Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

  • Why I Can’t Do Giveaways – Dele Momodu

    Why I Can’t Do Giveaways – Dele Momodu

    Ovation magazine Publisher, Otunba Dele Momodu, has clarified his current inability to engage in giveaways due to overwhelming project commitments demanding his full attention.

    Expressing sincere apologies to those seeking support, Momodu emphasized his focus on ongoing projects requiring absolute discipline and concentration. He extended prayers for divine assistance in aiding those genuinely in need.

    Acknowledging the difficulty in declining requests, Momodu assured that his silence on some matters stemmed from respect rather than disdain, citing his modest income and cautious approach to avoid overextension.

    Momodu wrote: “SINCERE APOLOGIES… It has become necessary for me to offer apologies to those who have asked me for one support or the other in recent time for my inability to help. 

    “God is my witness, I’m currently overwhelmed by my own projects that require absolute discipline and focus. 

    “I pray that God will help me to be able to bless those who genuinely need help. 

    “If I have not picked your call, it is because I feel too pained to say NO to you. 

    “It is a sign of my respect for you, and not of disdain. 

    “I’m a man of modest income and I always try not to overstretch my luck. 

    “I wish for your kind understanding at this difficult moment….”

  • Why I Appointed Kwankwaso’s Son As Commissioner – Gov Yusuf Explains

    Why I Appointed Kwankwaso’s Son As Commissioner – Gov Yusuf Explains

    Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf, has explained the rationale behind the appointment of Mustapha Kwankwaso, son of former Governor of Kano state and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as a member of his cabinet.

    Yusuf appointed Kwankwaso’s son, alongside three others for commissioner position in the state.

    The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Falgore, confirmed the receipt of the executive list during a plenary session on Tuesday.

    He announced that the screening of the commissioner nominees will commence early next week, marking the next step in formalizing their appointments.

    Reacting to the outburst that greeted the development, Yusuf, in a statement titled “In Defence of Mustapha Kwankwaso’s appointment.” issued through the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said Kwankwaso has promoted many young people including men and women.

    The Governor clarified that Mustapha’s appointment was not payback, but he is among the capable youth who worked tirelessly for the success of the present administration in Kano.

    The Statement reads: “Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has promoted hundreds of thousands of young men and women, many of them sons and daughters of common men and women.

    “He promoted children of nobody to become somebody in the eyes of world today and he also created platforms and political spaces for many of us from humble backgrounds to occupy various elective and appointment positions at Local, State and Federal Government levels.

    “One of Sen. Kwankwaso’s beneficiaries, The Executive Governor of Kano decided to promote the son of his benefactor, not really as a pay but because Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso is among the capable youth who worked tirelessly to the success of the present administration in Kano.

    “The Governor empowers youths and allow them to explore their potentials. Certainly, Mustapha cannot be an exception due to his paternal history, that shouldn’t be a barrier to his political career as he has decided to be a politician, like his father.”

  • Former South African president Jacob Zuma survives auto crash 

    Former South African president Jacob Zuma survives auto crash 

    Former South African President Jacob Zuma has survived a ghastly car accident, South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Friday, March 29th.

    The politician narrowly escaped a car accident following a collision with a drunk driver’s vehicle.

    The collision involving Zuma’s official armoured state vehicle and the perpetrator’s car resulted in the arrest of the 51-year-old driver on charges of drunken driving and reckless driving in KwaZulu Natal province.

    Despite the crash, Zuma emerged unscathed, along with his security detail, and was safely escorted to his residence.

    The driver responsible for the collision is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, while Zuma, reportedly in good spirits, remains resolute in his political bid.

    The incident is happening shortly after electoral authorities barred Zuma from contesting in the upcoming general election on May 29, escalating tensions in the political arena.

    The 81-year-old, who was forced out of office in 2018 amidst corruption allegations but still holds political influence, has been actively involved in campaigning for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, further straining his relationship with the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

    Amidst the incident, conspiracy theories have emerged, with MK’s spokesman alleging foul play, suggesting that the collision was targeted at Zuma’s motorcade.

    Political tensions are intensifying ahead of the upcoming elections, as the ANC faces dwindling support amidst economic challenges and allegations of corruption.

  • Most Wanted Boko Haram Terrorist Surrenders

    Most Wanted Boko Haram Terrorist Surrenders

    Most wanted commander of Boko Haram terrorists, Mallam Yathabalwe, who had been terrorising Gwoza in Borno State has surrendered.

    Emir of Gwoza, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, on Friday, revealed that the terrorist surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

    Before surrendering, the terrorist had been responsible for a series of attacks and killings, including the slaughtering of farmers on their farmlands in Gwoza LGA and environs.

    The monarch told journalists that, “We are happy to confirm and inform you that the most wanted top Commander of Boko Haram who had been terrorising Gwoza and other surrounding Mandara Mountain communities in my domain, Mallam Yathabalwe, has surrendered to troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in the North-East.

    “He willingly came out from his enclave on Friday morning with two AK47 rifles and some ammunition. He was then handed over to the troops of the Nigerian military in Gwoza, after which he may be taken to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for further questioning or action.

    “Yathabalwe, before surrendering, has been terrorising my people for many years, especially making it very difficult for farmers to access their farmlands. With this new development, we are hopeful that total peace will return to Gwoza and its environs.”

  • CBN Orders Banks to Raise Capital or Face Downgrade

    CBN Orders Banks to Raise Capital or Face Downgrade

    In response to the macroeconomic challenges facing the nation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive for leading banks to bolster their capital reserves or risk downgrade. The move targets Tier 1 Banks, including UBA, GTB, ACCESS Bank, First Bank, and ECO Bank.

    Under the new regulations, commercial banks with International Banking licenses must increase their authorized capital base to N500 billion, up from previous levels ranging between N115,815 million and N270,745 million. This mandate, effective immediately, stipulates that the revised capital comprises only paid-up capital and share premium, excluding shareholders’ funds.

    Additionally, banks with national licenses must raise their capital to N200 billion, affecting institutions like FCMB, Fidelity, and Stanbic IBTC. Furthermore, those operating with Regional Licenses face a requirement to boost their authorized capital to N50 billion.

    The CBN’s directive also extends to merchant banks, which must maintain a minimum capital base of N50 billion for national licenses and N20 billion for non-interest banks. Regional license holders are mandated to maintain a minimum share capital of N10 billion.

    According to Haruna Mustafa, Director of the CBN’s Financial Policy and Regulation Department, these measures aim to promote a safe, sound, and stable banking system in line with existing legislation.

    Banks are now presented with limited options to comply with the directive, including injecting fresh equity capital through private placements, rights issues, or offers for subscription, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, or undergoing license authorization upgrades or downgrades.

    Executives are bracing for the challenge, with a two-year deadline set by the CBN to meet the new capital requirements. The banking industry now faces a period of restructuring and strategic decision-making as it navigates these regulatory changes.

  • Six Labour Party Lawmakers Defect To PDP

    Six Labour Party Lawmakers Defect To PDP

    Six members of the Labour Party at the Enugu State House of Assembly have officially decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The lawmakers had attempted to defect last Sunday in an elaborate party at the Okpara Square but the event came to an abrupt end.

    Party supporters were asked to leave Okpara Square, the proposed venue of the event.

    However, on Thursday during plenary at the state House of Assembly complex, the lawmakers made their defection known in a letter read by the speaker, Hon. Uche Ugwu.

    According to the speaker, the defecting members include Mr. Ejike Nwa Nsukka, (Igbo-Eze North 1); Mr. Johnson Ugwu (Enugu North); Ms. Princess Ugwu (Enugu South Rural); Mr. Pius Onyeka Ezugwu (Nsukka West); Mr. Williams T. Amuka (Igbo-Etiti East) and Mr. Osita Eze (Oji River).

    The speaker said that their defection was a result of the “existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the Labour Party at the national level and across all the state chapters.”

    He continued: “Regrettably, the party has evolved into a state of perpetual discord with various factions embroiled in legal battles thereby undermining its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people.

    “The Labour Party once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas has regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of the electorate”.

    They cited the cases of the Abure and Apapa factions as well as the national treasurer as some of the divisions within the party.

  • Why there’s no banditry in Southwest, Ex-Minister, Shittu

    Why there’s no banditry in Southwest, Ex-Minister, Shittu

    Former Communications Minister under the former President Buhari’s administration, Adebayo Shittu, says the level of education in the southwest is the reason why the region has little or no record of banditry.

    Shittu, who disclosed this while featuring on Arise TV Morning Show, on Thursday, maintains that bandits are people rebelling due to lack of education.

    According to the former Minister, “Why there is no banditry in the southwest is because we chose to educate the children.

    “When you fail to educate people, over the years they will grow up to find out that the social inequality like some people enjoying light, some driving cars, and they are left out. This makes them start rebellion against the society.

    “What is happening in the Northwest and Northeast in particular is a rebellion against the neglect of the poor.

    “Now that we have the issue of banditry on our hands, we have over the years been spending billions of naira in kinetic approach and it’s because people left out of education and civilization that Westernization brings about are rebelling.”

    Shittu had advised the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to give bandits a promising future by negotiating with them, stressing that most of the bandits are able-bodied men who the Federal Government should retain.

    The former Minister also added that a non-kinetic approach in dealing with banditry would bring about a lot of results.

  • Sen Ningi’s Suspension: Falana Issues 7 days’ Ultimatum

    Sen Ningi’s Suspension: Falana Issues 7 days’ Ultimatum

    Rights Activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana has written to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, seeking reversal of Senator Abdul Ningi’s suspension within seven days.

    The Senate has suspended Sen. Ningi on the floor of the Senate for three months, over the allegation he brought that the National Assembly passed two versions of the 2024 budget.

    The constitutional lawyer said that the senate, by its actions, violated the right of the entire people of the Bauchi Central Senatorial District to representation in the Senate for three months.

    According to him, their action breached section 111 of the Constitution and Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Act.

    Reacting, the law firm of Falana & Falana, had in the letter dated March 25th, signed by its principal, noted that Ningi’s trial before the lawmakers on March 14, was contrary to the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2018, and violated their client’s fundamental right to a fair hearing.

    In the letter titled “Request to lift the suspension of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi” Falana posited that the Senate President faulted by not drawing the attention of the lawmakers to a recent decision of the court which held that no parliament in Nigeria has the power to suspend or expel a legislator.

    He, therefore, demanded that Ningi’s suspension be lifted within 7 days, failing which the matter will be taken to court for the reinstatement as well as a report to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for treating the judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal with disdain.

    The letter reads in full;

    We are Solicitors to Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi representing the Bauchi Central Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as “our client”) on whose behalf we write this letter.

    On March 9, 2024, our client granted an interview to the BBC Hausa Service on the 2024 Appropriation Act. He expressed his views on the budget in exercise of his fundamental right of freedom of speech guaranteed by section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Dissatisfied with the interview, you caused our client to be put on trial before the Senate on March 14, 2024, contrary to the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2018.

    Even though it was alleged that you were indicted by our client in the interview, you presided over the proceedings of the Senate. It is on record that you were the accuser, the prosecutor and the Judge in your own case in utter violation of the provisions of section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004

    At the end of the trial, you pronounced our client guilty and declared

    “That the Senate do suspend Senator Abdul Nigin (Bauchi North) for three (3) months and he should forfeit all his entitlements and be disallowed from the precincts of the National Assembly Complex during the period of the suspension. He should also apologise to the Senate in writing. Thereafter, the Senate can consider his remorse and recall him;”

    Apart from violating our client’s fundamental right to fair hearing, the Senate violated the right of the entire people of the Bauchi Central Senatorial District to representation in the Senate for three months. This is a breach of section 111 of the Constitution and Article 13 of the African Charter on

  • OPL 245 Saga: Mohammed Adoke discharged, acquitted

    OPL 245 Saga: Mohammed Adoke discharged, acquitted

    Abubakar Kutigi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court, has dismissed and acquitted the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Mohammed Bello Adoke, of the charges of fraud, bribery and conspiracy brought against him by the federal government.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Adoke on alleged N300 million bribe said to have been given to Adoke.

    This is expected to finally bring litigation over the OPL 245 saga to an end.

    The court ruled that the EFCC did not provide any evidence to prove its case.

    Ruling on the “no case” submission made by Adoke, Kutigi said the EFCC failed to prove its charges of fraud, bribery and money laundering and ruled that the defendant has no case to answer.
    Consequently, he discharged and acquitted the former minister on all counts.

    The judge said the allegation of illegal tax waivers granted to Shell and Eni was not collaborated by the Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) or any authority in government.

    Nigeria has now lost virtually all the cases it filed or joined in Italy, the UK and Nigeria.

    The EFCC had earlier conceded that it did not have sufficient evidence to oppose the applications by Adoke.

    Meanwhile, the court insisted that Rasky Gbinigie had a case to answer over the alleged forgery of company documents to remove the name of Mohammed Abacha as a director.

  • Defence HQ declare eight persons wanted over death of 17 soldiers in Delta

    Defence HQ declare eight persons wanted over death of 17 soldiers in Delta

    The Defence Headquarters has issued a statement declaring eight individuals wanted in connection with the recent tragic killing of 17 military personnel in Delta State.

    The announcement was made during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, March 28.

    The individuals named as wanted by the military are, PROF. EKPEKPO ARTHUR, ANDAOWEI DENNIS BAKRIRI, AKEVWRU DANIEL OMOTEGBO (also known as AMAGBEN), AKATA MALAWA DAVID, SINCLEAR OLIKI, CLEMENT IKOLO OGHENERUKEYWE, REUBEN BARU, and IGOLI EBI.

    The incident occurred when a group of soldiers embarked on a rescue mission to the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta state.

    Their mission was to engage in a peace keeping mission from the neighboring Okoloba community, amidst a longstanding land dispute between the two areas.

    Unfortunately, the soldiers were ambushed and killed by armed assailants and local mercenaries.

    According to a military source, the commander and his troops were taken by surprise while returning to the waterfront.