Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

  • Bye-Election: Governor Alia Suspends Party’s Primary In Benue

    Bye-Election: Governor Alia Suspends Party’s Primary In Benue

    Controversy has surrounded the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Benue State.

    Governor Hyacinth Alia suspended the event, which was meant to select a candidate for the February 4 by-election for the State House of Assembly.

    The need for the by-election arose after Dr. Yamar Ortese, representing the Guma 1 state constituency, was appointed as Commissioner for Health and Human Services.

    During a press conference in Makurdi on Saturday, Governor Alia claimed the primary was disrupted by threats and hijacked by individuals who were not from the Guma Local Government Area and should not have participated in the election.

    The APC’s state spokesperson, Morgan Ihomun, countered that the governor cannot suspend a process that the party already conducted in an orderly manner.

    Governor Alia, accompanied by state security chiefs, also mentioned that the primary was planned for Saturday but was overshadowed by threats from irate youths.

    The governor said, “Security of state remains paramount to us. Today (Saturday), the APC is to conduct primary but it was marred by misconduct and this posed insecurity in Guma. It became imperative to calm the irate youth.

    “Party stakeholders felt disenchanted. I would not want any semblance of insecurity in the state. I suspend the delegate primary. Sad enough the party faithful came out but were stopped at the gate by people who do not belong to the local government; all stakeholders were locked out and youths became angry. Party faithful must help keep the peace in the state.

    “I do not want any bloodshed as people get sensational and sentimental about politics. I have asked the security operatives to ensure that there is no break down of law and order. I know that the national working committee of our party will do all to ensure that the right thing is done.”

    Meanwhile, Morgan insisted that the primary election had been held and a candidate emerged to fly the party ticket during the forthcoming by-election.

    He said, “The question we should be asking is that, does the governor have the power to suspend the primary election?”

  • APC, Labour Party react as Atiku vows to contest for 2027 presidency

    APC, Labour Party react as Atiku vows to contest for 2027 presidency

    By Doris Israel Ijeoma

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential bid.

    Atiku through his spokesperson, Daniel Bwala confirmed that he will contest for presidency again after being defeated by Bola Tinubu in 2023.

    Atiku has contested the presidency six times before, failing in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.

    Despite his repeated losses, Bwala described him as “the president we never had,” citing his experience and understanding of the private sector.

    Reacting to the development, the APC promised Atiku a “heavy defeat” in 2027.

    The party’s director of publicity, Bala Ibrahim said;

    “Our party, which is the All Progressive Congress, thrashed Atiku not once, not twice. Even when we thought he had the energy and little credibility to make him viable to Nigerians, we defeated him completely.

    “How can someone who is just trying to regain his balance be a threat to the APC come 2027? That is unthinkable; Atiku can never be a threat to the APC. He wasn’t a threat when he had little value. How can he be a threat when he is already valueless? It’s a dream that will not come to pass.’’

    Ibrahim advised Atiku to quit politics, suggesting he was being misled by his advisors.

    Labour Party, while reacting said that Nigerians are tired of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and others from the “old stock.”

    Spokesman for the 2023 Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko said:

    “Anybody who wants to show ambition and start building at the moment, it is the person’s fundamental rights. But, we believe that we have the interest of people at heart. And the people are tilting towards us, especially the Nigerian youths. They are tired of the old stock

    “So even if anybody coming from the old stock still wants to run for election, we wish him all the best. But it could have been better for them to support a younger generation like Peter Obi in the form of uniting this country so that we can move forward collectively. That will have made more sense and more appreciative to the Nigerian people at the moment.”

  • Accountant General Refutes Payment Claims by Ministry, Citing Illegality in Private Account Transaction

    Accountant General Refutes Payment Claims by Ministry, Citing Illegality in Private Account Transaction

    The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has refuted payment claims made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, insisting that payment into private account was illegal and in contravention of civil service procedures.

    The OAGF said that transaction was illegal and emphasizes adherence to established procedures for financial transactions after Ministry’s request for payment clarification.

    A statement released by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) and signed by Bawa Mokwa, Director (Press) addressed reports regarding a request made by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for payment disbursement to vulnerable groups in certain states.

    The AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, clarified the operational protocols of the OAGF in the wake of media speculations.

    Dr. Madein categorically stated that the OAGF does not execute payments on behalf of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for the execution of projects and programs. Instead, allocations are disbursed to self-accounting MDAs in alignment with budgetary stipulations, and these entities are solely responsible for the execution and financial disbursement of their respective projects.

    The AGF emphasized that while the Ministry in question did forward a payment request, the OAGF did not facilitate the transaction. Instead, the Ministry was duly advised on the proper procedures to adhere to when effecting such payments, ensuring compliance with established financial protocols.

    Clarifying the payment procedure, Dr. Madein highlighted that disbursements are typically processed by the relevant Ministries as independent entities, emphasizing that funds are not to be transferred en masse to individual accounts under the guise of a project’s accountant. She stressed the necessity of routing such payments directly to verified beneficiaries through their authenticated bank accounts.

    Expressing a steadfast commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in the management of public finances, Dr. Madein urged MDAs to consistently uphold requisite measures in conducting financial transactions.

  • National Security: President Tinubu meet with Security Chiefs, Calls for Decisive Action

    National Security: President Tinubu meet with Security Chiefs, Calls for Decisive Action

    President Bola Tinubu has read the riot act to security chiefs, insisting that for him, full success in the fight against insecurity is only when Nigerian territories are secured, troops return to their localities, and resources are directed toward vital economic expansion programs.

    Addressing the assemblage of security chiefs and intelligence heads, President Tinubu emphasized the criticality of achieving an unequivocal victory against the diverse security threats menacing the nation.

    While acknowledging the commendable progress in neutralizing certain security threats, President Tinubu insisted that ultimate success hinges upon conclusively addressing the multifaceted challenges. “Our investments in infrastructure, social security, and economic growth require a definitive resolution to the challenges impeding progress,” he affirmed.

    Pointing out recent setbacks, particularly in Kaduna, the President stressed the imperative of enhanced coordination among security agencies.

    Despite noted improvements in collaboration, the President asserted that true success would only be realized when Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country can go to bed and sleep with their eyes closed.

    He also emphasised another key performance indicator to be the achievement of sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day within the first quarter of 2024, as he underscores the pivotal role of the armed forces, urging them, especially the Navy, to elevate their performance to meet national objectives.

    The President vowed that his administration shall crush all adversaries, both internal and external, that pose threats to Nigeria’s interests.

    The president used the occasion to recognize and commend some of his key security personnel who were recently promoted for their exemplary dedication and commitment to duty. These included the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), and the Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO), Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, Commander Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, and Police CPSO Usman Musa Shugaba.

    The President praised their loyalty and service to the nation, expressing gratitude for their invaluable contributions.

    The event witnessed the presence of eminent officials, including the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, Heads of Intelligence Agencies, and presidential aides.

    AVM Olayinka, speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, conveyed appreciation to the President for the recognition and pledged continued allegiance and unwavering dedication to duty.

  • Police Crack Down on Gistlover Syndicate: Three Suspects Apprehended

    Police Crack Down on Gistlover Syndicate: Three Suspects Apprehended

    The Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Center recently made a crack down by apprehending three individuals suspected to be the masterminds behind the controversial microblogging platform, Gistlover. Acting upon a petition from Doctor Mrs Seye Oladejo, the police successfully nabbed the alleged culprits.

    According to ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, the command’s spokesperson, the arrested suspects—Adebukola Kolapo, Nnedum Micheal Somtomchukwu, and Isaac Akpokighe—are believed to be members of a syndicate known as Gistlover Family, responsible for the daily management of the contentious Gistlover news site.

    The suspects were publicly paraded at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, with Adejobi highlighting the blog’s history of cyberstalking, incitement, and blackmail, which has long been a cause for public concern.

    Adejobi’s statement revealed shocking details about the suspects’ involvement, stating, “Upon arrest, the suspects confessed to their various degrees of involvement in the conspiracy, providing corroborative evidence.

    Adebukola Kolapo, alias Omo oba Gistlover, was responsible for creating over 80 per cent of the Gistlover pages, actively contributing to criminal acts such as cyberstalking and blackmail against individuals like Hon. and Dr. Mrs. Oluseyi Oladejo. Moreover, Adebukola was involved in laundering money obtained from illegal activities through various means.”

    The police further unveiled the roles of the other suspects, Nnedum Somtochukwu and Isaac Akpokighe, elucidating their contributions to the syndicate’s activities. Nnedum was involved in redirecting traffic to new pages whenever the platform faced sanctions, while Isaac imitated the Gistlover blog’s operations, creating multiple pages to replicate defamatory posts against notable Nigerians.

    The statement emphasized that the suspects would face legal charges upon the completion of the investigation. It also warned against supporting illegal activities similar to those carried out by Gistlover.

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, commended the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center and reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to ensuring citizens’ safety in both physical and digital spaces. CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry’s leadership at the National Cybercrime Center was specifically applauded for its efforts in combating cybercrime.

  • Dr Better Edu defends transfer of N585m into private account

    Dr Better Edu defends transfer of N585m into private account

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has said that the disbursed N585,198,500.00 into a personal account is legal and in line with extant civil service rules.
    This is made known by Rasheed Zubair, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the minister.

    Edu in a viral document personally signed by her and directed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, instructed the disbursement of the funds to one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

    The document also showed that the payment of the N585.198 million grant, meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states, was made into Oniyelu’s account.

    This has elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many calling for the minister’s sacking.

    But reacting to the leaked document, Zubair in a statement on Friday, said the payment for the vulnerable group followed due process.

    According to Zubair, the payment of the grant to the account of Bridget was because the fellow currently serves as the Project Accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

    He said, “It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu, and stain her integrity because she alerted the Federal Government attention to the ongoing N44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA.

    “These elements have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure. However, this latest vile effort of theirs is another infantile blackmail doomed for evisceration.

    “For the avoidance, the said N585m was approved, and it is meant to implement grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states.

    “We must note that GVG was first launched in Kogi State, where recipients testified. Akwa Ibom and Cross River were launched in December 2023. Kogi already happened in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks.

    “The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the Federal Government, which the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is implementing.

    “Oniyelu Bridget is the Project Accountant for GVG from the Department of Finance, and it is legal in civil service for a staff, the project accountant, to be paid and use the same funds legally and retire the same with all receipts and evidence after the project or programme is completed.”

  • Christian Pilgrims Commission Reveals cost of 2024 Pilgrimage 

    Christian Pilgrims Commission Reveals cost of 2024 Pilgrimage 

    Ahead of the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage to Rome and Greece, the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission has released the cost and breakdown of the package for the exercise.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, on Friday.

    According to the statement, a letter dated December 28, 2023, addressed to the chairmen and secretaries of all the States Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards said the commencement date for the exercise is slated for the end of this month.

    The commission in the letter puts “the pilgrimage cost to Rome and Greece at N3,000,000 per pilgrim.”

    It noted that “the amount covers return flight, hotel accommodation, three-course meal per day, and tours of holy sites in both Rome and Greece in Executive luxurious buses for six nights and seven days,” stressing however that the cost is not inclusive of pilgrims traveling allowances.”

    The commission urged the states that had previously paid for Israel and Jordan to work on making up the difference to participate in the pilgrimage to Rome and Greece.

    “The commission enjoin states and private pilgrims to make payments before services are rendered on or before the last day of January 2024,” the statement added.

  • Late Akeredolu’s Body Arrives Nigeria

    Late Akeredolu’s Body Arrives Nigeria

    The body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has arrived Nigeria.

    The plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m on Friday, January 5, 2024.

    The late Governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away.

    The body was received by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother.

    Akeredolu passed away in Germany on December 26, 2023.

    His remains have been deposited at the morgue until the final burial. 

    Details of the burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.

  • Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele as A Tribe Called Judah’ grosses N1bn

    Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele as A Tribe Called Judah’ grosses N1bn

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated box office queen, Funke Akindele as her movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ became the first nollywood film to to gross N1bn (One Billion Naira).

    In a Statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale on Friday, the president celebrated the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry. 

    He commended the thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.

    “The President extols the excellence of the Nigerian creative industry, acknowledging its pivotal place as a medium not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export.

    “The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration. I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further,” the statement read.