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Senate President Godswill Akpabio says President Bola Almed Tinubu muscled the two chambers of National Assembly with the conferment of GCON on them.
Akpabio, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the Public Lecture and Book Launch organised to mark the birthday of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, mocked Fubara’s handling of the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The Senate President said any President that wants to survive like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu must hold the speaker and the Senate President very closely the way Tinubu is holding them.
He said the only place that can hurt a governor is the House of Assembly and no court or democracy can stop that from happening.
He said, “Recently he conferred on us GCON, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, whether he loved it or not he did it. He muscled the two Chambers together.
“For those of you, who may not understand politics, we were taught that the parliament can turn a woman into a man and a man into a woman. As a governor my greatest fear was my House of Assembly.
“So because of that I never travelled anywhere without my Speaker. Any time I didn’t see him for a day, I would send somebody to his house to invite him to come and have a launch with me and I used ideas to look at his face to know whether he was happy with me or not.
“The only place that can hurt a governor is the House of Assembly and no court or democracy can stop that from happening. Any President that wants to survive like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu must hold the speaker and the Senate President very closely the way he is holding us.”
Akpabio, who also launched a book on Wike, wondered why despite all resources at the disposal of Fubara, he had not been able to poach some of the 27 lawmakers in the camp of Wike.
The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State said people must rise to condemn politics of betrayal and treachery, noting that such political orientation was affecting sustainability in governance.
He said despite all the insights contained in the lecture delivered at the occasion by the Guest Lecturer and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, he did not address the critical issue of sustainability.
“He said: “I do not know what is happening in Rivers State but I hope that the successor to Wike realises the fact that no matter how the bird flies, the legs are pointing to the ground.
“Something must be wrong. Today is not for politics. Today is for Nyesom Wike. But sometimes I wonder, I would never be the governor given the resource of Rivers State and then I disagree with my House of Assembly and I am not able to poach at least one member out of the other group. If I do not do that, it means that there is something wrong with my political philosophy.
“I do not care what people say, we must try to stop this politics of betrayal, and politics of treachery because it does not allow for good succession. Prof Julius, in everything you said here, the word that was missing was ‘sustainability’.
“You cannot have sustainability in good policies and governance when the person taking over from you is interested in not destroying you alone but destroying everything that you built. If you are a politician, note, you must have opposition as people oppose you, they are also the step you can use to go higher.”
Akpabio, however, said when politicians served with dedication, passion, confidence and with open heart God would eventually lift them higher.
Turning to Wike, he said he did not become the FCT Minister by chance, but that the position came because of the hard work he put in when he was the governor of Rivers.
[DailyTrust]
Taraba South Senator, David Jimkuta has asked political leaders to always remember their primary support base and constituents in spite of their newfound status in life.
Jimkuta who recalled his days as an Okada rider (commercial motorcyclist) spoke earlier in the week at the Nigeria Law School, Bwari in Abuja where the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike had donated seven vehicles to the school and also flagged off the construction of 10 sets of 4-bedroom bungalows for staff.
The Taraba senator who is the Senate Committee Chairman on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters said the minister as a lawyer has done well to have remembered his alma mater.
“I like what you are doing. Me, before I became a senator, I was once an Okada man and it is in the same spirit that I gave them bikes. As a politician, I give to them because that’s my primary constituency.
So, what you are doing here, you are encouraging your primary constituency and it is commendable. It’s not politics. Whoever says it’s politics, let him go and try his own luck.
“Honourable Minister, we appreciate you and we support what you are doing in the FCT”, he stated.
Against the odds
At the primary election of his All Progressives Congress APC, Jimkuta had won the party’s nomination, polling 170 votes to defeat his rival, Danjuma Shiddi.
As of then, Shiddi was the incumbent member representing Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
However, Jimkuta’s name was not submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. Shiddi’s name was submitted.
Jimkuta promptly challenged the decision at the Federal High Court in Jalingo but he lost Shiddi. Then he went to the appellate court where he won. Shiddi took the case to the Supreme Court where Jimkuta also won and his name was ordered returned on the ballot.
Jimkuta would go on to cause the greatest upset in the actual Senatorial election where he defeated the then incumbent governor of the state, Darius Ishaku who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.
In that election, Jimkuta polled 85, 415 votes to defeat then Gov. Ishaku who scored 45,708 votes.
[Vanguard]
The federation account allocation committee (FAAC) says it shared N1.72 trillion among the three tiers of government in November 2024.
The amount shared represents an increase of N310 billion compared to the N1.41 trillion shared in October.
In a statement on Friday, the ministry of finance said the FAAC announced the disbursements at its December meeting in Abuja, chaired by Wale Edun, minister of finance.
FAAC said the gross total was N3.14 trillion while the distributable amount was N1.72 trillion.
The committee said from the distributable amount inclusive of gross statutory revenue, value-added tax (VAT), electronic money transfer levy (EMTL), and exchange difference (ED), the federal government received N581.85 billion, states received N549.79 billion, and the local governments got N402.55 billion.
FAAC added that the oil-producing states received N193.29 billion as derivation, (13 percent of mineral revenue).
It added that the sum of N103.3 billion was given for the cost of collection, while N1.31 trillion was allocated for transfer intervention and refunds.
For gross revenue, the VAT available for November 2024 was N628.9 billion as against N668.2 billion distributed in the preceding month, resulting in a decrease of N39.3 billion.
“From that amount, the sum of N25.1 billion was allocated for the cost of collection and the sum of N18.1 billion given for transfers, intervention and refunds,” the committee said.
“The remaining sum of N628.9 billion was distributed to the three tiers of government, of which the federal government got N87.8 billion, states received N292.8 billion and local governments got N204.9 billion.”
GROSS STATUTORY RECORDS HIGHEST REVENUE
Also, the gross statutory revenue of N1.82 trillion received for November was higher than the sum of N1.33 trillion received in the previous month by N490.3 billion or 36.7 percent.
From the stated amount, the sum of N77.5 billion was allocated for the cost of collection and a total sum of N1.2 trillion for transfers, intervention and refunds.
The remaining balance of N455.3 billion was distributed as follows: the federal government received N175.6 billion, states received N89.1 billion, and N68.7 billion was allocated to local governments.
FAAC said N121.8 billion was given as 13 percent derivation revenue to mineral-producing states.
In addition, the committee said N15 billion from EMTL was distributed to the federal government (N2.2 billion), states ( N7.5 billion), and local governments (N5.2 billion), “while N0.0627 Billion was allocated for Cost of Collection”.
From the exchange difference of N671.3 billion, the federal government received N316 billion, states got N160 billion, the sum of N123 billion was allocated to local governments, while N71.4 billion was given for derivation (13 percent of mineral revenue).
FAAC also said oil and gas royalty and CET levies recorded significant increases, while excise duty, VAT, import duty, petroleum profit tax (PPT), companies income tax (CIT), and EMTL decreased considerably.
[TheCable]
Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy (NN) since its inception in 1964.
Maigari, who is married with a daughter, hails from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau but was born in Kaduna.
Her remarkable journey began in 2016 when she graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant.
Subsequently, she served aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity.
Maigari was presented with the ‘Pilot Wing’ award during the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers, on Friday.
In an interview with NAN on the sidelines of the event, Maigari said that she achieved the milestone after completing her basic pilot training and fulfilling all requirements.
“I grew up in a military environment as my father was an officer in the Nigerian Air Force.
“From an early age, I aspired to become a military pilot and when the opportunity to join the navy arose, I did not hesitate.’’
She recounted how her dream of becoming a naval officer materialised when she was selected among the first group of 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA.
Maigari said she graduated in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics, earned the Gold Medal Navy award, and in 2019, completed her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the overall best.
“There were moments during my training when it seemed I might not succeed in my studies or flight procedures, but I persevered.
“Becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy feels surreal and a significant milestone, not only for me but for all my female colleagues who can draw inspiration from this achievement.
“I also hope my success motivates young civilian girls aspiring to join the military, particularly the Nigerian Navy, to persist because perseverance can overcome any challenge in life,” Maigari advised.
She expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues and her family for their unwavering support in helping her to achieve the milestone of becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy.
Presenting the award, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, commended Maigari and other award recipients for their exemplary achievements.
He highlighted that the sunset ceremony was a longstanding naval tradition marking the conclusion of the year’s activities.
“It is a moment to reflect on our 2024 accomplishments, strengthen comradeship and honour personnel who distinguished themselves through hard work.’’
The navy chief spoke on the navy’s significant strides in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sea piracy, among other maritime crimes, in 2024.
“In January, the navy launched Operation Delta Sanity which successfully curtailed oil theft and maritime crimes, increasing Nigeria’s daily crude oil production; several oil companies reported achieving a 100 per cent terminal factor.
“Two new naval bases were established in Enugu and Makurdi; the Shagunu outpost was operationalised; we also incorporated a maritime component into Operation Fansar Yamma in the North West.’’
He listed advancements in fleet recapitalisation, including the acquisition of two 32-metre fast patrol boats, an offshore survey vessel, and two helicopters in June.
“In November, three additional helicopters were launched and two 38-metre Sea Eagle fast patrol boats were delivered.
“By January, we expect delivery of three 46-metre fast boats from China, while two 76-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels under construction in Turkey are nearing completion.
“Our indigenous shipbuilding efforts include two 38-metre Seaward Defence Boats, three tugboats and several patrol boats, all scheduled for delivery in 2025,” Ogalla said.
He also noted upgrades to barracks in Lagos, Benue, Enugu and Ogun States, as well as ongoing construction of additional housing for personnel in Navy Towns located in Abuja and Lagos.
Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers lauded the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in combating oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
He acknowledged the immense challenges posed by criminals in sabotaging the nation’s economy through attacks on oil and gas facilities.
“Eliminating these illegal activities in our maritime environment is no small task, especially as 90 per cent of our oil and gas infrastructure is located in the Niger Delta swamps.
“The Rivers Government has always supported and collaborated with the Nigerian Navy and will continue to do so to facilitate its operations in the state.
“As we approach 2025, Nigerians have high expectations and it is vital that we work together to confront and overcome the challenges ahead,” Fubara said.
Philip Stevens, 66, from Ringwood, Hampshire in the UK, has received a £70,000 ($88,000) settlement after a medication prescribed for restless leg syndrome caused life-altering compulsive behaviours.
Shropshire reports on Friday that the settlement, agreed upon without liability being admitted by his GP, highlights serious concerns about the lack of proper warnings regarding the potential side effects of certain medications.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1995, Stevens’ health worsened in 2015, forcing him to retire.
In 2017, he was prescribed Ropinirole—a dopamine agonist—to treat a tremor in his left leg that disrupted his sleep.
However, his GP did not inform him about the drug’s potential side effects, which include impulse control disorders such as compulsive gambling and shopping, according to NHS guidance.
Before and After
According to The Independent also on Friday, before taking Ropinirole, Stevens enjoyed occasional, calculated bets at horse races.
Yet, after starting the medication, his gambling spiraled out of control.
“I started betting on anything I could and even woke up in the middle of the night to place bets,” he recounted.
Over four years, he spent thousands of pounds on gambling websites, often disregarding any chance of winning.
The compulsive behaviours extended beyond gambling.
The sextagenarian began shopping obsessively for clothes, hiding purchases from his wife, and undertaking frequent three-day fishing trips, accumulating vast amounts of fishing equipment.
“Things I once enjoyed became obsessions,” he said.
In October 2021, during a review, a neurologist questioned him about side effects and advised him to stop taking Ropinirole immediately.
However, no guidance was provided on how to taper off the drug safely, leading to withdrawal symptoms including paranoia, hallucinations, and exhaustion.
At one point, he asked his children to take DNA tests, convinced they weren’t his.
The emotional toll led him to the local mental health crisis team in 2022.
Despite overcoming the compulsions, Stevens says the shame and withdrawal symptoms have left him mentally drained.
“I am not the same person as I was pre-Ropinirole,” he shared. “But my marriage has survived, and I am starting to look forward rather than back.”
Legal Action
Angharad Vaughan, the medical negligence solicitor representing Mr. Stevens, criticized the delayed recognition of the drug’s side effects.
“It is shocking that it took so long for a medical professional to flag these issues,” she said.
Leigh Day solicitors, who handled the case, hope this settlement prompts greater transparency from medical professionals about the risks associated with medications like Ropinirole.
The agencies report that NHS warns that dopamine agonists can cause impulse control disorders, advising patients to seek help if they experience compulsive gambling, shopping, or binge eating.
Yet, cases like Stevens’ underscore the importance of proactive patient education to prevent such devastating consequences.
For Stevens, the settlement represents a step towards rebuilding his life. “Maybe one day I will believe that what happened to me wasn’t my fault,” he concluded.
[Punch]
![[Full List] Okonjo-Iweala, Mo-Abudu in as Forbes unveils 2024 world’s most powerful women](/media/k2/items/cache/c6baacb4eaee17da1d4b1eee1b1e1e0e_M.jpg)
Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and media mogul Mo Abudu have once again been recognized in Forbes’ annual 100 Most Powerful Women in the World list, solidifying their status as global powerhouses.
Okonjo-Iweala ranks 89th on the prestigious list, marking her eighth appearance. She was previously featured in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023.
Abudu, who ranked 97th, celebrated her fourth consecutive year on the list.
The founder of EbonyLife Media expressed her gratitude and pride, saying, “I am deeply humbled to feature once again on the Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list. It is an incredible honor to represent the media and entertainment sector, to stand as a proud Black woman, and to fly the flag for Nigeria and Africa on this prestigious global platform.”
She extended congratulations to her fellow honorees, particularly Okonjo-Iweala, stating, “A huge congratulations to all the phenomenal women on this list! A special shoutout to my dearest sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose unwavering brilliance and leadership inspire us all year after year.”
Abudu highlighted the significance of global recognition for women of color and those from developing nations. “Representation matters. When we see women of color, women from developing nations, and women breaking barriers in all industries recognized on a global stage, it reminds us of what’s possible. It’s a call to action for us to continue breaking ceilings, forging paths, and lifting others along the way,” she noted.
She also expressed appreciation to Forbes, saying, “Thank you, Forbes, for celebrating the power, resilience, and impact of women worldwide. Here’s to more women rising and rewriting the narrative.”
Abudu first appeared on the list in 2021 at 99th place. She climbed to 91st in 2022 and was ranked 98th in 2023 before making this year’s list at 97th.
Other Africans on the 2024 list include Judith Suminwa Tuluka from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mpumi Madisa from South Africa, and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list celebrates trailblazing individuals making transformative impacts across business, politics, entertainment, and technology.
Below is the top 10 women who topped the list of the 2024 most powerful women in the world.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission
Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank
Giorgia Meloni, prime minister of Italy
Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico
Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors
Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments
Julie Sweet, chairwoman and CEO of Accenture
Melina French Gates, philanthropist
Mackenzie Scott, philanthropist
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup
See list of 11-100 here.
[Vanguard]
The court of appeal in Abuja has set aside the judgment restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers state government.
The three-member panel, on Friday, ruled that the subject matter of the state’s appropriation bill is not within the jurisdiction of the federal high court.
The Hamman Barka-led appellate court held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and issue an order contained in the judgement.
The court upheld the argument of Chris Uche, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel to the Rivers state government, that the federal court has no authority to entertain dispute about states’ revenue.
The appeal court said the listing of federal agencies in the suit does not confer the jurisdiction on the federal high court.
The judge said “the trial court lacked the subject matter jurisdiction to entertain the suit. The suit is struck out and all orders made therein are set aside for want of jurisdiction”.
JUDGMENT OF LOWER COURT
In October, a federal high court in Abuja restrained the CBN from further disbursing financial allocations to the Rivers state government.
Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, held that monies from the federation account should not be released to the state pending the passage of a lawful appropriation act by a validly constituted house of assembly.
Abdulmalik had issued the order while delivering judgment on a suit filed by the Rivers state house of assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.
The judge ruled that Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers governor, was wrong to have presented the state’s 2024 appropriation bill to a five-member assembly “that was not properly constituted”.
In December 2023, Fubara presented an N800 billion budget estimate to the Edison Ehie faction of the house of assembly.
The presentation of the budget titled ‘Budget of renewed hope, consolidation, and continuity’ took place at the government house.
Only five lawmakers loyal to Fubara were present during the budget presentation.
The lawmakers in Amaewhule’s faction rejected the budget presentation and instituted a suit against Fubara.
The Rivers house of assembly has been polarised following the rift between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
[TheCable]
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, granted the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.
This was after the former governor had pleaded not guilty to the 19-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N80bn but pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
When the case was called for hearing on Friday, Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, notified the court of the intention of the prosecution to withdraw an earlier application for abridgment of the earlier date fixed for arraignment.
He said the application had been overtaken by events. The defendant’s counsel, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object, and Justice Emeka Nwite accordingly granted the request.
After the defendant had taken his plea, Daudu, SAN, made clarifications on the reasons he had not been in court during the previous hearings.
“I would like to place on record that for any impression that might have been created that the defendant did not wish to appear before your lordship, coincidentally, the ruling on my lord’s sitting this morning dealt with the issue of jurisdiction.
“What the defendant did was to ask his counsel to challenge the jurisdiction of the court, which got to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
“So it was not wishful disrespect, but he was only trying to defend himself. So we all hold your lordship in high esteem. If that impression must have been, he should not have presented himself for arraignment. That episode is gone, and things are clearer now,” the counsel stated.
While moving an application for bail, he assured that the former governor would always be present in court for the trial.
“I am saying this with the highest sense of responsibility that the defendant, a two-term governor of Kogi State who travelled only two times out of his eight years in service, will always be present in court at all times.
“There should be no apprehension that he will jump bail. So we urge your lordship to grant us very reasonable conditions of bail such that he will be able to bear,” the defendant’s counsel said.
He commended the prosecution counsel, saying he had conducted himself in the best tradition because the matter was not a do-or-die one.
He said they had agreed that the counsels would not stress his lordship over the issue of bail.
The prosecution counsel concurred.
Pinheiro, SAN, said, “I must express my honour to the very eminent lead senior counsel. He is a man of immense stature, not because of his size.
“I do respect him as former president of NBA. I also confirm that we have been engaging in a series of discussions to ease the burden on your lordship in compliance with Rule 26 of the Rules of Professional Ethics.
“I also note that your lordship had delivered not less than five rulings in this matter and it is our aim to ease the work. We are prosecutors, not persecutors, and EFCC is a professional commission, a prosecutorial, and not prosecutorial commission,” he said.
He added, “We accept the assurances of the very eminent SAN that the defendant will make himself available subject to your lordship’s discretionary terms that may be imposed.
“By so doing, we will ease the burden on the court. Therefore, we will not be opposing the eminent SAN’s submission.”
The prosecution counsel said though they had filed a counter-affidavit, they would not oppose the bail, going by the assurances of the learned SAN.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Nwite said, “I have listened to the submissions of both counsels. It is not in dispute that both counsels have filed applications in respect of this.
“Based on the account exhibited by learned counsel for the defendant, which was exhibited and supported by prosecution counsel, I am minded to change my earlier stand on this matter.”
He granted the defendant N500 million bail with two sureties.
“Sureties must be landed property owners within the jurisdiction of this court. They must swear to affidavits of means. The title deeds of properties to be verified by the court registrar,” he said.
The defendant was also asked to submit his international passport, and he would remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of the bail conditions.
It will be recalled that the ex-governor was earlier remanded in a fresh N110bn charge by EFCC, pending his bail application.
Meanwhile, the judge has fixed February 24, 2025, for hearing into the matter.
[DailyPost]
he former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello has pleaded not guilty to a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello is, in the charge, accused of diverting funds belonging to Kogi State to acquire, through proxies, property both in Nigeria and abroad.
When the charge was read to Bello by an official of the court, he said he understood all the counts and pleaded not guilty to all of them.
His lawyer, Joseph Daudu, (SAN) told the court that his client’s failure to attend court before now, was not out of disrespect, but a desire to fully defended himself.
Daudu said the decision of his client to challenge, up to the Supreme Court, the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case was not out of disrespect.
“It was an episode that could have been avoided but it has come and gone. Things are clearer now,” Daudu said.
[TheNation]
The Attorney-General of Lagos State and the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, says the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill has been signed into law to prohibit illegal organ harvesting.
Pedro disclosed this on Thursday at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja, while briefing newsmen on the significance of the new law and other four new laws.
According to him, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signed the new laws to show commitment to the welfare, security and prosperity of every Lagosian.
The other four new laws include; Consumer Protection Law, Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Laws, Victims Assistance, Witness Protection Laws and Fire and Rescue Service Laws.
He said, “These laws are not just milestones in the state’s legislative journey; they demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Lagos remains a beacon of progress, justice, and opportunity in Nigeria.
“As a government, our priorities have always been to address the immediate needs of our citizens, protect their rights, ensure their safety, health and prosperities.
“In this regard, the recently signed laws cover some critical areas of public welfare, human rights, safety, and environmental sustainability.
“These Laws have been thoughtfully designed to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our state while paving the way for a more just, secure and prosperous future for all residents of Lagos.”
The attorney-general further explained that the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law signified a leap forward in enhancing consumer rights in the state.
According to him, as Lagos continues to be a hub of commerce, business and trade, it is imperative that the interests of the residents are safeguarded.
He highlighted the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law as a major step forward in protecting residents.
“As Lagos continues to thrive as a hub of commerce and trade, it is crucial that the rights of our citizens are safeguarded.
“This law empowers consumers to hold businesses accountable and ensures strict enforcement of their rights.
“Violation of this law attracts the power to seal premises selling hazardous products and imposes fine of up to N5 million for violations.
“Offenders face penalties, including a custodial sentence of six months or N500,000 fine and subsequent offenders will receive stricter punishments, including fines of up to N750,000 and longer sentences,” he said.
Pedro also explained that the Human Organ Harvesting and Tissue Transplantation Law addressed illicit organ trade and unethical medical practices.
He said it was a groundbreaking framework to regulate organ harvesting and transplant in the state, adding that the law prohibits organ harvesting without proper authorisation and bans advertisements for the sale of human organs.
“This legislation protects individuals from exploitation and ensures medical procedures adhere to the highest ethical standards.
” Violators risk up to 10 years imprisonment or fine of up to N10 million,” Pedro said.
The commissioner for justice also explained the three other new laws and urged all residents to familiarise themselves with the laws and to actively engage in their enforcement.
NAN
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The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, revealed yesterday that he almost faced challenges with certain individuals in the country after urging Nigerians to pray for divine intervention against efforts by powerful cabals allegedly working to hinder the success of private refineries in Nigeria.
He made this remark during the ongoing annual Holy Ghost Congress themed Onward Christian Soldiers at the Redemption City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
While Pastor Adeboye did not directly name those involved, he referenced a statement he made weeks ago during the church’s annual Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service, which he said nearly got him into trouble.
In his words: “I said something during the Abuja Holy Ghost Service which I am not going to repeat because I nearly got into trouble because of telling the truth. Certain things happened, at least in my nation Nigeria, that force you to wonder: Are we under a curse? There are nations that didn’t have all the resources we have, and yet, they seem to be doing better than we are doing. Hmmmm, let me leave that out.”
It is worth noting that Pastor Adeboye had earlier expressed frustration over the billions of naira spent on repairing the nation’s four government-owned refineries, which still fail to function optimally.
Speaking on the importance of divine light to individuals, families, communities, and nations, Adeboye declared:
“Let me just say tonight, in the name above every other name, there will be light in our nations.”
He urged believers to cultivate a genuine relationship with God, emphasizing that such a connection would end all forms of emptiness, storms, and challenges in their lives.
In his words: “The power of a soldier is determined by who is behind him. If you stick with your Commander-in-Chief, you will soon become like Him. The first time it was recorded that our Commander-in-Chief spoke, He said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
He continued, explaining the authority of God’s voice: “When He said it, He didn’t whisper; it was a command, loud and clear. He called forth Lazarus from the grave in a loud voice (John 11:39-44).
“When there’s going to be an earthquake on the earth, one way we know is that we hear a sound before the eruption. When an airplane is about to take off, there is noise. Before God spoke and brought light, certain conditions were there. There was formlessness and emptiness on the earth. ‘Without form’ means confusion. Wherever darkness is, there is bound to be confusion.”
[Vanguard]
A recent survey by SBM Intelligence alleges that the federal government’s proposed tax reforms fail to account for the unique characteristics of certain Nigerian regions.
The report, however, admits that the reforms aim to reduce the tax burden on citizens and improve the efficiency of tax collection, as outlined by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.
The survey, conducted across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, reveals that failing to address regional issues could exacerbate existing economic disparities in the country, potentially requiring intervention by the Supreme Court or a constitutional amendment.
The report is part of the broader conversation about Nigeria’s current tax system and the proposed tax reform bills, which have sparked intense debate, especially from northern elites, particularly regarding the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) among Nigeria’s 36 states.
Much Ado About Tax
- The report states that only five of the country’s 36 states—Anambra, Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers—could fulfil their financial obligations if the federally distributed revenue pool did not exist.
- Based on this, the report notes that comparing how much VAT each state generates versus how much VAT revenue they receive at the end of each month has become a common and contentious issue.
“Between January and October 2024, Imo State received 1,715.9% of what it contributed to the VAT pool as its VAT allocation. Abia, Cross River, and Kebbi all received allocations above 700% of what they contributed.
“Lagos and Rivers received the lowest allocations, receiving 16.76% and 22%, respectively. Lagos contributes around 55% of local VAT.
“The proposed reforms, while aiming to reduce the tax burden on citizens and improve the efficiency of tax collection, fail to account for the uniqueness of certain regions.
“In the northeast, states received 244.46% of their VAT contributions. The highest was Bauchi, which received 384.94% of its VAT contributions, and the lowest was Adamawa, which received 165.69% of its VAT contributions. This could exacerbate existing economic disparities,” it added.
- The report further states that Nigeria’s VAT system remains a pivotal yet contentious aspect of the country’s fiscal framework and has often attracted litigation over the years.
- The report predicts that the Supreme Court may once again be called upon to intervene, particularly regarding the fiscal powers of the states and regions.
“The historical development of VAT, replacing the Sales Tax Decree of 1986, reflects the ongoing evolution of Nigeria’s tax system, driven by attempts to balance efficiency, equity, and state autonomy.
“Legal precedents, such as the Supreme Court’s affirmation of VAT’s precedence over state sales and consumption taxes, underscore the complexities of aligning federal and state interests.
“However, recent litigation from states like Rivers and Lagos highlights growing demands for greater control over the revenue generated within their territories and calls for a more equitable revenue-sharing formula.
“Proposed tax reforms aim to address some of these issues by revising VAT rates and exemptions, simplifying tax structures, and increasing derivation-based allocations.
“While these measures hold promise, the ultimate resolution of the VAT issue will likely require either a definitive Supreme Court ruling or a constitutional amendment to clarify the division of fiscal powers,” the report added.
The report also highlighted that the VAT discourse sheds light on the persistent North-South divide in Nigeria’s fiscal and political landscape, reflecting broader disparities in economic activity and development.
The report advises that resolving these tensions will require careful negotiation and reforms that balance the principles of derivation, equity, and national cohesion, ensuring that the tax system fosters regional development and unity.
What you should know
The tax reform bills have become controversial since their introduction, with different interests opposing various provisions.
- For instance, the Northern Governors Forum expressed opposition to the bill, urging legislators from the region to resist any legislation that undermines the interests of Northerners nationwide.
- Additionally, the National Economic Council (NEC), which comprises the 36 state governors and is chaired by the Vice President, called for the withdrawal of the bills to allow for proper consultations before proceeding to the National Assembly.
- However, President Tinubu disregarded the recommendations from both the Northern Governors Forum and the NEC, stating that the process is legislative and that inputs can be incorporated during public hearings.
- Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate on December 4 suspended hearings on the bills until the new year, providing time for essential political engagements and negotiations to secure their passage.
[Nairametrics]
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to continue demolishing properties in the nation’s capital despite pressure.
Wike has been criticised for embarking on widespread demolition of houses in Abuja.
A construction company, Paullosa Nigeria Limited, had recently raised the alarm over a demolition notice issued by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to demolish its estate in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.
The General Manager of the Estate, Mr Vincent Enoghase, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, claimed the FCDA had demanded N10 million, for a Right of Occupancy, which it had paid but was yet to get receive before the issuance of the quit notice.
In a viral video on Wednesday, social media commentator, Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, alleged that the FCT Minister, had revoked the land titles to the Estate, and issued the same to a Saravera Nigeria Limited, and the Minority Leader and member of the House of Representatives representing Obio/Akpor Constituency, Kingsley Chinda.
VeryDarkMan called on security agencies to intervene, noting that the original owner of the land was the first cadet of the Nigerian Army who passed on four years ago.
The senate had set up a panel to probe the issue, while asking Wike to halt demolitions.
But speaking during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA secretariat on Thursday, Wike said the structures being demolished by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) are properties illegally built on government lands.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmail. In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position and say you cannot be blackmailed particularly as regards this Abuja. There are so many land grabbers. Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall. It is even better that heaven comes down now so that we would not be fasting again to go to heaven.
“We would stop anybody who thinks they will take government land for whatever reason without formal approval. We would not look at your face. If you like be a civil rights activist or a television personality. No amount of blackmail can stop us. People take government property without approval or documentation.”
[DailyTrust]
Legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has taken a step further in the expression of his anger against Lagos-based legal practitioner, Dele Farotimi over the alleged defamation of his character.
The elder statesman, through his law firm, has written a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, asking that Farotimi’s name be removed from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
According to the petitioner, as Channels Television reported, Farotimi had allegedly violated certain provisions of the rules of professional conduct for lawyers.
A partner in Babalola’s law firm, Ola Faro, who was also mentioned in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its criminal justice system,” signed the 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024.
The petition is titled “Petition against Tomilola Titus Farotimi also known as Dele Farotimi Esq, a Nigerian lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar with his name on the roll of legal practitioners kept by the Supreme Court for violation of extant rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners rules 1, 15(1), 15(2B), 15(3A), 15(3G), 15(3I), 15(3J),26(1), 27(1), 30, 31(1), (2) and (4) of the rules of professional conduct 2023 by bringing the entire judiciary in Nigeria into dispute with his unfounded allegations of corruption against eminent justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, judges of High Court of Lagos State, Aare Afe babalola, SAN, Olu Daramola SAN, Ola Faro Esq., and the entire chambers of Aare Afe babalola & Co in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.’
Faro said that the petition was written both in his personal capacity “and for and on behalf of the law firm of Afe Babalola & Co.”
He gave a background of the facts of the case and detailed the alleged contraventions of the rules of professional conduct by the respondent, Farotimi.
The petitioner highlighted that Farotimi “engaged in conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner by making false accusations against the Supreme Court and the legal profession.”
The petitioners also stated that Farotimi “Participated in conduct that he believes to be unlawful by bribing judicial officers and having unlawful access to a judicial officer.
“Joined his clients in committing misconduct and breach of law with reference to judicial officers by having unlawful access to a judicial officer.
“Gave service to his client which he knows is capable of causing a breach of law and disrespect and corrupting a judicial officer.
“Knowingly made false statements of law and facts in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.
“Assisted his clients in a conduct that he knows to be illegal and fraudulent.
“Knowingly engaged in illegal conduct in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.
“Treated his fellow lawyers without respect, fairness, consideration and dignity, allowing ill feeling between opposing clients to influence his conduct and demeanour by distorting the facts of a case in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.
“Failed to observe good faith and fairness in dealing with other lawyers in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.
“Conducted himself in a manner that obstructed, delayed and adversely affected the administration of justice by taking steps to frustrate a decision of the Supreme Court for his personal benefit and benefit of his client who lost at the Supreme Court.
“Treated the court, particularly the Supreme Court without respect, dignity and honour by using uncouth, unprofessional, undignified and offensive language against the Supreme Court and the justices of the Supreme Court.
“Made defamatory statements against judicial officers rather than making a complaint to appropriate authorities.
“Indicated that he discussed a pending case with a judge trying the case in the absence of an opposing lawyer.”
The petitioners stated that “The contravention of these rules by the Respondent (Farotimi) prompted this petition to protect the dignity of the legal profession, the dignity of the court as the temple of justice and to uphold the standards of the legal profession.”
They also noted that some of the statements made in Farotimi’s book are likely to set the legal profession and society ablaze and that those statements were made to discredit the entire Nigerian judiciary, Justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the High Court of Lagos State, their law firm and to ridicule them within the legal profession and injure their hard-earned reputation and financial credit.
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, is the regulatory body that investigates and addresses misconduct among Nigerian lawyers.
The LPDC ensures that legal practitioners adhere to ethical standards and professional conduct.
DAILY POST reported that Farotimi was recently sent back to jail after the ruling on his bail application was adjourned till December 20, 2024.
The FCT High Court had also barred human rights lawyer from further publishing, selling, circulating, advertising or distributing the hard or soft copies of the controversial book.
[DailyPost]