Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: Politics

  • Sen Dickson Rejects Gov Diri’s Defection to APC, Stays Loyal to PDP

    Sen Dickson Rejects Gov Diri’s Defection to APC, Stays Loyal to PDP


    Sen Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) has distanced himself from the defection of Gov Douye Diri and 23 members of the Bayelsa Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking after the Senate plenary on Wednesday, Dickson reaffirmed his commitment to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that he has no plans to join the ruling party.

    The senator expressed disappointment that neither the governor nor the state lawmakers consulted him before their decision to leave the PDP.

    Dickson suggested that the internal issues within the PDP could have been addressed through proper party leadership rather than a mass defection.

    “What is the role of party leadership if it cannot resolve crises?” Dickson remarked, emphasizing that leadership should be focused on resolving conflicts, not abandoning the party.

    Referring to the situation in Bayelsa, Dickson, who served as the state’s governor before Diri, said the governor and lawmakers were part of his political team, but he did not consider himself a political godfather.

    “I never played the role of a godfather. I handed over power and moved on to my duties as a senator,” he said. “I will remain in the PDP, a lone northern star,” he emphasised.

    Governor Diri, along with the entire Bayelsa State House of Assembly, officially joined the APC in a ceremony in Yenagoa on Wednesday, marking a major shift in the state’s political alignment.

    This defection has raised eyebrows, as Bayelsa has been a stronghold of the PDP for years.

    While Diri’s move to the APC reflects a broader trend of political realignments in the region, Dickson made it clear that he will not follow suit.

    He emphasised that the PDP’s challenges could be resolved within the party, not by switching allegiances.

    Meanwhile, in a separate development, Senator Dickson addressed the controversy surrounding the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amunpitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He clarified that despite some confusion over the nominee’s identity due to a mix-up with similarly named academics Amupitan’s nomination represents a significant milestone.

    As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Amunpitan is the first lawyer of such status to be nominated for this prestigious position, according to Dickson.

    The senator also pointed out that being in the opposition does not mean opposing every decision from the government.

    Sen Dickson emphasised the importance of considering each issue on its merits. He expressed confidence that the Senate’s Electoral Committee would thoroughly vet Amunpitan’s nomination.

    With Governor Diri’s defection to the APC, the political landscape in Bayelsa is undergoing a major shift.

    However, Dickson’s steadfast loyalty to the PDP highlights ongoing divisions within the state’s political establishment.

    Whether this rift will have lasting consequences for the PDP in Bayelsa remains uncertain.

  • Taskforce nabs 21 illegal street traders in Lagos

    Taskforce nabs 21 illegal street traders in Lagos

    The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has arrested 21 suspected street traders during an operation to clear illegal trading in the state.

    The taskforce’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

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    He said the enforcement was carried out at Iyana-Iba and Ojo areas along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

    According to him, the exercise was part of the agency’s ongoing clean-up drive against street trading, illegal ticketing, unauthorised road blockages, and unapproved bus stops.

    Gbadeyan said the team visited Iyana-Iba and adjoining roads where traders had resumed selling on the newly constructed roads, obstructing traffic and defacing the environment.

    He added that 21 suspects, including 15 males and six females, were arrested, while their goods and wares displayed on the roads were seized.

    Normalcy, he said, had been restored to all affected areas following the enforcement exercise.

    Read Also: The ShopRite Empty Shelves Video: Critical Economic Analysis

    Gbadeyan noted that all suspects would be prosecuted, while the confiscated items would be forfeited in line with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Laws of 2017 and Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

    The taskforce chairman, CSP Shola Akerele, warned traders against displaying goods on highways and walkways, as such acts obstruct traffic flow and cause congestion.

    Gbadeyan also urged street traders, unathorised revenue collectors, and operators of unauthorised bus stops to desist or face the full weight of the law. 

  • Ebony state govt commences clearance of N10bn gratuity backlog owed LG retirees

    Ebony state govt commences clearance of N10bn gratuity backlog owed LG retirees

    Ebonyi state government commences clearing the backlog of gratuity estimated at N10 billion it owes over 4,000 retired Local Government employees.

    Flagging off the exercise in Abakiliki on Monday, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Uchenna Igwe, said the move would ameliorate the suffering of the retirees.

    Igwe described the gesture as a defining moment of justice and compassion, as contained in Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s people’s charter of needs mantra.

    “These entitlements were not paid since the state’s creation and the commencement of its payment has restored hope and dignity for selfless service.

    “The governor is a promise keeper who only thinks of ways to enhance the people’s wellbeing,” he said.

    The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously especially in supporting their families and communities.

    The commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr Ikeuwa Omebeh, recalled that the governor inaugurated a six-member verification committee for the exercise on Aug.1, 2025.

    The committee chaired by the wife of the state’s former deputy governor, Mrs Catherine Ogbu, was tasked with authenticating claims and determining eligibility for retirees.

    “This covers the period of 1996 to 2025 as the exercise has been successfully completed and payments will be carried out on LGA basis.

    “All verified retirees will be paid through their bank accounts as the gesture will beyond welfare, inject liquidity into rural economies and stimulate small businesses,” he said.

    The Executive Secretary of the State Local Government Pension Board, Mr. Emeka Nwonu,.assured that all verified persons would receive their entitlements.

    “The Board collaborated with all relevant bodies concerned with the process, in realising set goals,” he said.

    The Chairperson of the verification exercise, Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, lauded the governor for his vision of prioritising the welfare of retirees.

    “This is a dream delayed, but presently a reality, and promise fulfilled” she said.

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ebonyi Council, Mr Donatus Okemini, urged Ebonyi people to pray and support the Nwifuru-led administration as it had the people’s interest at heart.

    Mrs Martha Elom, one of the retirees, thanked the governor for the gesture noting that it had ‘added a new lease of life” to her. 

  • Rivers secretariat inferno: No casualty says head of service 

    Rivers secretariat inferno: No casualty says head of service 

    The Rivers Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, has confirmed that there were no casualties during a fire incident at the state secretariat complex.

    Brown disclosed this to newsmen at the scene of the fire incident on Monday in Port Harcourt.

    She said that the state fire service and other relevant agencies responded promptly to contain the inferno.

    Brown commended the timely response of the state fire service, Renaissance, federal fire service, and the military, who all sent their fire trucks to the scene.

    “We thank God Almighty, and also commend Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, for being proactive in rehabilitating the fire service before this time.

    ‘’If not for his investment in the fire service, this situation would have been worse,” she stressed.

    She disclosed that no life was lost, explaining that the state medical service was on ground to curtail any emergency.

    Brown explained that preliminary reports suggested that the fire might have been as a result of electrical faults and urged the civil servants to always switch off all electrical appliances at the close of work.

    “We urge all civil servants to take responsibility for safety; put off our sockets and our lights.

    Not just putting off the sockets, but unplug them to ensure there is no residual charge because these buildings are heritage buildings and we don’t want anything to happen to them,” she said.

    Brown further assured that Fubara was working on measures to refurbish the secretariat buildings, which would be made known soon.

  • Police warn against caste-based discrimination in Anambra

    Police warn against caste-based discrimination in Anambra

    Apparently worried by rising incidents of violence by state institutions, the Anambra Police Command has called on communities to promote peaceful coexistence.

    In a statement by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police command advised communities to shun the ‘osu’ caste-based discrimination in particular.

    SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made the call in a statement issued to newsmen in Awka on Wednesday.

    Ikenga stated that the practice of the osu caste system violates fundamental rights of citizens.

    The Nigerian Anchor reports that some state based security agencies have been involved in recent acts of violence leading to loss of life.

    “The Police Command in Anambra has reiterated that any form of discrimination, humiliation, or denial of rights based on caste practices is barbaric, unlawful, and a gross violation of the fundamental human rights guaranteed under Nigerian law.

    “Section 42(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides that no citizen shall be subjected to any form of discrimination on the basis of community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or circumstance of birth.

    “Likewise, Section 34(1) affirms the right to dignity of the human person and prohibits all forms of inhuman or degrading treatment.

    “The command urges residents of Anambra to promote peace, equality, and mutual respect for human rights, and to report any incident of caste-based discrimination to the nearest police station for appropriate action.

    “In addition, the Discrimination Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2018 criminalises all forms of discrimination and prescribes penalties for offenders.

    “The command warns that attempts to deny couples the right to marry or live freely together on the basis of caste practices is unacceptable and unlawful.

    “Once two consenting adults agree to marry, no cultural barrier or discriminatory practice has any legal standing to override their constitutional rights to freedom of association (Section 40), family life, and dignity,” Ikenga stated.

    He added that the country is governed by the rule of law “and not oppressive or degrading traditional practices, and anyone found culpable of enforcing caste-based discrimination will face the full weight of the law.

    “The dignity, freedom, and security of every individual in the state remain a top priority to the command,” Ikenga added. 

  • Mixed reactions greet end of emergency rule in Rivers

    Mixed reactions greet end of emergency rule in Rivers

    The lifting of emergency rule in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu has triggered mixed reactions from stakeholders in the state.

    Tinubu on Wednesday announced the end of emergency rule in Rivers, and reinstated Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu and members of the state assembly after six months of suspension.

    A Niger Delta activist, Ms Ann-Kio Briggs, described the announcement as expected but raised concerns over the uncertainties surrounding Fubara’s return to full constitutional duties.

    She said that Rivers people were expecting Fubara to return as governor and perform his constitutional duties without being gagged.

    “Until the governor is allowed to freely carry out constitutional responsibilities, we cannot say exactly what the lifting of suspension portends,” Briggs said.

    The activist said that the six months period of emergency rule was characterised by project abandonment, poor performance and undemocratic practices.

    Briggs further stated that the suspension of democratic rule in Rivers inflicted incalculable losses on the people.

    She said that Rivers people would demand accountability for the period the state was governed under emergency rule.

    Darlington Nwauju, a factional Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers, commended Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule, and reinstating Fubara.

    READ ALSO: Fubara resumes today as Tinubu ends controversial emergency rule in Rivers state

    Nwauju however, said that the state witnessed unprecedented poor governance and mismanagement of resources during the six months period.

    “Rivers was poorly managed during the past six months. The sanitary condition alone reflected absence of governance. Workers experienced delayed salary payments,” he said.

    He said that the emergency rule period had left Fubara with the huge tasks of restoring confidence, improving infrastructure, and re-establishing investor confidence.

    “The state did not attract any foreign direct investment during the emergency rule period, but we must move on now that democracy is back in action,” he said.

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    Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the President, Ijaw National Congress, said that although the emergency rule had been lifted, the state was taken several years backwards.

    He claimed that no fewer than 10,000 jobs were lost during the six months of emergency rule in the oil-rich state

    According to him, suspending the governor, his deputy and the legislature handed absolute power to a sole administrator and undermined  democratic principles.

    Analysts say that although the lifting of emergency rule has ended uncertainties, questions remain concerning the political climate that awaits Fubara as he returns to office.

    They suggest that sincere reconciliation between the governor and other political stakeholders will determine the pace of recovery.

  • Otti grants grants automatic employment to 9 ex-corps members

    Otti grants grants automatic employment to 9 ex-corps members

    Gov Alex Otti of Abia has given automatic employment to nine ex-National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members of Abia origin that received the Presidential Honours awards at the end of their service year.

    Otti announced the automatic employment while receiving the ex-Corps members led by the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mrs Gladys Adama in his office on Tuesday.

    The governor directed the State Head of Service to issue them with appointment letters with immediate effect.

    “On behalf of the state government, you are going to leave here with a token; but beyond the token, I hereby temporarily lift the embargo on employment to employ the nine of you, except if any of you is not interested.

    “So, having lifted that embargo and having employed all of you, I also close the embargo,” the governor declared.

    He directed the state’s Attorney-General to communicate to the head of service to effect the employment of the nine ex-Corps members without interviews.

    “So, all you need to do is to go and do your documentation and then you can start work on Monday,” Otti stated.

    Otti, who appreciated them for their outstanding performances, charged them to continue to be outstanding in everything they did.

    He also thanked the State NYSC Coordinator for the great work she had done and for bringing them to him.

    Mr. Chinomso Nwogu, who responded on behalf of the ex-Corps members, thanked the governor for the recognition and appointment given to them.

    He promised that they would serve the state with commitment.

    “We are here to sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to you, your excellency, for the recognition.

    “We also want to use this opportunity to commend your good work in the state.

    “You are a true leader. You are the Joshua of our time. Our prayer is that Almighty God, will give you the wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of this state in Jesus Name. Amen, ” he prayed.

    The NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Gladys Adama, while presenting the ex-Corps members, said that they made the state proud during their service year.

    She said that they were decorated by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29 July following their outstanding performances in service.

    “I have come with these nine who have done Abia proud, out of about a hundred and something, Abia came first with nine of them.

    “They have excelled in their various places of primary assignment. As you have been told, none of them served in Abia. In fact, only one of them served in the east; others served far away in the North,” Adama said.

    The ex-Corps members granted automatic employment include, Nwogu Chinonso Nwogo, Promise  Anyanwụ, Ezieme Uba, Ezinne Emmanuel, Grace Abia, Chiemela Nwafike, Dr Mark Ugwa, Miracle Eke and James Chukwuebuka.

  • Storm -water drain project to end Asaba flooding – Commissioner 

    Storm -water drain project to end Asaba flooding – Commissioner 

    The  Delta Government has assured residents of Asaba and its environs that its ongoing storm-water control project will  provide lasting solutions to perennial flooding in the capital city.

    The state Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Mr  Reuben Izeze, gave the assurance at an inspection of the multi-billion-naira flood control measures on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Izeze expressed optimism that the project would be  ready for inauguration by December by the governor.

    The commissioner stated that the project when completed, would help to achieve the original storm-water master plan for Asaba, ensuring that flooding would  be a thing of the past.

    “By the time the entire stretch is delivered, it will transform Asaba into a flood-free city.”

    Izeze commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for keeping faith with his administration’s promise of meaningful development, realistic reforms, peace, and security.

    “Firstly, let me commend the audacity and courage of His Excellency in keeping the covenant he made with the people of Delta.  This project is part of that promise.

    “Haven  inspected the work from chainage 0 to 650, I can confidently say the quality of work is not in doubt, ” he said.

    The commissioner noted that the consulting firm has demonstrated capacity and experience to supervise the project.

    ”The consulting firm has demonstrated capacity and experience to supervise this very important project,” Izeze said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project when completed,  is expected to bring relief to residents and visitors, transforming Asaba into a more livable city.

  • New academic year: Massive turnout at Abuja schools – FCTA 

    New academic year: Massive turnout at Abuja schools – FCTA 

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says FCT schools have recorded an impressive turnout of students, pupils and teachers as they resumed 2025/2026 academic session.

    Some FCT Administration’s top management officials, led by the Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, said this while carrying out a routine inspection visit to schools in Abuja on Monday.

    The inspection activity was carried out in primary and secondary schools within Garki Area 11, Garki Area 3, Wuye, Wuse Zone 6 and Wuse zone 3 respectively.

    Hayyo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Joy Okeke, said both private and public schools in Abuja recorded an impressive turnout of students, pupils and teachers.

    He said that school inspection was part of the secretariat’s ritual at the beginning of every term to monitor students’ resumption and teachers’ preparedness.

    He expressed satisfaction with the resumption level .

    “This shows that the school children are ready to learn, and the teachers are also ready for their teaching activities,”he said.

    Hayyo urged the parents whose children and wards are yet to resume, to release them so that they can join others in learning.

    “All FCT schools both private and public have resumed, I am very impressed with the situation.

    “As we can see, the environment is looking well renovated. Because our Minister, Nyesom Wike’s priority is education.

    “That is why he has invested billions of naira in the renovation of the schools.

    “Relevant stakeholders are grateful to the Minister for renovating their schools because they are very good and conducive for learning”, he stated.

    On his part, James Kuta, Director and Principal, Government Science Technical College (GSTC), Area 3, Garki-Abuja, said lessons have started as the turnout was encouraging.

    Kuta said that prior to the resumption, the school management had done fumigation, levelled the grasses, cleaned the classes and hostels, for the students to begin learning.

    “They are supposed to be 1,060 plus students, we have 631 on resumption. So, we have just about 400 left, and I am sure they will be back.

    Similarly, Gold Iyabo, Principal of JSS, Garki, Area 11, revealed that on the first day of resumption, the school recorded attendance of 238 out of its total number of 520 students.

  • APC stages a protest march in Ibadan

    APC stages a protest march in Ibadan

    Reminiscent of its classic opposition antics, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, on Monday, embarked on a protest over the alleged victimisation of  its lawmaker in the state assembly.

    The protests march was staged across major roads in Ibadan over in respect of Mr Ibraheem Shittu whom it alleged was being victimised by the state government.

    Shittu (APC- Saki West State Constituency), the party claimed, had a fortnight ago raised alarm over an approval granted to Gov. Seyi Makinde by the legislature to secure a loan of of N300 billion.

    The protest, which began at the party’s secretariat in Oke Ado, drew large turnout of APC members and supporters, led by the State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas.

    The protesters, who carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, marched from the party’s  secretariat at Oke Ado to Dugbe, Mokola and back to Oke-Ado , demanding immediate protection for Shittu.

    The APC chairman said that the lawmaker had since raising the alarm had received several threat messages, prompting fears for his safety, thus sparking the protest.

    Abas insisted that the protest was to express solidarity with Shittu, describing him as courageous for standing against what the party termed “reckless borrowing.”

    “We are here to tell the governor not to send Oyo into perpetual debt. What happened to earlier loans?” Abas asked while addressing journalists at the secretariat.

    He said the APC would not fold its arms while its member is allegedly harassed, stressing that the party was fully behind Shittu’s stance against the loan deal.

    “I have the protest letter here, he should not be victimised.”

    The APC chairman vowed to resist any attempt to silence opposition voices, declaring that “the process to take over Oyo has started.”

    The protest was monitored by security operatives including the police to prevent its hijack by hoodlums.