Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman National Traditional Rulers Council (NTRCN), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has said that the the late Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, will be missed for his great thought for better and united Nigeria.
According to the Sultan, Oba Lekan Balogun was a colleague and friend in the quality and professionals-populated traditional institutions in the country.
He also said that his reign on the throne was well spent for the good of his people as the Olubadan of Ibadan Land and Permanent Chairman Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council.
This was discussed in a statement signed by the media team of the Sultan of Sokoto on Friday.
“We will miss him for his great thought for better and united Nigeria as he was known for being a detralibalised Nigerian. By his demise, the country has lost an important traditional leader,” the Sultan said.
“Our condolences go to the Oyo State government, the Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council, the family of the deceased Olubadan and the entire people of the state.
“May Allah forgive and admit his soul in Al-Jannah Al-Firdaus, Amiin,” he prayed.
Oba Lekan Balogun, who is the 42nd Olubadan, died days after marking his second year coronation anniversary.
[DailyPost]
President Bola Tinubu yesterday alleged that smugglers and beneficiaries of the old petrol subsidy were beginning to fight back, but vowed that his administration would not abuse the trust Nigerians reposed in him.
Tinubu, during a meeting with the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja, said that Nigeria would prevail against the agents of destabilization allegedly working to sabotage efforts at repositioning the economy.
The President, according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said his administration was deploying resources to critical sectors and areas with significant impact on the welfare of Nigerians, describing the nation’s treasury as sacrosanct.
He assured Nigerians that his government was working round the clock to improve their living conditions, and asked leaders at the grassroots to encourage citizens to get their National Identification Number (NIN) for planning, structuring interventions and to achieve their full integration into various relief programmes.
“As we are fighting corruption, smugglers and old subsidy beneficiaries, they most certainly will fight back,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
Continuing, he said: “All those who falsified records and became losers with the subsidy (on petroleum products) removal, they will fight back.
“But we will defend our people. The treasury belongs to the people, and that sacred trust must not be abused.
“I urge the state chairmen that regardless of party affiliation, let us help citizens by mobilizing them for NIN registration. Not just PVCs. Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and have no understanding of what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.
“Without NIN, we cannot embark on social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will be making faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad, digital intervention structures.
“I have established a committee of governors, and it is headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to further lift our people.
“We need to give hope, and we are giving it to the country and our citizens. We are working hard, day and night, even though some agents of destabilization are present in the polity. Nigerians, with our focused support, shall defeat them.
“The programme of our government will be truly progressive; student loans, a national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed, as well as graduates. Every Nigerian will find a place of belonging in our country.
“In the eye of even the biggest hurricane, we will find that place of tranquility and prosperous harmony for the benefit of all. Nigerians will all partake on this national journey to prosperity.”
Speaking on the central role of agriculture in expanding and accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth, President Tinubu told the party chiefs led by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje that his government had already drawn up a blueprint for large-scale livestock farming, which will be activated soon.
His words: “We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday’s crisis will become today’s opportunity.
“Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak. Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again.”
Also speaking, Ganduje said the party was poised to establish a Progressive Institute of Policy and Development for the benefit of its members and the broader Nigerian public.
The Forum of APC State Chairmen congratulated the President on his victory at the polls, the election petitions court , and the Supreme Court.
[ThjeNation]
An actress, Yetunde Bakare, says she has never been asked by any man about what she brings to the table in a relationship.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “I personally think that is not a general question. Nobody has ever asked me that. I feel men often ask such questions when they don’t see the woman they are with as someone who has potential.
“He might have studied her and realised that she does not have foresight, or that she lacks vision and purpose.
“He might also see her as someone who is more interested in a luxury lifestyle that she cannot afford on her own. I feel it is just an excuse for the man to let such a woman go.”
“It is really frustrating, and something needs to be done urgently. Things are getting out of hand. A lot of people now spend more than they earn, and it’s driving them into depression.
“The government needs to introduce relief policies to reduce the pressure,” Bakare added.
[Punch]
Lagos State Government has concluded plans to commence discounted sales of food items across the five state divisions effective from Sunday, March 17, 2024.
This followed Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s promise to launch the initiative as part of measures to cushion effects of the economic crunch in the state.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who disclosed this on Friday, explained that
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the directive to commence the food markets, tagged: “Ounje Eko’ Food Markets.
According to Omotoso, “Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed that ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Markets should commence discounted sale of food items across the five divisions of Lagos effective from Sunday, March 17, 2024.
“The food items – rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper, among others – will be sold at 25 per cent discount to residents.
“In order to prevent sharp practices and ensure the foodstuff reaches a large number of Lagosians, a voucher system will be introduced as the pilot scheme kicks off.”
Omotoso, explained that independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been identified and carefully selected to operate the process as they are expected to also provide real-time data on the exercise for monitoring.
“For the purpose of transparency, prices of the items have also been listed. A 5 kilogram, Kg, bag of rice would sell for N5,325, while 1kg goes for N1,065.
“Also, 5kg bag of Beans – N6,225, while 1kg would sell for N1,245.
“Prices of other staple food items will also be made available through various media outlets,” Omotoso added.
Meanwhile, the markets would be open at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions, as governor appealed for orderliness, cooperation from members of the public.
“Mr. Governor has called on all Lagosians to cooperate with the operators at the various locations, monitor the process, and provide feedback through official channels of the Lagos State Government,” Omotoso stated.
[Vanguard]
Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has explained why Ireti Kingibe is not in good terms with him.
Kingibe, the senator representing FCT, and the minister have not had a good work relationship since they both came to the office.
In September 2023, Kingibe said Wike does not have the executive powers to make threats of demolition of “illegal” buildings” in the territory.
In January, the lawmaker claimed that Wike had refused to respond to her letters and messages in the wake of the rising insecurity in Abuja.
Speaking at a media parley on Thursday, Wike said Kingibe’s anger stems from his constant companionship with Philip Aduda, her predecessor in the senate.
The minister said he could not be forced to befriend Kingibe.
“Somebody wants to be your friend. I said I don’t want to be your friend. Is it by force? The problem is that she wanted to be chairman senate committee on FCT but the senate (Godswill) president said: I’m not giving you,” Wike said.
When journalists pointed out the lawmaker’s apparent interest in FCT affairs, Wike responded sharply, saying, “What? Are you going to supervise me? You cannot supervise me”.
The minister said he has always invited the chairpersons of the FCT committee in the senate and house of representatives to witness the flag-off projects in the nation’s capital.
“There’s nothing we have done that I have not invited the two chairmen of the FCT,” he said.
“Nobody can intimidate me. I was a minister before, I became a governor of one of the most important states in Nigeria and now I am a minister of FCT,” he said.
“You’re saying the minister does not carry me along. I don’t have the back. People don’t know how to go about things. It is not by intimidation.”
“The problem is this she ran an election against my friend Philip Aduda. And then she sees Philip Aduda everywhere with me. She said I am taking Philip everywhere instead of her who is the senator.
“Will I abandon my friend because he failed election? People are so petty. It doesn’t make sense.”
Wike asked Kingibe to “do the right thing” through appropriate communication.
[TheCable]
The Niger State goverment on Friday announced that it will be spending N976 million for Ramadan feeding in the eight emirate councils of the state.
Making this disclosure in a statement on Friday, the state Commissioner for Information, Binta Mamman, disclosed that grains have been procured to be distributed to all the 25 local government areas, emirate councils, religious leaders, security agencies, and political parties in the state.
Naija News reports that Mamman detailed that each local government will receive 7,079 bags of assorted grains.
He said, “Each of the LGA will receive 1,000 bags of 10kg rice, 184 bags of 25kg rice, 2,000 bags of 10 kg maize, 490 bags of 25kg of maize, 1,200 bags of 10kg millet, as well as 1,200 bags of sorghum and 775 bags of beans.
“Bida, Kontagora and Suleja LGAs will receive a total of 14,000 bags of assorted grains each, with Chanchaga LGA receiving the highest number of 21,000 bags of grains. Others to benefit from this gesture are traditional and religious institutions, security agencies, Niger State House of Assembly, political party (APC), IDPs and the organised labour.
“A total sum of N976 million would be expended for Ramadan feeding across the eight emirate councils in the state.”
The state government further urged those that will be responsible for the distribution and coordination of the palliatives and Ramadan feeding to be fair in carrying out the task.
A former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that the date for the coronation of the next Olubadan of Ibadanland has not been fixed.
Ladoja made this declaration on Friday while addressing journalists shortly after a meeting of the Olubadan-In-Council.
The meeting was held at the Alalubosa residence of the current Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin.
DAILY POST gathered that the meeting followed the demise of the 42th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun.
Oba Balogun passed on at the age of 81 on Thursday.
Ladoja, who is the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, while addressing journalists on behalf of other members of the Council, said that the date would be announced as soon as the burial rite for the deceased is completed
He maintained that the Council already know the next person to ascend the throne.
Ladoja said, “The departed monarch (Oba Balogun) came from the Otun line, the next monarch will be from Balogun line, so, the head of Balogun line is the Balogun of Ibadanland, who has become the Olubadan designate.
“We all know that Ibadan does things accordingly. If a king dies, we already know who is next, we refer to him as designate.
“We are here to formalize what next, after the burial rite of the deceased would have been completed. We also discussed how to give a befitting burial to the deceased.
“Since the deceased is a Muslim, he has to be buried in an Islamic way, and the Islamic way is that he has to be buried today, so, it has been decided that he will be buried today at Aliwo, which is his ancestral home, by 4:00 pm today.
“There will be a lying-in-state at Mapo Hall from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm before they move to Aliwo for burial. After that, there will be prayer for the monarch.
“There is no date yet for the coronation of the new Olubadan, but the date shall be announced as soon as the burial rites for the deceased are completed.”
The federal government has persisted in its trend of lopsided financial allocations in the annual budget, contrary to the intended purpose of even wealth distribution.
Investigations by this newspaper reveal that certain institutions and senatorial districts, with influential representatives in both the National Assembly and executive arms of government, manipulate the national budget to their advantage.
An analysis of the 2024 national budget has exposed disparities, with some senatorial districts receiving as low as N6-7 billion, while others, such as Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, home to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, received a substantial N21 billion allocation from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs alone.
This figure excludes allocations from other ministries to the same zone.
The former Akwa-Ibom State governor, serving his first term as Senate President, allegedly influenced various committees to secure his preferences in the N28.7 trillion budget.
Within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Women Affairs, over 20 new project items were introduced, ostensibly to serve specific interests.
Under the Ministry of Agriculture, peculiar budget items such as the construction of rural roads and markets in Akwa-Ibom North-West, totalling N18.5 billion, were proposed in the budget.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Women Affairs introduced four new items to empower women in the Senate President’s constituency.
Notably, N2.5 billion is allocated for women’s empowerment initiatives, including provisions of deep freezers and generators across ten local governments, with N250 million earmarked for each local government.
Detailed allocations also include N1 billion for the construction of rural farm roads in various local governments within the senatorial district, alongside N500 million for the installation of solar street lights in towns.
In addition, there are plans for the rehabilitation of roads, installation of transformers, and erosion control measures, amounting to billions of naira, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and infrastructure development in the region.
Items on the list of the Ministry of Agriculture include the proposed construction of rural farm roads in Ikono & Abak of Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial which will cost the government a total of N1 billion.
Another N1 billion is budgeted for the construction of rural farm roads in Essien & Etim expo of Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district at N500m per LGA to make a total of N1 billion.
The proposed construction of new rural farm roads in Ika & Ikot Ekpene of the same constituency at N500 million per LGA will cost another N1 billion, with the construction of rural farm roads in Ini & Obot of the senatorial district at N500 million to cost a total of N1 billion.
Aside from that, the construction of rural farm roads in Orun Anam & Ukanafun of Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district costs N500 million per LGA, bringing it to a total of N1 billion.
In a different provision, the government has planned to spend N500 million for the fabrication and lighting up of all rural farm roads with one new standard solar street light in all the towns in Ikono & Abak LGA of Akwa Ibom State, besides the N500 million that has been earmarked for the fabrication and lighting of all rural farm roads with one new standard solar street light in towns in Essien & Etim Ekpo LGA of the state.
The ministry of agriculture will also spend N500 million for the fabrication and lighting of all rural farm roads with one new standard solar street light in towns in Ika & Ikot Ekpene LGA of Akwa Ibom State that was governed by Akpabio for eight years.
In that same regard, the fabrication and lighting of all rural farm roads with all-in-one new standard solar street lights in towns in Orun Anam & Ukanafun LGA of the state is to cost the government another N500 million.
If Senator Akpabio can lobby the relevant financial departments of government to do his bidding, he will get the agric ministry to implement the rehabilitation of “selected roads and installation of new transformers and cables in different towns” in Ikono & Abak local government of North-West senatorial district of Akwa Ibom at the cost of N1 billion.
The ministry has also voted N1 billion for the rehabilitation of selected roads and installation of new transformers and cables in different towns in Essien & Etim ekpo local government of the senatorial zone at the cost of N1 billion.
Unlike other senators, Akpabio’s constituency has got the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to budget for the rehabilitation of selected roads and installation of new transformers and cables in different towns in Ika & Ikot Ekpene local government of North West senatorial district of Akwa Ibom. That would cost N1 billion.
Another list of items in the budget for his constituency is the proposed rehabilitation of selected roads and installation of new transformers and cables in different towns in Ini & Obot local governments of the state at an estimated cost of N500 million.
There is a new plan for the rehabilitation of selected roads and installation of new transformers and cables in different towns in Orun Anam & Ukanafun local government of North West Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom at N1 billion.
The long list also includes the planned construction of Ibiakpan-Not Akan road to boost agricultural output in Akwa Ibom State at the rate of N1billion, with the “construction of Ikot Uko road and Ikot Ebak at N500m each to aid the movement of fishery produce in Akwa Ibom State” for a total of N1 billion.
There is also the provision of N1.5 billion for erosion control in some parts of Abiakpo, Ikot Essien aci-aikono to ease movement of farm produce which is a new item on the budget, with the construction of internal roads at various communities in the senatorial district to take N1.5 billion.
The ministry has also planned the construction of markets in various communities in Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district at the cost of N1 billion.
In detail, the Ministry of Women Affairs budget showed that Essien & Etim Ekpo got N500 million; Ikono & Abak, N500 million; Ika & Ikot Ekpene, N500 million, while Ini & Obot will also get N500 million for women empowerment. Another N500 million was earmarked for the empowerment of women with deep freezers, generators and other empowerment items to boost their daily earnings in the two local governments of Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district at N250 million each (Orun Anam & Ukanafun).
Call For Akpabio’s Resignation Morally Reprehensible – Senate
However, the Senate has described the call for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio as morally reprehensible.
By his position, Senator Akpabio is the chairman of the National Assembly.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for calling for the resignation of Senator Akpabio over the unfounded claim of N3.7trn budget padding allegations by the suspended Senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi.
Adaramodu said the PDP had elevated chicanery to statecraft and fatally failed in their sordid attempt to hoodwink the unsuspecting public, on the ineffectual but spurious allegations of budget padding.
“The party’s ludicrous call for the resignation of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President is unthinkable and shows the party as a massaging balm for falsehood and immoral Legislative outbursts,” he stated, adding “that Akpabio will not resign and has no intention to resign at any time because he has not committed any wrong doing to warrant a resignation”.
According to him, it is shocking that the PDP leadership could not comprehend what transpired at Tuesday’s plenary where the allegations were debated and Senator Abdul Ningi, who was given the ample opportunity to defend himself and prove the budget padding allegations, was suspended after he failed to substantiate his claims in the full glare of the public.
He said, “Contrary to the contention by the PDP that N3.7 trillion was discreetly inserted into the 2024 budget for alleged non-existent projects, and what transpired on the floor of the Chamber, it is open knowledge that no such absurdity is found in the budget passed by the National Assembly and signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is being implemented judiciously by the federal government. Perhaps, the N3.7trn being mentioned in the PDP’s shocking statement exists only in the fickle minds of its purveyors and serves as a dubious version of the budget generated by PDP’s unidentified political flying objects.”
Budget: Atiku Insists On Investigation Into Ningi’s Allegations
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations raised by Senator Abdul Ningi.
The former vice president also criticised the senate for the sudden suspension of the whistle-blower without adequate explanation, saying the action has fueled the crisis and raised more questions than answers.
Atiku, who reacted on the matter on his X handle, said, “Over the past few days, allegations have rocked the Senate, questioning the very integrity of the 2024 Appropriation Act, the cornerstone of our nation’s annual planning and development.
“A fiscal policy analytics and advocacy organisation has unequivocally confirmed a disturbing lack of transparency within the 2024 Appropriation Act.
“I demand an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. Appropriation lies at the heart of governance, and any deviation from serving the people’s interests will be met with fierce opposition.”
Atiku said denials are unacceptable, and the suspension of one senator cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.
“Without a clear explanation to the people of Nigeria, we must treat these allegations for what they are: outright fraud.
“The accusation of budget padding totaling N3 trillion cannot be dismissed lightly by the government. Given the current hardships facing our nation, a padded budget is already translating to a padded hunger, padded poverty, padded insecurity, padded energy crises, padded forex instability, and the soaring cost of living.”
He said the Nigerians cannot afford to ignore allegations that worsen our already dire economic situation.
“The current federal government has a disgraceful track record of ignoring issues of transparency and due process in public administration.
“The unresolved $3.3 billion NNPCL loan repayment scandal, with Nigeria now expected to repay $12 billion, remains a glaring example.
“The Tinubu administration must address these high-profile corruption cases transparently,” he said.
The supreme court has fixed June 7, 2024 for judgment in an appeal seeking to prevent the final forfeiture of N1,222,384,857.84 to the federal government.
Melrose General Services Limited, the appellant, is challenging the judgment of the court of appeal ordering the forfeiture of the money to the federal government of Nigeria.
The appellate court had ruled on the premise that the money was proceeds of an unlawful activity in the Paris Club refund process.
At the court session on Thursday, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, counsel to the appellant, argued that the money involved in the forfeiture suit is not a proceed of any unlawful activity, but payment for a contractual and consultancy agreement his client entered with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).
He prayed the court to reverse the decision of the appellate court.
However, Ekele Iheanacho, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prayed the court to adopt his brief of argument and dismiss the appeal of the appellant.
“There are generally two types of forfeitures used to recover the proceeds and instrumentalities of crimes. They share the same objective — namely the forfeiture to the state of the proceeds and instrumentalities of crime. Both share common two-fold rationales,” he said.
“Recall that the appellant filed his notice of appeal against the well-considered judgment of the federal high court which was equally dismissed by the court of appeal on May 31, 2019, having found that the appellant failed to show that the said funds were not proceeds of crime.
“Further to the background of the matter, the EFCC carried out investigations which revealed among others the sum of N3.5bn was fraudulently paid to the appellant to carry out a consultancy job for the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).
“Under the guise that the appellant carried out a consultancy job for the NGF entitling it to the money when it did not do any such work.
“The appellant made several withdrawals within a short time leaving N1,222,384,857.84 before the EFCC intervened.
“Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional sum of N220m which the appellant had paid to WASP Networks Ltd and Thebe Wellness Services.”
After listening to all the submissions, a five-member panel of the apex court reserved judgment in the matter till June 7, 2024.
A member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Kanmi Ajibola, has canvassed capital punishment for corrupt government officials.
According to Ajibola, the greatest injustice to the law of God and humanity is to allow thieves of the nation’s wealth to live.
Ajibola, representing Oriade State Constituency in the Assembly, stressed that the only and sincere way to curb the menace of high level of stealing of public funds in Nigeria is to eliminate all culprits.
He made his view known in a five-page letter addressed to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
The letter was also forwarded to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Attorney-General of Osun State and the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
In the letter dated March 15, 2024 titled, ‘You can be the Moses and Musa of the present Nigerian generation’, the lawmaker held that there was compelling need to stop and control corruption by capital punishment in Nigeria.
Citing Section 4(1) and (3) of the Constitution, he said it is in the purview of the National Assembly to make laws that should help to halt corrupt practices in the country.
“Few countries including China, Indonesia and Thailand have introduced capital punishment in their laws. Today these nations are now experiencing economic peace, security and rapid developments.
“The anti corruption Laws and Acts in their present existing forms in Nigeria are not result oriented.”
He lamented that the London Chatham House in its estimation said from October 1960 to October 2019, Nigerian leaders, public officers and civil servants stole about $582 billion, while the Human Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) reported that the country lost N1.6 trillion and $825.7 million to corrupt officials between 1999 and 2022.
He noted that if the stolen funds had been injected into the capital projects and infrastructural development, the nation would not be facing social vices such as kidnapping, unemployment, abject poverty and insecurity, among others.
“I think the greatest injustice to the law of God and humanity is to let live, the corrupt people whose acts are directly or indirectly killing the innocent Nigerians by the ultimate effect of their ungodly and illegal actions.
“As a human rights activist, I should not be thinking of a capital punishment to curb or drastically minimize corruption in Nigeria, but for the fact that, the acts of the few leaders that are corrupt are leading to the death of their innocent subjects. I think, this is the only way and the hard way.
“It is an axiomatic fact, that, if this stealing spree continually persists unchecked, the country will ultimately end up in an untimely grave.
“To prevent the sudden and untimely death of Nigeria, the 1999 constitution has empowered the National Assembly with this responsibility to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the federation.
“At this very moment, before corruption kills Nigeria, it is desirable that Nigeria Moves faster to kill corruption.
“Due to the non-availability of effective laws to checkmate corruption the way it should be properly checked, there are loss of peace, order, good governance and good government in the federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Within the thirty (30) days of the receipt of this letter, I plead with the National Assembly to perform this public duty to save Nigeria by introducing penalty clause of capital punishment into our Anti-Corruption Laws and Acts.”
More...
There was confusion at the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday over the amended fraud charge filed against Alli Bello and Daudu Suleiman, as well as the immediate past governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency claimed that the accused persons diverted about N100 billion belonging to the state government in September 2015, months before Yahaya Bello assumed office.
Bello was not a defendant in the original suit and was not in court.
However, Alli Bello, currently the chief of staff to the Kogi State governor and Dauda Suleman have denied the allegations in the amended charges brought against them at the fresh arraignment yesterday in Abuja.
They pleaded not guilty after the amended charge was read to them before Justice James Kolawole Omotoso.
Earlier, Yahaya Bello through his counsel, A.M. Aliyu (SAN) had objected to reading of the amended charges to his client.
His ground of objection was that the EFCC had failed woefully to comply with Section 218 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
The senior lawyer submitted that a copy of the amended charge was not served on them as required by the provisions of the ACJA Act.
The EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) asked the court to reject the argument of the defendant, adding that the court had on its own endorsed the amendment.
In a brief ruling, Justice Omotoso recalled that he had granted accelerated hearing in the matter and had also ordered that all forms of objections must be kept in abeyance till the address stage.
He directed the registrar of the court to read the amended charges.
In the first count, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman were accused of conspiring with one another in September 2015 and converted N80,246,470,089 to their personal use.
They were alleged to have run foul of section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 because they ought to have reasonably known that the money was a product of fraud and criminal breach of public trust.
In other charges, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman allegedly concealed several millions of naira with one Rabiu Musa Tafada, a bureau de change (BDC) operator trading under Global Venture in Abuja.
Alli Bello’s counsel, Aliyu (SAN), at this point, requested that one of the EFCC witnesses, Edward Fanada, be recalled for fresh cross examination in view of the content of the amended charges.
The request was granted by Justice Omotoso due to no opposition from the EFCC lawyer.
Meanwhile, Justice Omotoso has ordered that Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman should continue to enjoy the bail conditions granted them in the previous charges.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday appealed to all state governors to set aside their political differences and focus on governance.
He also said the country is no longer in the state he met it since assuming office nine months ago, assuring Nigerians that the “tunnel is not as dark as when we started”.
“Since we recognise the need to build our nation together, the time for politics is over. It is now time for governance,” Tinubu said when he hosted Governors for a Ramadan Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement on Thursday titled ‘President Tinubu to Governor: It is time for governance; let us set aside political differences.’
Highlighting the significance of the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten season for Christians, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the solemn season for reflection, prayers, and charity towards others.
He said, “Your excellencies, it is a very great honour to have you here to share the breaking of the fast. What I just want to say is the promotion of the message of the month of Ramadan which coincides with the Christian Lent.
“This overlapping period is very valuable to our country. And we should utilise it to pray more for our country and be good to one another and our neighbours.
“We are of the same family and parents; living in the same house, but sleeping in different rooms. We must cooperate and spread love among each other.”
Acknowledging the difficulties facing the nation, Tinubu expressed optimism about the future, noting that the challenges are beginning to respond to the solutions being implemented by his administration.
“I am glad that the headwinds are almost over. The tunnel is not as dark as when we started. It is going to be brighter and brighter. We must communicate with each other, stick together, and share joy,” the President said.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the Federal Government for distributing 42,000 tons of grains, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between the national and sub-national governments in addressing collective challenges.
On the payment of wage awards to workers, the governor promised that the states would do the right thing.
”Wet season farming is almost here, and I want to implore all governors to engage in the farming business, so that we can all appreciate the challenges of ordinary farmers and ensure that we have a bumper harvest at the end of the farming season,” the NGF Chairman said.
The governors are the President’s first set of Iftar guests, and he is expected to host more such gatherings with senior government officials in the course of the holy month.
In past Ramadan fasts, former President Buhari had hosted the leadership of the National Assembly, the Judiciary, the All Progressives Congress, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers, among others.
Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to withdraw orderlies attached to lawmakers in the National Assembly and those attached to politicians in the country.
Ndume stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
He said, “I support that they should take away all their police (officer).
“One Senator will be going around with 10 policemen, seven, members of House of Reps, everybody. That is for those who are mobile. Some even give security to their wives, others give security to their children. I am against that.”
According to Ndume, Nigeria, with about 300,000 policemen, does not have enough to police the country, hence, orderlies of Very Important Personalities should be withdrawn to protect the people.
“Let’s have like 2 million police, 500K soldiers,” he said.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to give security agencies a blank cheque, give them all they want in terms of funding and weapons to fight the menace of banditry, kidnapping and insurgency.
Ndume said the President should empower the police to increase their manpower to two million men and the military to 500,000.
The Senator from Borno South Senatorial District, however, said he won’t vote for state police if it comes up in the constitution amendment process, adding that it would be abused by governors.
The Executive Chairman of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Ayodele Subair said about fifty taxes will be cut down to a single digit.
Subair disclosed this in an interview with Arise Television.
According to Subair, the tax policy will be implemented sometime during the year 2024.
He said the Lagos State Government is looking at archaic and ancient tax laws and trying to make amendments to them.
The chairman said, “We are all aware that the commander in chief has appointed Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who used to be the head honcho at Price Water House. So, there’s a committee called the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms.
“So, they’re doing a lot of work right now trying to harmonise taxes. They’re looking at the ancient or archaic tax laws and trying to make amendments to them.
“So, we expect a lot of good news on that front for taxpayers. I’m sure they’ll be relieved to know that some of the taxes that bring the multiple taxation conversation will be dealt with.
“And he’s presently talking, from his interim report, he said that forty, fifty taxes will be thrown down to single digit. So, we are expecting the laws to come out sometime this year.”
The LIRS chairman urged Lagosians to file their tax returns before the deadline that is March 31st, saying that the filing of tax returns is “not only a constitutional obligation, it’s also a legal obligation, and also a moral or social obligation. It’s important that everybody files their returns before the end of the deadline.”
Subair said, “You’re supposed to report your global income. So basically, whether you’re in employment, or you’re in trade or vocation or some profession, you’re expected to aggregate all the incomes from all the sources and report it truthfully.
“All residents of Lagos are supposed to report all income, whether it is local income earned or foreign income earned. Now, we have a challenge with the local Japas as they are called, and they are expected to truthfully file what they’re earning, even if it comes from offshore,” he added.
He however revealed that there were incentives and specific types of tax returns when taxes are filed on time.
Subair said, “When we talk about tax credit, usually, it comes by way of repayment, perhaps they’ve made certain repayments. For instance, if you have rental income and you have a tenant, your tenant is expected to withhold a certain percentage of the rent and remit on your behalf, so, that becomes a credit to you.
“Also, if you have dividends in maybe a Plc, it’s also subject to withholding tax deductions. So, you’re allowed to set that off your eventual tax liability. So, those are the sorts of incentives. There’s also the fact that if you file within good time, then you’re entitled to 1% discount off the tax payable.”
He listed the consequences of not filing tax returns, saying, “If you fail to file, for instance, we will take you to court. And upon conviction, you will pay a fine of N50,000. Also, we can go the other route and do a best of judgement assessment on you.
“Usually, the best of judgement is based on probably what you filed the previous year, and when we issue that assessment notice against you, you have 30 days to respond, to pay, and if you don’t pay, we can go to a law court.
“And we don’t need to go to an open court, all we need to do is to go into the chambers of the judge, and once we lay all the records before him, we are likely to get that judgement against you. So, it’s not a good thing to be on the wrong side of the law.”
The LIRS chairman said, “Well, that’s very robust, because as a responsible organization, we subscribe to the NDPR- Data Privacy Act, and all data within our confines are treated as highly confidential. And this is a point we constantly, during our training with officers, we over emphasize this point, it’s got to be confidential.
“People have got to be able to come and tell the state that these are the economic activities that I’ve been involved in and this is the income that I’ve earned. And if they do not feel that they’re acting in a confidential way, it may deter some people from coming.
“So, confidentiality is key. And we have audits on data protection, and we have an annual audit, and we have to be certified. We have a data protection officer who is assigned specifically to ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all levels,” he said.