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Abia Governor assure workers of 13th Month Salary before 20th December

by Folarin Kehinde December 5, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has announced plans by his administration to pay both the December and the 13th month salaries to workers before December 20, 2024.

Speaking during a critical meeting with leaders of workers’ unions in the state including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Otti assured that just like he did last year, he will pay the 13th month salary.

“I am getting ready, before 20th, we will pay December salaries so that you can be able to shop for Christmas,” Governor Otti told the workers.

Afterwards, the NLC chairman, Ogbonnaya Okoro, commended Governor Otti for his commitment to the welfare of workers and his swift response to address salary structure concerns.

“I want to give you kudos sir, you must succeed, and we are rightly behind you. We will go extra mile to support your administration.

“So, for other issues, after now we will articulate them. We will appreciate you for the ones you have done and will appeal that you attend to the other ones,” Okoro said.

Also at the meeting, Otti berated the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for setting up a shadow government in the state, describing it as a treasonous offense.

He vowed to take severe legal action within the framework of the law against the opposition party.

The governor, while raising eyebrows over the development, described the move as “baseless” and “an indication of ignorance about Nigeria’s political structure.”

December 5, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

“Lagos Will Lose” – Governor Sanwo-Olu Speaks on Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills

by Folarin Kehinde December 5, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has backed the federal government-led tax reform, describing the state’s position as “extremely comfortable.”

The governor made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum, Market Days 2024, in Rabat, Morocco.

Sanwo-Olu advised people to take time to read the provisions of the reform and fully understand what it aims to achieve. The governor debunked claims that Lagos would be the major beneficiary of the reform, stating that the state would actually lose in some areas but would have a bigger opportunity to play a more significant role.

The governor expressed his positive attitude towards the reform, describing it as “wonderful.” He noted that Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio is one of the lowest in the world, emphasizing the need for change. Sanwo-Olu assured that the intention of the reform is not to hurt anyone but to better the lot of all Nigerians.

“What those uncomfortable with the tax reform are not willing to accept is that there is no way of making an omelette without breaking the egg.

“You cannot make changes if the reforms are not set in. I have advised that people should take time to read the provisions of the reform very well and to fully understand what they’re trying to do.

“I’ve seen comments around. Comments like Lagos is going to be the major beneficiary. It is not true. Lagos is actually going to be shaped off in some places, but on a larger scale basis, we see it as a global thing for a better governance structure.

“All of us will play better, and we’ll be able to discipline ourselves more. One of the things that you will see is that you need to work harder for you to get the full benefit of the reform. So it’s not just an easy kill,” he said.

The governor added that if the changes were not made, greater opportunities were inherent in the states of the federation as well as non-governmental actors.

According to him, Lagos State, indeed, will lose here and there, but will also have a bigger opportunity to have a bigger role to play.

“I have a positive attitude to it. I see it as a very wonderful reform.

“Tax-to-GDP ratio in Nigeria is one of the lowest in the world.

“So, there are a few things that need to happen, and like I keep saying, not only when you make those changes, you will not be able to see the opportunities that are found in your account.

“We really need to be bullish. We need to be encouraging ourselves and know that the intention is not to hurt anybody. This, I am very sure of.

“The intention is to better a lot, but not just better a lot of one person or one set of people. It’s for all of us, and so we should look at it this way,” he said.

The tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu have led to significant controversy, with some governors and traditional rulers of Northern Nigerian states rejecting the bill, citing that it does not align with the interests of the North and other sub-national entities.

Some of the key provisions of the bill include an increment in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5 percent to 10 percent by 2025, a 27.5 percent company tax rate, a 4 percent development levy on companies, and a 5 percent excise tax on lottery and gaming income.

December 5, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Ibori’s Daughter Dumps PDP, Defects To APC

by Nelson Ugwuagbo December 5, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Erhriatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Her defection was announced in a letter read on the floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday. Ibori-Suenu represents Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House.

James Ibori, who governed Delta State from 1999 to 2007, is widely regarded as a significant influence within the PDP’s political structure in the state.

This move comes amid a wave of defections within the minority caucus in the National Assembly. Earlier, four Labour Party lawmakers also defected to the ruling APC.

December 5, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Senate halts action on tax reform bills

by Folarin Kehinde December 5, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Senate has suspended action on the tax reform bills currently before it.

It further instructed the Committee on Finance to stay action on the public hearing pending the time the agitation in the public space is addressed.

The Senate further constituted a special committee to meet with the executive branch and work with the Federal Government to resolve the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.

This was made known by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided during the plenary on Wednesday.

There have been a lot of controversies surrounding the Tax Reform Bills since its introduction to the National Assembly.

The bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

Northern governors have rejected the bills, describing them as anti-democracy.

Following this, the National Economic Council requested that the tax reforms bill be withdrawn from the NASS for more consultations.

Amidst the controversy, Senator Shehu Buba (APC, Bauchi South) in an interview with British Broadcasting Service, Hausa Service said Northern Senators agreed to recall the Tax Reforms Bills.

He said, “These bills are complex and require thorough review by tax policy experts.”

He claimed that northern lawmakers strongly oppose the proposed “derivation” formula in the value-added tax (VAT) distribution system, arguing that northern states would be unfairly impacted.

Also, on Tuesday, the president instructed the Ministry of Justice to liaise with the judiciary.

Speaking about these controversies, the Deputy Senate president noted that the delegation will meet on Thursday at the National Assembly to resolve all the issues that have been the cause of the uproar.

Barau said, “On the tax reform bills currently before us, we acknowledge that the Senate remains the highest legislative assembly in this country.

“The Senate comprises men and women of wisdom and experience, entrusted to legislate for the peace, stability, and development of the nation.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, like similar bodies globally, serves as a stabilising force in times of difficulty or disagreement. Through dialogue and consensus, the Senate has consistently provided solutions to national challenges since 1999.”

He added, “In this regard, we have decided to set aside politics, ethnicity, and regionalism to work together on resolving the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.

“In collaboration with the Executive Arm of Government, we agreed to establish a forum to identify and address contentious areas to ensure national unity and progress.

“Before the introduction of these bills, we faced numerous challenges, including insecurity and economic issues.

“The President has been working to address these problems, and we are committed to supporting these efforts while tackling global economic challenges. We also agreed that no other issues should aggravate the country’s current difficulties.

“It has been mutually decided between the Executive and the Senate to engage the Judiciary to sort out these matters.

“the Attorney General of the Federation will be involved in discussions to identify and resolve areas of disagreement for the nation’s benefit.

“Tomorrow, the committee established by the Senate, along with its leadership, will meet with the Attorney General to address these issues.”

Barau further instructed, “Consequently, the Senate Committee on Finance has been directed to pause further actions on public hearings and other matters related to the tax reform bills until the issues are resolved.”

Members of the committee are all the leadership of the Senate including other members, Adamu Ailero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) Titus Zam (Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi), Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) and Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East).

December 5, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Borno deputy Gov, over 100 passengers narrowly escape Max Air mishap over engine failure

by Folarin Kehinde December 5, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers narrowly escaped a tragic incident when a Max Air aircraft experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday when the aircraft, en route to Abuja, suffered engine failure caused by a bird strike about 10 minutes into the flight. The pilot and crew managed to execute an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, averting disaster.

A Max Air staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident on Thursday morning.

The staff member explained: “Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck a bird mid-air, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers.”

Following the emergency landing, passengers were reportedly in a state of panic, with many opting to collect their luggage and return home rather than board another flight.

However, Max Air management promptly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to transport resilient passengers, including the Deputy Governor, safely to Abuja.

The ill-fated aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri International Airport, undergoing extensive repairs. Investigations into the incident are currently underway.

The airport authorities have reassured passengers of their commitment to safety and thanked the crew for their professionalism in managing the situation.

December 5, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

£1.87m fraud: ‘You all should be proud of me,’ Pastor Tobi Adegboyega breaks silence amid deportation saga

by Folarin Kehinde December 5, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerian-born UK pastor Tobi Adegboyega has addressed recent reports of his impending deportation to Nigeria.

The former leader of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, which was shut down following allegations of a £1.87 million fraud, has lost his legal battle against deportation despite asserting that the move would infringe upon his human rights.

An immigration tribunal has ruled that the 44-year-old, who is a cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, be deported to Nigeria.

According to a report by The Telegraph, investigations revealed financial misconduct within his church, leading to the decision.

Addressing the controversy via his Instagram page, Tobi Adegboyega said, “I’ve heard a lot today, and I’m doing this because our friends our fans people who are worried. I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm. And naturally I dismiss things that have to do with retrogression. Every Nigerian should be proud of me.

“I have survived all sort, the matter they are propagating is the smallest of matters. No panic. I love London city, it is my city, and nobody can do anything.”

December 5, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

FG sacks Civil Servants with degrees from Togo, Benin

by Folarin Kehinde December 5, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has fired some civil servants with degrees from private tertiary institutions in Benin Republic and Togo, The PUNCH reports.

The directive affected federal workers who graduated from the institutions from 2017 to date.

The Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, confirmed the development to one of our correspondents on Wednesday.

In August, the Federal August announced that only eight universities had been accredited to award degrees to Nigerians in Togo and Benin Republic.

This followed an undercover investigation report in which a Daily Nigerian journalist acquired a degree from a university in Benin Republic in two months and used it to participate in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

Following the report, the government banned the accreditation and evaluation of degrees from tertiary institutions in Benin Republic and Togo.

The Federal Government also set up an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee on Degree Certificate Milling to probe the activities of certificate racketeers.

The then Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, revealed that over 22,500 Nigerians obtained fake degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo and such certificates would be cancelled.

Mamman explained that the revelation was part of a report submitted to the Federal Executive Council by the investigative committee instituted to probe degree certificate racketeering by foreign and local universities in Nigeria.

He insisted there was no going back on the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the about 22,500 certificates awarded to Nigerians by some “fake” universities in the two francophone countries.

Mamman maintained that the decision to invalidate the certificates was not harsh as Nigerians who obtained degree certificates from such tertiary institutions dent the country’s image.

He said, “Most of those parading the fake certificates didn’t even leave the shores of Nigeria but got their certificates through racketeering in collaboration with government officials at home and abroad.

“The fake universities capitalised on the gullibility of Nigerians patronising such fake schools. The Federal Government, through the offices of the Head of Civil Service and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, would fish out those in the government’s employment with such fake certificates. I also urge the private sector to follow suit.”

Although the exact number of affected civil servants could not be ascertained, it was gathered that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Cabinet Affairs) had issued a memo to all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to implement the order.

A source, who pleaded anonymity because she was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed that the sacking of the affected workers was based on the inter-ministerial committee’s recommendation.

The official stated, “There was a letter from the SGF cabinet affairs directing all ministries, departments and agencies of government to identify and terminate the appointments of workers employed with certificates obtained from the private universities in the Republic of Benin and Togo from 2017 to date.

“The decision is part of the recommendations of the committee set up to investigate the certificates of people who graduated from the universities.”

Our correspondent also gathered that some agencies like the National Youth Services Corps have commenced the implementation of the directive.

The NYSC Director of Information, Caroline Embu, confirmed to our correspondent that five members of staff had been sacked in line with the SGF’s directive.

She said, “Five members of staff were affected by the directive contained in the letter from the office of the SGF. No more.”

Source: The Punch

December 5, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Digital Rights Group Sues NIMC Over Data Breaches

by Nelson Ugwuagbo December 4, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Paradigm Initiative, a digital rights and inclusion advocacy group, has filed a lawsuit against the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), accusing the agency of failing to protect Nigerians’ personal data.

The group’s Executive Director, Gbenga Sesan, announced this during a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, stating that the case was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja in October. The hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2025.

“We filed the case in October. They now have the opportunity to prove to Nigerians whether a data breach occurred or not,” Sesan said.

The lawsuit follows reports earlier this year that sensitive data belonging to millions of Nigerians was available for sale online. Although NIMC publicly denied the allegations, Sesan claimed that Paradigm Initiative’s investigations uncovered vulnerabilities in the commission’s systems months after the initial reports.

“There were claims that data belonging to millions of Nigerians was being sold on the dark web. This raised concerns because the figures exceeded Nigeria’s population, suggesting massive duplication or unauthorised access to sensitive information across multiple platforms,” Sesan explained.

While NIMC assured the public in April that the breach had been resolved, Paradigm Initiative discovered in June that a new platform was being used to sell Nigerians’ data.

“This discovery highlights a failure to address the root cause of the digital rights issue,” Sesan added.

To demonstrate the ongoing nature of the breaches, the organisation purchased personal data belonging to senior government officials, including the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and NIMC’s Director General.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, but it was necessary to get the attention of authorities who have failed to act on previous reports. If they won’t protect the data of ordinary Nigerians, maybe they’ll care when it’s their own data being sold,” Sesan stated.

The group has called for greater accountability and stronger measures to secure citizens’ data.

December 4, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Kogi Govt Shuts Down Zango market over Kidnapping, Insecurity

by Nelson Ugwuagbo December 4, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Kogi State Government has directed the immediate closure of Zango Market in Osara and banned roadside truck parking in the area, citing rising security threats.

Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that intelligence reports revealed criminal elements had been using the market as a hideout, often in collaboration with truck drivers parked along the roadside.

“This situation poses a significant security threat to the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, and the broader Osara community,” the statement said.

To ensure compliance, market operators and truck drivers have been given a one-week grace period, effective immediately. After this, the government will enforce the directives fully.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has instructed the Secretary to the State Government to notify all relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the Office of the State Security Adviser has been tasked with overseeing security operations in the affected areas.

The government reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, promising to take proactive measures to eliminate criminal activities in the state.

Kogi State has been grappling with a wave of kidnappings in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. The newly elected councilor representing Odo-Ape Ward, Alaba Ope, and eight others were abducted in separate incidents overnight.

Eyewitnesses reported that the kidnappers struck around 1 a.m., firing sporadically to intimidate residents before abducting their victims. An 18-passenger bus was also ambushed in the area, with all occupants reportedly kidnapped.

The community of Odo-Ape remains on edge, fearing further attacks. Residents confirmed additional kidnappings overnight, including five Gwari, two Bassa, and one individual from Agbadu.

Local sources also highlighted ongoing abductions, noting that two brothers kidnapped on their family land in Aluju and another two individuals from Odo-Ape have remained in captivity for over nine days.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered at the time of this report.

Residents have called on security agencies and the state government to take swift action to secure the release of those kidnapped and protect lives and property in the area.

December 4, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

Foreign Tech Giants Pay N2.55 Trillion in Taxes to Nigeria in H1 2024 – NITDA

by Nelson Ugwuagbo December 4, 2024

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that foreign digital companies, including X (formerly Twitter), Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, paid N2.55 trillion in taxes to Nigeria during the first half of 2024.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, the agency cited data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to highlight the tax contributions.

According to the agency, the revenue generated by these technology companies has significantly boosted the country’s digital economy. NITDA also praised the companies for adhering to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, which was developed jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA.

The regulatory code outlines measures for ensuring online safety and addressing harmful content on digital platforms.

“Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms) operating in Nigeria, contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024,” the statement read.

NITDA added that the substantial increase in tax revenue reflects the impact of strong regulatory frameworks in fostering compliance and driving growth within the digital economy.

December 4, 2024 0 comments

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