Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

  • Defamation Suit: VDM Set for case against Falana, Falz

    Defamation Suit: VDM Set for case against Falana, Falz

    Social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VDM, insists on proceeding with defamation suit rather than apologizing to human rights lawyer Femi Falana and singer Falz.

    The lawsuit follows VDM’s release of a controversial audio clip on Instagram where crossdresser, Bobrisky during his imprisonment, allegedly sought the assistance of Mr. Falana and his son, Falz at a fee, to secure a “presidential pardon”.

    Falana and Falz swiftly denied the accusation and sought a retraction and public apology from VDM, describing the allegations as damaging to their reputations. 

    When no apology was forthcoming, the Lagos High Court ordered VDM to remove the statements and videos, initiating legal proceedings.

    Despite the court’s directives, VDM has refused to retract his statements, contending that he was merely exposing what he viewed as corruption. 

    In a video posted ahead of the hearing, he argued that discussing prominent figures should not be off-limits when the integrity of public institutions is in question.

    VDM expressed his resolve to defend his position, stating that he respects Falana but stands by his actions.

    The influencer’s statements have sparked wider public debate, especially around Bobrisky’s detention and the alleged misconduct by Nigerian authorities, which have prompted investigations by the EFCC and other bodies. 

    This legal confrontation, set to continue at Ikeja High Court in Lagos., has brought significant attention to the roles of accountability and free speech in addressing allegations of corruption involving high-profile individuals.

  • Ex-Delta Gov Ifeanyi Okowa Opens Up After EFCC Detention

    Ex-Delta Gov Ifeanyi Okowa Opens Up After EFCC Detention

    Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has denied any fraudulent activity following his recent detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In a statement from his media aide, Olisa Ifeajika, Okowa emphasized that the EFCC had failed to establish any evidence of wrongdoing against him.

    Addressing the recent allegations involving the diversion of N1.3 trillion from oil derivation funds, Okowa dismissed the claims as “ludicrous” and “outlandish.”

    He clarified that he had voluntarily reported to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt to clear his name and respond to petitions filed by what he described as “disgruntled elements.”

    “The EFCC has not established any case against Dr. Okowa,” he stated, stressing that these accusations were based on “unsubstantiated claims” from individuals with “malicious, myopic, and prejudiced” motives. Okowa further pointed out that these same allegations had been raised during his tenure as governor.

    The former governor also refuted accusations of misappropriating state resources, which included claims of acquiring an 80% stake in Premium Trust Bank and diverting funds for housing estates in Asaba and Abuja, as well as two hotels.

    Okowa emphasized his commitment to transparency and the integrity of his actions while in office.

    With the EFCC inquiry ongoing, Okowa reiterated that he had nothing to hide and continues to seek justice and clarification.

  • Tinubu Calls for End to Gaza Conflict, Supports Two-State Solution

    Tinubu Calls for End to Gaza Conflict, Supports Two-State Solution

    In an address at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Bola Tinubu called for an immediate halt to the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, stressing the prolonged suffering caused by the conflict. 

    Speaking to heads of state from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, Tinubu highlighted the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, urging the world to work toward lasting peace.

    Nigeria’s President reaffirmed his country’s strong support for a two-state solution, advocating for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine. 

    He emphasized that this solution remains the key to achieving lasting peace, with both nations deserving security and dignity. 

    Tinubu called on global leaders to take collective action, beyond mere condemnation, to end the violence that has devastated so many innocent lives.

    The President also noted the importance of respecting international law, emphasizing that while nations have the right to self-defense, such actions must be proportionate and mindful of the rights of civilians. 

    He stressed that the lives of innocent people cannot be dismissed as mere collateral damage in the pursuit of political or military goals.

    Reflecting on Nigeria’s unwavering stance on the two-state solution, Tinubu remarked that it is a vision of equality, mutual recognition, and self-determination for both peoples. 

    He called for dialogue, mutual respect, and an understanding of the historical context to resolve the conflict. 

    The President urged the international community to find new, innovative paths to peace, noting the profound impact of the ongoing violence and the global exposure of the conflict.

    Tinubu commended King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening the summit and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. 

    He reminded attendees that Nigeria’s own experiences have underscored the importance of respecting diversity and avoiding identity politics in the pursuit of peace.

  • Immigration Crackdown: Trump Names Homan as Border Czar  

    Immigration Crackdown: Trump Names Homan as Border Czar  

    Donald Trump, the incoming U.S. President, has tapped Tom Homan, a former immigration enforcement chief, to oversee border security. 

    Homan, known for his strict stance on immigration during Trump’s first term, will lead efforts to enforce border control and deportation operations.  

    This appointment aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to prioritize border security and launch what he describes as the largest deportation initiative in U.S. history. 

    His plan includes using an 18th-century law to target migrants from specific regions.  

    Trump, who recently won the presidential election, has so far made limited cabinet appointments. Among them is Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, named as the next U.S.

    Ambassador to the United Nations.

     These early moves signal a return to Trump’s hardline policies on immigration, which were a central theme during his campaign.  

    Under his previous administration, Homan spearheaded aggressive immigration policies, drawing both support and criticism. His reinstatement suggests that similar strategies will be employed in the upcoming term.

  • Okpebholo Names Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

    Okpebholo Names Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

    Fred Itua has been appointed Chief Press Secretary by Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

     This marks Okpebholo’s first key appointment as he prepares to assume office from Governor Godwin Obaseki on Tuesday.  

    The announcement, made in Abuja, highlights Itua’s extensive media background. 

    He previously held roles at Leadership and The Sun newspapers and has covered a wide range of topics, including the National Assembly, health, and environmental issues.  

    Itua’s academic journey spans a Bachelor’s degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, a Master’s in Media Arts from the University of Abuja, and ongoing PhD research in Development Communication at Veritas University.  

    As head of the Governor-elect’s media team, Itua is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in shaping the administration’s public communications strategy.

  • Tinubu may not present 2025 budget by December 

    Tinubu may not present 2025 budget by December 

    … as Senate says decision lies with Executive 

    Signs that the 2025 budget may not be ready for presentation to joint session of the National Assembly  by the  first week of December, are gradually emerging as templates to that effect are not well laid, ten days into November 2024.

    This is as the Senate declared through its Committee on Finance that, decision on presentation of the 2025 budget strictly lies with the executive arm of government.

    The 9th National Assembly, in collaboration with then President Muhammadu Buhari established a tradition of budget presentation in the first week of October of the proceeding year, after required templates for that effect like Medium Term Expenditure Framework ( MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), had been presented for thorough scrutiny and  dissection .

    Under President Buhari, MTEF and FSP were always received in the month of September for required engagements with relevant revenue generating agencies by committees of the National Assembly .

    Worried by the seeming  delay on getting  the vital documents from the Presidency in the month of November,  journalists, on Friday last week, inquired from the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance , Senator Mohammed Sani Musa when the 2025 budget, would be presented?

    The senator replied that the decision lies with the executive, not the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly .

    “The executive should be able to answer that question, because I know they are doing their work, they are working. 

    “As chairman of Senate Committee on  Finance along with members of the committee, have just interacted  with the minister of finance,  the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) and other top managers of the Nation’s economy on performance of the 2024 budget.

    “They are definitely working on the 2025 budget and will forward it to us when work on it must have been completed. Decision on that lies with the executive and not us at the National Assembly,” he said .

    President Tinubu presented estimates for 2024 budget to joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 which delayed its passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives to Saturday, 30th December, 2023 and signing into law on January 1st , 2024 by President Tinubu.

    Nigerian Anchor checks reveal that at the level of the Executive, there is no mention of the expected 2025-2027 MTEF that should contain parameters upon which 2025 budget estimates like crude oil price benchmark, projected oil production per day, exchange rate of Naira to US dollar, inflation rate, and other variables would be based.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, after an interactive session assured assured Nigerians on Friday, that a ray of light is already showing at the end of the long tunnel of economic reforms by government .

    “I believe in the assurance given by the Finance Minister that our economy is taking good shape through results from the reforms,” Senator Musa enthused.

    “For example, our debt to GDP ratio is decreasing and not Increasing.  The positive indices are already showing and within the next 16 to 18 months , Nigerians themselves will see the gains in practical terms,” he added.

    READ ALSO: STATES FISCAL TRANSPARENCY LEAGUE Q1 2024

  • New Pay-TV Launches in Abuja

    New Pay-TV Launches in Abuja

    Nigeria’s robust television viewing public had its yearnings fulfilled as #LuftPay-TV, a new TV Network that offers pay par-view billing option opened for business this evening in Abuja.

    Performing the launch, governors Abdullahi Sule and Caleb Mutfweng of Nasarawa and Plateau states, respectively called on the viewing public to embrace the new network which presents an obvious alternative to the present arrangement which offers no options for pay par view.

    In particular, Governor Sule compared pay tv to the system in the communication industry where phone calls are paid per second.

    Governor Mutfweng said Luft Pay-TV had come at a very good time when Nigerians are coping with cost of living crisis and yearning for cost efficiency.

    The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the Luft Pay-TV decoders to the audience.

  • First Lady Remi Tinubu Denies Organizing National Prayer Event  

    First Lady Remi Tinubu Denies Organizing National Prayer Event  

    The Office of the First Lady of Nigeria has dismissed circulating reports suggesting that Senator Oluremi Tinubu is organizing a national prayer event.  

    Speculations had emerged, alleging that the First Lady, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, planned to lead the prayer session. 

    This purported event sparked widespread debate, with some Nigerians questioning its necessity amid ongoing economic challenges.  

    In response, the First Lady’s media team clarified that no such event is being planned.

     They described the reports as baseless and urged the public to disregard them.

     Citizens were advised to rely on official channels for accurate information about activities involving the First Lady.  

    This clarification serves to address public concerns and prevent the spread of misinformation.

  • Tinubu Heads to Saudi Arabia for Middle East Summit

    Tinubu Heads to Saudi Arabia for Middle East Summit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to leave Abuja on Sunday for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit. 

    This summit, which starts on Monday, November 11, 2024, will tackle pressing issues in the Middle East, especially the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict.

     Tinubu’s visit is at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, following the previous summit held in the same city last year.

    During his participation, Tinubu will speak on Nigeria’s position calling for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. 

    He will also advocate for a renewed commitment to the two-state solution as a foundation for lasting peace in the region. 

    Accompanying the president on this diplomatic mission will be key officials, including Foreign Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and National Intelligence Agency Director General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

     Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja after the summit concludes.

  • Iran behind plots to destabilise Nigeria: Israel

    Iran behind plots to destabilise Nigeria: Israel

    Without adducing a single evidence or reason, Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, claims Iran had extended what he calls “nefarious activities” from the Middle East to Africa and particularly, Nigeria.

    He also claims that the Iranian forces were “working to destabilise” Nigeria. 

    The Israeli envoy made the statement in Abuja on Tuesday at the screening of the documentary titled ‘We Will Dance Again: Surviving October 7th’ by Yariv Mozer.

    The documentary screening was organised to commemorate the anniversary since Hamas invaded Israel and abducted its citizens.

    It was alleged that Hamas abducted 396 Israelis and released some of them following the intervention of the U.S. and UN.

    It is claimed that 101 people are still being held in Hamas captivity.

    Mr. Freeman described Iranians as “tyrants” whose proxies from Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon wreaked devastation on different countries and threw millions into misery, noting that Nigeria was among the nation’s victims.

    Even as the world is aware that the US is responsible for the distabilisation of many countries in Africa and the Middle East like Libya, Iraq, Alfghanistan, Sudan, etc, Mr. Freeman claims, “The tyrants in Tehran are responsible for the destabilisation of countries and the misery of millions”.

    Projecting further he alleges without any proof, “Yet, Iran’s nefarious activities are not limited to the Middle East. Let me be clear, Iran’s leaders are also working to destabilise Western Africa, including here in Nigeria. 

    Israel had extended the war on Gaza to Lebanon —one of Hamas’s strongest allies—launching missiles that have killed hundreds and destroyed critical infrastructure.

    Mr Freeman stated that Israel would halt its incursion on Lebanon on one condition, —”the full implementation of UN resolution 1701” stipulating demilitarisation and disarmament of Hezbollah forces.

    “The war in Lebanon will only end with the full implementation of UN resolution 1701 – with Hezbollah unable to rearm, and pushed back beyond the Litani River and the Lebanese army in control of the South of Lebanon,” Mr Freeman insisted.

    The envoy thanked the Nigerian government and the U.S. for standing by Israel during its war against multiple nations.

    “Over the past year, the support shown by President Biden, as well as by Republicans and Democrats alike has been overwhelming and I am confident that whoever wins today’s (Tuesday) presidential election, will continue that steadfast support. But it hasn’t just been the U.S., and I want to thank all of those countries that have stood by us, publicly and behind the scenes,” said Mr Freeman

    “I also want to thank all of our friends in Nigeria who have stood with us.”

    The Iranian authorities did not immediately return comments to claims of plotting to destabilise Nigeria.

    Mr Freeman stated, “This is not a war we wanted. This is not a war we started. Hamas and Hezbollah attacked Israel. And today we face a war on seven fronts – all of it sponsored by Iran.”