are requesting that each department identify and provide a list of units that can operate independently with minimal supervision.

    “Submissions on the above are expected on or before the close of business on Friday 23rd February 2024.

    “This is submitted for your further necessary action, please.”

    This move follows the recent relocation of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters and CBN departments to Lagos.

  • Deji Adeyanju Reveals Why Peter Obi, Atiku, Tinubu Should Be Jailed

    Deji Adeyanju Reveals Why Peter Obi, Atiku, Tinubu Should Be Jailed

    Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has called for the imprisonment of President Bola Tinubu, PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

    He cited their alleged failure and contribution to the nation’s hardships.

    Addressing a protest in Abuja, Adeyanju expressed concern over the depreciation of the naira compared to other West African currencies. 

    He criticized the choices made by Nigerians in the last election, accusing politicians of corruption and emphasizing the need for accountability.

    Adeyanju warned of a Zimbabwean-like trajectory for Nigeria and asserted that all the presidential candidates should be in jail for the betterment of the nation.

    He said “We have warned Nigerians severally but it seems they have a covenant with oppression and suffering. I can’t imagine a situation where people had several credible alternatives during the last election but Nigerians said they wanted to swim and die with corruption.

    “Look at the Labour Party, people were jumping all over the place for that they are the saviour, look at the kind of worms we are witnessing, they can’t even account for their campaign funds.

    “The Abure looter has just been alleged of stealing N3.5 billion from the campaign funds by the party’s treasurer. We are talking about money generated from just sales of forms, not those in their naira account and those generated during the last election.

    “Peter Obi has refused to come clean, you can’t fight corruption with corruption. We warned Nigerians of the Emi Lokans of this world that he just came to have fun and loot. When he said it was his turn, Nigerians didn’t ask him, turn to do what? To loot? A man who said he would continue where Buhari stopped, what were you expecting?

    “Nigeria is heading the Zimbabwean way, is it not shocking that the West African CFAs are stronger than the naira? Things are going to get worse

    “There is none of them that ran that election whether Atiku, Tinubu or Obi that should not be in jail if we are to run a smooth country.”

  • FG Drops Treasonable Felony Case Against Sowore

    FG Drops Treasonable Felony Case Against Sowore

    The Federal Government has officially declared its intention to discontinue the long-standing treasonable felony case against the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, also known as Mandate.

    The announcement was conveyed through a document dated February 15, 2024, by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. 

    The document, addressed to the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division, cited constitutional powers as the basis for discontinuing Charge No FHC/ABI/CR/235/2019.

    The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, had previously threatened to strike out the case due to the prosecution team’s inability to articulate their arguments in court. 

    This decision follows over four years of legal proceedings in the high-profile case.

    Meanwhile, Sowore, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2019 ahead of a planned #RevolutionNow protest, has expressed his intention to sue the Federal Government and the DSS for ₦1billion. 

    In an exclusive telephone interview, Sowore highlighted the trauma inflicted on him and his family during his detention and subsequent confinement in Nigeria.

    Sowore asserted, “I didn’t commit any crime; they only decided to waste my time and the resources of the country. But we’re not giving up. I will sue the Federal Government of Nigeria and the DSS for ₦1billion as compensation for the cost of time and resources, mental and financial trauma, and also for the assassination of my brother, Olajide Sowore during this five-year period that I was abducted, detained, and now confined to Nigeria while they seized my passport.”