Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

  • Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo Shutdown

    Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo Shutdown

    Protesting workers have shutdown the nation’s premier Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State.

    As of press time, neither students nor workers are allowed into the main campus of the university by the protesters who are mainly security personnel.

    A member of staff who spoke to Nigerian Anchor on condition of anonymity explained that the protest is over non-payment of their salaries.

    Explaining further, the staff said the university is currently on autopilot as neither the Vice Chancellor, Professor Innocent Ujah nor any of his deputies is on campus to address the protesting workers.

    Further details to follow shortly…

  • Edo Guber Poll: Akpata Says He Won’t Be Contesting Outcome

    Edo Guber Poll: Akpata Says He Won’t Be Contesting Outcome

     Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has decided not to contest the outcome of the September 21 election. 

    Akpata, who finished third with 22,763 votes, trailed behind APC’s Monday Okpebholo, who won with 291,667 votes, and PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes. 

    Despite raising concerns over irregularities and electoral malpractices, Akpata announced that he would not take the matter to the tribunal.

     His decision focuses on pursuing broader electoral reforms rather than challenging the specific results of the contest.

    “My decision not to contest the election results at the tribunal is not an indication of compromise; rather, it is a strategic move aimed at redirecting our energies towards systemic changes that our democracy desperately needs,” he said.

    “This moment calls for a paradigm shift in our approach to electoral reform. We cannot continue to operate within a system that incentivises manipulation and disenfranchisement.”

  • Former Kaduna Governor’s son dies in auto crash

    Former Kaduna Governor’s son dies in auto crash

    Faisal Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, the eldest son of former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has died following a tragic auto accident.

    A source close to the family, who requested anonymity, confirmed the incident, revealing that the accident occurred on Saturday evening along the Kaduna-Zaria expressway.

    “The accident happened along the Kaduna-Zaria highway this evening. Faisal was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he was declared dead. His father was at the hospital, and the body has been taken home for burial arrangements,” the source said.

    Faisal, a trained engineer, began his education at Kaduna International School before proceeding to Adesoye College in Offa, Kwara State, for his secondary education.

    He later attended the University of Greenwich, London, where he obtained his undergraduate and master’s degrees. He had also enrolled for a PhD at the same institution.

    At the time of filing this report, efforts to reach Senator Makarfi, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party for comments were unsuccessful.

  • Reps Proposes Bola Tinubu University for Nigerian Languages

    Reps Proposes Bola Tinubu University for Nigerian Languages

    The House of Representatives has initiated plans for the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages. 

    This follows the first reading of a bill sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight other members. 

    The proposed institution aims to promote the study of Nigerian languages and cultures.

    READ ALSO: COST OF GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

    According to the bill, the university will provide higher education opportunities in Nigerian languages to individuals of all backgrounds. 

    It also outlines that the President will conduct regular visits to oversee university affairs and ensure proper governance.

    The proposed university seeks to offer a range of academic programs, including diplomas and higher degrees, focusing on skills relevant to Nigerian languages.

     Its goal is to cultivate professionals capable of effectively using these languages for national development.

    In addition to academic programs, the university aims to facilitate research, outreach, and community services related to Nigerian languages. 

    It will also build connections with other institutions engaged in language training and research.

    The bill will be scheduled for a second reading in the coming weeks.

  • PDP Faction Appoints New Acting National Chairman

    PDP Faction Appoints New Acting National Chairman

    The ongoing internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as a faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) appointed Yayari Ahmed as the new Acting National Chairman. 

    This comes after the suspension of Umar Damagum from the same position.

    Yayari Ahmed, who previously served as the party’s Treasurer, now assumes leadership in an effort to navigate the party through its crisis.

     The decision aligns with provisions outlined in the PDP’s constitution.

    A statement urges all members to stay united during this critical period as the party prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024.

    LISTEN ALSO: DAMAGUN LACKS CAPACITY TO LEAD PDP – Ologbondiyan

  • Mele Kyari’s Daughter Passes Away at 25

    Mele Kyari’s Daughter Passes Away at 25

    Fatima Kyari, the 25-year-old daughter of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari is dead.

    She passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024. 

    The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, joined other mourners at the Annur Mosque in Abuja to offer prayers during the funeral. 

    He also extended his condolences to the Kyari family, recognizing the deep pain of losing a daughter at such a young age.

    Fatima’s passing has drawn sympathy from across the country as many share in the family’s grief.

  • Financial Reforms: Sen Lado Applauds Tinubu’s Commitment

    Financial Reforms: Sen Lado Applauds Tinubu’s Commitment

    Senator Basheer Lado Mohammed, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued focus on financial reforms and fiscal discipline.

    He made statement during the Senate’s screening of Ms. Omolola Bridget Oloworaran, the newly appointed Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), conducted by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service.

    Senator Lado noted that the Senate screening process shows President Tinubu’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s financial institutions, saying the reforms aim to reduce financial leakages and improve revenue generation to support national development.

    “President Tinubu’s vision for the nation’s financial sector is clear,” Senator Lado said. “Appointing capable and highly qualified individuals to lead critical financial institutions is central to his broader agenda of ensuring fiscal discipline and sustainable economic growth.”

    Under Ms. Oloworaran’s leadership, PenCom is expected to advance the administration’s objectives of financial transparency, accountability, and protecting pension funds. Her appointment is seen as a move to drive sustainable pension reforms that will benefit all Nigerians.

    In addition to commending the appointment of Ms. Oloworaran, Senator Lado also expressed satisfaction with President Tinubu’s selection of 21 nominees as Commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

    The nominees, who were also screened by the Senate, will play a vital role in reviewing revenue-sharing mechanisms and increasing revenue flows into the national treasury. This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to foster equitable revenue allocation and national economic growth.

    “The president’s choice of these highly qualified nominees is a testament to his commitment to placing only the best individuals with the right expertise in critical financial roles,” Senator Lado added. “Their leadership will be pivotal in enhancing revenue generation and ensuring public resources are managed effectively for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

    Senator Lado also reaffirmed the dedication of his office to promoting productive engagement between the Executive and Legislative branches of government. The Office of the Special Adviser, he noted, will work to ensure a healthy collaboration that enhances transparency, accountability, and good governance.

    “As we await the Senate’s confirmation of these nominees, my office is committed to fostering constructive relationships that will lead to the swift approval of executive nominees and the effective implementation of government policies for national development,” Senator Lado reiterated.

    In a related development, the Senate also confirmed the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), following a successful screening process.

  • Anti-Party Actions: APC Suspends Lokpobiri, Lyon, Others

    Anti-Party Actions: APC Suspends Lokpobiri, Lyon, Others

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended several members, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and its 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, for their alleged involvement in anti-party activities. 

    This action extends to key figures like Kharim Kumoko, the state Commissioner for Power, and Peres Biewari, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey.

    Party officials also suspended former state chairman Jothan Amos, National Executive Council member Godbless Diriwari, and Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader Sabi Morgan.

     The suspensions affected several ward leaders in Southern Ijaw, including Omiebi Fuoebi of Ward 3 and Claudius Odobu of Ward 4, alongside their ward executives.

    Local APC leaders in Yenagoa, led by Mitin Eniekenemi Senator from Ekeremor Local Government Area, explained the decision was based on a report from the party’s disciplinary committee. 

    They claimed Lokpobiri had fostered division within the party by creating a factional state secretariat and supporting rival candidates in previous elections.

    Additionally, the party accused Lokpobiri of working with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 Bayelsa State gubernatorial election. 

    Lokpobiri and his associates allegedly backed Governor Douye Diri’s campaign, which the party claims led to appointments and contracts for his followers within the PDP-led state government.

    Chief David Lyon and seven others were also suspended for supporting rival candidates during the 2020 Bayelsa Central senatorial bye-election and the 2023 gubernatorial election. 

    The suspensions have been forwarded to the state executive council for further action, as the party aims to rebuild and regain the confidence of its grassroots supporters ahead of future elections.

  • Reps Urge FG To Avoid Excessive Taxation On Nigerians 

    Reps Urge FG To Avoid Excessive Taxation On Nigerians 

    The House of Representatives has advised the federal government to ease the tax burden on Nigerians, following a motion led by Rep. Peter Aniekwe and co-sponsored by Rep. Kingsley Chinda and others. 

    The motion highlighted the rising inflation, unemployment, and high cost of living, which have intensified the economic difficulties faced by many citizens.

    The House expressed concerns that the introduction of multiple taxes, levies, and charges, especially on essential goods and services, is worsening the financial situation for low-income earners who struggle with basic needs like food, healthcare, and housing.

     It called for a review of current tax policies, suggesting alternative revenue options like expanding the tax net to include high-income earners and improving tax enforcement.

    The House also urged for measures to boost agricultural exports and minimize tax duplication.

     It instructed its committees on Finance and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to examine existing tax laws and streamline the processes. 

    The goal is to reduce financial strain on citizens without harming government revenue targets. 

    Additionally, the Committee on Legislative Compliance was tasked with ensuring these resolutions are implemented.

    ReplyForwardAdd reaction
  • PDP Leadership Faces Internal Conflicts as Factions Suspend Key Members

    PDP Leadership Faces Internal Conflicts as Factions Suspend Key Members

    Some observers however, express the view that these officials are merely puppets dancing to a drumbeat outside the PDP.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is experiencing a leadership tussle as factions within its National Working Committee (NWC) clash.

    The camp led by the acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum, recently suspended two key officials—National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade.

    This action follows the constitution of a committee headed by Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate alleged violations by the suspended officers.

    In response, the other faction, associated with Ologunagba, retaliated by suspending Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    This group accused Damagum and Anyanwu of undermining the party’s position in a court case involving former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    They cited breaches of the party’s constitution and referred the matter to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.

    The situation has escalated with new acting officials appointed: Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga as Acting National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha as Acting National Legal Adviser.

    The factions appear determined to consolidate power, indicating deeper divisions within the PDP as both sides prepare for further investigations and disciplinary proceedings.

    Meanwhile, some observers express the view that these officials are merely puppets dancing to a drumbeat by an active offset interested party.

    Those who express this view cite the squabble in the Labour Party, the second runner-up in the 2023 presidential election as evidence that a vested interest is masterminding these conflicts in order to weaken the opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).