Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Vivian Michael

CCLCA decries campaign of calumny against Gbajabiamila

A civil society organization, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has condemned a campaign of calumny again the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila from certain political actors who missed out on the ministerial and other lists.

The group drew the attention of Nigerians to the acerbic attacks on the chief of staff to President.

The group, coalition of 92 civil society organizations, through its Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, decried that the political actors are hell bent on spreading falsehood against the Chief of Staff.

According to him, they are blaming him for their inability to occupy appointive office at the moment, even though it is the president, acting in consultation with the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Governors, and other key stakeholders in the polity, that appointed Ministers and Board Chairmen.

However, he stated that Nigerians are not buying the falsehood, and we have seen socio-cultural groups like Arewa Youth Forum and Ohaneze Youth Movement call on Nigerians to ignore the accusations thrown at Gbajabiamila over the constitution of boards of government agencies.

He therefore, appealed to Nigerians to disregard the detractors, saying that the chief of staff is well experienced and capable of carrying out his duties.

“This people do not care for the fact that positions came at the time destined, and that clearly, everybody cannot be a minister at same time.

“Hon Gbajabiamila’s, antecedents as a public servant with a sterling record and a sticker for truth and fairness, and due process would entertain the absurdities ascribed to him for a second.

“As a Surulere, Lagos born politician cum technocrat, he comes to the present assignment fully qualified, having been in the house of Representatives for two decades (2003 – 2023), boasting record of unblemished service.

“Throughout his sojourn in public service, Hon Gbajabiamila has been a very close and loyal disciple of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Recall that as a speaker of the 9th assembly, it took his intervention to end the protracted and unending ASUU strike of the university lecturers. As the chief of staff, he had participated actively on resolving the disagreement between Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress”

While passing a unanimous vote of confidence, the Director General of CCLCA, stated that President Tinubu, took into consideration Gbajabiamila’s track record and his commitment to the actualization the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He further asked the political actors to cease the needles casting of aspersions and leave the chief of staff to do his job.

08/30/2023
Police arrest 6 persons for defiling minors in Kebbi

The Police Command in Kebbi State has taken into custody six individuals over suspicions of defiling minors. The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Musa, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Birnin Kebbi.

Musa provided details of the incidents, stating, “On August 17, at approximately 1:00pm, Ahmed Muhammed from Koko town in Koko-Besse Local Government Area (LGA) reported that his 16-year-old daughter had left home for an unknown destination. Following an investigation, she was located in a certain area of Koko town. She revealed that five individuals had committed the offense against her.”

“She disclosed that Suleiman Abubakar, Yunusa Garba, Suleiman Hamza, Yahaya Abubakar, and Shamsudden Muhammed from the same address lured her to their residences on separate occasions and engaged in sexual acts with her. The suspects have been apprehended and will face court charges once the investigation concludes,” Musa elaborated.

Furthermore, Musa relayed another case, stating, “Yusha’u Adamu also reported that his niece was defiled by the same suspects. On August 21, at around 9:00 pm, Yusha’u Adamu of Aleiro town reported that on August 18, at approximately 6:00 pm, his 10-year-old niece was defiled by Saidu Sani, also from the same address. After the assault, the perpetrator threatened the victim with harm if she disclosed the incident.”

Musa added, “Moreover, on July 24, acting on intelligence, Hauwa Suleiman of Babbar Dogo Village in Maru LGA of Zamfara was arrested in possession of 566 rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition.”

The commissioner informed that the police effectively thwarted bandit attacks on Dan-umaru Village in Danko/Wasagu LGA, recovering a rocket launcher, while the assailants fled with gunshot injuries.

Musa concluded by urging law-abiding citizens to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities to the police and other security agencies, and cooperate in maintaining the safety of their communities.

08/30/2023
Lawyer seeks IGP’s help on Spring Hall British School’s property issue

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has been called upon to intervene in the refusal of the proprietor and Chairman of Spring Hall British School, Mr Stanley Jegede to vacate a property located in the Maitama District of Abuja, after it was sold to new owner.

The new owner of the property, Moxie Communications Limited, through its lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa, in a letter dated August 25, 2023, called for the intervention of the IGP to avert a breach of public peace.

He said after the property was purchased, the school was notified but Mr Jegede has allegedly frustrated and intimidated his staff on the premises through threats, bullying and other devices.

Barrister Giwa said, “Our Client by a DEED of Assignment and Contract of sales dated 13th of June 2023 respectively purchased the property described above from Mabon Estate Limited.

“The said property is used as school by one Stanley Jegede, the proprietor and Chairman of Spring Hall British School hereafter referred to as suspect.

“Our client on the purchase of premises and take over had notified the suspects through several letters of the desire of our client to renovate it premises on the bases of fit for purpose.

“Surprisingly, after several letters and discussion, the suspect has deliberately and with the intention of causing breach of public frustrated and intimidated our staff on the premises through threats, bullying and other devices.

These acts of the suspects have stunted the renovation work of our client on his premises.

“The suspects have refused and failed to remove items and belongings from our property to enable our client continuous work.

“This action of the Jegede Stanley is provocative, and capable of instigating serious resistance from our client’s staff and workers, which may eventually lead to break down of law and Order in the premises.

“It is on this note that we are writing to you for your intervention and arrest of the suspects for his action which is capable of breaching public peace and criminal intimidation.”

08/29/2023
EFCC nabs six alleged internet fraudsters in Abuja

In a recent development, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have taken into custody six individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud activities. These arrests were carried out within the Bwari and Dutse areas of Abuja.

According to Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s spokesperson, these suspects were apprehended on Monday based on intelligence gathered about their purported involvement in cybercrime-related endeavors. The arrested individuals have been identified as Odey Paul (25), Greg Odey (23), Julius Okpanachi (21), Ugbede Opaluwa (25), Okpanachi Emmanuel (25), and Mohammed Abba (26).

From the possessions of the suspects, law enforcement authorities managed to recover two Toyota Camry vehicles, one Mercedes Benz C300 car, a total of twelve mobile phones, and three laptops.

As the investigation unfolds and progresses, the EFCC spokesperson, Uwujaren, conveyed that the suspects will be presented before the court to face legal proceedings. The aim is to ensure that justice is served once the investigation is thoroughly concluded.

08/29/2023
N5bn Palliative: FCT to boost transportation, food –Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCTA is considering transportation and food supplies support with the N5 billion palliative received from the Federal Government.

Wike stated this in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with contractors handling different projects in the FCT.

The Federal Government had on Aug. 17 announced a N5 billion palliative for each state of the federation, including the FCT, to cushion the impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Some of the state governments have confirmed receiving N2 billion from the amount, while awaiting the N3 billion balance.

However, the minister said that the FCT was not included in the N5 billion palliative until he wrote a memo informing President Bola Tinubu of the development.

He added that Tinubu has approved the amount, adding that other states have received N2 billion already, expressing confidence that the FCT will equally receive soon.

“But we are yet to decide on what to do with the N2 billion palliative. We have not chosen any area yet.

“Are we going to concentrate on food, but we are thinking that the issue of transportation is very very important, particularly the urban mass transit.

“People would like to have easy transportation to go to where they want to go, and if you give them rice and they eat the rice today, what about transportation tomorrow?

“So, we have not come up with what actually we are going to use the money for, but I believe food support and transportation is very key,” he said.

The minister added that efforts were ongoing to bring back urban mass transportation to be able to reduce the suffering of the masses in terms of transportation.

08/29/2023
A new Nigeria needs cooperation of all and sundry -Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has stated that to achieve a new Nigeria his administration promised there must be co-operation of all sundry.

The president maintained that a new, secured, peaceful and prosperity Nigeria desired by all would remain elusive unless Nigerians consciously change their mindset about the past and their leaders.

Tinubu who noted that a new Nigeria is possible with his renewed hope, said the bold steps his administration is taking to find lasting solutions to the myriads of challenges confronting the country call only yield desired results with the cooperation of all and sundry.

He was speaking at the opening of the 63 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja, which has as theme Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building.

“I am not cynical, I am factual”, he said, “the critical and bold initiatives embarked upon collaboration and cooperation of the private sector.

“We are so blessed and we are still lacking, change of mindset is what we need.

“We accused our previous leaders, we complain too much about the past, it is not the solution, we must look forward, God has given us creative mind and will”, he said.

Tinubu while noting that poverty ought not to be a shameful thing, stressed it must not be tolerated but banished, lamenting that with all the resources in the country millions of homes in the country do not have electricity.

Calling for an interrogation of how the country arrived at its current deplorable state, the president stressed that the country cannot “continue to service external debt with about 90% of its revenue”, hence the hard decision his administration is making.

“If we must achieve greatness as a nation, we must take bold decisions”, he said though painful in the interim, adding that he might make some mistakes in the process but Nigerians should correct him in such instances.

While commending the NBA for the theme which he noted is timely, the president who wooed the bar to give his administration maximum support in order to succeed, told the lawyers, “I want to learn.

“Remind me of what I’m doing right, I will continue, whatever I am doing wrong, tell me, and I will change.

Earlier in his keynote address, the Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr Tony Elumelu remarked that at the heart of the gathering was the unity of one ambition and one duty which is nation building.

“There is no one in this distinguished gathering, that does not want the best for Nigeria.

Whether my learned friends of the Bar or our distinguished leaders present.

We know the potential of Nigeria.

“We know the resources, human and natural, that Nigeria has at her disposal.

§ We champion the successes of Nigerians globally – in international leadership positions at the WTO, at the UN, at the African Development Bank, at the Afreximbank, in technology, in music and entertainment, in business, in arts and in media, in film, in sports. Indeed, in virtually every human endeavour, Nigerians excel.

“We live in a world, where the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade grew up in Lagos and the United States Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, was born in Ibadan.

“n business, the Nigerian private sector is showing globally our capability, our ingenuity, our institutionalisation.

“We have global businesses with Nigerian origins: Let me name one – UBA, the United Bank for Africa, the only African Bank that operates in the USA as a deposit taking bank. We are now in Dubai, Paris, and London – and just as importantly 20 other countries in Africa – who would have thought 20 years ago, that Nigeria would be home to Africa’s global bank!

“But these successes, these role models are too few, too rare.

“We know too well the reality of Nigeria at home.

“We know our energy deficits, we experience the disillusionment of our youth, manifest in the tragic loss of talent, as our young, at times, and at great risk to themselves, seek opportunities abroad.

“Opportunities that our fertile, bountiful country should supply.

“We see the plundering of our commonwealth through oil theft and pipeline destruction in broad daylight!

“We experience every day the impact of climate change.

“We see our loved ones kidnapped and killed.

“Insecurity breeds disorder, feeds intolerance and destroys opportunity.

“Our country has experienced division – unnecessary division and the squandering of heritage.

“Nation building is a call to arms – a vital task – a necessity”, he said.

08/28/2023
NACAT sues Ag CBN gov, deputy, CCB over non-assets declaration

The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Foundation (NACAT) has dragged the Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Folashodun Shonubi and its deputy, Mr Edward Adamu before a Federal High Court Abuja for failure to declare their assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1182/2023, filed by the group’s legal counsel, Festus Keyamo Chambers, also mentioned the Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, as a respondent in the matter.

The applicant premised the suit on the strength of Section 1(1) and (2) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.

Specifically, the suit dated August 25, 2023 is requesting for the documents wherein Mr Shonubi deliberately refused to declare interest in the following companies: Intameks Ltd– RC13086; Kirby’s Place Resources Ltd – RC1215845; The Pekaboo Company Ltd – RC1395011; Ehlkuhile Investment Ltd– RC857442; Iscopeng Ltd – RC1431044; and Kilima Technologies Ltd – RC1218250.

Similarly, the applicant is demanding the assets and declaration forms of Adamu, wherein he failed to declare his interest in the following Companies: Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd – RC698688; Elad Global Resources Limited – RC933366 and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd – RC772500.

An affidavit in support of the originating motion exparte deposed to by Stanley Ugagbe, the operational Manager of NACAT stated the respondents had vehemently refused to avail them of the documents.

Ugagbe averred that the 2nd Respondent is listed as a Director in the following Companies: Intameks Ltd– RC13086; Kirby’s Place Resources Ltd – RC1215845; The Pekaboo Company Ltd – RC1395011; Ehlkuhile Investment Ltd – RC857442; Iscopeng Ltd – RC1431044; and Kilima Technologies Ltd – RC1218250.

Also, the deponent claimed that the 3rd Respondent is listed as a Director in the following Companies: Pinnacle Solutions Network Ltd – RC698688; Elad Global Resources Limited – RC933366 and Global World Frontier Services Nig. Ltd – RC772500.

As public officers, Ugagbe stated, the 2nd and 3rd Respondents have statutory obligations to declare in their Asset Declaration Forms, the interests they have in the above-named companies, while assuming their respective offices as a Acting Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

“That the Applicant has a right under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, to access the Assets and Liabilities Declaration Forms of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, in the records of the 1st Respondent, with respect to declaration of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents’ interests in the said companies.

“That the Applicant has made demand under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 to the Respondents, for the Respondents to produce the Assets and Liabilities Declaration Forms where the 2nd and 3rd Respondents declared their interests in the said Companies, but the Respondents failed, refused and neglected to produce the said documents.

The Applicant submitted that it needed the intervention of the Court to compel the 1st and 2nd Respondents to grant the request of the Applicant, in accordance with Section 1 (3) of the Freedom of Information Act.

The Applicants predicated their prayers on the ground that they had written letters dated 3rd July, 2023 and 14th August, 2023, requesting the Respondents to produce to it, the said documents but they refused.

“The Respondents have failed, refused and neglected to produce the said documents requested from them, contrary to section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011” the counsel stated.

As public officers, the counsel submitted that the 2nd and 3rd Respondents have statutory obligations to declare in their Asset Declaration Forms, the interests they have in the above stated companies, while assuming their respective offices as Acting Governor and Deputy Governor of the CBN.

NACAT is a non-governmental organization, a pro-democracy civil society organization, whose objectives include contributing to the global war against corruption, financial crimes, terrorism and economic sabotage.

08/28/2023
NDLEA nabs 84 suspects, seizes 451.976kg illicit substances in Kaduna

In a significant operation, the Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended 84 suspects and confiscated a total of 451.976kg of illicit drugs within the region.

The State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Ibrahim Braji, made this announcement in Kaduna, revealing that these arrests and seizures occurred during the month of July.

During this period, the command also achieved six convictions of suspects involved in illicit drug activities.

The range of seized substances encompasses a variety of illegal drugs, including Indian Hemp, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Tramadol, and other Psychotropic substances. The overall combined weight of the confiscated drugs during this review period is reported to be 451.976kg.

Moreover, the vigilant operatives of NDLEA discovered 90 rounds of live ammunition, live bullets of 7.62mm calibers, and a newly identified Jojef pump-action gun with the registration number 23-0174.

The NDLEA has also been resolute in their efforts to eradicate the presence of illicit drug joints across the state.

A commendable feat of dismantling 18 such establishments has been accomplished during the month under review.

These locations include Kantin Agah, Hayin Dan-mani, Mando, Anguwan Dosa, Mararabar Rido, Tukur-Tukur, and Sabon Gari. Additional locations that were addressed include Palladan, Unguwar Doki, Mekera, Rigasa, Dan Daura, Karji, Ghana road, Television, Unguwar Ma’azu, Kudenden, and Jushi.

Mr. Ibrahim Braji took the opportunity to make an appeal to parents, urging them to maintain vigilance over their children’s activities and associates. He emphasized the importance of knowing the company their children keep to prevent them from getting involved in illegal activities.

Furthermore, Braji issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in the unlawful drug trade. He urged them to seek lawful means of livelihood and emphasized that the NDLEA remains committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who persist in illicit activities, ensuring that they face the full force of the law.

“Grand total weight of drug seized within the period under review is 451.976kg.

The commander also disclosed that its operatives also recovered 90 rounds of live ammunition; Live bullets 7.62mm calibres and new Jojef pump action gun with registration number 23-0174.

“Within the month under review, 18 illicit drug joints have been dismantled across the state which included Kantin Agah, Hayin Dan-mani, Mando, Anguwan Dosa, Mararabar Rido, Tukur-Tukur and Sabon Gari.

Others are Palladan, Unguwar Doki, Mekera, Rigasa, Dan Daura, Karji, Ghana road, Television, Unguwar Ma’azu, Kudenden and Jushi.

Braji appealed to parents to watch over their children and know the kind of friends they associated with at all times.

He warned illegal drug dealers to look for better livelihood, adding that if they refused, the agency would go after them and ensure they faced full wrath of law.

08/27/2023
2023 Miss Nigeria USA Pageant holds September 3

The Miss Nigeria USA Organisation has called on the Nigerians in the Diaspora to participate in the forthcoming 2023 edition of the beauty pageant slated for Sept. 3, at Houston in Texas, United States.

The President of the organisation, Joy Fakhoury, in a statement made available to journalists in New York, said that the event would showcase beauty, talent and purpose.

“The upcoming Miss Nigeria USA 2023 Pageant is poised to be an enchanting and empowering event, spotlighting grace, beauty, and talent while promoting humanitarian endeavours.

“The pageant which will be held at the prestigious Match Theatre, Houston, promises to transcend traditional notions of beauty contests by emphasising character, intelligence, compassion, and charisma in addition to physical appearance,’’ Fakhoury said.

Themed “BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE,” the Miss Nigeria USA 2023 Pageant underscores the significance of inclusion and the individual narratives that define each contestant’s shine.

Participants from different states will not only showcase their extraordinary qualities and aspirations but also the depths of their personalities and commitment to excellence.

The US-based contestants will represent their Nigerian states while enhancing their native country’s knowledge and promoting their cultural values, creating a breed of leaders and goal-oriented individuals.

“The contestants will be provided with the opportunity to improve their social skills, improve confidence level, poise, communication skills, personality development, goal setting, career planning, health and fitness.

“They will also participate in cultural celebrations, parades and fashion shows throughout their pageant experience.

“The title is earned through hard work and dedication, demonstration of self-confidence, intelligence, beauty and elegance,’’ Fakhoury said.

Currently, five contestants have won the title since the inception of the pageant; Frances Udukwu (2014), Olutosin Araromi (2015), Lola Adeoye (2016), Idara Inokon (2017), Funmike Lagoke (2019)

The event will hold in the city of Houston in Texas after four years break of Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition, she said beyond the glamour, participants in the Miss Nigeria USA 2023 Pageant would engage in philanthropic initiatives through the non-profit organisation “Miss Nigeria USA (MNUSA) Cares.”

“Contestants will partake in charitable activities in Nigeria and beyond, volunteering, engaging with communities, and undergoing skill training.

“Tickets for the Miss Nigeria USA 2023 Pageant are now available, offering a chance for people from all backgrounds to participate in the celebration of culture, talent, and beauty,” she said.

To secure a spot at this prestigious event, she urged interested people to visit http://Mnusa2023.eventbrite.com.

Founded in 2014, the Miss Nigeria USA was established with the aim of celebrating the Nigerian woman while appreciating the beauty, talent, skills and other unique attributes and goals she exhibits.

The organiser plans to achieve its goal through the Miss Nigeria USA Pageant Event where contestants will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their physical, cultural and intellectual attributes.

The Miss Nigeria USA Pageant is also a humanitarian pageant providing a unique opportunity for these beauty queens to not just showcase their beauty to the world but also make a positive impact in their communities by supporting causes and platforms that they are passionate about.

08/26/2023
LP primary appeal dismissed for lack of locus standi

The Court of Appeal situated in Abuja has ruled to dismiss the appeal lodged by Sir Basil Maduka, the Labour Party’s candidate for the Imo governorship election. The dismissal was based on the grounds of lack of locus standi.

Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, in his judgment, determined that Maduka did not possess the legal right to challenge the primary election, given that he was not an aspirant in the said election.

Consequently, the court not only rejected the appeal but also levied a cost of N250,000 against the appellant.

Maduka had emerged as the candidate of the Labour Party within the Julius Abure-led faction, whereas the Lamidi Apapa faction’s candidate was recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Following the high court’s dismissal of his suit challenging INEC’s decision, Maduka pursued his case at the court of appeal. However, the 1st and 3rd respondents, namely the Labour Party and Ikechukwu Joseph, contested his action by filing processes that disputed the appellant’s contentions.

They pointed out that the primary election of the 1st respondent occurred on April 16, 2023, as rescheduled by the national leadership of the party. Additionally, they emphasized that the appellant was not a participant in this primary election, which was won by the 3rd respondent.

Justice Oyewole, while considering the arguments from both sides’ legal representatives, underlined the concept of locus standi as a prerequisite for maintaining an action in court. He stressed that the absence of such standing undermines the court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter.

The judge further explained that the appellant failed to establish his participation in the primary election organized by the 1st respondent, rendering him unable to contest the election’s outcome. Consequently, he upheld the lower court’s decision that the appellant lacked the necessary locus standi to maintain the action.

In conclusion, the appeal was deemed meritless and dismissed. A cost of N250,000 was ordered to be paid to the 1st and 3rd respondents by the appellant.

08/25/2023