Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

Gunmen Kidnap Plateau NUJ Chairman

A former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Plateau state, Kapdaba Gobum, was abducted by suspected kidnappers.

He was allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday night.

This happened after he left the Press Centre, headed for his house in the Bukuru area of Jos South.

Former General Manager of the Plateau Publishing and Printing Company (PPPC), Jonathan Ishaku, and the immediate past chairman of NUJ, Paul Jatau, have confirmed the incident.

Ishaku mentioned, “But early this morning (Thursday), the kidnappers called his wife and demanded N35 million.”

Jatau expressed surprise at this development and wondered why journalists should be victims of kidnapping.

The former NUJ chairman recently retired as a senior editor with the Nigerian Standard, published by the PPPC.

10/26/2023
Gov Otu Presents N250bn 2024 Budget For Cross River

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River on Thursday presented a budget of N250 billion for 2024 to the state House of Assembly for approval.

Presenting the budget titled: “The Peoples First Budget’’, Otu said that the figure was made up of N154billion capital expenditure and N96billion recurrent expenditure.

He said that the budget was aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) goal 11, which focused on zero hunger, goal 111 which focused on good health and wellbeing and goal 1V which focused on quality education.

“The 2023 budget of quantum infinitum which my administration inherited sought to transform as well as empower citizens through wealth creation and employment generation, improvement of educational standard, access to healthcare among others.

“So, we intend to consolidate on the gains made by my predecessor as well as deliver quality service to our people.

“For the 2024 fiscal year, the government is expecting N133 billion from the Federal Allocation Account (FAAC) while independent revenue is estimated at N35 billion,” he said.

Otu said that the budget would priotise agriculture, education, healthcare delivery, environment, infrastructure, youth and sports development, security, tourism and general administration.

The governor said as a newly elected governor, he would continue from where the previous administration stopped by continuing with some of priority projects while adding some innovative ones.

“The 2023 budget of quantum infinitum which my administration inherited sought to transform as well as empower citizens through wealth creation and employment generation, improvement of educational standard, access to healthcare among others.

“So, we intend to consolidate on the gains made by my predecessor as well as deliver quality service to our people.

“For the 2024 fiscal year, the government is expecting N133 billion from the Federal Allocation Account (FAAC) while independent revenue is estimated at N35 billion,” he said.

10/26/2023
Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment: Rift With Perm Sec Forces Minister To Shun Office

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment finds itself embroiled in a concerning situation as a growing chasm in the working relationship between the recently appointed Federal Minister, Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Evelyn Ngige, threatens to cast a shadow over its operations.

This rift, according to exclusive information gathered by Nigerian Anchor, has created an atmosphere of palpable tension within the corridors of power, raising questions about the ministry’s functionality and its capacity to work as a unified team.

Doris Uzoka-Anite, who was officially sworn in as Minister by President Bola Tinubu, has conspicuously stayed away from her designated ministry office, preferring to conduct her official duties from the premises of the Bank of Industry. The reason behind her absence is linked to a disagreement with the Permanent Secretary, notably concerning office renovations, with a particular focus on the restroom.

Sources within the ministry have shed light on the matter, indicating that Minister Doris had requested the renovation of her office space, especially the restroom facilities, to align with her needs as a female minister. However, her request has seemingly fallen on deaf ears, leaving her with no option but to establish her office at the Bank of Industry Headquarters in Abuja.

In addition to the dispute over office renovations, there is another layer of discord in the form of personal grievances held by Minister Doris against the Permanent Secretary. This animosity was ignited by the Permanent Secretary’s failure to extend congratulations following Doris’s appointment as Minister.

The first sign of strain between the two parties was apparent when Doris arrived in Abuja to assume her office. She appeared to snub the Permanent Secretary and other senior officials who were present at the airport to welcome her. This initial friction has since snowballed into a complete breakdown of communication, not only between the Minister and the Permanent Secretary but also with other key members of the management team.

The deteriorating relationship between the Federal Minister and the Permanent Secretary now raises substantial concerns about the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment’s operational efficiency.

A seamless and collaborative working environment is essential for the realization of the ministry’s goals and objectives, and this internal strife threatens to impede the department’s capacity to function effectively.

If not addressed promptly and effectively, this internal discord has the potential to hinder the ministry’s ability to achieve its intended objectives, ultimately affecting the progress and development of the industry, trade, and investment sectors in Nigeria.

10/26/2023
Man To Be Flogged 10 Strokes For Stealing Aluminum Windows

A Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court, on Thursday, ordered that, Mubarak Shuaibu, aged 26, should receive 10 strokes of the cane for stealing eight aluminium windows.

Shuaibu, a resident of Ali Akilu Road Kaduna, was convicted after he pleaded guilty to the charge of criminal trespass and stealing.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Ibrahim Emmanuel, gave the sentence after the defendant pleaded for leniency.

Emmanuel said that the punishment would have been severe if he had not pleaded guilty, adding that the guilty plea had saved the court the pains of long prosecution.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo, told the court that the complainant, Usman Adamu, of Abakpa area in Kaduna, reported the matter at the Gabasawa Police Station on Oct. 20.

Leo told the court that at about 9. 30 p.m. the convict criminally trespassed into the complainant’s building site and stole eight aluminum windows.

He said that the convict, who was apprehended and handed over to the police by a security guards, admitted to committing the crime.

The prosecutor added that during police investigations, the stolen aluminum windows were recovered from the convict

The prosecutor said the offences contravened the provisions of sections 348 and 217 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.

10/26/2023
Average Price Of 5kg Cooking Gas Stood At N4,189.96 In September – NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said the average price of 5kg of cooking gas increased from N4,115.32 recorded in August 2023 to N4,189.96 in September 2023.

This is contained in the Bureau’s “Cooking Gas Price Watch’’ for September 2023 released on Thursday in Abuja.

The report said the September 2023 price represented a 1.81 per cent increase, compared to what was obtained in August 2023.

However, the average price of 5kg of cooking gas decreased on a year-on-year basis by 6.36 per cent from N4,474.48 recorded in September 2022 to N4,189.96 in September 2023.

On state profile analysis, the report showed that Kwara recorded the highest average price at N4,866.60 for 5kg cooking gas, followed by Benue at N4,789.26, and Adamawa at N4,785.71.

It said on the other hand, Ondo State recorded the lowest price at N3,364.62, followed by Ekiti and Edo at N3,450.06 and N3,626.17, respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the North-Central recorded the highest average retail price at N4,555.95, followed by the North-West at N4,394.40.

“The South-East recorded the lowest average retail price at N3,809.22,” the NBS said.

Also, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas increased by 0.58 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N9,194.41 in August 2023 to N9,247.40 in September 2023.

However, the report said average retail price for 12.5kg cooking gas fell by 6.65 per cent on a month-on-month basis, from N9,906.44 recorded in September 2022 to N9,247.40 in September 2023.

State profile analysis showed that Cross River recorded the highest average retail price of N10,203.13 for 12.5kg cooking gas, followed by Ogun at N9,967.11 and Nasarawa State at N9,950.15

On the other hand, the report showed that the lowest average price for 12.5kg of cooking gas was recorded in Adamawa at N7,604.29, followed by Borno and Gombe State N8,113.69 and N8,188.75, respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the South-South recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas at N9,613.55, followed by the South-East at N9,393.69.

The report said the North-East recorded the lowest price at N8,683.62.

Similarly, the average retail price per litre of kerosene rose to NN1,299.03 in September 2023 on a month-on-month basis, showing an increase of 2.09 per cent, compared to N1,272.40 recorded in August 2023.

According to its National Kerosene Price Watch for September 2023, on a year-on-year basis, the average retail price per litre of kerosene rose by 37.13 per cent from N947.30 in September 2022.

On state profile analysis, the report showed that Adamawa recorded the highest average price at N1,746.05 per litre of kerosene in September 2023, followed by Cross-River at N1,541.67 and FCT-Abuja at N1,492.50.

“On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Jigawa at N1,104.78, followed by Enugu State at N1,134.52 and Kano State at N1,142.27.”

The NBS said the analysis further showed that the North-East recorded the highest average retail price per litre of Kerosene at N1,390.67, followed by the South-East at N1,368.49.

It said the North-West recorded the lowest average retail price per litre of kerosene at N1,190.81.

The report said the average retail price per gallon of Kerosene paid by consumers in September 2023 was N4,379.31, indicating a 0.64 per cent increase from N4,351.53 recorded in August 2023.

“On a year-on-year basis, the average price per gallon of kerosene increased by 35.32 per cent from N3,236.27 recorded in September 2022.

On state profile analysis, it showed that Lagos State recorded the highest average retail price at N5,350.00 per gallon of kerosene, followed by Katsina State at N5,000.00 and Borno at N4,997.47.

On the other hand, the report said Delta recorded the lowest price at N2,956.18, followed by Rivers and Oyo at N3,296.02 and N3,712.50, respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the North-East recorded the highest average price per gallon of Kerosene at N4,712.01, followed by the South-East at N4,646.63.

The report said the South-South recorded the lowest average price per gallon of Kerosene at N3,769.59.

10/26/2023
Supreme Court Dismisses Obi’s Appeal Against Tinubu

The Supreme Court of the nation has dismissed the appeal brought forth by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the general election, challenging the victory of President Bola Tinubu.

Obi had alleged various issues, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s alleged double nomination, which he argued rendered Shettima unqualified to serve as Tinubu’s running mate.

However, the Supreme Court ruled that the matter of double nomination had already been addressed in a prior judgment and could not be revisited.

The court stated, “This appeal lacks merit and is hereby dismissed.”

The appeal by Obi consisted of seven issues, but the head of the seven-member panel of judges, Inyang Okoro, noted that issues 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 had already been addressed in a previous ruling related to Atiku Abubakar’s appeal.

Atiku Abubakar was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his appeal had also been dismissed by the court.

As a result, the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the tribunal, affirming the election of President Bola Tinubu.

10/26/2023
Supreme Court Dismisses Atiku’s Appeal Against Tinubu

*Says Appeal Lacks Merit, Affirms Tinubu’s Victory

The Supreme Court, on Thursday dismissed the appeal by former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, seeking to nullify the February 25, presidential election of President Bola Tinubu.

In the notice of appeal, Atiku had urged the apex court to dismiss and set aside the September 6, judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court, which affirmed the victory President Tinubu.

Determining the first issue for determination, held that failure to transmit election results electronically did not affect the outcome of the election and could not warrant the nullification of presidential election.

It held that Atiku did not produce alternative results of the presidential election that showed he won majority number of votes cast to rebuff the one declared by INEC.

All the 7 issues distilled for determination were resolved in favour of Tinubu, stating that the appeal lacked merit.

10/26/2023
Supreme Court Dismisses Atiku’s Plea To File Fresh Evidence Against Tinubu

The Supreme Court, on Thursday threw out the motion by former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, seeking leave of court to file fresh evidence in his appeal against the victory of President Bola Tinubu, in the February 25, presidential election.

The Petitioner pleaded the apex court to grant him leave to bring in additional evidence by way of depositions on oath from the Chicago State University for use in his appeal to wit: the certified discovery deposition made by Caleb Westberg on behalf of Chicago State University on October 3, 2023, disclaiming the certificate presented by the 2nd respondent, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The motion dated 5th October but filed on the 6th, contained a 32-page deposition released to the former Vice President on the orders of Judge Nancy Maldonado of the District Court of Illinois, Eastern Division, Illinois, United States of America.

Ruling on the motion, Justice John Inyang Okoro, held that a clinical look at the issues formulated by all the parties, it is clear that the argument is whether this court as presently constituted has the power to grant the motion.

According to the panel, out of the 7 issues distilled by Atiku for determination, none related or covered forgery, which the appellant is seeking to bring in.

It maintained that the Constitution does not permit that, and this court has no jurisdiction to grant the filing of fresh evidence that was not pleaded at the PEPC.

It noted that Atiku did not even deem it fit to file for an amendment of his pleadings and for extension of time, since the 180 days allowed by the Constitution had elapsed since September 17, 2023.

10/26/2023
FG Working On Safe Resettlement Of IDPs, Others, Matawalle Assures UN

The Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has assured the Representative of the United Nations that the Federal Government is working out modalities to resettle returnees and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria to a safe and better living condition.

The Minister gave this assurance when the Representative of United Nations Mines Action Services paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday, 24th October 2023 in Ship House Abuja.

Matawalle said that Federal Government would partner with UNMAS in working out a workable solution in reintegrating IDPs and farmers into society for better life. “We need to redesign action plan for the IDP returnees and farmers to go back to their farms,” he said.

According to him there was the need for Federal Government to provide essential technical support for the establishment of a national mine action centre in the North East and extend it to North West where incidence of insurgency has increased. “Such centre will afford the IDPs the opportunity to return to their Communities and have access to quality education.”

The representative of the United Nations Mines Action Services to Nigeria, Edwin Faigmane, said that the UNMAS is to collaborate with the Nigerian Army to secure success for Mines Action Services Operations in Nigeria.

Furthermore, he stated that there was need to conduct Technical Surveys to identify hazardous areas that need to be safe before any other activities could take place.

Edwin commended the Minister for the audience and requested that they count on Government’s support in identifying areas of collaboration.

10/25/2023
Pension Assets Hit N16.7trn – PENCOM

The National Pension Commission (PenCOM) says its Pension Asset Under Management so far stands at an impressive N16.76 trillion.
The Director General of the commission, Mrs Aisha Dahir-Umar, said this at a one-day sensitisation programme to educate the Organised Private Sector (OPS) on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The event was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) in Port Harcourt.
Dahir-Umar said that the figure was an indication that the scheme had operated satisfactorily and effectively since its inception.
She said that the sensitisation programme was to provide a platform for the stakeholders to deliberate on the current developments and challenges encountered in the implementation of the Pension Reform Act (PRA 2014) for OPS.
The PenCOM boss, represented by the Head, Compliance and Enforcement Department of PenCom, Mr Bala Babangida, said that over 10 million employees had so far registered in the scheme since the implementation of the Act.
According to her, at the end of the third quarter of 2023, the number of Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) under the CPS stood at 10 million and the Pension Asset Under Management amounted to N16.76 trillion.
“The 10 million plus is the registration count from the beginning of 2004, when the Act became effective.
“We have in our registration database no fewer than 10 million registered RSA holders.
She said that the N16.76 trillion was the pension assets that were being managed for the benefit of all retirement savings account holders.
According to him, when they retire, they will get their benefits as and when due,” she said.
She further said that the commission specifically deployed the Enhanced Contributors Registration System (ECRS) for the pension industry.
She said that the commission, following the deployment of the ECRS, introduced the Data Recapture Exercise (DRE).
She said that the DRE “mandatorily requires all RSA holders, who joined the CPS, prior to July 1, 2019, to update their information with their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).
She said that the commission was saddled with the responsibility of supervising the transfer of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) contributions of employees into their respective RSA under the CPS.
She said that contributions worth N10.20 billion had been transferred to the RSAs of 142,486 NSITF scheme contributors to date.
Dahir-Umar commended NECA for offering its platform for continuous social dialogue with the members of the OPS on the implementation of the CPS.
She gave assurance that the commission would always support NECA to champion programmes that would help to ensure the successful implementation of the CPS in Nigeria.
She advised employers of labour to encourage their employees, who have contributed to the NSITF scheme, to liaise with their PFAs, particularly Trustfund Pensions, for guidance on how to have their contributions transferred to their RSAs.
In a speech, the Director-General of NECA, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said that the agency, as an umbrella body of all employers of labour in the country, had at least 4,000 employers.
Oyerinde was represented at the event by Mr Godfrey Agorom, the Chairman of NECA, Port Harcourt Geographical Group, comprising Rivers and Bayelsa States, who is also the OPS Chairman.
He said that the private sector remained committed to the success of the pension scheme as long as its concerns were not only noted but addressed expeditiously.
He said that the interactive session was organised to sensitise both the employees and employers on the overview of the CPS; compliance with the provisions of the PRA; investment of pension assets and current developments in the pension industry.
He said that many employers did not know how to go about the retirement savings of their workers.
“The current percentage is that the employee pays eight per cent of his monthly salary and the employer pays 10 per cent of the employees’ monthly salary.
“In a month, the employee has 18 per cent of your salary set aside paid to your pension administrators, which they invest for money flow, at retirement, you have fund accumulated for you to withdraw,” Onyerinde said.

10/25/2023