Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

  • Emirship Tussle: Why I Ordered Bayero’s Arrest – Gov Yusuf Opens Up

    Emirship Tussle: Why I Ordered Bayero’s Arrest – Gov Yusuf Opens Up

    Governor Abba Yusuf has explained his reasons for ordering the arrest of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, an action that led to the court awarding ₦10 million in damages to the monarch.

    The Governor, through his spokesman Sunusi Bature, stated that he ordered Bayero’s arrest because Bayero returned two days after his dethronement to reclaim the palace, causing unrest in the state.

    In response to the article ‘A Rendezvous with Recklessness and Executive Rascality’ by Bala Ibrahim, Bature defended Governor Yusuf against claims of recklessness and executive misconduct.

    The Federal High Court in Kano recently ordered the state government to pay Bayero the sum of ₦10 million for violating his fundamental rights, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.

    In a court session led by Justice Simon Amobeda, the court cited Sections 35(1) and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

    It was ruled that Yusuf’s decision to order Bayero’s arrest without lawful justification was unjust. This decision led to Bayero being put under house arrest due to the fear of being arrested.

    Exploiting the ruling as an opportunity, Bala Ibrahim derided and lambasted the governor for his alleged power abuse and reckless decision-making, notably the demolition of structures and the issuance of Bayero’s arrest warrant, resulting in compensation being granted to all affected parties by the court.

    However, the governor’s spokesperson said: “Does Bala Ibrahim actually understand the workings of government and governance?

    “I do not want to go into judicial pronouncements, but the point I want to make clear is that the issue of Kano Emirship is straightforward with the repeal of the Kano Emirate Law (2019) and enactment of Kano Emirate Law (2024), which gave Governor Yusuf the power to abolish the five emirates and return Kano to its glorious and historic position of one emirate.

    “This is the wish of the people of Kano state.

    “The reappointment of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II did not also come to anyone as a surprise, because his dethronement and consequent banishment by Abdullahi Ganduje and his co-travellers was done out of malice.

    “Now, calling for the arrest of dethroned Emir Aminu Bayero was only done for public good as his entrance into Kano, shortly after his dethronement posed a serious security threat which is being managed up till today.

    “Governor Abba Yusuf remains the Chief Security Officer of Kano state, and no sane leader would fold his arms and watch Kano snowballs into a state of anarchy without taking action.”

    The governor also defended the demolition of buildings, stating it was aimed at reclaiming public property illegally acquired by former Governor Ganduje, his associates, and family.

    He emphasized the exercise’s necessity to prevent individuals from misappropriating public funds and resources.

    Despite criticism from figures like Bala Ibrahim, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to Kano state’s welfare and socio-economic advancement.

  • Again, ASUU Rejects New University Governing Councils

    Again, ASUU Rejects New University Governing Councils

    The ding-dong between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the appointment of Governing Councils continues as the latter voiced disappointment regarding the composition of the new membership of the governing councils for federal universities.

    ASUU’s national president, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed these concerns in a recent interview with the Nigerian Tribune, highlighting a worrying trend in the appointment process.

    According to Prof Osodeke, the new list of council members is dominated by retired politicians rather than experts in academia or relevant fields.

    “Most of them are retired politicians. They are honourable this and honourable that,” Osodeke remarked, questioning the suitability of such appointments for the strategic development of higher education institutions in the country.

    Prof Osodeke further criticized the new list as being worse than its predecessor, indicating a regression rather than progress in the appointment policies.

    “Go and look at the list again, you will see that most of them are retired politicians. That is how terrible the thing has become,” he lamented.

    ASUU also raised issues beyond the qualifications of the appointed individuals. The union pointed out that the formation of new councils was procedurally flawed and possibly illegal.

    The Federal Government had dissolved the previous councils over ten months ago before their tenures had expired, contrary to the stipulations of the University Act.

    ASUU argued that these members should have been allowed to complete their terms instead of assembling a new council, which seems to overlook legal frameworks.

    The union emphasized that university education should not be subject to partisan politics if Nigeria aspires to achieve real educational quality that can lead to economic prosperity.

    “We can’t run our universities like this if we truly want genuine development to take place,” Prof Osodeke stated, urging a reevaluation of how university councils are constituted.

  • Tinubu sacks BPE director-general, appoints replacement 

    Tinubu sacks BPE director-general, appoints replacement 

    President Bola Tinubu has relieved Mamman Ahmadu of his duties as director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

    In a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday, the president also approved the appointment of Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi as the new DG of the BPE.

    “Mr. Gbeleyi is a renowned financial expert and award-winning chartered accountant,” the statement read.

    “He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

    “He is also an alumnus of executive programmes of the prestigious London Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Lagos Business School.

    “He has over 30 years of post-qualification experience in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), investment & commercial banking, project finance, telecommunications, infrastructure, and public administration.

    “He was the board Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State from 2013 to 2015.

    “The President expects the new Director-General to bring his vast experience and competence to bear in this role to strengthen the agency as the national resource centre for capacity building and sustenance of reforms through the promotion of a competitive private sector-driven economy, ensuring social accountability and efficient deployment of public resources, as well as advancing effective corporate governance and fiduciary discipline in the public and private sectors.”

  • Names of fleeing Niger inmates released

    Names of fleeing Niger inmates released

    In a bid to expedite the recapture of escaped prisoners, the Nigerian Correctional Service has released the database of inmates who fled from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.

    The escape, which has raised significant security concerns, prompted immediate action from the NCoS.

    The released database includes detailed information about the inmates, aimed at aiding law enforcement and the public in identifying and locating the fugitives.

    A total of 119 inmates escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, Niger State on April 24, 2024.

    The incident, triggered by a relentless downpour that caused significant damage to the facility, resulted in a breach of the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to escape.

    While ten inmates were re-apprehended on April 25, three more were captured later that same day.

    On June 6, 2024, the NCoS Spokesperson, Abubakar Umar who spoke at a joint press briefing of the security, defence and response agencies, at the defence headquarters in Abuja noted that 23 escapees had been recaptured so far.

    Umar also assured the public of the service’s commitment to releasing the pictures of the fleeing inmates to aid in their identification and capture.

    “I want to say hear that there is a concerted effort by the service to recapture fleeing inmates. I want to put on record that we have been able to recapture 23 escapes, so far.

    “I want to also assure you that we are working hard to release the pictures of the fleeing inmates.”

    However, as of Saturday afternoon, June 15, 2024, checks by our correspondent via the website of NCoS revealed that the service has published the details of only 18 out of the 96 fleeing inmates.

    The names of the fleeing inmates published include; Ogbonna Kingsley, Auwal Mohammed, Mustapha Ibrahim, Suleiman Sani, Raphael Kingsley, Abdullahi Babangida, Idris Bashir, Umar Mustapha, and Ayuba Obidience.

    Others include; Lamido Gambo, Garba Fidelis, Mohammed Jibrin, Sylvester Allison, Albert Israel, Edoga Okwudili, Olaiya Stephen, Audo Usman and Ibrahim Aminu.

  • BREAKING: Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rises to 33.95%

    BREAKING: Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rises to 33.95%

    Nigeria’s annual inflation rate climbed to 33.95 per cent in May 2024, up from 33.69 per cent recorded in April, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This increase marks a rise of 0.26 percentage points month-on-month.

    Compared to May 2023, when the inflation rate stood at 22.41 per cent, the current figure reflects a significant year-on-year increase of 11.54 percentage points, illustrating a sharp uptick in inflationary pressures over the past year.

    On a month-on-month basis, the NBS reported that inflation for May 2024 was 2.14 per cent, slightly lower than the 2.29 per cent recorded in April 2024.

    This indicates a moderated pace of increase in the average price level compared to the previous month.

    In terms of food prices, the inflation rate accelerated to 40.66 per cent year-on-year in May 2024, marking an increase of 15.84 percentage points from May 2023, when it was 24.82 per cent.

    The sharp rise in food inflation highlights continued challenges in food affordability and accessibility across Nigeria.

  • Minimum Wage : Senate Deny Plan To Seize States, LGs Funds

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, has categorically denied recent speculations suggesting that the National Assembly’s Upper Chamber is considering a clause to seize funds from states and local councils in the forthcoming New Minimum Wage Bill proposed by the Executive.

    The controversy began after a report by a national daily, claimed that federal lawmakers were contemplating the inclusion of a controversial clause that would allow for the seizure of funds when the bill is introduced in the Senate.

    This report has since sparked widespread discussions and concerns among stakeholders.

    In response to these claims, Yemi Adaramodu issued a formal statement from Abuja on Saturday, dismissing the allegations as entirely unfounded.

    Adaramodu said, “Mr. President in his national broadcast on Democracy Day only informed Nigerians that he would soon send the New Minimum Wage Bill to us.

    “No one among us, not even the Senate President, knows the content of the Bill. How can we take a position on a document that we haven’t even sighted?

    “During my interface with some journalists, who approached me for an interview as part of activities to mark the one year anniversary of the 10th National Assembly, I did not at any point, state that the allocations belonging to States and Local Governments will be seized.

    “Nigeria is a federation, with sub-national governments that are autonomous. The misleading headline by The Punch Newspaper that allocations belonging to States and local councils will be seized is false and should be disregarded.

    “We are still awaiting the Executive Bill and once we have it, it will go through all Legislative stages and once this is done and it receives Presidential assent, it becomes law. And it is law that can specify sanction, not the National Assembly.

    “My interview was well reported today in the national dailies. It was not exclusive to The Punch. Other newspapers reflected adequately what I said. Why did Punch choose to misrepresent me?”

  • ‘I Have Lost My Respect For Finidi George’ – Victor Osimhen Says As He Curses Critics 

    ‘I Have Lost My Respect For Finidi George’ – Victor Osimhen Says As He Curses Critics 

    Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen, has taken to Instagram Live to blast the team’s head coach, Finidi George, for singling him out for criticism.

    Finidi George, who has reportedly resigned from his role as Super Eagles coach barely two months after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), appointed him, invited Victor Osimhen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

    Unfortunately, Osimhen pulled out of the must-win qualifiers because he was battling a muscle injury.

    In his absence, the Super Eagles drew 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo and went on to lose 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan.

    These two unexpected results have pushed the Super Eagles to the 5th spot out of 6 teams in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They are currently four points below first-placed Rwanda, second-placed South Africa, and third-placed Benin Republic.

    When coach Finidi George was asked why Victor Osimhen wasn’t in his squad for the qualifiers, the former Enyimba of Aba head coach reportedly said he wouldn’t beg the 25-year-old Napoli striker to play for the national team.

    This statement didn’t sit well with the reigning Africa Player Of The Year winner. Hence, he took to his Instagram Live session to share his side of the story.

    In the Instagram Live session, Osimhen stressed that he had evidence to prove that he had explained to George that he was injured and even requested to be in the camp with the national team to motivate his teammates.

    He said the coach refused to grant him the request and urged the football star to stay with his family.

    Osimhen further blasts his critics, especially those doubting his commitment to the Super Eagles, saying: “Eni kure, ogun kee anybody wey doubt my commitment.”

  • Why We Halted Durbar Activities – Ado Bayero 

    Why We Halted Durbar Activities – Ado Bayero 

    The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the occasion of Sallah festivities.

    The Emir also announced that the durbar ceremonies earlier scheduled were halted following recommendations of the security and for peace to continue to reign in the State.

    The Emir made the remarks while delivering a broadcast at the Nassarawa mini palace on Saturday.

    He said, “On this day when all Muslim faithful are observing the day of Arafat, we felicitate with all during this important occasion.

    “Eid is practiced and we are taught by our holy prophet to sacrifice animals if we are opportune to. For those who cannot afford it, we pray to Allah to grant them what to sacrifice.

    “We therefore felicitate with the President and the Governor on the occasion of Sallah and we pray that God gives them the courage and strength to deliver.

    “We call on them to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, protection of their lives and properties while also the people should pray for their leaders.

    “We have lifted all durbar activities following the recommendations of security operatives for peace to continue to reign.”

  • President Tinubu Calls for Enhanced Collaboration with FBI to Combat Cybercrime and Terrorism

    President Tinubu Calls for Enhanced Collaboration with FBI to Combat Cybercrime and Terrorism

    President Bola Tinubu has given order for increased cooperation between Nigerian law enforcement agencies and the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He gave the order during a meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Saturday, during FBI Director Christopher Wray’s visit.
    President Tinubu called for greater focus on addressing cybercrime, terrorism, and related criminal activities through joint efforts.

    In a statement issued by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Mr Tinubu acknowledged the FBI’s sophistication and reputation for excellence, expressing honor at the Director’s visit.

    “The visit of Director Wray underscores the importance of our partnership in eliminating local and global crimes,” President Tinubu stated.

    As Chairman of ECOWAS, President Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s collaboration with other West African nations in combating economic crimes.

    “We are working closely with our regional partners to tackle economic crimes and terrorism,” President Tinubu affirmed.

    President Tinubu further stressed the role of education in poverty alleviation, noting its significance in addressing the root causes of criminal activities. He expressed appreciation for the diverse Nigerian agencies present at the meeting, actively involved in reducing crimes across the country.

    In response, FBI Director Wray praised President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing partnerships among government agencies to protect citizens from terrorism and cyber-enabled crimes.

    “We value President Tinubu’s efforts in countering terrorism, which poses a threat to both Nigeria and the United States,” Director Wray acknowledged.

    He also highlighted Nigeria’s recent successes in countering ISIS and other terrorist groups in West Africa, crediting effective coordination among security agencies.

    “We stand ready to support Nigeria in various aspects, including counter-terrorism, cybercrime prevention, and intelligence sharing,” Director Wray assured.

    Key security figures attending the meeting included National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

    The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual commitment to deepen collaboration through enhanced intelligence sharing and joint operations, reflecting Nigeria’s proactive stance in leveraging international partnerships to bolster its security efforts against evolving threats.