STATE GOVERNORS MEET OVER EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT
Dons Eze
- November 21, 2024
STATE GOVERNORS MEET OVER EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT
STATE GOVERNORS MEET OVER EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT State governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) are currently meeting in Abuja to deliberate on pressing national issues. Top on the agenda include the reconciliation of the Excess Crude Account (ECA), petroleum profit taxes (PPT), and royalties. The meeting is the 11th physical session of the Forum this year. The gathering, chaired by the NGF chairman and Kwara State governor, Abdulraham Abdulrazak, began at 8:30pm with a series of agenda items aimed at addressing critical fiscal and developmental challenges. Key discussions included updates on stamp duty remittances, Deloitte’s audit findings, and debt net-off arrangements tied to the ECA and other federal revenue accounts. In addition, the governors will receive a briefing on Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days, scheduled to hold in Morocco. The event is expected to bolster Nigeria’s investment opportunities and partnerships across the continent. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, will also address the governors on ongoing constitution amendments exercise being undertaken by the National Assembly while the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, will provide insights into the government’s plans for the education sector.
COURT REFUSES INJUNCTION TO STOP NUJ ELECTION
COURT REFUSES INJUNCTION TO STOP NUJ ELECTION The National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, has scheduled a ruling on December 13, 2024, regarding a legal challenge to the National Elections of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The NUJ plans to hold its 8th triennial delegates conference on November 27, 2024, in Owerri, Imo State. Abdulwaheed Adubi filed a suit in the National Industrial Court seeking to halt the elections, arguing that the tenure of the current NUJ leadership expired on October 6, 2024. However, during the hearing on Adubi’s request for an injunction to prevent the national leadership from proceeding with the elections, Justice Olufunke Anuwe declined to grant an interim injunction against the defendants. Instead, she adjourned the case to December 13 for a ruling. Justice Anuwe stated, “This matter is adjourned to December 13, 2024, for ruling on the application for an injunction,” while rejecting the applicant’s attempts to secure a temporary court order. The defendants’ counsel, Patrick Ediale, argued that the National Executive Committee, which the plaintiff sought to restrain, is not recognized by the NUJ Constitution. Ediale clarified that the constitution establishes the National Executive Council, and other bodies mentioned by Adubi, such as the Central Working Committee and the Credential Committee, are also defined in the constitution but were not included in Adubi’s suit. He emphasized that the court cannot issue an order against parties that are not before it and cannot grant an interim injunction when the court’s jurisdiction over the claims is being contested. In his affidavit, the defense counsel contended that Mr. Adubi, who claims to work for Money Central Newspapers, is not a legitimate member of the NUJ because that publication lacks an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) and, therefore, does not exist. Ediale stated, “There would be more justice in refusing this application since the claimant did not exhaust any internal mechanisms for resolving conflicts as mandated by Article 7 (vi) (a) & (b) of the union’s constitution. According to NUJ’s constitution, only if the Central Working Committee is dissolved can the state council chairpersons and secretaries take control of the union’s affairs.” On the other hand, Barrister Sarafa Yusuff, representing the claimant, urged the court to grant a temporary order to prevent the NUJ from holding its elections the following week. In response to the court proceedings, NUJ President Chris Isiguzo expressed gratitude to the court for refusing to cave in to the claimant’s pressures for an interim order. He confirmed that the union is clear to proceed with its triennial delegates conference as scheduled.Isiguzo urged delegates to prepare for the upcoming event in Owerri, assuring them that all arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth conference. He emphasized, “Let no one be deceived by the misinformation spreading on social media that the election has been postponed. That is fake news. “We are fully aware of the impact fake news has on our media industry, and our people should ignore it and get ready for our event next week.”
COURT ORDERS ENUGU GOVT TO PAY MAN N55M OVER ILLEGAL DEMOLITION OF SHOPS
COURT ORDERS ENUGU GOVT TO PAY MAN N55M OVER ILLEGAL DEMOLITION OF SHOPS An Enugu State High Court has ordered the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority to pay a man, Chinedu Onyebuchi, N55 million for illegally demolishing his shops in the state. Mr Onyebuchi, an architect, sued the development agency on 24 July 2015, about one year after the agency demolished his six shops. According to a court document, Mr Onyebuchi, had prayed the court to declare that the demolition of his shops by the development agency was unlawful, unconstitutional and unwarranted. The plaintiff asked the court to declare that having obtained an approval for development plan of the space from the agency, he was entitled to build or erect the buildings without interference. He also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the agency and/or their agents from harassing or disturbing him on the building site. Mr Onyebuchi prayed the court to order the agency to pay him N30 million as special damages for the demolition of the shops and basement and N50 million for general damages for the demolition. Delivering judgement on the matter on Wednesday, the judge, Kenneth Okpe, held that, “The defendant (the development agency) acted arbitrarily and very abysmally in demolishing the shops of the plaintiff without evidence of service of appropriate notice on him.” Mr Okpe also ruled that the demolition of the plaintiff’s shops was unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional and unwarranted. “I declare that the plaintiff having obtained an approval of his shops/office development plan from the defendant is entitled to build or erect the structure/building(s) approved by the defendant without any hindrance by or interference from the defendant and/or her agents. “I make an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant and/or her agents from harassing or disturbing the plaintiff in his aforementioned building site, interfering with or hindering the construction of the plaintiff’s shops/office building the defendant having duly approved the proposed shops/office development plan,” he ruled. Continuing, the judge declared: “I make an order directing the defendant to pay to the plaintiff the sum of N30 million only as special damages for the demolition of the plaintiff’s said six-shop building and the basement by the defendant. “I make an order directing the defendant to pay to the plaintiff the sum of N25 million only as general damages for the demolition of the plaintiff’s building.” Reacting, the plaintiff’s lawyer, Christian Odoh, told reporters that his client decided to seek redress in court after the development agency went ahead to demolish his clients property in 2014 after the same agency issued all the necessary approvals for the structure. “It was surprising that the same agency came and demolished the building on the grounds that my client did not obtain approval. “So we decided to come to court to seek remedy. I am happy that all the reliefs that we sought were granted,” Mr Odoh said. 10-year-old legal battleThe plaintiff, Mr Onyebuchi, was full of joy after the judgement. “I feel so excited that I lack words to express my feelings. This is about ten years of legal battle, so I give God all the glory,” he said. “I thank God for the outcome. Some of my friends had advised me to abandon the case but truly this shows that the courts remain the last hope of the common man.” As of the time of filing this report, it was unclear if the agency would appeal the judgement.
VAT GENERATED IN STATES ACROSS NIGERIA (AUGUST 2024)
VAT GENERATED IN STATES ACROSS NIGERIA (AUGUST 2024) Total: N44.19bn
SENATE SACKS CCT CHAIRMAN, DANLADI UMAR
SENATE SACKS CCT CHAIRMAN, DANLADI UMAR The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, sacked Danladi Usman as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).The sack of Danladi follows the closed-door session of the lawmakers in which 84 out of the existing 107 serving Senators, signed for his removal The Senate invoked section 157(1) of the 1999 constitution which stipulates that 2/3 of the membership of the Senate can remove the head of any statutory body alleged to have indulged in gross misconduct and misdemeanour in office. Earlier in a motion, which was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, cited Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended to remove Justice Umar as Code of Conduct Tribunal Chairman. Opeyemi urged the Senate to rely on the Constitutional provision, saying that there are a plethora of petitions against the Chairman. To have a seamless and raancour free debate, he said there was a need for a closed door session to clear grey areas before opening the Chamber for debate. Meanwhile, the Constitution stipulated the two-third majority of the joint Chambers before a Chairman of CCT can be removed from office. The removal of Justice Danladi Umar will pave way for one Mr Abdullahi Usman Bello to be sworn in as a substantive Chairman,.
TINUBU SACKS UNIZIK GOVERNING COUNCIL, REMOVES VC
TINUBU SACKS UNIZIK GOVERNING COUNCIL, REMOVES VC President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the new Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar. The council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, includes five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, and Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin. In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, said the sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process. “After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the 23-year-old institution.” “The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process,” the statement read. Tinubu also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State. The decision followed Salami’s reported illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures. “Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s call for the unlawful suspension to be revoked, Engr. Salami refused to comply. Instead, he resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary. “The Federal Government reiterated that the primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of university activities in accordance with the act establishing each university.” President Tinubu warned the councils not to create distractions in their universities as his government is focused on improving the country’s education standards.
OUR NEW GENERATION OF CHILDREN
OUR NEW GENERATION OF CHILDREN We have a new generation of children that are not interested in toys and bicycles. They are not interested in playing in the mud or sand. They are not interested in using a catapult or sling to hunt the birds or lizards. They are not much into TVs despite its slimness and sleekness and getting less interested in Cartoons. They are not fascinated by Swings and skateboarding. They don’t have that stubborn spirit of playing football or basketball in the rain or pulling down unripe mangoes and guava from the trees. These children are not interested in that game of hide and seek.They don’t want to go to the museum or the art gallery.They think of the library as archaic. They don’t discuss books.They discuss contents in Tik Tok,Instagram,Snapchat and others.Their heroes and mentors are not the politicians,soldiers,Activists,religious leaders or businessmen.Their’s are Musicians,entertainers,Actors,Social media influencers,content creators and sports stars.The World has a new breed of tech children.Every child wants a phone and a pad.The privilege kids have it and the kids from the less privileged home aspires for it.Once they are engrossed in that device,they cut themselves from the physical world and want to be left alone. The new generation of Children are both obsessed and addicted to phones and related tech gadgets.Parents now struggle on a daily basis to free their children from the maddening obsession and charm of the phones and pads. They are not into the phones for physics and mathematics,they are there for endless hours of video games,entertainment and silly things in the wild world of the social media.Almost every home is having its share of experience and challenges with the tech generation children.They know about countries and places they have never visited.They know everything about people they have never met.They know more about what their parents never knew.They know all the apps and their uses in their parents phones.They know how to hide and manipulate their gadgets beyond the knowledge of their guardians.They are half human and half aliens from the ‘cyber space’.The advent of the AI technology makes matters worse for the parents and teachers. When there is a solution for every problem in a matter of seconds,the tech generation of Children are questioning why should they squeeze or stress their brains. We are in a new World where technology has made life easier,but we have to live on a daily battle of trying to rescue our kids from it’s harmful sides.Where do we go from here?Copied
- Biafra News
- November 20, 2024
- 29 views
EX-PRESIDENTIAL AIDE BERATES FG OVER CONTINUOUS KILLINGS IN SOUTH EAST
EX-PRESIDENTIAL AIDE BERATES FG OVER CONTINUOUS KILLINGS IN SOUTH EAST Jackson Ude, the former Director of Strategy and Communications for President Goodluck Jonathan, has lampooned the federal government over the continuous killing of Igbos in the Southeastern part of the country. He described and irresponsible, despicable and dangerous, the lackluster attitude of the federal government towards the bloodsheds and denial of rights of freedom of citizens as a result of the sit-at-home order enforced on the people of the South East by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The former presidential aide also expressed his disappointment with the silence of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo while the Igbos are been killed by a few armed individuals. Ude condemned IPOB’s sit-at-home policy, describing it as detrimental and counterproductive to the very people the group purports to defend. In a statement attributed to him and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, Ude condemned the persistent killings of innocent Igbo individuals under the pretext of enforcing a sit-at-home order, labeling such actions as reckless and perilous. He contended that these measures deprive individuals of their livelihoods, particularly in a context of widespread poverty and hunger, thereby exacerbating insecurity in the region. The communication specialist advocated for a political resolution to the Biafra agitation, encouraging activists to redirect their efforts towards democratic avenues. He proposed the establishment of a political platform to elect representatives capable of advocating for a referendum on the issue through legislative channels. Furthermore, Ude called for the immediate release of the embattled IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that his release could facilitate the cessation of the sit-at-home orders and alleviate tensions in the region. He emphasized the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of the populace to avert further disorder. He said, “The continuous killing of Igbos by Igbos under the guise of enforcing a ‘sit-at-home’ order to press for a Biafra State is highly irresponsible and condemned. All well-meaning and patriotic Igbos must rise up in unison and condemn the wanton killing of Igbos in South East Nigeria.” “Our people have not done any wrong going about in search of their daily bread at a time poverty and hunger has enveloped the country. How does it make sense to continue denying the people you seek to protect their daily means of livelihood by enforcing a ‘sit-at-home’ order, turn around and kill them, and then claim to be protecting them. “The most civil way to achieve this Biafra State is to use a political party platform, elect people into the State Houses of Assembly in the South, and have them all sign a referendum for a Biafra State. The idea that a Biafra State can be achieved through a ‘sit-at-home’ order and the continuous killing of our people is not only childish but criminal. “And to have the Federal Government watch and allow citizens from the South East denied their rights to freedom and killed without appropriate measures to protect them is despicable, irresponsible, and dangerous. I am also thoroughly disappointed in the lackluster attitude and the silence of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo while our people are killed by a few armed individuals. “The bloodshed is too much, and the suffering of the people who are in double jeopardy must be halted. We must intensify the call for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This is one way the shenanigans of the ‘sit-at-home’ enforcers would end. If this does not stop, another insurgent group might begin the protection of our people from the ‘sit-at-home’ enforcers, a situation that might throw the whole region into serious chaos. Igbos have suffered enough!”
UMAR DAMANGUN, PDP ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, PLANS TO REMAIN IN OFFICE TILL NEXT YEAR
UMAR DAMAGUM,PDP ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, PLANS TO REMAIN IN OFFICE TILL NEXT YEAR Ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party 99 National Executive Committee meeting slated for November 28, there are indications that Umar Damagum has perfected plans to remain as the acting National Chairman of the party till next year. It was learned that the Damagum-led National Working Committee is scheduled to meet with the 36 PDP state chairmen and the FCT chairman at the party’s headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, on Wednesday (today). A senior figure in the PDP leadership, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, informed our correspondent that most of the chairmen have arrived in Abuja on Tuesday, suggesting that the meeting could be related to the upcoming NEC. Since assuming the position of acting national chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal by the court, Damagum has faced growing criticism from party leaders amid the ongoing PDP crisis, with increasing calls for his resignation. His alleged lack of decisiveness was blamed for the worsening political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalaye Fubara and his predecessor, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. During the 98th NEC meeting held on April 18, the party leaders agreed to decide Damagum’s future at the 99th NEC meeting. The 99th NEC meeting, originally set for August 15, was first postponed to October 24, and later rescheduled to November 28, 2024. The source indicated that recent developments within the party and the actions of key stakeholders point to Damagum continuing in his role until further notice. He stated, “The NEC meeting will proceed as planned, but Damagum will continue as the party’s acting national chairman until further notice. This is because many members and key stakeholders are now less focused on replacing him for a term shorter than 10 months when they could instead have a permanent chairman who would serve a full four-year term. “The delay in finding a replacement has led many to lose interest in the matter. With an elective PDP convention scheduled between October and November 2025, party leaders have shifted their focus to managing Damagum, despite his shortcomings, until the next convention. This convention will elect a new NWC for a 4-year term and select party candidates for the 2027 elections. “In addition to these reasons, there are ongoing legal disputes surrounding the issue. While these can potentially be navigated, some party leaders want to avoid actions that could lead to more litigation. “Moreover, the Wike group backing Damagum has expanded its influence into the North-Central zone. As a result, the zone, led by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has not yet convened to propose a replacement for Damagum. Therefore, Damagum will remain in his acting role for now.” The reliable source also revealed that the acting national chairman is actively engaging with stakeholders. He continued, “As part of these engagements, a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday (today) where Damagum and members of the NWC will meet with the 36 state chairmen and the FCT. “According to the meeting agenda, it is primarily a familiarisation session between the NWC and the newly elected state chairmen. “However, it is likely that additional discussions will take place, where Damagum’s supporters will seek to secure the backing and commitment of the majority, if not all, of the state chairmen ahead of the NEC meeting. “They will garner their support and prepare them for any unexpected developments. Since not all NEC members have voting rights, don’t be surprised if a vote of confidence is passed on Damagum on November 28, allowing him to continue in his acting capacity.” Another senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, who also spoke…
EIGHT NIGERIAN BANKS WITH HIGHEST CUSTOMER DEPOSITS IN 2024
EIGHT NIGERIAN BANKS WITH HIGHEST CUSTOMER DEPOSITS IN 2024 Eight Nigerian banks experienced an increase in customer deposits, which rose to N85.58 trillion in the third quarter of 2024. The increase represents a 12.2% increase, which shows customers confidence in the banking sector Zenith Bank led the pack with the highest customer deposits in the review period, with N21.57 trillion. Customer deposits in eight commercial banks hit N85.58 trillion in the third quarter of 2024, representing a 12.2% increase from the N76.26 trillion recorded in the corresponding period in 2023. The information is contained in the banks’ unaudited interim financials for the period ended September 30, which they filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). Breakdown of the banks’ customer deposits Customer deposit is the money a customer pays into a bank to secure goods or services or to make an advance payment on an order or project. Zenith Bank recorded the highest customer de-posits at N21.57 trillion in the review period, from the N13.38 trillion recorded in Q3 2023. The figure is a 61% increase driven by demand deposits, which rose from N7 trillion to N8 trillion. Access Holdings followed next with N22.28 trillion in customer deposits compared to N15.32 trillion in Q3 2023, representing a 46% yearly increase. The bank’s demand deposits stood at N9.36 trillion from N6,83 trillion in 2023. First Bank increased to N16.72 trillion in the review period from N10.66 trillion in the same period in 2023, showing a 57% increase. The bank’s demand deposits rose to N3.87 trillion, savings deposits reached N4.12 trillion, and term deposits spiked to N8.72 trillion. Guaranty Trust Bank reported an N10.68 trillion increase in customer deposits under review from N7.41 trillion in the same period in 2023. Term deposits of the bank rose from N846.09 billion to N1.46 trillion, while savings deposits rose from N3.29 trillion to N4.21 trillion. Fidelity Bank recorded N6.08 trillion in customer deposits in the review period, relative to N4.01 trillion recorded in Q3 2023, representing a 52% increase, while term deposits rose from N75.99 billion to N309.80 billion. Sterling Bank recorded customer deposits of N2.46 trillion in the period under review, up from the N1.84 trillion it recorded in the corresponding period in 2023. The bank’s savings deposits rose from N1.10 trillion to N1.50 trillion, and term deposits stood at N1.23 trillion from N742.12 billion. Its savings deposits rose from N1.10 trillion to N1.50 trillion, and term deposits increased from N742.12 to N1.23 trillion. Stanbic IBTC’s deposits swelled to N2.46 trillion from N1.84 trillion in 2023, representing a 34% increase. The growth was driven by current accounts, which spiked from N1.04 trillion to N1.33 trillion, and savings accounts rose from N337.25 billion to N478.22 billion. Wema Bank experienced a 23% yearly increase in customer deposits, from N1.86 trillion in 2023 to N2.29 trillion in 2023. Nigerian banks’ customer deposits explode in 2024 The value of customers’ bank deposits rose to N136 trillion as of March 2024. Total bank deposits rose by 63%, from N70.5 trillion in 2022 to N115 trillion in 2023, hitting N136 trillion in March 2024, an 18.26% increase in three months. CBN clarifies position on converting foreign currency The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had issued new rules clarifying that commercial, merchant, and non-interest banks (CMNIBs) should let holders convert their internationally tradable foreign currency (ITTC) balances in designated domiciliary accounts into the local currency, the naira, at any time, using the prevailing exchange rate. The bank disclosed that all conversions must be fully disclosed and reported as part of the bank’s exchange rate requirements. In February 2024, the apex bank reaffirmed that it would not coerce domiciliary account holders to convert their holdings into naira.