Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

  • Enthronement Process of New Olubadan Begins Tuesday

    Enthronement Process of New Olubadan Begins Tuesday

    The process to enthrone the new Olubadan of Ibadanland is set to commence on Tuesday.

    According to Ibadan tradition, the Olubadan Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday to begin the enthronement process of a new monarch that will occupy the Olubadan stool after the demise of the former Olubadan.

    The passing of Oba Lekan Balogun, who died aged 81 on March 14, 2024 after ruling the ancient city for two years, has made the revered throne became vacant. 

    In accordance with tradition, the meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council, is billed to hold at the residence of the most Senior High Chief, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, former Oyo State governor, at his Bodija residence.

    According to a source, the Olubadan Advisory Council will at the meeting nominate the successor to the late monarch, High Chief Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

    The traditional practice of nomination of a new Olubadan by the Advisory Council, according to the source, is usually done after the eighth-day Islamic prayers for the late monarch, which was held on Friday, March 22, 2024.

    The source disclosed that soon after the nomination, a document of affirmation of Olakulehin’s nomination would be sent to Governor Seyi Makinde, through the Office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

    Two lines have historically, on a rotational basis, been producing the occupants of the Olubadan stool. They are the Otun Line (Civil Line) and the Balogun Line (Military Line).

    The immediate-past Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors on Thursday, March 14, 2024, after two years on the throne, was produced by the Otun Line.

  • Bill Mandating government officials’ children to attend public schools Set to be transmitted to National Assembly

    Bill Mandating government officials’ children to attend public schools Set to be transmitted to National Assembly

    A private bill seeking to prohibit government officials from sending their children to private schools and also using private hospitals, both within and outside Nigeria, is set for transmission to the National Assembly for legislative action. 

    The bill Proposes that public officials “shall patronise public education system for the education of his/her child or ward at nursery, primary, secondary and first-degree university levels.”

    The bill, sponsored by the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2023 election, Dumebi Kachikwu, also proposes that “No public officer shall patronise any private hospital within or outside the country for the treatment of any sickness or disease for himself, spouse, child or ward, no matter how grievous or life-threatening or debilitating the disease or sickness confronting the public officer, spouse, child or ward may be or appears to be, provided that where it is established that the public health institution in Nigeria may not be able to treat such sickness or disease, owing to lack of necessary materials or personnel.”

    It further proposed that where public health facilities cannot take care of the ailment of a public official or their family members “such a public officer may, on his own expense, upon the express permission granted therefore by the Senate, seek treatment in private hospitals within or outside Nigeria.”

    Furthermore, it proposed that “No public officer shall enroll or register his child or ward in any private school within or outside the country for the purpose of acquiring education at nursery, primary, secondary and first-degree university level.”

    A copy of the bill titled, “A Bill for an Act to place restriction on certain activities of public officers and directors of specialised businesses and for other matters connected therewith,” was made available to newsmen on Sunday.

    Speaking on the bill, the sponsor of the bill, Kachikwu, said, “The bill also proposes that civil and public servants are not allowed to have police escorts or protection except when a competent court has ruled that a threat to life exists and the police protection is for a maximum period of three months renewable for a period of one month by the order of a court.

    “Only the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker, governors, their deputies, Speakers, Speakers and Deputy Speakers and state Houses of Assembly and the Chief Judges of the different courts shall be entitled to police protection.

    “This also applies to directors of companies that require a government license, permit or lease to operate such as banks, telecom companies, oil and solid mineral mining companies, broadcast houses.”

    Section (1) (i) of the proposed law reads, “The objective of the bill is to promote patriotism among public officers by encouraging public officers to patronise public education system and public health institutions for the education of their children and healthcare services.

    “To promote confidence in the public education system and the public health system as public officers driving the sectors would devote time, energy, intellect and resources in providing efficient and effective education and healthcare service delivery for the citizens.

    “To ensure that directors of specialised businesses patronise public education system and public health institutions for the education of their children and healthcare services with a view to preserving foreign exchange earnings of the country and build confidence in the nation’s education and healthcare delivery system.”

    Under general restrictions, the bill provides that “No public officer shall travel by air for any official assignment within the country except it is proven that restriction of such a travel by air shall impact the national security and well-being of Nigeria,” and any public officer who violates this provision or “who has a generator or borehole in his house or

  • Fani-Kayode Reacts To Terrorist Attack On Moscow City Hall

    Fani-Kayode Reacts To Terrorist Attack On Moscow City Hall

    A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia, which led to significant loss of life and injuries.

    On Friday, gunmen dressed in camouflage infiltrated a concert venue complex in Moscow and began firing upon unsuspecting citizens.

    A viral video footage from the Crocus City Hall, currently circulating on social media, depicts the extensive complex, housing both the music hall and a shopping centre, engulfed in flames, with smoke rising into the air.

    The death toll from the unfortunate incident was declared to be over 60 by Russian investigators, with health officials confirming that 145 people sustained serious injuries.

    Reacting to the sad incident via his official X page on Saturday, Fani-Kayode said the attack was cowardly, horrific and brutal.

    The former minister condoled with President Vladimir Putin and the people of Russia over the terrorist attack.

    He wrote: “I join millions all over the world in condemning the cowardly, horrific and brutal attack by terrorists in Moscow last night, and my heart goes out to President Vladimir Putin and the people of Russia.”

  • Nigerian Government Mourns Victims Of Moscow City Hall Mass Shooting

    Nigerian Government Mourns Victims Of Moscow City Hall Mass Shooting

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Russian Federation in the light of a devastating attack in Moscow, which led to significant loss of life and injuries.

    In an official statement on Saturday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar voiced Nigeria’s deep sympathy over the incident that tragically claimed 60 lives at the Crocus Concert Hall.

    Tuggar stated, “We convey our deepest condolences to the people and government of the Russian Federation on the tragic attack carried out at the Crocus Concert Hall in Moscow. The attack resulted in the deaths of innocent people and injuries to more than a hundred others.”

    He further wished those injured during the incident a swift recovery, affirming Nigeria’s support during this difficult period.

    “We also pray for the quick recovery of those injured. At this challenging time, we stand in brotherhood with the government and the Russian Federation,” he added.

    The statement concluded with a direct message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the bond of sympathy from the Nigerian government and its people towards Russia amidst this tragedy.

  • How Two Police Officers Were Killed By Unknown Gunmen On Saturday In Imo

    How Two Police Officers Were Killed By Unknown Gunmen On Saturday In Imo

    Unknown gunmen suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, an armed group of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, have killed two police officers along old Gariki Road, Okigwe Council Area of Imo State.

    This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye, on Saturday in Owerri

    While giving an account of how the incident happened, the police said the gunmen threw dynamites at the officers while on security patrol. Two of the officers were killed and four others survived the attack after an exchange of gunfire with the attackers.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has condemned the attack and gruesome murder of personnel of Mopol 18, Owerri, by gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    “The officers were ambushed in the early hours of today, 23/03/2024 while on patrol duties along old Gariki Road Okigwe by the disgruntled elements who threw dynamite on the officer’s patrol vehicle and engaged them in a protracted gunfight. In the process, two officers paid the ultimate price while four others survived the attack.

    “On receipt of the ugly incident, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma alongside Commander Mopol 18 and 64, immediately led operatives of the Command’s Special Tactical Unit to the crime scene for on-the-spot assessment and tasked the operatives to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attack.

    “More so, CP Aboki Danjuma has mandated the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge Okigwe, the DPO, and other Tactical units deployed in Okigwe to embark on visibility patrol, intelligence-led raids of criminal hideouts, and place watertight security to forestall any future occurrence,” Okoye said.

    The CP, therefore, urged the general public, especially the residents of Okigwe who may have any useful information to assist the Police in the investigation to kindly do so by reporting at the nearest police station or via 08034773600, 08103341610.

    He also appealed to the residents to go about their lawful business without any form of fear or intimidation and not panic at the sight of the massive deployment of security operatives in Okigwe.

    He urged them to support the Police and other security agencies in the onslaught against violent crimes in the State.

  • UK-based Nigerian YouTuber Emdee Tiamiyu Arrested Over Alleged Fraud  

    UK-based Nigerian YouTuber Emdee Tiamiyu Arrested Over Alleged Fraud  

    A Nigerian YouTuber based in the United Kingdom, Emdee Tiamiyu, has been arrested on allegations of fraud.

    In a video making the rounds on social media, Tiamiyu, who made headlines few months ago following a controversial interview with the BBC over Nigerian immigrants, is now facing scrutiny over a financial dispute involving the UK government.

    The incident traces back to a recent BBC interview in which Tiamiyu made remarks about Nigerian students in the UK, suggesting that many use the student visa system not for academic pursuits but to work and bring their families to the country.

    The interview reportedly influenced the UK government’s decision to impose restrictions on Nigerian students, specifically barring them from bringing family members to the UK unless they are enrolled in PhD programmes.

    Following the controversial interview, Tiamiyu is alleged to have defrauded the UK government of £160. 

    Reports suggest that the funds, intended for resettlement purposes, were instead used by Tiamiyu to construct a house in his native Ogun State in Nigeria.

    The allocation of the resettlement funds by the UK government was presumably to aid Tiamiyu’s integration and financial stability within the country, particularly after his asylum claim post-interview.

  • Fake News Nearly Destroyed my 40-year-old marriage -Lai Mohammed

    Fake News Nearly Destroyed my 40-year-old marriage -Lai Mohammed

    A former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has recounted how fake news circulated on social media nearly destroyed his 40-year-old marriage.

    The ex-minister shared his story during an event in Lagos commemorating Prof. Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday, where he discussed “The Media in the Age of Disinformation.” The text of Mohammed’s presentation was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

    Mohammed, also serving as the Managing Partner of Bruit Costard, a lobbyist and public relations firm, reflected on one of the significant challenges he encountered during his tenure as minister: the rampant spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

    Mohammed emphasized that fake news, disinformation, and misinformation nearly destroyed his marriage, highlighting their extensive consequences.

    He said, “Permit me to share publicly with you today for the first time, how social media threatened the foundation of my 40-year-old marriage.

    “It was sometimes in 2018 when I came to Lagos from Abuja for an official assignment.
    “As usual, I retire to bed about midnight, but about 3 am., my wife gently roused me from my slumber.

    “At first, I panicked, fearing that there had been a security breach, but my wife’s mien belied that possibility, for she was calm and composed.”

    He continued: “Solemnly, my wife asked me if I was fully awake as there were some serious issues to discuss.

    “I could not fathom what was that urgent or serious to warrant being woken up at this time of the night.

    “My mind immediately did a kaleidoscope of my rascalities and escapades in the last few months”.

    Mohammed said the accusation from his wife was “a bombshell” and was narrated to him in Yoruba language.

    He presented the narration as follows:
    “Daddy, death can come knocking at any moment, please let me also, as your wife, be a signatory to your overseas account in Ali Financial which contains 1.3 billion dollars.”

    The ex-minister expressed disbelief that his wife fully believed the false story circulating about government officials, including himself, supposedly having large sums of money in overseas accounts during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    “I spent the next two hours or so, sweating to convince my wife that there is no iota of truth in the allegation

    “I had to fetch a calculator and reproduce the Federal Appropriation Act for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 in the middle of the night and explain to her why it is simply preposterous for me to have 1.3 billion dollars in a foreign account.

    “I explained to her that there is no year my capital budget exceeded N5 billion, which then, at about N400 to a dollar, was just 12.5 million dollars.

    “I explained that, even if I managed to divert every kobo of it to my personal account, it will take at least, 104 years to save the sum of 1.3 billion dollars being peddled that I stole,” he said.

    Mohammed added: “My wife insisted that the whole world believed the story and that her friends had, as a result, besieged her with all kinds of requests.

    “She said every effort on her part to deny the existence of this foreign account only succeeded in depicting her in the minds of her friends as a selfish, greedy and uncaring friend.

    “Is my wife truly convinced of my innocence? The answer is in the wind!. “
    Mohammed reiterated that social media remained the platforms of choice for the purveyors of fake news, anti-state groups, anarchists, secessionists, terrorists and bandits.

    During his time in government, Mohammed remembered that his ministry uncovered 476 online publications solely dedicated to disseminating fake news against the previous administration of President Buhari.

    Mohammed specifically remembered the fake news claiming that the former president had passed away while undergoing treatment in a London hospital and had been replaced by a clone named “Jubril from Sudan.”

    According to Mohammed, the

  • Tony Elumelu Speaks On Contesting Presidency 

    Tony Elumelu Speaks On Contesting Presidency 

    Nigerian banker, Tony Elumelu has stated that he is not interested in becoming the President of Nigeria.

    Elumelu who is the founder of the Tony Foundation disclosed this on Friday while answering questions at the unveiling of the beneficiaries of its prestigious Entrepreneurship Programme in Lagos.

    The Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) said he is not aspiring to become the president because everyone cannot lead the country.

    “And now do I want to run for president, I will say all of us can not be president. We support and that is why we support those in office and share ideas on how we can make Nigeria a better place. We are strong on advocacy,” he said.

    Speaking further, the Nigerian businessman said that he is proud of what the foundation has been accomplished in the 10 years since its inception.

    He said: “These 1,104 young men and women from 54 African countries will each receive a non-refundable $5,000 seed capital.

    “We believe in spreading luck, we believe in democratizing luck, we believe in prosperity, and we think that the easiest way to spread prosperity in Africa is by identifying our young ones, encouraging them and helping them to start their own businesses. This is why we have done this.

    “So, I’m happy that today, we continue to spread that prosperity- not just in Nigeria, not just in our family, but in all 54 African countries. I am indeed happy that in our lifetime, we are able to impact the next generation.”

  • El-Rufai Visits Suspended Senator Ningi At His Residence

    El-Rufai Visits Suspended Senator Ningi At His Residence

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, has paid a solidarity visit to suspended Senator Abdul Ningi at his residence. 

    Senator Ningi had raised concerns about the budget implementation under the Tinubu-led government, alleging discrepancies between the approved budget and the actual implementation. 

    He was eventually suspended for three months by the Akpabio-led senate.

    The details of El-Rufai’s visit to the PDP lawmaker cannot be ascertained as at press time but it might be connected to the 2027 presidential polls.

    On Thursday, El-Rufai visited the Social Democratic Party headquarters in Abuja with many speculating his impending defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    However, his spokesperson refuted the rumors.

  • Governor Sule Reacts As Nasarawa Students Die During Stampede

    Governor Sule Reacts As Nasarawa Students Die During Stampede

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has mandated a thorough investigation into the tragic stampede at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), which led to the deaths of two female students.

    The incident occurred on Friday during the state government’s distribution of palliatives to students across the state, an initiative aimed at alleviating the economic challenges faced by students.

    Reports from the scene indicated that the tragedy unfolded at the NSUK convocation square, the designated venue for the palliative distribution.

    The overcrowding and ensuing chaos resulted in suffocation and the unfortunate demise of two students, with several others sustaining injuries of varying severity.

    Governor Sule, in a statement conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives.

    “I pray their souls rest in peace. Our thoughts and condolences go to their families and friends at this moment of grief,” he said.

    Describing the deaths as painful, Governor Sule emphasized the importance of uncovering the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event and ensuring such a tragedy does not recur.

    The governor’s directive has prompted NSUK authorities and security agencies to initiate an immediate inquiry into the incident to identify the factors and individuals responsible for the stampede.

    In solidarity and concern, the state deputy governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, visited the injured students to offer support and ascertain their recovery progress.

    The palliative distribution initiative, praised for its intention to support students financially and nutritionally, had been successfully executed without incident in other educational institutions within the state, including the Federal University, Lafia, and the Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, among others.