The Bayelsa State government has described as false the claim by the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the November 11 governorship election, Udengs Eradiri, that the state government spent N30 billion on 10.2km of road half completed by his predecessors.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Daniel Alabrah, on Friday frowned at Eradiri’s claim explaining that the current government inherited the project which he started afresh because it was abandoned.

The Labour Party candidate had claimed Douye Diri, the governor, who’s seeking reelection on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had spent N30 billion to complete the 10.2km phase two of the Glory Drive dual carriageway.

The Labour Party governorship candidate was also quoted in a report as querying “how the road project, which former Governor Seriake Dickson almost completed, could cost N30 billion.”

Eradiri recalled that while former Governor Timipre Sylva completed the clearing component of the project, Dickson carried out the sand-filling aspect, and Diri was expected to asphalt the road.

Alabrah said Eradiri’s claim is an “outright falsehood and a terrible lie” that should be completely disregarded.

Diri’s spokesman berated the Labour Party candidate for frequently making what he called mendacious statements and churning out inaccurate statistics in a bid to grandstand and attract attention to himself.

“To place the issue in context, the Governor Diri administration re-commenced the second phase of the 10.2km Glory Drive project in 2021 more than 10 years after it was started by the Timipre Sylva administration.

“The Sylva administration paid the ‘contractor’ the sum of N9bn for a project that was less than 5% done. So, his successor, Senator Seriake Dickson, queried the amount paid, which his predecessor claimed was for 50% of the job done.

“The disagreement resulted in a litigation by the contractor that eventually stalled the project throughout the eight-year duration of the Dickson administration,” the statement explained.

It emphasised that the legal action prevented the Dickson government from touching the project. “So, it is actually ridiculous that Eradiri, who was a Commissioner and member of the state executive council in that administration, could concoct such a blatant lie.

“By the time the Diri administration assumed office in 2020, the 10.2km stretch of the project had become a huge forest. The administration had to start afresh with clearing, excavation of the soil, sand-filling, asphalt-laying and installation of solar-powered lights on the dual carriageway.

“It is therefore pathetic for Eradiri to engage in revisionism just to score cheap political points.

“It is also clear that the LP candidate lacks understanding of what it takes to govern Bayelsa. Often, he displays crass ignorance on issues bordering on the development of the state.

“If Eradiri thinks spewing falsehood would bolster his chances in the Bayelsa governorship race, he needs to be reminded that the Bayelsa electorate does not reckon with him due to his unenviable record from his days as Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) president.

“Given Governor Diri’s prudent management of the state’s resources coupled with his visible developmental impact, no amount of lies, misinformation and calumnious campaign against him can sway people of the state from re-electing their performing governor.

“The LP candidate must also note that no matter how far lies travel, the truth will always catch up and overtake them,” the statement added.

Dear All,

October 4th -7th 1967 Asaba Massacre — This Years Memorial Reflections
The Committee of the Asaba Massacre Memorial wishes to convey its appreciation for all past labours from our illustrious Sons, Daughters, well wishers and several Nigerians who in different ways have contributed to our memorial efforts to keep this sad incident alive in the mind of our Country.

Given the tumultuous nature of what the Country has just gone through in her governance process we have decided that this years memorial should be meditative and in this regard we respectfully suggest that the following steps should please be taken during the period for this year's memorial: 1) We appeal that all of us should please observe a one "Minute Silence" on Saturday 7th October 12 noon 2) That in the same spirit we implore our esteemed Representatives in both the State House of Assembly — Hon Bridget Anyafulu — and in the House of Representatives Hon (Ogbueshi) Ngozi Okolic to please urge their various Houses to observe a one minute silence on the Ch of October at anytime convenient to the House in memory of our fallen heroes who died for the Cause of "One Nigeria". We consider this the least we should ask for on this occasion from patriotic Nigerians. 3) We urge you all to please book a Mass in their memory on the 8th of Oct ( for Cathoilics ) and for other Christians to please ask their various churches to pray for them specially on the 8th of October during the Sunday Service.

It is said that charity begins from home. In this way we can all participate in doing something to keep the flame of remembrance alive and robust. There is always something each of us can contribute and this invitation calls upon us to step up and do the needful. The Soul of a people is best demonstrated by what they choose to remember and memorialize. 

Dalu

Hon. Justice Bakre Ademola Tunde Ahmed has had an exemplary career spanning three decades as a legal practitioner and a High Court Judge of three separate Commonwealth jurisdictions. His commitment to the legal profession is marked by the notable ability to adjudicate over a wide range of criminal and civil cases. His journey as a private legal practitioner and in the judiciary has remarkably contributed to the Jurisprudence both Nigeria and the Gambia as exemplified in his arguments before the Supreme Court of Nigeria and his tested judgments through the appellate courts both in Nigeria and the Gambia. He is noted for comprehensive interpretation of intricate technical legal issues.

Born in 1966 to Hon. Justice G. A Ademola Bakre and Alh. Olayide Bakre, Justice Bakre attended UMC ibadan for his elementary school and moved on to Comprehensive High School Ayetoro and African Church Grammar school Abeokuta for his secondary school education. In 1984 he was at Ogun state polytechnic for his A level classes but he could conclude that, he gained admission to Ogun State University in 1985 to study English Arts. He returned to Ogun State university in 1989 for his law program and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993.

Justice Bakre started his law career with two other friends in a partnership in Surulere Lagos in the name of Onabolu, Soremi and Bakre in 1994. He later joined Chike Chigbue and Co as head of Abuja Office in June 2000, he moved on to join Chief Afe Babalola as head Abuja office in 2001 after the demise of late Chike Chigbue.

In 2003 December, Demola Bakre opened his owned practice under the name of Law office of Demola Bakre. He represented a number of establishments, organizations and high net worth individuals especially the political elites.

In 2013, he was appointed a judge of the High Court in Ogun state where he sat at the Ota Judicial Division for almost 5 years.
In 2018 June, the National Judicial Council nominated his Lordship with two other Nigerian Judges to serve in a commonwealth support program in the Judiciary of The Gambia for a 3yr contract. Upon expiration, Justice Bakre was the only one of the three whose contract was renewed for another 3 year term in 2021 which contract was to expire in 2024.

On the 30th of June 2023, The Supreme Court of Eastern Caribbean appointed Justice Bakre a Judge based on his background and achievements. He is to commence on the 1st of October 2023.

Hon Justice Bakre is married to Bukola Bakre his university days girlfriend and they are blessed with two wonderful boys Boluwatife Bakre and Tiwaloluwa Bakre.

Your excellency the Gov. General of Antigua and Barbuda, Your Ladyship the Hon. Chief Justice and all my other lords and ladies, all other protocols duly observed.
Today marks a special day in my life as I stand before God and mankind to take my 4th oath of Office as a Judge. I have worked as a judge in 2 other jurisdiction apart from the Eastern Caribbean. In Dec 2013, I was sworn as a Judge In Nigeria. In June 2018, I was sworn as a judge in The Gambia. Today I took another oath to serve in the Eastern caribean.

I say that this is my 4th oath because I took another oath which is significant in my career.

On the night of my 1st oath of office, my dad, who himself is a retired Judge in Nigeria, came to my house late in the night and called my wife and I. He said the oath you took today before everyone is ceremonial. You certainly have committed before everybody to be just and fair. You have no idea what you have done as you have no idea what challenges lay ahead of you. It is important at this age to make another oath between you and your God that you will never use the position you have been entrusted for any other purpose than the benefit of mankind.

He asked me to take the holy book. Go alone into my room and make an oath with God, that to the best of my God-given ability I shall be fair to all concerned. I took the said oath, and this oath has been my most significant oath of office that has guided me all my career.

Today, I stand before the people of Eastern Caribbean that I shall be fair to all concerned.

I thank God the almighty who has taken me thus far. I also thank the Hon. Chief Justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and the entire faculty of the court for finding me worthy to take this position.

I carry on my shoulder the enormous reputation of the entire black Africa to show in the Caribbean that Africa is reliable. So help me God.

Once again I thank His excellency the Gov. Gen of Antigua for this honor.

Thank you all.

Hon Justice Tunde AHMED BAKRE.

Last Sunday, I joined Envoy Nation for the continuation of their anniversary event , and I listened to the message as delivered by Pastor Bakare.
If you have the time, this is the link to the entire message, unedited.

Now, he was recalling the stories of his own salvation, talking about choices we made and the inevitable consequences, except God intervenes and save us from such consequences before destruction strucks.
He mentioned seeing a video about Mohbad, he enquired about the name and he was told it means "I am bad". Then, he said the choices he made in his young life, hanging with gangs, smoking etc has consequences, and sadly, Mohbad became a victim of such consequences.
He gave another example of a man whose nickname was Esu (devil), how the man ran into some troubles, was jailed and after he came out, that man declared to everyone who cared to hear that no one should call him "Esu" again.
It was a home truth to everyone who may have outsource parenting or those who are set on their ways , to be careful of destructions that may be ahead.
He moved on to the other parts of the sermon and service ended
Now, from the beginning, I have opined here that parenting failed Mohbad, infact I posited that Govt failed him too.
I remember Zuwairat Asekome sharing a video of Mohbad with Naira Marley smoking whatever, with gun on the table, just few days ago.
(So, Mohbad was consumed by the choices he made , before he could make a complete turn for the better.)
I said to Zuwairat on that post that justice will only be served if his death serves as a deterrent for others who are already in same situations, hiding from their own shadows.
He was in on everything Marlian until c***sim and Mule lifestyle was brought in, it seems.
Also, from the beginning, Hezekiah Akinrinde also said he will shelf the parental failures for now, while we all wait for the outcome of Police investigations.
So, when I saw PTB trending yesterday, I just smiled and move on to other things.
Those who are blaming his father for this, blaming is mother for that, also joined to trend the deliberate misconceptions , because it is PTB.
There's nothing we can do to bring that young boy back, but it will be akin to injustice if we pretend we don't see the ditch that eventually took him away.
He isn't the only one whose parent got divorced, some are orphans "sef". He isn't the only one who came from nothing, Pastor Bakare also came from abject poverty ( to borrow PTB words), many of us doesn't have things rosy also, so, if we think attacking anyone who nail the truth as they see it, is the way forward, we should think very well, if that's not exactly what the poor dude would have wanted others to learn and make better choices.
That we are making tough choices today, on the part of sanity and not minding the glamour of what looks great but with inherent dangers, is a value we should go back to, as a sane society .
If we don't tread with caution and conscience, you see the army of jobless youths that we have on the streets, who find succour in the likes of Marlian's lifestyle and will drop education for such, should also put in the front burner, the kind of painful living and untimely death Mohbad had.
Painful, but the truth must be said, if we seek to have a peaceful and sane society.
As for those who do cut and join videos, no need to bother anyone who will rather believe them with the truth.
I've had to go watch the entire video again, maybe i miss something, but it is the usual guys at work.
Congratulations to the entire Envoy Nation team for that Summit, it was impactful.
#MayNigeriaSucceed

The 63rd Annual General Conference with the theme "Getting it Right; Charting the Course for the Nigeria's Nation Building" held at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium. in the Federal Capital Territory. Abuja. Nigeria. from the 25th August to in of September 2023.

There were 16,340 (sixteen thousand three hundred and forty) registered conferees. The Conference comprised of 6 plenary sessions, 21 breakout sessions, 26 speakers, 99 panelists and 23 moderators.

The Conference was declared open by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Keynote Speaker at the opening ceremony was Mr. Tony Elumelu,CFR. Chairman, Board of Governing Council Tony Elumelu Foundation.

The President of the NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, OON. SAN delivered the opening address.

Goodwill messages were received from:

• The President, Court of Appeal
• The Chief Judge, Federal High Court
• The Honourable Attorney- General of the Federation & Minister of Justice

The Working sessions of the Conference focused on three main themes: Economy, Administration of Justice, and Security. After exhaustive discussions on the papers and extensive deliberations on the themes of the conference, the conference rose with the following observations and recommendations. ECONOMY Observations Conference observed that Nigeria's economic potential has been constrained by many structural issues, including inadequate infrastructure, tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, fundamental obstacles to investment, uncertain government policies and reluctance of previous governments to take the necessary bold steps required to achieve sustained economic growth.

Conference expressed disappointment over Nigeria's paradoxical situation of having natural resources that are not adequately utilized for Nigeria's industrial development, one of which is clearly seen in the energy sector. Despite substantial gas reserves the nation is still unable to explore gas to achieve adequate electricity generation.

Conference recognized Nigeria's potential in terms of mineral wealth and human resources, emphasizing the enormous opportunities available. However, challenges like power shortages, oil theft, kidnapping, insecurity, and divisions among citizens have prompted the need for robust, long-term economic decisions to revive the economy.

Recommendations
Conference resolved that sustained broad based economic growth and poverty reduction are critical to Nigeria's economic growth and stability.

Specifically Conference called on the Federal & State Governments to refocus efforts on infrastructure development, improve power generation, improve agricultural productivity, and expand jobs in rural areas. There should also be greater attention on youth employment through education and entrepreneurship skills training.

Conference issued a cautionary message, highlighting the diminishing relevance of Nigeria's current natural resources in the face of the imperative shill towards renewable energy solutions driven by climate change concerns. It stressed the urgency of embracing the new economic realities of the 21st century that will overshadow the significance of present natural resources.

Beneficial policies for the revitalization of the Nigerian economy must be formulated and implemented for the sake of not just the current generation but for future generations as well. Some of these policies may have consequences that are not immediately comfortable but will be beneficial for the overall economy and in the long term. Citizens are therefore encouraged to be patient in the renewed hope for the development and growth of the economy of this great nation.

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
Observations

The need to reform the justice sector has permanently been a subject of national discussion since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999. Several high-level committees were set up by successive administrations to review specific institutions within the justice sector. In particular, the Judiciary, Police Force and Correctional Services have at several times been subjects of multiple reviews.

Many of the problems identified include poor coordination among the different actors in the sector; long delays in hearing cases; a lack of effective legal aid to help the poor to access justice; overcrowded detention facilities; critical allegations of corruption within key institutions and poor conditions of service across the sector.

While the reports of these committees have largely gone unimplemented there have been many interesting and useful initiatives to improve the justice system. The enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the Administration of Civil Justice Laws in Delta and Ekiti States. Correctional Services Act, The Police Act, the National Human Rights Commission Act, and the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria Act, are some of the important legislation in support of justice sector reform.

Conference observed that inspite of these developments there are still formidable challenges ahead to achieve a justice system that works in the interest of Nigerians. Public confidence in the justice system remains at very low levels.

Conference notes that every aspect of the infrastructure of our justice system requires fundamental rethinking including our approaches to policing adjudication bail, sentencing and imprisonment. There was also a call to adherence to judicial decisions, adoption, and integration of technological advancements for the judiciary, and fostering improved relationships between the different branches of government.

Recommendations

Achieving the desired justice system will be a process not an event. Nevertheless, change must be accelerated to keep up with the expectations of Nigerians particularly those of the poorest and most vulnerable communities. Such change must be properly planned and carefully managed.

The importance of a strong independent judiciary was emphasized. Conference affirmed the need for an urgent: upward review of judicial remuneration. Conference recommends the separation of Judicial Remuneration from public sector including the removal of the remuneration of judicial officers from the purview of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and — Fiscal Commission [RMAFC]. Conference also recommended an independent salary  scale for judicial officers. Conference recommends that urgent attention be paid
to the plight of magistrates and other lower court judges.

Conference recommends that the Federal and State governments extend financial support to pro bono schemes in Nigeria to bolster their effectiveness. That there must be collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the provision of pro bono services and narrowing the gap in access to justice.

SECURITY

Observations

Conference analyses the critical issue of national security and its intertwined relationship with economic prosperity and effective administration of justice.

Conference acknowledged the severe impact of insecurity on the nation's development and examined the various factors contributing to this challenge.
Key observations included the devastating effects of terrorism. non-participation of communities in security efforts, unemployment's link to unrest, and the need for regional cooperation and intelligence sharing.

The Conference recognized the detrimental role of porous borders. globalization’s influence on crime dissemination, inadequate security personnel training, contentious land allocation, indiscriminate release of suspects government's inaction against insecurity, and the presence of ungoverned spaces.

Recommendations

Conference identified the need for greater investment in the Military including providing support for civil-military coordination framework as well as a comprehensive endowment framework for critical military facilities and equipment.

Conference recommended practical strategies to address security concerns. These include community involvement in policing. youth engagement through Job creation, enhanced regional cooperation, media sensitization, comprehensive police reforms, religious school regulation, strengthening the judiciary, and observance of human rights. The adoption of State security forces. proper land management, international resource acquisition, and meticulous implementation of approved plans were also suggested.

Conference urged citizens to actively contribute to combating insecurity by being vigilant and speaking up. It called upon the legal community to explore ways of enhancing Nigeria's access to finance to support the fight against insecurity. Overall. the Conference underscored the need for comprehensive. multi-faceted efforts to address the nation's challenges.

Conference recommended legislative intervention to address gaps in the Armed Forces Act and other legal frameworks. enhancing regulations and accountability for military personnel involved in low intensity conflicts.

Conference recommended that military raining and operations incorporate human rights studies so that the military observes human rights principles and gain international credibility and uphold its constitutional role in safeguarding citizens.

The Role of the Legal Practitioner (Members of the NBA)

Observations

 ‘The attention of conference was drawn to the immortal words of Sir Christopher Alexander Sapara Williams. who said that “The legal practitioner lives for the direction of his people and the advancement of the cause of his country”.Conference also noted the words of Theodore Roosevelt, who said “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care”. 

The above was what informed the medical outreach held in the sidelines of the Conference. The medical outreach which will continue until 7 September 2023, was organized in partnership with the Kebbi State Government, the Medicaid Cancer Foundation. Garki Hospital Abuja. with volunteers from the Moses Lake Medical Team (MI.MT) from the United States of America and the South American Country of Chile: Doctors from the University College Hospital (UCH).Ibadan: volunteers from Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kebbi
and other chapters from all over Nigeria: and doctors and nurses from the NYSC.
The outreach has, so far. attended to the health needs of over 1,700 (One Thousand Seven Hundred) Nigerians. lawyers. and non-lawyers. About 44 surgeries have been successfully performed so far.

Conference reviewed the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration (For Business. Legal Service and Representation) Order. 2023 and Rules of Professional Conduct and NBA Rules and Guidelines on Anti- Money Laundering and Counter- Terrorism Financing

Conference emphasized the need for advocacy, awareness campaigns. and value delivery for fees as well as educating the public on the provisions of the new Legal Practitioners Remuneration (for Business. Legal Service. and Representation) Order 2023 which provides a framework for ethical charging and transparency.

Conference recommended that Legal Practitioners familiarize themselves with the Money Laundering Rules (ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

In addition to reports from National Officers, Conference received reports of several statutory bodies. These are National Human Rights Commission Council of Legal Education, Legal Aid Council. Law Reform Commission.

The following resolutions were reached: Suspension of Proposed Constitutional Amendment

By a majority voice vote of members present at the AGM, it was resolved that the proposed amendment of the NBA constitution 2015 (as Amended in 2021) be and is hereby rejected in its totality while the subsisting constitution be retained.

Poor Funding of Statutory Bodies

AGM decried the poor funding of statutory bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Council and the Council of Legal  Education and called for continuous engagements between the NBA and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to facilitate proper funding of statutory bodies for effectiveness and performance.

ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE, 2024

AGM resolved that the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association would hold from 23" to 30"'August 2024. The venue is to be determined in due course.

CONCLUSION

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the legal profession as a whole must remain unwavering in the pursuit of justice and effective governance. As the voice of the people, the legal community holds the responsibility of ensuring equitable treatment for all, irrespective of their status. Upholding the principle of equality before the law is paramount.

The NBA’s influence should extend beyond the courtroom. It must actively contribute to economic growth and stability by advocating for policy adherence to the rule of law in policy making and implementation. To bolster the economy, the legal community should focus on nurturing the judiciary and key regulatory bodies.

The Conference emphasizes that the outcomes and recommendations from this gathering should be earnestly embraced and executed. The profession's commitment to justice must remain unswerving. By doing so, the Nigerian legal sector will stand out globally. acknowledged for its exceptional administration of justice and adherence to legal principles.

These recommendations reflect the collective commitment to strengthening legal institutions and promoting justice, human rights, and professional integrity with the ultimate goal of Getting It Right.

                                                                                      - Dated this 2nd Day of September, 2023

The staff of the Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO) has protested the sacking of the agency’s Managing Director, Najeeb Abdulsalam.

Naija News reports that the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike on Wednesday ordered the removal of heads of the FCT agencies and parastatals.

The statement reads, “The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, has relieved the heads of the following parastatals, agencies and government companies of the FCTA of their appointments with immediate effect.”

Following the sack of the agencies’ head, videos emerging on social media on Thursday night showed staff members of AUMTCO in tears, as they protested Abdulsalam’s removal.

The weeping protesters, who gathered around the sacked MD, are seen in a trending video chanting, “We want you back!.”

One of the protesters who shared the video on X (Twitter) wrote, “#GovWike, Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company MD/CEO is just three months old in office and he has achieved what no past MD has ever dreamt or dare to achieve. It’ll be a loss on you sir and the entire #AUMTCO staff if you let him go. See us here protesting sir.”

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total sum of N1.101 trillion revenue that was generated in August, 2023 to the three tiers of government being monthly allocation from the Joint Federation Account.

Despite the recent increase in monthly revenue generation, the balance in the excess crude account (ECA) has remained $473,754.57.

A communique issued by FAAC at its September, 2023 meeting showed that a total revenue of N1,483,902 trillion was available in the month of August 2023. Total deductions for cost of collection was N58.755 billion, total transfers and refunds were N254.046billion and savings were N71.000 billion.

The communique indicated that the N1.1 trillion total distributable revenue is comprised of distributable statutory revenue of N357.398 billion, N321.941 billion raised from Value Added Tax (VAT), N14.102 billion generated from electronic money transfer levy, N229.568 billion that came in from exchange rate differential, and augmentation of NN177.092 billion.

Gross statutory revenue of N891.934 billion was received for the month of August 2023. This was lower than the N1, 150, 424 trillion received in the month of July 2023 by N258.490 billion.

The gross revenue available from the VAT was N345.727 billion. This was higher than the N298.789 billion available in the month of July 2023 by N46.938 billion.

The communique stated that from the N1.1 trillion total distributable revenue, the federal government received a total of N431.245 billion, 36 states and the FCT received N361.188 billion, while the local government areas got N266.538 billion.

A total sum of N26.473 billion (13 percent of mineral revenue) and N14.657 billion (13 percent of savings from NNPCL), were shared to the relevant States as derivation revenue.
From the N357.398 billion distributable statutory revenue, the federal government received N173.102 billion, the state governments received N87.800 billion and the local government areas received N67.690 billion.

From the N321.941 billion VAT revenue for the month, federal government received N48.291 billion, states received N160.971 billion, while the LGAs got N112.679 billion.

The available N14.102 billion electronic transfer levy was shared as follows: federal government: N2.115 billion; state governments: N7.051 billion, and LGAs: N4.936billion.

A breakdown of the figures shared by director of press in the office of the accountant-general of the federal, Bawa Mokwa, showed that federal government took N114.445 billion from the N229.568 billion that came in from exchange differential, while all the state governments received N58.048 billion, with the LGAs receiving N44.752 billion.

The sum of N12.027 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) and N0.296 billion (13 per cent of savings from NNPCL) went to the relevant States as derivation revenue.

From the N177.092 billion augmentation, the federal government received N93.292 billion, the 36 States received N47.319 billion and the local government areas got N36.481 billion.

[Leadership]

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total sum of N1.1trn from the federation account as allocation to the three tiers of government for the month of August.

The sharing of the fund is contained in a communique issued by FAAC at its September 2023 meeting.

The N1.1trn revenue comprised statutory revenue of N357.398bn, Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N321.94bn, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N14.1bn, Exchange Difference revenue of N229.568bn and augmentation of N177.09bn.

According to the communique, total revenue of N1.48trn was available in the month of August 2023, while total deductions for the cost of collection was N58.755bn, total transfers and refunds was N254.046bn and savings was N71bn.

According to the communique, gross statutory revenue of N 891.934bn was received for the month of August 2023 and this was lower than the N1.15trn received in the month of July 2023 by N258.49bn.

The gross revenue available from VAT was N345.727bn, which was higher than the N298.789bn available in the month of July 2023 by N46.938bn.

The communique stated that from the N1.1trn total revenue, the Federal Government received a total of N431.245bn, the state governments received N361.18bn and the Local Government Councils got N266.538bn.

In the month of August, VAT, Import and Excise Duties and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) increased considerably while Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Oil and Gas Royalties recorded significant decreases.

The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was put at $473,754.57

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has waded into the impeachment saga of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa.
Naija News reports that the Ondo State House of Assembly started an impeachment process recently to unseat Ayedatiwa, accusing him of misappropriation of palliative funds, among other offences.

In the heat of the crisis, the Ondo deputy governor had also dragged the Ondo Assembly, his principal, Rotimi Akeredolu, and others to court to get an order to stop the impeachment process.

However, Ganduje, in his bid to resolve the impeachment saga, waded in by setting up a nine-member committee to look into the crisis.

The committee, which was set up on Thursday, is headed by a former governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari.

According to Ganduje’s Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, in a statement, the committee has a mandate to intervene in the impeachment crisis to facilitate a peaceful reconciliation of all parties involved.

The APC national chairman said, “The national secretariat of the party is really concerned about the unfortunate political situation in Ondo State, which, if not quickly averted, may lead to further disaffection among party faithful.

“Therefore, in order to avert the misunderstanding, and after critical observation of the situation, the national secretariat has decided to wade in.

“With a view to foster I better understanding that may likely lead to an amicable resolution.”

While appealing for calm in the camps of all involved parties, Ganduje pledged and assured party members that the committee would interact and dialogue with all its stakeholders in the state based on mutual respect to resolve the crisis.