President Bola Tinubu has asked the Central Bank of Nigeria to suspend the implementation of the controversial cybersecurity levy policy and ordered a review.
This followed the decision of the House of Representatives, which, last Thursday, asked the CBN to withdraw its circular directing all banks to commence charging a 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy on all electronic transactions in the country.
The CBN on May 6, 2024, issued a circular mandating all banks, mobile money operators, and payment service providers to implement a new cybersecurity levy, following the provisions laid out in the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024.
According to the Act, a levy amounting to 0.5 per cent of the value of all electronic transactions will be collected and remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund, overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Financial institutions are required to apply the levy at the point of electronic transfer origination.
The deducted amount is to be explicitly noted in customer accounts under the descriptor “Cybersecurity Levy” and remitted by the financial institution. All financial institutions are required to start implementing the levy within two weeks from the issuance of the circular.
By implication, the deduction of the levy by financial institutions should commence on May 20, 2024.
However, financial institutions are to make their remittances in bulk to the NCF account domiciled at the CBN by the fifth business day of every subsequent month.
The circular also stipulates a timeframe for financial institutions to reconfigure their systems to ensure complete and timely submission of remittance files to the Nigeria Interbank Settlement Systems Plc as follows: “Commercial, Merchant, Non-Interest, and Payment Service Banks – Within four weeks of the issuance of the Circular.
“All other Financial Institutions (Microfinance Banks, Primary Mortgage Banks, Development Financial Institutions) – Within eight weeks of the issuance of the Circular,” the circular noted.
The CBN has emphasised strict adherence to this mandate, warning that any financial institution that fails to comply with the provisions will face severe penalties. As outlined in the Act, non-compliant entities are subject to a minimum fine of two per cent of their annual turnover upon conviction.
The circular provides a list of transactions currently deemed eligible for exemption, to avoid multiple applications of the levy.
These are 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.
Exemptions include other financial institutions’ transfers to their correspondent banks, interbank placements, banks’ transfers to CBN and vice versa, inter-branch transfers within a bank, cheque clearing and settlements, letters of credit, and banks’ recapitalisation-related funding.
Others are bulk funds movement from collection accounts, savings, and deposits including transactions involving long-term investments such as treasury bills, bonds, and commercial papers, and government social welfare programmes transactions.
These may include pension payments, non-profit and charitable transactions including donations to registered non-profit organisations or charities, educational institutions transactions, including tuition payments and other transactions involving schools, universities, or other educational institutions, and transactions involving the bank’s internal accounts, inter-branch accounts, reserve accounts, nostro and vostro accounts, and escrow accounts.
The introduction of the new levy sparked varied reactions among stakeholders as it is expected to raise the cost of conducting business in Nigeria and could potentially hinder the growth of digital transaction adoption.
‘Stop levy now’
Members of the House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Central Bank of Nigeria to withdraw the circular directing financial institutions to commence implementation of the 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy, describing it as “ambiguous”.
The development was in response to a motion on the urgent need to halt and modify the implementation of the cybersecurity levy, moved by Kingsley Chinda.
According to the House, the CBN is to withdraw the initial circular, and “issue a more understandable one”.
Chinda had drawn the attention of the House to multiple interpretations of the CBN directive against the specifications in the Cybersecurity Act.
The House then expressed worry, that the Act would be implemented in error if immediate steps were not taken, to address the concerns around the interpretation of the CBN directive and the Cybersecurity Act.
However, sources with knowledge of Tinubu’s position on the issue told Sunday PUNCH that the President was aware of the economic burden on Nigerians since his hardline economic reforms began last May, adding that he did not want to risk adding to the burden with more levies.
A senior presidency official who preferred not to be named told our correspondent, “The President is sensitive to what Nigerians feel. And he will not want to proceed with implementing a policy that adds to the burden of the people.
“So, he has asked the CBN to hold off on that policy and ordered a review. I would have said he ordered the CBN, but that is not appropriate because the CBN is autonomous. But he has asked the CBN to hold off on it and review things again.”
Another presidency official who preferred to remain anonymous as he was not authorised to speak on the issue said these discrepancies prompted the President to order a review.
“If you look at it, the law predates the Tinubu administration. It was enacted in 2015 and signed by Goodluck Jonathan. It is only being implemented now.
“You know he (Tinubu) was not around when that directive was being circulated. And he does not want to present his government as being insensitive. As it is now, the CBN has held off the instruction to banks to start charging people. So, the President is sensitive. His goal is not to just tax Nigerians like that. That is not his intention. So, he has ordered a review of that law.”
Tax reforms not to frustrate Nigerians — Shettima
Meanwhile, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Saturday, said the tax reforms undertaken by the Bola Tinubu administration were not aimed to frustrate Nigerians but to sustain the country’s investment friendliness.
The VP, represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties Dr Aliyu Umar, spoke at the close-out retreat of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Shettima’s Spokesperson, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, revealed this in a statement titled, ‘Our tax reforms initiated for overall benefits of Nigerians – VP Shettima’.
He argued that contrary to speculations in some quarters, “we are not here to frustrate any sector of our economy but to create an administrative system that ensures the benefits of a thriving tax system for all our citizens”.
Levy suspension welcome development – PDP
Reacting to the decision of the President, the Peoples Democratic Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, welcomed the suspension of the cybersecurity levy policy implementation, noting that the policy should not have been introduced at all.
He said, “It was an anti-people decision from the beginning. It was an insensitive decision from the beginning. It was an ambush on the people who had already been frustrated by the multiple layers of taxes from the beginning. So, it was a very cruel introduction because you do not need to tax us to have cybersecurity.
“You do not need to tax the villagers or the people in the rural areas for cybersecurity. People who do not even have light. They don’t even have access to an internet connection. Well, if that is a show that the president is listening, then that is good. Then, he must now continue to listen more and begin to look at where the problem started and that is the issue of removal of subsidy without any cushioning of its effect. What will happen is that the president should go back further so that Nigerians can breathe by ensuring a policy that will reduce the hardship of the sudden removal of the subsidy.”
Also, reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprises, Dr Muda Yusuf, said the President’s decision shows he is a democrat, adding that the CBN should ensure that the reviewing process of the policy is very inclusive.
“The President’s decision is in line with the clamour by the people. There had been a lot of outcry about it and the fact that the president has responded shows that he is a democrat. It shows he is a listening leader. So we must commend him for listening to the voices of the people. It is a welcome development.
“The government should now look at the policy. I am sure it is not going to be only the CBN. Even the legislators should also look at it because they passed the law. But the key thing is that the policy needs to be reviewed. And the apex bank should take the review beyond the government level. It must consult the stakeholders and the organised private sectors. That is what will make the review very inclusive.”
Also speaking to Sunday PUNCH, the Director of Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, said while President Tinubu should be commended for the decision, the Federal Government should consider a total cancellation of the policy instead of a temporary suspension.
He said, “This is the right step in the right direction. It further accentuates the fact that President Tinubu listens to the voice of the people. And maybe it is because he used to be an activist. He knows that the voice of the people is the voice of God.
“But then, the suspension of the policy is not enough. It should result in the total cancellation of the policy. All the taxes, rates, and levies that are being imposed on the people should be streamlined so that if we want to pay personal income taxes, we should know that that is what we are paying. It is not that the government will take off personal income taxes and we should now pay for every service that we should enjoy from the government. And the increase in micro-economic products like petroleum and others should be made cheaper and affordable for all Nigerians,” he stated.
Also, a professor of Economics at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sheriffdeen Tella, cautioned the Federal Government against creating additional hardship for Nigerians. He said while the policy was not a bad idea, the timing was inappropriate.
He said, “There is nothing wrong with the levy but it was at the wrong time. The government should stop creating problems for itself. People are battling inflation and all sorts of inefficiency and you are imposing a tax on them. The president has done well by reversing it. It is not the right time to impose additional burdens on Nigerians. I commend the President for having the courage to do the right thing.”
SERAP threatens lawsuit
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project threatened to file a lawsuit if the Federal Government did not withdraw the levy within 48 hours. The group stated that the levy “patently violates the provisions of the Nigerian constitution 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international human rights obligations and commitments”.
Labour rejects levy
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress stated that the cybersecurity levy and several other levies and taxes already imposed on the citizens had deepened the financial burden on the populace currently grappling with economic challenges.
A statement signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, demanded the reversal of the directive by CBN, adding that the Federal Government should prioritise policies that alleviate the financial burdens of Nigerians. NLC said the move, which was ostensibly aimed at bolstering cybersecurity measures, could exacerbate the financial strain already faced by the populace.
•Says the beheading of one Alhaji sparked killings
•‘How sponsors of attack tried to eliminate me in prison custody
•Pleads for legal help to appeal the death sentence
•Miyetti Allah disowns latest mayhem
Eight years after the massacre of April 25, 2016, that left no less than 40 persons dead in Nimbo in the Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu State, the only person who was convicted for the mass murder, Mohamed Zurai, has confessed to his participation in the crime.
But he said he was complicit to the crime to the extent of video recording the killings and not killing anyone.
Zurai, a herdsman, told Sunday Vanguard that the Nimbo massacre was carried out because one Alhaji was beheaded by assailants in the Enugu community.
He spoke to our correspondent during an undercover operation in Enugu Correctional Center where he is waiting for the hangman’s noose.
Justice Anthony Onovo of the Nsukka Division of Enugu State High Court had, on May 17, 2023, pronounced the death sentence on him.
The murderer was among five suspects arraigned on May 9, 2017 for the mass murder in Nimbo on April 25, 2016.
They were charged with murder contrary to Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap 30 Vol II of the Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.
Zurai was the prime suspect whose cell phone was found to have recorded the Nimbo killings.
Delivering judgment on the matter on May 17, 2023, Justice Onovo said, “In all, the only person who has been shown to have participated in the killing at Nimbo community on 25/4/2016 is the 1st defendant, Mohammed Zurai.
“He is hereby convicted as charged. The 2nd defendant (Alhaji Ciroma Musa) and the 3rd defendant (Sale Adanmu) not having been found guilty are hereby discharged and acquitted.”
According to him, many went for the operation but he used his phone to do a video recording of the killings in his image also appeared in the video as a selfie.
He disclosed that sponsors of the killings wanted to eliminate him while in prison custody, alleging that some persons were offered N300,000 to kill him so that he would not live to tell the story of what happened but that the request was turned down.
The murderer, who said there were over 20 that carried out the operation, however, denied killing anybody at Nimbo but said he was behind his colleagues and that his only job was to record the killings.
Zurai wondered why only he was convicted while his friends who were arraigned with him also participated in the operation but were freed.
He, therefore, pleaded for the telephone number of this reporter so that he could communicate with him afterwards since he agreed to help him get a lawyer who could appeal his death sentence.
Zuari looked 30 years old and fair in complexion.
MACBAN disowns fresh attack
Meanwhile, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has dissociated itself from the suspected herdsmen’s attack on the Nimbo community around the anniversary of the 2016 incident.
The latest attack came on Sunday, April 28 2024 and killed four members of the community.
The attack, which occurred at Ugwuijoro community where villagers had gathered to mourn the dead, also left many injured.
Reports had it that a member of the community was also shot dead at the nearby Opanda community, three days before the Nimbo incident.
The people of Uzo-Uwani LGA allege that there are many herdsmen camps around Ugboda, Adani and Opanda in the council area because of the thick forests there.
Governor Peter Mbah described the attack as unacceptable, vowing that the government would track down and bring the attackers to book.
Mbah footed the medical bills of the wounded people and awarded scholarships and jobs to bereaved family members while the Nimbo community asked the state government to strengthen their neighbourhood watch group.
MACBAN, dissociating itself from the attack, accused native security operatives of killing their members in the South-East.
National Deputy Director General of the group, Gidado Siddiki, who made the allegation, said their members and livestock had been targeted while he exonerated herdsmen of any wrongdoing in the zone, blaming kidnappings and other crimes committed in the bush and farmland in the zone on criminals.
Sidikki lamented that their markets had been indiscriminately destroyed under the guise of rooting out criminality, with no evidence of wrongdoing found on them, stating that even in the remote areas where they graze cattle, they face increasing threats from criminals without a response from the government or local leadership.
He appealed to the state governments in the South-East and leaders of host communities to recognize them as strategic stakeholders and refrain from “unfounded” attribution of wrongdoing to every herdsman out there.
[Vanguard]
The Army Headquarters has announced investigation into a viral footage showing soldiers protesting at the 8 Division Garrison detention facility in Sokoto.
The footage, circulating on social media, depicts personnel held in custody expressing grievances.
In a statement signed Saturday by Onyema Nwachukwu, Major General Director Army Public Relations, the Army regretted the incident adding that it would not condone the soldiers’ behaviour, which constitutes mutiny and misconduct.
According to the report, the Chief of Army Staff has ordered a probe to determine if the incident is isolated or widespread in similar facilities.
“Undoubtedly, the Sokoto barracks detention facility incident is quite unfortunate and an embarrassment to the sound administration efforts of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to say the least, and in line with his leadership style, the COAS has instituted an appropriate investigation into the incident to determine whether it is an isolated or widespread situation in similar detention facilities.
“While the service regrets and has gleaned some lessons from the incident, it will however not condone the manner the inmates expressed their purported grievance. Mutiny and conduct prejudicial to service order are grievous misconducts, and this very incident epitomises such.
“As such, as Army, on the one side, goes ahead to implement the COAS directive to look into the state of all NA detention facilities, as detainees’ lives also matter, the Service shall not shy away from appropriately sanctioning the soldiers involved in the unruly behaviour in its Sokoto detention facility for failing to exhaust all available options to channel their complaints to the appropriate authorities and if it was discovered they did and nothing was done, necessary administrative actions will be taken against anyone found to have failed to discharge his/her duties effectively.
“While the Service is mindful of its subjective oversight engagements by statutory bodies, it remains primarily a responsible, self-regulating professional body. As such, the Service remains committed to ensuring that everyone, even those found guilty of aiding terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits, and are awaiting confirmation of their sentencing, as it has been discovered in the Sokoto case is accorded a relatively decent life until their judgment is confirmed and executed. This commitment underscores the NA’s dedication to upholding professional standards and maintaining a just and fair system.
“The NA appreciates all Nigerians for their concern and support as well as pledge to remain focused on its drive to defeating security challenges facing the nation in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies,” the statement added.
…urges Tinubu to call Wike to order
The former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has said the Rivers State Governor Similaye Fubura, was being haunded by his political opponents for daring to prevent the looting of the state.
He explained that the political crisis in the state was orchestrated by those who demand unfettered access to the finances of the state a demand the governor has refused to accept.
Secondus who spoke in Abuja, on Saturday, also accused the immediate past Governor of the state and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of being the brain behind Fubura’s political troubles.
He explained that Wike’s conduct, utterances and unrelenting fued with the governor, has cast the state in bad light.
Secondus said, “Wike has been Governor for eight years and is now Minister of the FCT. As Minister, what, has he (Wike) attracted in terms of Federal projects to our dear State since he assumed office? Perhaps misery, grief, and anguish. As Governor he had supervised the exit of investors from the state due to his draconian policies.
“He had on an occasion mentioned that he is capable of causing crisis and he is not far from the truth, as he is causing an unfathomable crisis in Rivers State.
“Mrs Patience Jonathan and I worked for his emergence as governor, have we ever breathed down his neck? Instead what we get is disrespect and insults.
“ I can attest to Dr. Odili’s performance as Governor being the State PDP chairman then. I hasten to say without any fear of contradiction that he is the best governor of Rivers State in this dispensation.
“Wike claims that our revered Dr. Odili made him but in his characteristic manner, he publicly ridiculed the Odili’s without any justification. He owes them an unreserved apology and he should do so publicly.
“These media attacks against the political leaders of Rivers State are unwarranted and diversionary.
“For the records you should account for the three hundred million dollars($300m) you collected from the NNPC for the Ogoni Oil well and the cash refund made by the Saipem oil and gas company and subsequently account for your eight-year tenure of over N4Trillion realized, mismanaged and squandered. Rather than trying to cover your inadequacies through media attacks.”
These attacks, he stressed, might dovetail into a national crisis if not properly checked.
While appealing to President Bola Tinubu to reign in the FCT minister, Secondus added, “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prevail on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to stop overheating the Rivers State political atmosphere and allow Fubara to work. Whatever Wike thinks he is It must be stressed that Rivers people made him.”
....as Dean of Agric Urges Pursuit of Excellence
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi has stated that the University is open to collaborations with the William Anam's Farm.
The Vice-Chancellor stated this when representatives of the late William Awak Anam's family paid her a courtesy visit recently.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaborations, Prof. Peter C. Okafor, the Vice Chancellor while interfacing with the Anams at the University's Council Chambers said that the institution was ready to collaborate with them in areas of mutual benefits.
Prof. Obi while extending Management's condolences over the demise of their father, celebrated the faculty for making the effort to reach out.
She said collaborating with the faculty in real-time will not only improve their knowledge but also make them more active in agriculture.
The University Administrator apologized for not including the family's award in the last convocation Brochure, promising that the award will be included in the next convocation which is going to be the 50th and a milestone convocation.
She appreciated the family for the award stating that it will no doubt motivate others to be focused, especially the practical year students.
In a related development, the Dean of, the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Susan Ohen has urged students of the Faculty of Agriculture to continue to pursue excellence in all their academic endeavours.
The Dean stated that the William Anam Award which was initially planned to be presented at the just concluded 36th Convocation, was hindered due to unforeseen circumstances. Speaking during the formal presentation of the Late William Anam's maiden award for the Best Practical Year Student of the 2020/2021 graduating class held at the Faculty of Agriculture Post- Graduate Hall, Prof. Ohen said that Mr. Anam, an alumnus of the faculty, was very passionate about agriculture.
The Dean used the occasion to commend the wife and family of the Late alumnus for making his desire come true by sustaining the initiative of conferring an award on the best practical student in the faculty.
This is even as she admonished the award recipient to see it as a motivation to do more academically.
In a presentation titled; "Striving for Excellence in Academics", Prof. Ausaji A. Ayuk said to strive is to struggle, push or fight vigorously, and to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something, while excellence is the quality of being outstanding or extremely good, and academic is relating to education.
The one-time Dean of Agric thus, challenged the students to see beyond where they presently are and make sure they achieve their desired goals.
The wife of the Late William Anam thanked the University and the Faculty of Agriculture for allowing her family to confer the maiden William Awak Anam Award for the Best Practical Student.
Mrs. Maryanne William Anam stated that her late husband, the initiator of the award who unfortunately passed on in 2023 at the age of 58 was a passionate alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture, a successful farmer with an uncanny zeal for nurturing and seeing other people grow.
To this end, she pledged on behalf of the WILLIAM ANAM FARMS that the William Awak Anam award will be sustained as an annual event for deserving students as a way of motivating them.
The high point of the event was the presentation of the award which has a cash backing of a hundred thousand naira, to the Best Graduating Student in Practicals for the 2020/2021 session by the VC'S representative, DVC, Research, Linkages and Collaborations, Prof. Peter C. Okafor to the award recipient Mr. Emmanuel John Amadi.
Public Relations Unit
University of Calabar
Air travel can be a thrilling experience, filled with excitement and anticipation as you embark on a new adventure or reunite with loved ones. However, the thrill of flying can quickly turn into a nightmare if you find yourself detained at the airport. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first flight, it’s essential to know what can land you in hot water with airport authorities. From seemingly innocuous mistakes to serious offenses, there are several things that can get you detained at the airport, causing frustration, delay, and even legal consequences.
In today’s security-conscious world, airports have strict rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. While these measures are necessary, they can also lead to unintentional violations. As a traveler, it is important to be aware of the dos and don’ts of air travel to avoid any unnecessary delays or complications on your journey. By knowing what to avoid, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience, and make the most of your time in the air.
Here are 8 of such things that can get you detained at the airport
Prohibited items
When packing for your next trip, it is essential to know what items are allowed in your luggage. While it isobvious that illegal substances are a no-go, many travelers are unaware of the other prohibited items that can land them in trouble. For instance, India prohibits books and maps that incorrectly displays their external boundaries, while Japan prioritizes public safety and morals by prohibiting books, drawings and carvings . Dubai, on the other hand, has strict rules around food and wildlife products. To avoid any issues, always check the customs websites of your destination country and familiarize yourself with their specific rules and regulations.
Invalid or damaged travel documents
Airline and country-specific regulations govern travel document requirements, ensuring hassle-free boarding. These documents must not be expired and often need to remain valid for a certain period beyond the travel date. This precaution ensures flexibility in case of flight delays, enabling travelers to board alternative return flights. Before heading to the airport, meticulously review passport and visa validity guidelines. For instance, countries like Thailand, Nepal, and Turkey mandate six months of passport validity upon entry, while most European Union nations require three months, and New Zealand stipulates one month beyond the intended departure date.
Additionally, ensure the visibility and clarity of your photo and bio data. Any damage, such as rips, tears, or water damage, could result in travel disruptions until replacement documents are obtained. It is important to note that travel documents extend beyond passports; some countries necessitate supplementary documents, such as prior travel history, parental consent for minors, vaccination records, or proof of accommodation during the stay.
Prescriptions and medications
When traveling with medications, it is important to research the regulations of your destination country. While some medicines may be allowed with a doctor’s note, others are strictly prohibited. The International Narcotics Control Board provides some guidance, but it is essential to verify the specific rules for each country on your travel route, including transit countries.
Some medications, like Sudafed, are considered controlled substances that are banned in certain countries, like Mexico. Violating these laws can have severe consequences. To ensure a smooth journey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends checking with the embassies of each country to confirm that your medications are permitted. If you are taking restricted medications, especially life-sustaining, psychiatric, or psychotropic drugs, consult your doctor about alternative options or equivalent substitutions available in your destination country. This will help you avoid any potential issues and ensure your health and safety while traveling.
Large sums of cash or undeclared items
When traveling, especially in countries like the US, it is important to notify authorities if you are carrying large sums of money or valuables exceeding a certain threshold, typically around $10,000. This could include items like jewelry, expensive clothing, or electronics. In places like South Africa and Canada, completing declaration forms before your trip can help avoid potential fines and delays at the airport.
Flammable and explosive materials
Traveling with flammable or explosive items can lead to flight disruptions. Fireworks, including small sparklers, are strictly prohibited on airplanes due to safety concerns. Even friction during the flight can trigger their ignition, posing a risk to passengers and crew. In the US, violating these rules can result in civil penalties of up to $75,000 per offense, with potential criminal charges for those importing them for sale. What ever your reason for travelling, it is essential to refrain from carrying any items intended for ignition.
Unreported plants, pets or exotic animals
Transporting living organisms across borders, including plants, pets, and animals, is subject to strict regulations. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) advises travelers to check the Don’t Pack a Pest website for plant-related declarations. The US Fish and Wildlife Service provides guidance on avoiding prohibited live animals and products. Regulations vary by airline and country; for instance, Jamaica restricts certain dog breeds. Transporting exotic animals may require specialized pet transporters to ensure compliance with vaccination and quarantine measures. Check with your airline and embassy for the latest guidelines.
Unsettled legal matters
Legal matters left unresolved can disrupt your travel plans, as airport authorities worldwide have access to databases containing information on individuals with criminal records or outstanding warrants.For instance, individuals with unpaid fines attempting to enter or leave New Zealand may face interception by police at the airport, according to the Ministry of Justice website. Similarly, in the US, those owing over $2,500 in child support are ineligible for a US passport.
Ensure compliance with the law before embarking on air travel. If you have pending civil or criminal issues, consult legal counsel to confirm travel eligibility. Prioritize resolving any warrants or fines before your flight, and carry documentation of resolution to prevent potential airport complications.
Traveling while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
If ground or cabin crew suspect you have had too much to drink and pose a risk to yourself and others, it could lead to delays. Keep in mind that alcohol consumption is prohibited in certain countries. Being under the influence or carrying alcohol in luggage can lead to detention or imprisonment.
[BusinessDay]
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has berated opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly over its perceived silence on the controversial cybersecurity levy.
Naija News reports that on May 6, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directed banks and other financial institutions to implement a 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy on electronic transfers.
Many Nigerians and groups have expressed their dissatisfaction, highlighting that banking transactions are becoming increasingly costly due to numerous charges.
Speaking on the the situation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the TUC President, Festus Usifo, questioned the silence of the opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly.
He lamented that the lawmakers have refused to take a stance on the situation.
Usifo accused the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of making life more difficult for the Nigerian people.
He said, “Where are the opposition parties in the National Assembly? Where are the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP members?”
“Even if the ruling party today wants to suffocate Nigerians and the opposition, you hear nothing from them. It is really that bad. This kind of attitude where we don’t see bills like this in the newspapers that there is going to be public hearings, and we don’t hear any advertisement on major television channels that there is going to be a public hearing. What are they doing with the budget of the National Assembly?”
According to him, the organised labour was not carried along by the lawmakers in the passage of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024.
[NaijaNews]
Emergency healthcare in Nigeria faces critical challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, limited ambulance availability, and a missing emergency fund of N26.3 billion, impacting frontline hospitals’ ability to provide essential care.
LEADERSHIP checks reveal that a N26.3 billion fund for medical emergency care cannot be tapped by most frontline hospitals confronted with patients who need it the most.
The fund, the equivalent of five percent of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), is missing in action years after the National Health Act established it to cover essential medical services during emergencies.
Between 2020 and 2024, N526.9 billion was approved for the BHCPF, five per cent of which is over N26.3 billion.
This is as the cost of treating emergency cases in Nigeria has accrued to N200 billion in the past 10 years, even as the Nigerian private medical practitioners have called on the government to release the 2.5 per cent of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for emergency medical treatment.
Emergency incidents, no doubt, present a huge medical burden on the healthcare system in Nigeria. According to a 2019 Emergency Response Africa (ERA) survey, three out of four Nigerians had experienced at least one medical emergency in the last five years, with over a quarter of Nigerians having more than four emergencies.
Medical conditions (acute and chronic) and road traffic accidents contributed significantly to the number of emergencies. For instance, a total number of road traffic crashes in Q4 2022 was 3,617, indicating an increase of 6.01 per cent from the previous quarter which recorded 3,412 and a 6.16 per cent rise from 3,407 in Q4 2021, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed.
Statista report revealed that over 11,800 road traffic accidents were reported in Nigeria between October and December of 2021; of those, approximately 10,200 were injuries and about 1,700 were registered deaths.
A study titled: “Mortality patterns in the accident and emergency department of an urban hospital in Nigeria”, averred that some of the deaths occurred within six hours of arrival at the emergency department of a major urban hospital in Nigeria.
To reverse this trend, the former president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari launched the BHCPF appropriated by the National Assembly for the first time in the 2018 budget since the National Health Act (NHAct) was enacted in 2014.
In accordance with the NHAct 2014, the BHCPF is derived from an annual grant from the federal government of Nigeria of not less than one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF); grants by international donor partners and funds from any other source, inclusive of the private sector.
The NHAct sets out the important drivers to guide disbursement of the BHCPF. These “Payment Gateways” are in three-fold and the Act states that 50 per cent (one half) of the Fund shall be disbursed through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and deployed towards the provision of the Basic Minimum Package Health Scheme (BMPHS) in eligible primary or secondary health care facilities.
Forty-five per cent of the Fund is meant to be disbursed through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and deployed to strengthening Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in eligible PHC facilities for the provision of essential drugs, vaccines and consumables; provision and maintenance of facilities, equipment and transport; and development of human resources: 2.5 per cent shall be disbursed through a committee appointed by the National Council on Health (NCH) and deployed towards emergency medical treatment and 2.5 per cent goes to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
Current contributions into the basket fund of the BHCPF includes N88,993,570,146.91of which N59,203,966,455.42 has been disbursed to states as at June 2022, (with balance of N30,120,321,166.18), according to document obtained by LEADERSHIP Weekend.
National president, Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) Dr. Kayode Adesola told LEADERSHIP Weekend that section 20(1) of the NHAct (2014) provides that “a health care provider, health worker or health establishment shall not refuse a person emergency medical treatment for any reason.
“Since 2014, we, the private medical practitioners, have been treating emergency cases, as stipulated by the law, without being paid a dime. From our calculation, the cost of treating emergency cases across the over 11,000 private health facilities in Nigeria, has surpassed N200 billion from 2014 till date,” Adesola revealed.
Speaking on the efforts to recoup their money, the national president said, “We know that 2.5 per cent of the BHCPF is meant for emergency medical treatment. We have confronted the National Assembly appealing to them to investigate where the money is. Private hospitals across Nigeria are receiving emergency cases, without being paid. Anybody can be a victim of any form of emergency.”
If government refuses to pay the money, Adesola posited that they will not continue this charity care forever, as they set up their clinics to make money, adding that it does not make sense if government decided to enforce the penalty for not adhering to section 20(1) of the NHAct (2014).
He called on Nigerians to appeal to the government to release the fund. “We need the senate to help us look for that money. Any of us can be a victim,” Adesola affirmed.
Country director, PharmAccess Nigeria, Njide Ndili, told LEADERSHIP Weekend at the sideline of the 2024 Medic West Africa Conference, that a lot of Nigerians are being turned away, adding that, “When you get to the hospital, in an emergency, you may be turned away. The first thing they will ask you is who is going to pay. The private hospitals don’t want to admit that, that is why they are turning people away, because they provide services and at the end of the day, nobody pays for the treatment. We need to find the 2.5 per cent of the PHCPF. Government needs to provide that fund for private hospitals to be able to fully enforce the NHAct 2024.”
The medical director, Head of Emergency Care, R-Jolad Hospital, Dr. Abiola Fasina Ayoola, explained that most of the public health engagements are focused on malaria, HIV and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). However, there is need to flesh out these engagements/discussions in terms of incorporating emergency, critical and operative care, she said, adding that, “We don’t give attention to acute emergency care, yet, trauma and emergency affect almost all Nigerians, surpassing malaria, TB and HIV combined.
“For instance, road accident kills more Nigerians than anything. R-Jolad is right on the highway and we are getting young victims all the time. We are spending like N7 million in a month, with zero chance of recouping these funds. While we try to treat as many survivors that come to the hospital, we should not forget that we established the hospital to make money. We can’t give charity care 100 per cent all the time. We cannot continue this charity care for ever, without some sort of financing mechanism. To achieve equity in emergency care services, we must tackle the issue of healthcare financing. Someone has to foot the emergency bill,” she asserted.
The deputy chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Samaila Kaila, affirmed that the health system in Nigeria is not working and as such, one should not expect a component of the system to work.
Speaking on the emergency fund, Kaila said that National Council on Health approved a committee in the ministry of health, headed by a director to administer the fund.
On the need to formulate a law to improve emergency funding, Kaila stated that there are only two medical personnel in the Senate Committee on Health, adding that it is not easy to convince the rest of the committee members when it comes to critical matters like this. He therefore called on Nigerians to take the issue of politics seriously. “If we really want to change the way we are doing things, we have to get the right people to man critical positions,” he stated.
The chief medical director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Emem Bassey, further affirmed that the 2.5 per cent for emergency treatment is with the Ministry of Health. “Sadly, the money is what is being used for the national emergency medical service and ambulance system. That is where your 2.5 per cent is. So, I am afraid it may not be given to private medical practitioners, unless they fight for it,” he stated.
[Leadership]
The member representing Aguata Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Rep. Dominic Okafor, has threatened to take legal action over a media report that he collected a bribe of $140 million from Binance.
He stated this while addressing journalists at the House of Representatives on Friday.
He said the publication was an attempt to smear his name and integrity after moving a motion to probe the escape of a Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, from the custody of Nigerian security.
He said: “Shortly after I moved that motion, which was well received and a lot of people were calling to commend me, I started getting calls from my friends all over the world saying I collected bribes from this very company. I got worried and wrote a letter to Premium Times, the media company that originated the story.”
“I wrote a letter to them which I copied the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Clerk, Inspector General of Police, EFCC and DSS. I asked them to retrieve the information within 24 hours, if not I will take legal action against them.”
It would be recalled that bribery allegations were levelled against members of a ‘federal government’s committee’ by an executive of Binance, an online cryptocurrency trading platform.
[DailyTrust]
The recent report by the International Rescue Committee, IRC, that an estimated 16 percent of Nigerians will face severe food insecurity and extreme hunger between June and August 2024 is a big source of concern to many Nigerians.
According to the report, the 2024 figure is higher than that of 2023- a clear indication of the increasing spate of hunger and the worsening living conditions, not only in Nigeria, but also across the West and Central Africa regions.
The report further revealed that the total number of people across West and Central Africa, who are likely to face food insecurity during the period, popularly referred to as the lean season, stands at a staggering 52 million, which is about 12 percent of the analysed population.
However, in Nigeria, the report said about 32 million people, representing about 16 percent of the country’s population, would face severe hunger, a development that is considered to be at a crisis level or emergency food insecurity.
The report said: “Looking ahead, the projected outlook for the period June-August 2024 appears even more severe.
“Nearly 52 million people across the 17 analysed countries are anticipated to face phases three to five during the lean season of June-August. This translates to 12 percent of the analysed population struggling to meet their basic food and nutrition requirements.
“These countries include Mauritania (656 652, 14 percent), Burkina Faso (2 734 196, 12 percent), Niger (3 436,892, 13 percent), Chad (3,364,453, 20 percent), Sierra Leone (1,569,895, 20 percent), and Nigeria (31,758,164, 16 percent).”
The report went further to state that the situation would be more severe in the northern states of Sokoto and Zamfara, where the IRC analysis described the situation as critical, with over 15 percent of the children in the states experiencing acute malnutrition.
According to the report, the major contributory factors to the severe food insecurity across the Sahel region include insecurity, climate change, and worsening macroeconomic conditions, especially on the inflationary front.
DAILY POST recalls that in January 2024, the average inflation rate in the region stood at 21 percent, which is an increase from the 18 percent that was recorded in the same period in 2023.
Earlier in the year, the World Bank, in its food security report for Nigeria, projected that seven states in the North would face severe food security problems with the spate of food inflation and insecurity across the food-producing states.
While the Boko Haram insurgency greatly affected food production in the North East, leading to the destruction of farmlands, the farmer-herder crisis and banditry have significantly affected food production across the North West and North Central regions of Nigeria.
Reports show that insecurity, coupled with disruptions in global food supply chains has pushed food inflation in Nigeria to about 40.01 percent in March.
Nigeria has an estimated population of over 200 million people, making it the most populous country in Africa, and the sixth in the world. It is also believed to be the 10th largest producer of oil in the world, but ironically, about 84 million Nigerians, representing about 37 percent of the population live below poverty line, according to the World Food Programme, WFP, report.
The WFP also agreed with the IRC report that insurgent activities in the north, have added to a fragile resource environment, deepened insecurity, hampered development and heightened the food and nutrition insecurity of vulnerable women and children
However, with the recent report, Nigerians have expressed fear that the prediction might come to pass.
Some observers, however, agreed that Sokoto and Zamfara states may not be the worst hit states when the time comes, looking at the level of havoc that kidnappers and militant herdsmen are wreaking in the North central states of Nigeria.
They, however, called on the government to sit up and ensure that Nigerians were not thrown into such a precarious situation.
One of those urging the government to take decisive action against banditry, kidnapping and all forms of criminalities is the president of the Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Dr. Pogu Bitrus.
He believes that only the government has the powers to prevent the IRC’s projection from manifesting, by tackling insecurity headlong.
He emphasised that Nigeria does not need any international body to give her the report of an impending hunger between June and August because the reality is staring everybody in the face.
“We know it is a reality because banditry has reached a stage where farmers can’t go to farm, and if farmers can’t go to farm, naturally, there won’t be food to eat.
“Besides, that time is a period when crops like maize are expected to mature, and if there is no maize to complement or supplement whatever that is out there, then there will be trouble, and hunger will definitely set in, unless the government rises up and does something to address the insecurity situation.
“So, their report is in order because it is in line with what is on ground. Unfortunately, it will not be worse in only Sokoto and Zamfara as the report stated, because there are so many other areas where bandits do not allow farmers to go to farm.
“And in such situations, you will agree with me that there will be a devastating hunger unless the government takes a proactive action to address the issue of banditry, so that farmers can return to farm in peace,” he told DAILY POST.
Also aligning with the IRC’s report is a former lawmaker in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon Yusuf Shehu.
He believes that traditionally, the people in Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina axis experience shortage of food between June and August every year but lamented that the insecurity in those areas would worsen the situation this year.
The ex-lawmaker told DAILY POST that, “Ordinarily, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and other states on that axis receive their first rains around May/June; so it is the beginning of the harvesting season.
“And every year, we, in the north, normally experience food shortage around June/July because most people would have brought out the remaining food in stock at that period to plant for the next season. And there is nothing more for the peasant farmers to do than to go to farm during the period.
“Now, considering the insecurity situation in the country today, where bandits and kidnappers are riding roughshod on the people, coupled with the high cost of living, obviously, there will be acute food shortage.
“The period is the beginning of the harvesting season and the bandits and kidnappers don’t allow people to go to farm; so what do you expect? Added to that is the removal of fuel subsidy which has heightened the cost of living.
“So, for me, I think the report is a wake-up call to the government to take steps in advance so that unavoidable deaths that could result from known calamity could be avoided.
“It is for the government to take the war to the bandits and kidnappers, clear them from our forests and bushes, and allow the farmers to go back to the farm.
“That is the only way to avert the IRC’s prediction, otherwise the percentage of Nigerians that would face severe hunger during the period could even be far more than the predicted 16 percent,” he stated.
A lawyer and public affairs commentator, Nnamani C.I, said there was no hard and fast rule to making food available, apart from creating an enabling environment for farmers to do their farm work without fear of being attacked, kidnapped or even killed.
He stressed that it would be a surprise and one of the greatest miracles of the century if, between June and July, Nigerians don’t experience a biting food crisis.
The lawyer said bandits and kidnappers had taken over the farms and forests, forcing the farmers to stay permanently at home.
“It is when farmers go to farm that they can produce. A situation where bandits, kidnappers, herdsmen and Boko Haram Islamist insurgents have driven farmers away from the farm, without any reaction from any quarter, what do you expect? Do you expect manna to fall from heaven in this 21 century? No, that won’t happen.
“The report by the IRC is just stating the obvious. We know that we are in big trouble. And unless the government takes the report seriously and rises to its responsibility, Nigeria may experience civil unrest of unprecedented proportions, and it will start from the north.
“There is a saying that a hungry man is an angry man; and an angry man is violent, while a violent man is an unreasonable man that is capable of doing anything, should not be disputed by any reasonable human.
“The report has just warned the government of a danger lurking around the corner. And I believe the government will not just fold its arms and allow the prediction to come to reality.
“I expect the government to declare a total war against those enemies of the state, rout them out once and for all and allow the farmers to return to farm in peace.
“That way, what the IRC said in its report may not be as adverse as it would have been, but if the government fails to act, the prediction might just be a child’s play to the kind of hunger that will envelop the country, particularly those on the fringes of Sahel during the period,” he told DAILY POST.
[DailyPost]
More...
• Prince, wife begin Nigerian visit, campaign for mental health
• He’s not representing King Charles, says High Commissioner
It was a fun-filled day for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle yesterday as the couple freely interacted and chatted with students, soldiers and government officials at the start of a 72-hour visit to Nigeria.
They pumped hands, patted backs, danced, posed for selfies and were cheered by fans, who were eager to give them a first-hand experience of Nigerian hospitality.
The couple’s British Airways plane touched down in Abuja just before 5am following a slight delay caused by the scheduled pilot unexpectedly falling sick and replacement scrambled.
Five hours after their arrival, the royal couple visited the Wuse Lightway Academy where they spoke about mental health at the school supported by their Archewell Foundation.
The Prince in particular evoked memories of his suffering in the aftermath of his mother Princess Diana’s death, saying: “’In some cases around the world, in more than you would believe, there is a stigma when it comes to mental health.
“Too many people don’t want to talk about it, because it’s invisible – something in your mind that you can’t see. It’s not like a broken leg, it’s not like a broken wrist; it’s something we are still relatively unsure of.
“But guess what? Every single person in this room – the youngest, the oldest – every single person has mental health. So therefore you have to look after yourselves to be able to look after other people, and other people have to be able to look after themselves to be able to look after you. That’s the way it works.
“And there is no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day, OK? That you woke up this morning feeling sad; that you were at school, feeling stressed; that you’ve lost a loved one in your family and you don’t know who to turn to or who to speak to. All of these things you may even be led to believe are not for conversation.
“We are here today to tell you that that is not the case. Every single one of those things is completely normal, it is a human reaction, whether it’s grief, stress, whatever the feeling is. It comes from an experience that you have had – you can have it, she (Meghan) can have it, I can have it. They can have it. Every single one of us is likely to have it on any given day.
“So if you take anything away from today, just know that mental health affects every single person.”
Meghan: “I see myself in all of you”
Also speaking, Meghan Markle said: “’As I look around this room, I see myself in all of you as well. So it is a complete honour to have our first visit to Nigeria, be here with all of you.
“We believe in all of you, we believe in your futures, we believe in your ability to continue telling your stories and to just be honest with each other. There is no need to suffer in silence. Just make sure that you’re taking care of yourselves (and) your mental health.
“So thank you to all of you. Thank you to these teams, to our executive director of the Archewell Foundation, whose birthday is today.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex thereafter visited the Defence Headquarters in Abuja where they were received by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.
Also on hand to welcome them were wives of military officers led by the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho Musa and top officers of the Nigerian military.
The visitors went into closed door meeting with the defence chief, at the end of which they declined to speak with newsmen.
They later left for Kaduna to comfort Nigerian troops who were wounded across various theaters of operations and currently receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital.
Prince Harry, who was y welcomed at the Kashim Ibrahim House, by the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, said his visit was to r boost the morale of the wounded soldiers.
He said reports he earlier received from CDS Musa indicated that the Invictus Games, an initiative of the Prince, has brought joy to injured troops from Nigeria.
He said participating in the Invictus Games had a positive impact on the morale of wounded troops, restoring smiles to their faces.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani expressed gratitude to Prince Harry for the visit, recognising it as a testament to his dedication to inspiring recovery, aiding rehabilitation, and honoring the courageous troops.
“Your visit reminds us of another happy event 68 years ago, when Queen Elizabeth II, your grandmother, was welcomed to Kaduna on 2nd February, 1956, by our revered leader, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello (of blessed memory),” the governor said.
The governor described his guest as “a symbol of courage, perseverance, compassion, and the oneness of humanity.”
The Invictus Games, according to Wikipedia, is an international multi-sport event first held in 2014 for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans.
The word ‘Invictus’ is Latin for ‘unconquered’, chosen as an embodiment of the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel and what they can achieve post-injury.
The Invictus Games were founded by Prince Harry, the Ministry of Defense, and with the assistance of Sir Keith Mills. The inspiration came from Prince Harry’s 2013 visit to the Warrior Games in the United States, where he witnessed the ability of sport to help both psychologically and physically.[1]
The Games were launched on 6 March 2014 by Prince Harry at London’s Copper Box arena, used as a venue during the 2012 Olympics.
[TheNation]
Senator Ali Ndume has condemned the controversial cybersecurity levy recently introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, adding that the Federal Government cannot continue to impose levies on Nigerians without increasing their income.
The All Progressives Congress lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, disclosed this on Channels Television’s Politics Today Programme on Friday.
Ndume stressed that the cybersecurity levy will increase the tax burden on Nigerians.
The senate leader said, “You cannot be loading taxes on people when you are not increasing their income. Their source of income, you are not widening it, you are not increasing it. I am not part of those that support levying people anyhow.”
The lawmaker said although he was part of the senators who supported the amendment of the Cybersecurity Act, it was regrettable that he didn’t spot the part that has placed a burden on Nigerians.
“The amendment to the Cybersecurity Act, I supported it but not the nitty-gritty and I am not trying to run away from any blame. We have issues with cybercrime you know that, and there is a need for the government to improve the Cybercrime Act, that is what I understand by the amendment.
“Looking at the nitty-gritty would have been the responsibility of interested parties. If I had known there is an issue where a cost would be transferred to a customer or a Nigerian, I would not agree,” he said.
Ndume said the lawmakers alone should not take the blame for the Act, saying that where some things escape the notice of the lawmakers, civil society organisations and the labour unions are supposed to point out grey areas during public hearing.
On May 6, the CBN had in a circular directed all deposit money banks, mobile money operators and payment service providers to begin the deduction of the levy to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund, administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The proposed levy has since been greeted by condemnations, with the labour unions threatening a nationwide action should the government fail to backtrack.
[Punch]
Says, ‘he either shows us the airport or returns the money
Reveals how N10bn was wired through 32 companies
Promises to publish a full forensic report
As the controversy over how the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, allegedly spent a whopping N10 billion for a non-existent airport project continues to rage, the incumbent Gov. Alex Otti, has said that he was not interested in jailing anybody but only after the recovery of the fund.
Gov. Otti who spoke while responding to a question during a media parley, Thursday night, opened the can of worm on how his predecessor allegedly paid the largesse into the account of a company that never bided for the project, and later instructed the firm to wire the fund into 32 different accounts in tranches.
Otti who wondered what else the act could be called other than graft, vowed that it was either those who swallowed the fund vomited it or “they show us the airport”.
The Governor who said he was not surprised at the initial attempt by his predecessor to deny the withdrawal of the fund from the state coffers, added that all those who played any role in the movement of the fund would certainly have a date with the security agencies.
Gov. Otti promised that very soon the entire forensic audit report conducted by a reputable audit firm would be made public.
He said: “The immediate-past past Governor’s denial is not unexpected. First of all, when it was announced they went to the media abusing the Government and saying Government lied, that there is nothing like that.
“ Then when a media house that got hold of the report published it, of course the next thing was to attempt to explain it away. But that was a report by a very reputable audit firm – KPMG. So, what they said was that they diverted the money into roads. Therefore, it’s up to them to come and show us the roads.
“ But what is true is that bank statement on the 25th of September 2020 when COVID-19 was dealing with people, a debit went into the state account for N10 billion, and the description was: payment for 80% contract of the Abia airport. That’s true and incontrovertible! The statement and report are there, and will soon be published. I can assure you that it was KPMG that did that forensic audit report.
“ On the 13th of October, almost three weeks after, a letter was written by the then Governor (Ikpeazu), to the State House of Assembly requesting for approval of N10 billion for the construction of Abia airport. On the 14th of October, one day after, a letter was written to the then Governor by the House of Assembly, giving him approval for the N10 billion that he requested for the airport. So, clearly, something went wrong. An ISPO was raised in between these dates.
“ So, our engagements with the contractor that received the money gave an impression that the company was deceived. The Managing Director of the company said that he told them that he had never built an airport before; that it’s not his his area of competence, neither did he apply to them to construct an airport.
“So the people denying, the question for them is: how come money moved into an account of somebody who has said he neither sent a bid for an airport nor has he the competence to construct an airport. Of course, he will respond to security agencies.
“ But according to him, the then government asked him to move the monies elsewhere. He showed us letters from the then Government to move the money in different tranches to 32 companies, and that he did that on the instruction of the former Government.
“ So, like I said, the rest of the work will be done by security agencies. But what is important to our Government is: either that somebody is showing us the airport or somebody is returning our money. That’s what is important to us. We are not interested in the fireworks and all the abuse. We are not even interested in anybody going to jail except if they are telling us that somebody whose money is missing should not look for it. Where I come from, if your property is missing you have to look for it. So, we are looking for our money or in the alternative, our airport!”.
Recall that Ikpeazu had through his ally and former Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, denied any wrong doing in the airport project.
He claimed that the N10 billion payment for the project was rather deployed to road infrastructure on the request of traditional rulers.
[Vanguard]
Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, has gazetted an executive order moving the sitting of the state house assembly to the government house.
The executive order 001 is dated October 30, 2023.
The governor said the sitting of the state parliament will henceforth take place at the government house until the assembly complex, which was affected by fire in October, is renovated.
“That on the 29th day of October 2023, a fire incident occasioned by unknown persons burned and damaged the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the gazette reads.
“That the Hallowed Chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly in its present state is unsafe and constitutes a threat to the lives of the staff and the Honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and thus not conducive for the business and proceeding of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“That it is expedient to carry out urgent repairs, renovation, and reconstruction of the burnt and damaged chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“That it is further reasonable to ensure that the business and proceedings of the Rivers State House of Assembly are not impeded and frustrated.
“Now therefore, I, sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, the Governor of Rivers State this 30th day of October 2023, pursuant to the powers vested in me under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) hereby issue, order, and direct that all proceedings and business of Rivers State House of Assembly shall temporarily take place at the Auditorium, Admin Block, Government House, Port Harcourt until the repairs, renovation or reconstruction of the chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly are completed.”