TRUMP SEEKS TO OVERTURN BIDEN’S PARDON OF SON
Dons Eze
- December 4, 2024
FIRE DESTROYS INEC OFFICE IN DELTA
FIRE DESTROYS INEC OFFICE IN DELTA The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday, December 3, announced that its office in the Ika North local government area of Delta State has been gutted by fire. National commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said in a statement that the fire was caused by a power surge from a public power supply. He said while there was no casualty, the commission lost three generating sets and several other items. The statement reads: “The Commission held its regular meeting today, Tuesday 3rd December 2024. Among other issues, the meeting took note of a preliminary report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, on a fire incident at our Ika North East Local Government Area (LGA) office in Owa-Oyibu town. “The report indicates that the incident occurred in the afternoon of Monday 2nd December 2024 as a result of a sudden power surge following the restoration of the public power supply. “The stores’ section where petrol generators and other items were kept was completely razed. Items destroyed in the inferno include 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals, and assorted items such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets. “Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation. The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response. “Ika North East is one of our 25 LGA offices in Delta State with 14 Registration Areas (Wards), 238 Polling Units, and 131,747 registered voters.”
TAX REFORM BILLS DIVIDE STATE GOVTS
TAX REFORM BILLS DIVIDE STATE GOVTS The contentious Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly caused division among the federation’s states. While some are in favor of it, many are completely opposed, and some are kicking against certain parts of it. Several states stated that they are currently reviewing the proposals before making a decision. The difference between the states occurred as the Presidency refuted claims that the Tax Reform Bills would make Northern states poorer and Lagos or Rivers wealthier. Dr. Femi Egbesola, the president of ASBON and the small business owners of Nigeria, supported the decision, pointing out that it is helpful to small businesses. The states of Kogi, Benue, Delta, and Ekiti are among those that favour the tax change, while Kano, Nasarawa, and Borno are among those opposed. Anambra, Plateau and several South-South states are still reviewing the paper. Chief Edwin Clark, a South-South leader, has cautioned that the move may cause further issues for the nation if it is not handled correctly. Orji Kalu, a senator from Abia North, expressed confidence that the proposed tax reform bills will pass into law despite opposition from some quarters and criticized the federal government for not including important stakeholders in the ongoing discussions with Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West). Tax Reform Bill won’t impoverish North — Presidency Stating that the bills will not impoverish the North, the Presidency via a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, described the insinuation as reckless, maintaining that the bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country. Expressing worry over different interpretations by some political actors, the statement noted: “Since the public debate around the transformative tax bills before the National Assembly began in the last few weeks, various political actors and commentators have tried to obfuscate the facts, deliberately misinforming and misleading the public. “Unfortunately, most reactions are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills. While some commentators have attempted to incite the people against lawmakers, others have polarized one section of the country against another. “The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent than other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer. The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country. Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life of Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living.”
- Foreign Affairs
- December 4, 2024
- 34 views
SOUTH AFRICA RELAXES VISA RULES FOR NIGERIAN INVESTORS, TOURISTS
SOUTH AFRICA RELAXES VISA RULES FOR NIGERIAN INVESTORS, TOURISTS Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, has announced a new visa policy for Nigerians, saying investors and tourists could apply for a visa without submitting passport. The South African President revealed this on Tuesday at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, which President Bola Tinubu attended. According to him, South Africa has simplified its visa processes to facilitate travel for Nigerian business people and tourists, with measures such as five-year multiple entry visas. He noted that the gesture was to create a favourable environment, especially to simplify visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. “Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa,” he said. He also pledged South Africa’s commitment to removing constraints on greater investment and addressing the challenges faced by companies in both countries. “As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation. “Nigeria is host to a number of South African companies. South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, reflected in the number of investments and operations established in this country. “But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experienced. Ramaphosa also acknowledged the Nigerian government’s reforms to further strengthen and foster a business environment that offers assurances to investors, including from South Africa. He said his administration will continue with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. We want to enable investors to operate, trade and pursue opportunities in various sectors. “We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” he said. The South African leader said Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South would be firmly placed on the G20 agenda. “It will be the first time the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held on African soil. We will seek to galvanise support for the AU’s Agenda 2063 as we pursue an inclusive global agenda. “For South Africa, it is our view that in shaping global discourse, programs should be tailored to ensure that in our societies, no one is left behind,” he said.
WHY WE WITHHELD IDENTITIES OF OWNERS OF SEIZED 753 UNITS DUPLEXES IN ABUJA – EFCC
WHY WE WITHHELD IDENTITIES OF OWNERS OF SEIZED 753 UNITS DUPLEXES IN ABUJA – EFCC The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has responded to the criticisms following its record-breaking asset recovery of a 150,500-square-meter estate in Abuja, which includes 753 duplexes and other apartments. The estate, located in Lokogoma District, was forfeited to the Federal Government after a successful court ruling on December 2, 2024. Clarifying the legal process, the EFCC in a statement issued on December 3, 2024, emphasized that the forfeiture was carried out in line with Nigerian law, specifically under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act. The commission also addressed the public comments from activist Omowole Sowore, who criticized the asset recovery effort. The EFCC called the denigration of its efforts “unacceptable” and “grossly un-charitable,” urging critics to focus on the systemic issues that allowed such corrupt activities to occur in the first place. “The expectation of the EFCC from citizens is a patriotic appreciation of its efforts in securing such a landmark forfeiture,” they said. What they said The statement pointed out that the forfeiture proceeding was a civil action involving the estate, rather than targeting an individual directly. “The allegation of a cover-up of the identity of the promoters of the Estate stands logic on the head in the sense that the proceedings for the forfeiture of the Estate were in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act which is a civil proceeding that allows for action-in-rem rather than action-in-personam. The latter allows legal actions against a property and not an individual, especially in a situation of unclaimed property. This Act allows you to take up a forfeiture proceeding against a chattel who is not a juristic person. This is exactly what the Commission did in respect of the Estate. The proceedings that yielded the final forfeiture of the Estate were products of actionable intelligence available to the Commission. The company flagged by our investigations denied ownership of the Estate following publications made in leading national newspapers. On the basis of this, the Commission approached the court for an order of final forfeiture which Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court granted on Monday, December 2, 2024,” the EFCC stated, defending its actions. The EFCC further emphasized the importance of addressing systemic lapses that contribute to corruption. “It is shocking that the activist is not concerned about the systemic lassitude and unhelpful permissiveness that allowed such a monstrous corrupt act in the first instance. Nigerians should gear up more against lapses and loopholes in our system that continue to make the nation vulnerable to corrupt tendencies,” the statement said. Ongoing investigation Backstory
FG CONDEMNS ETHNIC SLURS ON TAX REFORM BILLS, ASKS FOR INPUTS
FG CONDEMNS ETHNIC SLURS ON TAX REFORM BILLS, ASKS FOR INPUT The Federal Government has said there should be no room for name-calling or the injection of unnecessary ethnic and regional slurs into the national conversation on the Tax Reform Bills before the Senate. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal in a statement commending the “robust nationwide debate” that has greeted the arrival of the bills. Describing the debates as the very essence and meaning of democracy, Idris urged the commentators and groups to keep up the spirit of informed engagement and to strive to be respectful and understanding at all times despite the diversity of opinions. According to him, President Bola Tinubu, who proposed the bill, will always act in the interest of the Nigerian people, adding that the President has directed the Federal Ministry of Justice and relevant officials to work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that all genuine concerns have been addressed before the bills are passed. Addressing what he described as misinformation and fake news circulating around the tax bills and the overall reform agenda of the Tinubu Administration, the minister said the fiscal reforms will not impoverish any state or region of the country, neither will they lead to the scrapping or weakening of any federal agencies. He assured that the bills will bring relief to tens of millions of hardworking Nigerians across the country and empower and position states and the 774 local governments for sustainable growth and development. The minister dismissed claims that the Federal Government has something sinister to warrant the suggestion that the process is being rushed. He said the Federal General welcomes meaningful inputs that can address whatever grey areas there may be in the bill. Idris reminded Nigerians that, in addition to the four tax bills being debated and deliberated upon, there is also the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments, which will significantly empower the tier of government that is closest to the Nigerian people. In all, these reforms will not only facilitate increased revenues (without imposing additional tax burdens on the people) but also make it possible for citizens to demand and enjoy greater accountability in the management of public resources at all levels of government, the minister said. He said the Tinubu administration will continue to champion policies that close the loopholes and gaps through which Nigeria’s valuable public resources have been frittered away for decades. He concluded by stating that the resources being conserved and realised from these reforms will be invested in critical infrastructure (healthcare, education, transportation, digital technology, etc) and in social investments that will benefit all Nigerians and ensure that no one is left behind.
HALT RETIREMENT OF 1000 STAFF PENDING INVESTIGATION – REPS TO CBN
HALT RETIREMENT OF 1000 STAFF PENDING INVESTIGATION – REPS TO CBN The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, directed the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to suspend the retirement of 1,000 staff and the associated payoff scheme until an investigation is completed. The House decided to investigate the mass retirement of over 1,000 CBN employees to evaluate the criteria, process and legality of the action. Additionally, it seeks to examine the N50 billion payoff scheme to ensure transparency, accountability, and appropriate use of funds. An ad hoc committee will be established to engage with CBN leadership to assess the potential economic and institutional effects of retirements on Nigeria’s financial sector. The motion of urgent public importance was sponsored by Kama Nkemkama (LP, Ebonyi), who urged the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to protect the rights of the affected staff according to Nigerian labour laws. During the debate, Nkemkama drew attention to media reports suggesting that the CBN plans to retire over 1,000 staff members as part of its restructuring under the Acting Governor’s leadership. He noted that the CBN has reportedly announced a N50 billion payoff scheme for the affected staff as part of its human resource reorganisation strategy, claiming that the process will ensure fairness and equity. Nkemkama raised concerns about the sudden mass retirement of over 1,000 employees, including directors and senior management, questioning the selection criteria, transparency, and adherence to due process per public service guidelines and labour laws. He emphasized that such a major decision has socio-economic implications for the individuals affected, their dependants, and the wider economy, potentially leading to increased unemployment and public discontent. The lawmaker also warned that the reported N50 billion payoff scheme may lack adequate accountability and oversight, posing risks of mismanagement and misuse of public funds in a sector crucial to Nigeria’s financial stability.
UPROAR IN HOUSE OF REPS OVER TAX REFORM BILLS
UPROAR IN HOUSE OF REPS OVER TAX REFORM BILLS There was a shouting match among members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday over President Bola Tinubu’s controversial Tax Reform Bills. Tempers flared when the House spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Akin Rotimi, made a remark concerning the tax bills. The commotion began when Rotimi, standing in for the absent Committee Chair, Boma Goodhead, attempted to present a report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring. Rotimi said: “My name is Akin Rotimi Jr. I represent the people of Ekiti North comprising Ikole and Oye Local Governments. Mr. Speaker, I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly Caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills.” His remark led to an uproar, with lawmakers vocally opposing the statement and chanting “No, No, No!” Intervening, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, said Rotimi’s remark should not be taken seriously. The Speaker cautioned him, saying: “Restrict yourself to the subject matter. We are not discussing tax bills, as this is a very controversial issue. On your behalf, I withdraw the statement.” Rotimi apologized and retracted his comment, but the lawmakers remained dissatisfied. They demanded he step down the report entirely. Yielding to pressure, Rotimi conceded, saying: “I seek the leave of the Speaker and honourable members to step down the report.”
AGF FAGBEMI ASKS ICC TO STOP PROBE OF NIGERIAN MILITARY
AGF FAGBEMI ASKS ICC TO STOP PROBE OF NIGERIAN MILITARY The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has asked the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in the Hague, Netherlands, to stop the prolonged investigation of the Nigerian military.The AGF stated the country’s position on Monday in a statement made available to the media in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele.According to the statement, the AGF in his remarks at the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC in Hague, stated that Nigeria on the global stage has demonstrated the will to promote justice and end terrorism among other global crimes.While expressing the country’s commitment to confronting impunity, holding perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable, and restoring justice for victims, Fagbemi noted further that the preliminary examination into alleged crimes in Nigeria had lasted 14 years and was demoralising to the servicemen laying down their lives to defend the country against terrorists.He said, “While we respect the court’s mandate to intervene when states are unable or unwilling to prosecute such crimes, it is important to emphasise that there must be respect and regard for the principle of complementarity. The ICC is meant to act as a court of last resort, intervening only when national legal systems are unable or unwilling to address grave crimes. I must assert that Nigeria does not fall under any such situation.“Our nation has consistently demonstrated both the will and the capacity to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including those committed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. We are proud of the Nigerian military, which has systems and structures in place to ensure its operations are guided by international humanitarian laws and human rights principles.“At the 22nd session of this Assembly, Nigeria reported the establishment of an independent Special Investigative Panel by the National Human Rights Commission to address allegations against the Nigerian military made by Reuters. After thorough investigations spanning eight months, the panel found no evidence to substantiate these claims. The allegations of killings, torture and the recruitment of underage fighters have been proven to be false and exaggerated.“Indeed, the work of the panel and acceptance of its recommendations by the government indicates that Nigeria has the political will to investigate allegations of heinous crimes and hold violators accountable.”The AGF asserted that operations of the Nigerian military during conflict are “regulated by international humanitarian law, and we can assure this Assembly that the Nigerian military does not engage in arbitrary killings or inhumane treatment of those no longer directly participating in hostilities. Our military ensures that captured combatants are treated with dignity and respect.“While inadvertent mistakes or errors of judgment may occur in the chaos of conflict, these are promptly investigated by impartial commissions and panels. I wish to state that Nigeria has a well-established and functional court martial system for holding erring officers accountable. We also employ restorative justice measures, including compensation, when appropriate.“In addition, Nigeria’s six-month Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, and Reintegration (DDR) programme has successfully reintegrated 4,000 former Boko Haram combatants into society. We continue to prioritise the training and re-training of our armed forces, ensuring that human rights and international humanitarian law remain at the forefront of our military operations, with a focus on the protection of civilian protection,” he added.The AGF observed further that the country was concerned by the seemingly predetermined stance of the Office of the Prosecutor regarding armed forces and the situation in Nigeria despite these efforts,“We are also concerned about activities of apologists of terrorist groups, parading as Civil Society Organisations, who are continuously making unsubstantiated allegations to undermine…
OVER 61,000 FCT RESIDENTS ON HIV/AIDS TREATMENT
OVER 61,000 FCT RESIDENTS ON HIV/AIDS TREATMENT No few than 61,384 people living with HIV/AIDS have been placed on treatment, by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. This was made known in Abuja by the mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, at a press conference to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day. He explained that the day, with the theme, “Take the Right Path: Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Among Children,” calls for a renewed focus on addressing pediatric HIV and safeguarding the rights of everyone affected by the disease. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, she described the World AIDS Day, as being commemorated every December 1 which is a day to unite efforts, increase awareness, support those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and honour the memory of the deceased ones. Represented by the Director-General, Hospital Management Board, Dr Olubenga Bello, the mandate secretary, said that figure represents 223 per cent of the projected number of PLHIV. Fasawe said that the number included those migrating from neighbouring states. She added that of the 61,384 people placed on treatment, 1048 were children, representing 3.8 per cent and receiving life-saving anti-retroviral therapy. She said that FCT, with an estimated population of 6.95 million had HIV prevalence rate of 1.4 per cent, a little over the national figure of 1.3 per cent, adding that the FCTA was currently expanding and strengthening HIV Services in the FCT. “Our health sector response has been strengthened by a comprehensive network of 122 service delivery points, offering antiretrovirals across the six Area Councils in the FCT. “Also, there are 285 other conventional spoke sites and 37 unconventional sites, which provide decentralised community-based care to ensure services reach even the most remote populations. “The FCT’s decentralised model ensures that no one is left behind, enabling communities to access quality care and support close to home,” he said. The mandate secretary further said that to address pediatric HIV, the FCT has deployed unique interventions, such as mentor mothers who serve as linkage escorts for pregnant women, guiding them through care pathways. She added that FCT also trained unconventional caregivers, such as traditional birth attendants on the importance of facility births, prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis with samples taken within 72 hours of life. According to her, community initiatives like the Mothers’ Love Party and the AP3 Initiative also enhance support for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV programmes. “We also expanded access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, ensuring that individuals without HIV remain free of the disease.” Fasawe attributed the successes being recorded to strong partnerships and collaborations, while identifying the partners as the National AIDS and STI Control Programme and the National Agency for the Control of Aids. “Others were implementing partners such as the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Mothers2Mothers, the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, and YouthRISE. “Together, we have prioritised key populations, women, children, and vulnerable groups, ensuring that every person diagnosed with HIV receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve. “The FCT AIDS, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Control Programme and the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS’ leadership in integrating services across the territory have made significant strides in addressing the needs of the FCT population. “From scaling up PMTCT services to expanding pediatric care and decentralising service delivery, these efforts continue to drive the FCT’s progress in meeting and exceeding national targets. “While we celebrate these achievements, the work is far from complete. Nigeria’s high burden of pediatric HIV demands sustained efforts to identify cases, link individuals to care, and prevent new infections,” he said. The mandate secretary, who commended the support of the partners, reaffirmed FCTA’s…
NLC BLASTS EBONYI GOVERNOR, SAYS THREAT TO SACK WORKERS IRRESPONSIBLE, UNHELPFUL
NLC BLASTS EBONYI GOVERNOR, SAYS THREAT TO SACK WORKERS IRRESPONSIBLE, UNHELPFUL The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, over the threat to sack striking workers over the non-implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage. Nwifuru, while addressing journalists on Monday in his office at the new Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, threatened to withhold the workers’ salaries and replace them after their dismissal. The Governor said the state government does not owe any worker, stressing it has also approved ₦75,000 as minimum wage and has already started paying. However, in a statement by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the labour body described the Nwifuru’s threat as irresponsible and urged state workers to intensify the strike. The NLC noted that the Governor should invite the state’s labour leaders for dialogue to speed up the resolution of the minimum wage issue and not intimidate them with threats. The statement read, “We are dismayed by the statement credited to the Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Nwifuru that except the striking workers in the state over non-payment of the National Minimum Wage resume work immediately they should consider themselves sacked. “We recall that the strike action was preceded by failed conversations and notices to the Governor on the need to implement the 2024 national minimum wage since it was signed into law several months ago. “The law has provisions for enforcement by workers. Beside this, a strike action is a lawful/legimitate tool in the hands of aggrieved workers. “In light of this, we consider the threats by the Governor as irresponsible and unhelpful. “What a reasonable Governor acting reasonably ought to have done was to invite the labour leaders in the state for dialogue for a speedy resolution of the facts in issue. But he thinks he is God. “On our part, we want the world to know that Governor Nwifuru is the first to draw blood in a matter of which he is completely guilty. “We also want the world to know that the right of response is available to us in pursuance of a just cause. Accordingly, the National Secretariat of the Congress has directed all the affiliates including those in the private sector to immediately join in the strike action. It similarly urged the workers already on strike to not yield to the threats of the Governor. They are to sustain the momentum until the Governor sees the need to not only behave properly but pay the minimum wage in compliance with the Law. “In the coming hours, further directives will be given as we deem fit.”