A lawyer, Festus Onifade, on Tuesday, commenced contempt proceedings against Mr Mohammed Sani, Manager of Abuja office of Multi-Choice Nigeria Ltd, over alleged disobedience to the order made by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CCPT presided over by Saratu Shafii had, on April 29, made an interim order, restraining the pay-TV firm from increasing DStv and Gotv tariffs scheduled to begin on May 1, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The three-member tribunal gave the order following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the claimant, Onifade.
Onifade, the claimant and a subscriber, had sued MultiChoice and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) as 1st and 2nd defendants.
However, despite the order, the company, on May 1, hiked the subscription rates for its DStv and GOtv packages.
Meanwhile, a Notice of Consequence of Disobedience to Order of Court (Form 48) marked: CCPT/OP/02/2024 dated and filed on May 7, warned Sani against disregard to the tribunal order.
It rears in part: “Take notice that unless you obey the under listed order of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, Abuja given on the 29th day of April, 2024; thus:
“An order restraining the 1st defendant/respondent either by itself, agents, representatives, officers or privies, howsoever described from carrying out the impending increase in tariffs and cost of its products and services intended to take effect from 1st May, 2024, until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed before this tribunal.
“You will be guilty of contempt of this tribunal and will be committed to prison.”
Also in a motion on notice dated and filed May 7, Onifade sought an order of the tribunal, directing MultiChoice to pay the sum of N1 billion “or any amount the tribunal deem may fit appropriate in this circumstance for deliberately disobeying, contravening, and failure to comply with the interim order” granted on April 29.
Given eight-ground of argument, the lawyer said despite the order which was validly served on MultiChoice on April 29, the firm deliberately neglected the order and willfully increased the tariffs of its products and services on May 1.
He alleged that the company had an history of disobeying court/tribunal orders.
In the affidavit attached to the application, the claimant gave history of the company’s disobedience to court orders in previous similar circumstances in the country.
He said in 2015, Justice C. J Aneke of Federal High Court (FHC), Ikeja-Lagos gave an order restraining the company from increasing the prices of its products and services, but it went ahead and increased in-spite of the order of the court.
He saiid in 2018, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of FHC, Abuja granted an order obtained by Consumer Protection Council (CPC) now FCCPC, restraining the firm from increasing it prices of products pending the matter before it, but the order was not obeyed.
According to him, the actions and attitude of Ist defendant was very reprehensible that the then CPC now FCCPC described it as a violation to the rights of Nigeria consumers and those increases done then were in bad faith.
Besides, the lawyer said in 2022, the tribunal granted an order on March 22, 2022 restraining MultiChoice from increasing its tariffs but it went ahead with the tariff hike on April 1, claiming it was a completed act.
He argued that despite the service and receipt of the order, the company, in flagrant and willful disobedient of the order, still went ahead without recourse to the plight of the customer and increased the tariffs of its services and products on May 1.
Onifade said the firm filed a motion before the tribunal dated April 29 but filed April 30, claiming that “the matter before the court is res judicata and completed act.”
According to him, the non-compliances with the order of the tribunal granted on the 29th April, 2024 is deliberate and an affront to the jurisdiction of this Honourable Tribunal and has brought untold hardship on the claimant.
The lawyer, who said the tribunal had the discretionary powers to grant the application, said it was in the interest of justice to grant his request
Meanwhile, when the matter was called on Tuesday, Onifade told the tribunal that the matter was slated for hearing of his motion on notice.
However, counsel for the Multichoice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, said he filed an application on April 30 challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to make the order it made on April 29.
Besides, the senior lawyer said he also filed a memorandum of conditional appearance on same date.
He argued that where the jurisdcition of the court is challenged, the issue had to be decided before proceeding on other matters.
Lawyer to the FCCPC (2nd defendant), M. Adeke, said though he had been served with the processes in the matter, he sought an adjournment to enable the commission respond to all the applications served on it.
Onigbanjo equally sought an adjournment to enable him respond to fresh processes served on him by Onifade.
He, however, insisted that where the issue of jurudiction is raised, such must be address first.
Onifade did not oppose the application for adjournment and the tribunal, presided over by Thomas Okosun, adjourned the matter until May 16 for hearing.
[TheCable]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday, issued a new directive to all financial institutions, including commercial, merchant, non-interest banks, payment service banks, and mobile money operators in the country, mandating the implementation of a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on all electronic transactions.
The fresh charge is in addition to other existing levies Nigerians pay for making electronic transactions.
Recall that according to the CBN directive, banks in the country would start charging the cybersecurity levies in two weeks’ time.
However, the apex bank exempted loan disbursements and repayments, salary payments, intra-account transfers within the same bank or between different banks for the same customer, and intra-bank transfers between customers of the same bank from the levy.
Also exempted from the levy were inter-branch transfers within a bank, cheque clearing and settlements, Letters of Credits, and Banks’ recapitalisation-related funding only bulk funds movement from collection accounts, savings, and deposits, including transactions involving long-term investments, among others.
Below is the list of charges Nigerians have to pay whenever they make electronic transfers.
1. Cybersecurity levy
N5 is charged on the transaction of N1,000
N50 is charged on the transaction of N10,000
N500 is charged on the transaction of N100,000
N5,000 is charged on the transaction of N1,000,000
N50,000 is charged on the transaction of N10,000,000
2. Transfer fee
N10 is being charged on the transaction below N5,000
N25 is being charged on the transaction between 5,001 and N50,000
N50 is being charged on transactions above N50,000
3. Stamp duties
N50 is being charged on transactions between N10,000 and N10,000,000
4. Short Messaging Service (SMS)
N4 is being charged on each electronic transfer notification
(Customers who use e-mail-only notification are not charged for this service)
5. Value Added Tax (VAT)
N0.75 is being charged on the N10 transfer fee
N1.875 is being charged on the N25 transfer fee
N3.75 is being charged on the N50 transfer fee.
Nigerian comedian, Seyi Law, has called out President Bola Tinubu, over the new cybersecurity levy directive issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Naija News reported that CBN had issued a new directive to all financial institutions, including commercial, merchant, non-interest banks, payment service banks, and mobile money operators, mandating the implementation of a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on all electronic transactions.
This move is in line with the provisions of the recently amended Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2024.
The directive, detailed in a circular, instructs that the levy be applied at the point of electronic transfer origination, with the deducted amount to be reflected in the customer’s account as a “Cybersecurity Levy.”
In a post via his X handle, Seyi Law described the “Cybersecurity Levy” as punishment for Nigerians, stressing that the policy might discourage banking transactions.
The comedian also questioned Tinubu about implementing the minimum wage and when he would change ‘non-performing’ ministers in his cabinet.
He wrote, “I hate when government agencies don’t speak up to the understanding of the citizens and allow wrong narratives to fester before tackling it. Cybersecurity level, according to the act, is 0.005%, and different figures from 0.5% to 3% are being thrown around. A 0.5% charge in the Nigeria of today is in itself too much punishment on Nigerians. Are we trying to discourage banking transactions again and encourage cash keeping? @cenbankshould revisit this abeg.
“Stamp duty is something, and now this. It is unacceptable. @NGRPresident @officialABAT, let the poor breathe. When will the new minimum wage be announced and implemented? Some of your ministers need to look for another job. One year is here and we are counting. Whether it 0.005 or 0.5%, this is not the time to implement it. Simple. I apologise for the misinterpretation.
“Why do some id#ots think that because you support a person, you must therefore accept all his policies? Yes, the cybersecurity level is from ammended act, I presume, but I don’t think this is the time for the implementation. If there is anything that should be paramount to the government, it should be the new minimum wage.
“Some of you are crying, una never see anything. My brother, na your papa and mama dey collect minimum wage. E no reach where I dey. The truth is the supporters of Mr. President are better Nigerians because we criticise when it is needed.”
The CEO of Binance, Richard Teng, has criticized the Nigerian government’s detention of employee Tigran Gambaryan, calling it a “dangerous precedent” for international businesses and unjust.
Teng mentioned that despite Binance’s repeated efforts to engage with Nigerian authorities, Gambaryan remains in detention for no valid reason.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Binance’s CEO expressed alarm over the recent trend of inviting mid-level employees to participate in collaborative policy meetings and then detaining them, calling it a dangerous precedent for companies worldwide.
Teng said, “The message from the Nigerian government is clear: we must detain an innocent, mid-level employee, a former U.S. federal agent, and place him in a dangerous prison to control Binance.
“This regrettable turn of events contradicts the spirit of cooperation and transparency that Binance has consistently demonstrated in its interactions with the regulatory authorities.”
Naija News recalls that Gambaryan and his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla were apprehended on February 26 in relation to a criminal inquiry concerning Binance’s operations in Nigeria upon their arrival in the nation.
Anjarwalla escaped from custody, while Gambaryan remains detained at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application.
The Nigerian government accused Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, of fixing exchange rates on its platform, which depreciated the naira.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission accused Binance, Gambaryan, and his fleeing colleague, Anjarwalla, of concealing the source of the $35,400,000 generated as revenue by Binance in Nigeria, knowing that the funds constituted proceeds of unlawful activity.
However, according to the Binance CEO, Nigerian authorities were unfairly keeping in custody one of its mid-level employees who does not hold decision-making authority.
The CEO emphasized the urgent need for resolution in the crisis, stressing the importance of allowing Tigran to return home for progress. Binance reiterated its commitment to collaborating with Nigerian law enforcement, highlighting past engagements.
The company disclosed ongoing efforts to address tax liabilities with Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service. Recognizing Nigeria’s influence, the CEO underscored collaboration with authorities for the future of Binance and the crypto industry.
Binance outlined its vision of partnering with the Nigerian government to foster economic development.
Additionally, the CEO highlighted organizational restructuring and reiterated support for Gambaryan, emphasizing his non-decision-making role in Nigeria.
The Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Rufai Hanga, has shared 5,000 white pieces of cloth and clay pots to his constituents as constituency projects.
Hanga, who is the Deputy Minority Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, is a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The lawmaker who has been representing Kano Central since 2023, has 15 local government areas under his constituency.
A post shared by a popular Hausa platform @VoiceofHausa said: “This is a constituency project of Sen. Rufa’i Sani Hanga, Senator representing Kano Central.
“Instead of building hospitals, he distributed 5,000 pots and white cloths for the burial of the people of his senatorial District.”
See the photos of the items below.
Confirming this development on his Facebook page, an aide to the Senator, Dawuud Auwal also shared a link to a report about the project.
He praised the Senator for his foresight, writing, “Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah A Newspaper Named Newsveo Revealed The Good Things That Senator Rufai Hanga Has Brought To His Region In 2024 After I See You On My Facebook Page I See The Contentment Of What They Did And The Truth Of The Conversation Is Why They Did It.”
A former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has said Nigeria would have been a better country if President Umaru Musa Yar’adua had completed his tenure.
Gowon spoke on Monday during a first President Umaru Musa Yar’adua international leadership conference and awards organised by Global Initiative For Leadership Success in Abuja.
Recall that Yar’adua became president in 2007, but in 2010, he died as a result of ill- health.
Gowon said Yar’adua had achieved significant milestones for Nigeria within his short time in office including granting amnesty to the Niger Delta militants as a way of restoring the economy of the country.
He lamented that though Yar’adua admitted that the process that produced him as president in 2007 was flawed and constituted the Justice Muhammed Uwais Committee for electoral reforms, successive administrations failed to continue with his initiative.
Gowon said, “He was a decent man; a man with absolute integrity. He was an honest man. He did very well and he has to be remembered. He was so honest that he said the process that brought him to power was not right. And he set up a committee. But it was not followed by successive leaders.
"However, I believe that one day, we shall have a solution. He was honey and sincere in dealing with any problem, and he was incorruptible. You can not blame him for corruption; he was clean. His various activities including the amnesty programme that he brought to the Niger Delta ensured our economy was protected.
“His illness and death, I believe if God had allowed him to complete his years in service, I believe Nigeria would have been better. A lot of things would have been better because he meant well for the country. So continue that love for the country and love for one another to make Nigeria great.”
Gowon also decried the spate of insecurity in the country and called on government and security agencies to fish out perpetrators of violent killings, abductions of schoolchildren in the North, and kidnapping for ransom in other parts of the country.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Global Initiative For Leadership Success, Gen A.B Mamman, said, “The blatant refusal to adopt and implement in whole this Uwais Committee report is consequential on the ever-faulty governance leadership recruitment system in Nigeria till date, accounting yet for her to remain in doldrums.
"Most public office holders continue to appear at the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), or the Independent Corruption Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) office to answer questions on their tenure and so many reasons.”
Nigerian singer/songwriter, Harrysong has accused a yet-to-be-identifed person of allegedly using witchcraft against him.
This is coming following messy split from his estranged wife, Alexer following series of leaked chat where Harrysong urged his wife to get an ab*rtion for constantly birthing female children.
Taking to his Instastories, Harrysong bemoaned being played by an unidentified person who forced themselves into his peaceful life.
According to him, this individual tore down his world with their charm and witchcraft.
The singer vowed to expose the person because the world deserves the truth.
In his words: “You played me, forced yourself into my peaceful, beautifully blessed world with your juju,charm and witchcrafty,only to tear it Down? Is that how much of a threat I am to your evil devilish kingdom? Jesus Christ. The world deserve to know the truth about you. I’ll expose you.”
See Post Below;
Veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo has introduced his first son, Clinton Onyeze to the Nollywood industry.
He did that before the commencement of a movie shoot.
The popular actor addressed the crew and formally introduced his son to everyone, announcing his roles as Assistant Production Manager and Personal Assistant.
He emphasized the importance of treating his son as a fellow crew member rather than showing favoritism, as he would be compensated for his work.
In his words: “We resumed filming today. My son, Clinton, Onyeze Mbaise, joins us as Assistant Production Manager & my Personal Assistant. He is an intern to understudy Film making and Management before proceeding for further studies. We should let our children work in our organisations or other establishments to appreciate industry. Kudos Onyeze. Welcome on board Simpliciter Associates Productions”
Read some comments below:
prime_talis said: “Onyeze don’t worry. The fear of KOK is the beginning of sacrifice. You’re covered. ???”
bukasvlog_ said: “Hin say don’t spoil my son for me ???”
iam_rhema noted: “You’re playing a good fatherly role????”
number1_chic_fitness wrote: “Pls don’t end up like yul edochie???”
ugovin_nollywood stated: “Well said senior colleague! You are a god”
WATCH VIDEO:
Media
The House of Representatives Joint Committee investigating the arbitrary increase in the price of cement in Nigeria has presented a report which compared the exorbitant cost of the commodity in Nigeria to other countries including its African counterparts.
Naija News recalls that on March 13, 2024, the House made a resolution to investigate the continuous rise in the price of cement.
This decision was prompted by the motion co-sponsored by Gaza Gbefwi (SDP, Nasarawa) and Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos).
On February 13, the Federal Government and cement manufacturers reached an agreement to set the price of a 50kg bag of cement between ₦7,000 and ₦8,000.
During the public hearing held on Tuesday in Abuja, organized by the House Joint Committee, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Gaza Gbefwi, emphasized the urgent need to address the price of cement in the country.
He highlighted that in many African countries, the price of cement is significantly lower compared to Nigeria.
The lawmaker said: “Our findings showed that the price of cement is 69 per cent higher in Nigeria than in India, 39 per cent higher in Nigeria than in Zambia and 29 per cent higher than in Kenya given the official exchange rate.”
During his address at the event, the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, reassured the manufacturers that the public hearing was not meant to target them, but rather to provide a platform for finding solutions to the issues impacting the housing sector, specifically the high cost of cement nationwide.
Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, has disclosed that the three lawmakers that were suspended on Monday were involved in diabolical activities to cause chaos in the house.
The speaker announced the suspension of Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo II), Bright Iyamu (PDP Orihonmwon South), and Adeh Isibor (PDP Esan North-east I) on Monday.
Speaking during the plenary, Agbebaku accused the lawmakers of trying to change the leadership of the House through diabolical and other nefarious means.
The speaker alleged that the suspended lawmakers brought a spiritualist into the Assembly complex and dropped fetish items in the middle of the night.
He also claimed that the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on the Assembly premises exposed the spiritualist and the lawmakers who hired him.
He said: “They are being influenced to cause chaos in this house by planning to change the leadership of this house. But to God be the glory, they were exposed.
“They brought in a spiritualist into the Anthony Enahoro complex and dropped fetish items.
“They brought a herbalist into this house of assembly premises to plant some charms in the compound by 1am in the morning without knowing that the CCTV cameras will expose their nocturnal act.”
More...
A Lot Of Single Ladies Are In Love With Someone That Won't Marry Them - Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo
AFOLABINigerian clergyman and relationship coach, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has opined that some single ladies are in love with people that would not marry them.
According to him, these ladies give negative and unavailable vibes to the guys that want them, thereby prolonging their singleness.
"A lot of single ladies are in love with someone that won't marry them. And by that, they are giving negative & "unavailable" vibes to the guys that want them thereby prolonging their singleness," he wrote in a post on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
"I know most of you are dreaming of marrying your favorite single worship minister or preacher but reality is that he will marry ONLY ONE woman
"No amount of fasting, desire or prayer will change that, I encourage you to start showing interest and answering the chats of the brothers around you
“I just said I should tell you.....oh and please why is your page private again...I thought you are single and searching not single and hiding.”
See Post Below;
First Lady, Remi Tinubu Receives First Female Nigerian-British Military Academy Graduate In Aso Rock
AFOLABIFirst Lady, Sen Remi Tinubu has applauded Second Lt. Oluchukwu Owowoh for achieving a major feat as the first Nigerian female cadet to graduate from the Royal Military Academy (RMA) in Sandhurst, United Kingdom.
Mrs Tinubu received Owowoh, who was led by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John Ochia, at the State House on Monday.
The First Lady described Owowoh’s achievement as outstanding and divine, adding that her story is that of aspiration, resilience and determination.
She said: “Your story is that of aspiration, resilience and determination, really, your case is divine; it is not because you studied very hard but because God selected you for a purpose.
“It is going to be from glory to glory, that is why we are here to celebrate you for what you have done, and I know that you still have more worlds ahead of you.
“I pray that goodness and mercy will continue to follow you. The nation would continually celebrate you because of what you have done.”
The wife of President Tinubu also commended the Nigeria Army for giving a female, the chance to excel.
She added: “I want to thank the Nigerian Army for giving you that opportunity, for realising that this is your time and you did not disappoint them.
“You have opened doors for other women so that they can look at them and given them a trial.
“I pray that God will teach you every step of the way, how to behave and you will bring joy to your generation and generation unborn because you have become a reference.”
Mrs Tinubu further encouraged the nation’s youth to emulate Owowoh’s resilience and cautioned them to desist from being destructive, lousy and problematic.
She, however, recommended Owowoh for a national award and encouraged her superiors to encourage her to become a youth advocate for others to learn positively from her.
Miss Owowoh, a 23-year officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces, graduated from RMA in a colourful sovereign parade on April 12.
She was a member of 70 Regular Course before she proceeded to the RMA for training.
Miss Owowoh passed out as second lieutenant alongside 24 other International Cadets with honours and was recognized for her exceptional performance during her time at the RMA.
Nollywood actor, Femi Adebayo has lamented the rate of film piracy in Nigeria.
He called for the issue to be immediately addressed.
Adebayo took to his instagram page, @femiadebayosalami, on Tuesday, to narrate his ordeal and how he recently came out victorious in his fight against piracy on one of his movies.
He noted that the dividend of the business of filmmaking had not been maximised due to the illegal activities of movie pirates.
Adebayo said: “The Nigerian film industry has experienced exponential growth over the years, but we haven’t been able to maximise the true dividends of this business because of dare devil pirates who benefit where they didn’t sow.
“This is a major reason why investors find it hard to commit their funds to filmmakers. However, through persistence and the use of the legal framework covering intellectual property, we can bring their activities to a gradual halt.
“Several times, I have been a victim of movie pirates and I never spared them. I recently concluded a legal battle with a notable media company that owns a big radio station and also engages in Youtube content distribution.
“During the cinema run of “Survival of Jelili” in 2019, my movie was gathering good numbers at that time. They decided to use my movie poster and title to promote a movie on their platform, thereby deceiving fans and diverting revenue accrued to me.
“It took 3 years, but my trust in the legal and justice system remained unwavering. With the dedication of our legal team, Bola Adebowale & Co Legal Practitioners, who are seasoned professionals with wealth of experience in handling such cases.
“They presented undeniable evidence, put up a strong argument, and took the case to trial. Their promptness, efficiency, and attention to detail played a huge part in the direction of the case. We won and were awarded a total of twenty-five five million Naira.
“This isn’t just my win as a filmmaker and content producer, but a win for all of Nollywood.”
According to him, filmmakers must be ready to fight intellectual property theft and piracy at all levels.
“Every win brings us closer to protecting and getting the true economic value of our works,” he said
I Appreciate Wike's Role In My Emergence As Governor But It's Not Enough To Worship Him – Gov Fubara
AFOLABI
Gov Sim Fubara of Rivers State has stated that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike played a huge role which led to his win during the elections but it is not enough reason to worship him.
Fubara made the declaration on Monday when he received the Bayelsa State delegation of political and traditional leaders, led by former governor of the state, Henry Seriake Dickson, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara noted that God uses humans as helpers, and there is nothing wrong with helping another person, but that does not mean the helper should take the place of God.
He further acknowledged the roles of the state leaders, especially the immediate past governor of Rivers State, in his political career and emergence as governor, but that is not enough to worship him.
He said, “God can do anything He wants to do when He wants to do it. It is only for us to realise that. God will not come down from Heaven but will pass through one man or woman to achieve His purpose.
“So, for that reason, when we act, we act as humans; human vessels that God has used, and not seeing yourself as God.
“I want to say this clearly that we appreciate the role our leaders, most especially the immediate past governor, played. But that is not enough for me to worship a human being. I can’t do that.”