...We rejoice with the Gov and entire Ekiti people

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State says it received with great delight the news that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has  approved commencement of flight operation in the state from the 15th of this month. 

The party, through a release by its Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, heaped praises on the State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO and the entire people of the state, saying the good news couldn't have come at any better time. 

The news filtered in Thursday 12 December 2024 that Ekiti Cargo Airport has been granted approval to commence Non-Scheduled Flight operation from December 15 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. 

The NCAA dated the letter December 11, 2024 and addressed it to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, saying the approval of the non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at the airport was for a period of six months- December 15, 2024 to June 15, 2025.

With the approval, airplanes will now land and take off from the airport in Ekiti like everywhere else between 6.00am to 6.00pm (or sunrise to sunset). 

"This is a promise made and promise kept, a Christmas gift specially wrapped for all in the state. That is how we see it. We are very happy and we make bold to say that it will serve us well to the delight of all." 

Dipe said that at this point, it's not about what had been said wrongly or rightly about the airport project, but what has been achieved. He urged everyone to give the State Governor a pass mark for walking his talk and ignoring the naysayers till the project made a headway. 

"This is the summary of it all: We dreamt big and we have achieved big. It is today's achievement for tomorrow's greatness. 

"On the surface, it was a tall order for a State like Ekiti to boast an airport, but with the saying that with God, all things are possible, coupled with our having in the saddle a highly determined governor, then we can be greatly joyful that great things are happening to us in Ekiti in diverse ways."

"And we believe the good people of the State will be very delighted that this is happening to us at this crucial time. No one could have wished for more," Dipe said. 

Signed:

SEGUN DIPE

Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekiti State.

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, granted the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

This was after the former governor had pleaded not guilty to the 19-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

He is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N80bn but pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

When the case was called for hearing on Friday, Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, notified the court of the intention of the prosecution to withdraw an earlier application for abridgment of the earlier date fixed for arraignment.

He said the application had been overtaken by events. The defendant’s counsel, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object, and Justice Emeka Nwite accordingly granted the request.

After the defendant had taken his plea, Daudu, SAN, made clarifications on the reasons he had not been in court during the previous hearings.

“I would like to place on record that for any impression that might have been created that the defendant did not wish to appear before your lordship, coincidentally, the ruling on my lord’s sitting this morning dealt with the issue of jurisdiction.

“What the defendant did was to ask his counsel to challenge the jurisdiction of the court, which got to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

“So it was not wishful disrespect, but he was only trying to defend himself. So we all hold your lordship in high esteem. If that impression must have been, he should not have presented himself for arraignment. That episode is gone, and things are clearer now,” the counsel stated.

While moving an application for bail, he assured that the former governor would always be present in court for the trial.

“I am saying this with the highest sense of responsibility that the defendant, a two-term governor of Kogi State who travelled only two times out of his eight years in service, will always be present in court at all times.

“There should be no apprehension that he will jump bail. So we urge your lordship to grant us very reasonable conditions of bail such that he will be able to bear,” the defendant’s counsel said.

He commended the prosecution counsel, saying he had conducted himself in the best tradition because the matter was not a do-or-die one.

He said they had agreed that the counsels would not stress his lordship over the issue of bail.

The prosecution counsel concurred.

Pinheiro, SAN, said, “I must express my honour to the very eminent lead senior counsel. He is a man of immense stature, not because of his size.

“I do respect him as former president of NBA. I also confirm that we have been engaging in a series of discussions to ease the burden on your lordship in compliance with Rule 26 of the Rules of Professional Ethics.

“I also note that your lordship had delivered not less than five rulings in this matter and it is our aim to ease the work. We are prosecutors, not persecutors, and EFCC is a professional commission, a prosecutorial, and not prosecutorial commission,” he said.

He added, “We accept the assurances of the very eminent SAN that the defendant will make himself available subject to your lordship’s discretionary terms that may be imposed.

“By so doing, we will ease the burden on the court. Therefore, we will not be opposing the eminent SAN’s submission.”

The prosecution counsel said though they had filed a counter-affidavit, they would not oppose the bail, going by the assurances of the learned SAN.

Ruling on the bail application, Justice Nwite said, “I have listened to the submissions of both counsels. It is not in dispute that both counsels have filed applications in respect of this.

“Based on the account exhibited by learned counsel for the defendant, which was exhibited and supported by prosecution counsel, I am minded to change my earlier stand on this matter.”

He granted the defendant N500 million bail with two sureties.

“Sureties must be landed property owners within the jurisdiction of this court. They must swear to affidavits of means. The title deeds of properties to be verified by the court registrar,” he said.

The defendant was also asked to submit his international passport, and he would remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of the bail conditions.

It will be recalled that the ex-governor was earlier remanded in a fresh N110bn charge by EFCC, pending his bail application.

Meanwhile, the judge has fixed February 24, 2025, for hearing into the matter.

[DailyPost]

he former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello has pleaded not guilty to a 19-count charge of criminal breach of trust brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello is, in the charge, accused of diverting funds belonging to Kogi State to acquire, through proxies, property both in Nigeria and abroad.

When the charge was read to Bello by an official of the court, he said he understood all the counts and pleaded not guilty to all of them.

His lawyer, Joseph Daudu, (SAN) told the court that his client’s failure to attend court before now, was not out of disrespect, but a desire to fully defended himself.

Daudu said the decision of his client to challenge, up to the Supreme Court, the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case was not out of disrespect.

“It was an episode that could have been avoided but it has come and gone. Things are clearer now,” Daudu said.

[TheNation]

The Attorney-General of Lagos State and the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, says the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill has been signed into law to prohibit illegal organ harvesting.

Pedro disclosed this on Thursday at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja, while briefing newsmen on the significance of the new law and other four new laws.

According to him, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signed the new laws to show commitment to the welfare, security and prosperity of every Lagosian.

The other four new laws include; Consumer Protection Law, Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Laws, Victims Assistance, Witness Protection Laws and Fire and Rescue Service Laws.

He said, “These laws are not just milestones in the state’s legislative journey; they demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Lagos remains a beacon of progress, justice, and opportunity in Nigeria.

“As a government, our priorities have always been to address the immediate needs of our citizens, protect their rights, ensure their safety, health and prosperities.

“In this regard, the recently signed laws cover some critical areas of public welfare, human rights, safety, and environmental sustainability.

“These Laws have been thoughtfully designed to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our state while paving the way for a more just, secure and prosperous future for all residents of Lagos.”

The attorney-general further explained that the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law signified a leap forward in enhancing consumer rights in the state.

According to him, as Lagos continues to be a hub of commerce, business and trade, it is imperative that the interests of  the residents are safeguarded.

He highlighted the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law as a major step forward in protecting residents.

“As Lagos continues to thrive as a hub of commerce and trade, it is crucial that the rights of our citizens are safeguarded.

“This law empowers consumers to hold businesses accountable and ensures strict enforcement of their rights.

“Violation of this law attracts the power to seal premises selling hazardous products and imposes fine of up to N5 million for violations.

“Offenders face penalties, including a custodial sentence of six months or N500,000 fine and subsequent offenders will receive stricter punishments, including fines of up to N750,000 and longer sentences,” he said.

Pedro also explained that the Human Organ Harvesting and Tissue Transplantation Law addressed illicit organ trade and unethical medical practices.

He said it was a groundbreaking framework to regulate organ harvesting and transplant in the state, adding that the law prohibits organ harvesting without proper authorisation and bans advertisements for the sale of human organs.

“This legislation protects individuals from exploitation and ensures medical procedures adhere to the highest ethical standards.

” Violators risk up to 10 years imprisonment or fine of up to N10 million,” Pedro said.

The commissioner for justice also explained the three other new laws and urged all residents to familiarise themselves with the laws and to actively engage in their enforcement.

NAN

A recent survey by SBM Intelligence alleges that the federal government’s proposed tax reforms fail to account for the unique characteristics of certain Nigerian regions.

The report, however, admits that the reforms aim to reduce the tax burden on citizens and improve the efficiency of tax collection, as outlined by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.

The survey, conducted across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, reveals that failing to address regional issues could exacerbate existing economic disparities in the country, potentially requiring intervention by the Supreme Court or a constitutional amendment.

The report is part of the broader conversation about Nigeria’s current tax system and the proposed tax reform bills, which have sparked intense debate, especially from northern elites, particularly regarding the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) among Nigeria’s 36 states.

Much Ado About Tax 

• The report states that only five of the country’s 36 states—Anambra, Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers—could fulfil their financial obligations if the federally distributed revenue pool did not exist.
• Based on this, the report notes that comparing how much VAT each state generates versus how much VAT revenue they receive at the end of each month has become a common and contentious issue.

“Between January and October 2024, Imo State received 1,715.9% of what it contributed to the VAT pool as its VAT allocation. Abia, Cross River, and Kebbi all received allocations above 700% of what they contributed. 

“Lagos and Rivers received the lowest allocations, receiving 16.76% and 22%, respectively. Lagos contributes around 55% of local VAT. 

“The proposed reforms, while aiming to reduce the tax burden on citizens and improve the efficiency of tax collection, fail to account for the uniqueness of certain regions. 

“In the northeast, states received 244.46% of their VAT contributions. The highest was Bauchi, which received 384.94% of its VAT contributions, and the lowest was Adamawa, which received 165.69% of its VAT contributions. This could exacerbate existing economic disparities,” it added. 

• The report further states that Nigeria’s VAT system remains a pivotal yet contentious aspect of the country’s fiscal framework and has often attracted litigation over the years.
• The report predicts that the Supreme Court may once again be called upon to intervene, particularly regarding the fiscal powers of the states and regions.

“The historical development of VAT, replacing the Sales Tax Decree of 1986, reflects the ongoing evolution of Nigeria’s tax system, driven by attempts to balance efficiency, equity, and state autonomy. 

“Legal precedents, such as the Supreme Court’s affirmation of VAT’s precedence over state sales and consumption taxes, underscore the complexities of aligning federal and state interests. 

“However, recent litigation from states like Rivers and Lagos highlights growing demands for greater control over the revenue generated within their territories and calls for a more equitable revenue-sharing formula. 

“Proposed tax reforms aim to address some of these issues by revising VAT rates and exemptions, simplifying tax structures, and increasing derivation-based allocations. 

“While these measures hold promise, the ultimate resolution of the VAT issue will likely require either a definitive Supreme Court ruling or a constitutional amendment to clarify the division of fiscal powers,” the report added. 

The report also highlighted that the VAT discourse sheds light on the persistent North-South divide in Nigeria’s fiscal and political landscape, reflecting broader disparities in economic activity and development.

The report advises that resolving these tensions will require careful negotiation and reforms that balance the principles of derivation, equity, and national cohesion, ensuring that the tax system fosters regional development and unity.

What you should know 

The tax reform bills have become controversial since their introduction, with different interests opposing various provisions.

• For instance, the Northern Governors Forum expressed opposition to the bill, urging legislators from the region to resist any legislation that undermines the interests of Northerners nationwide.
• Additionally, the National Economic Council (NEC), which comprises the 36 state governors and is chaired by the Vice President, called for the withdrawal of the bills to allow for proper consultations before proceeding to the National Assembly.
• However, President Tinubu disregarded the recommendations from both the Northern Governors Forum and the NEC, stating that the process is legislative and that inputs can be incorporated during public hearings.
• Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate on December 4 suspended hearings on the bills until the new year, providing time for essential political engagements and negotiations to secure their passage.

[Nairametrics]

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to continue demolishing properties in the nation’s capital despite pressure.

Wike has been criticised for embarking on widespread demolition of houses in Abuja.

A construction company, Paullosa Nigeria Limited, had recently raised the alarm over a demolition notice issued by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to demolish its estate in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.

The General Manager of the Estate, Mr Vincent Enoghase, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, claimed the FCDA had demanded N10 million, for a Right of Occupancy, which it had paid but was yet to get receive before the issuance of the quit notice.

In a viral video on Wednesday, social media commentator, Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, alleged that the FCT Minister, had revoked the land titles to the Estate, and issued the same to a Saravera Nigeria Limited, and the Minority Leader and member of the House of Representatives representing Obio/Akpor Constituency, Kingsley Chinda.

VeryDarkMan called on security agencies to intervene, noting that the original owner of the land was the first cadet of the Nigerian Army who passed on four years ago.

The senate had set up a panel to probe the issue, while asking Wike to halt demolitions.

But speaking during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA secretariat on Thursday, Wike said the structures being demolished by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) are properties illegally built on government lands.

“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmail. In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position and say you cannot be blackmailed particularly as regards this Abuja. There are so many land grabbers. Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall. It is even better that heaven comes down now so that we would not be fasting again to go to heaven.

“We would stop anybody who thinks they will take government land for whatever reason without formal approval. We would not look at your face. If you like be a civil rights activist or a television personality. No amount of blackmail can stop us. People take government property without approval or documentation.”

[DailyTrust]

Legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has taken a step further in the expression of his anger against Lagos-based legal practitioner, Dele Farotimi over the alleged defamation of his character.

The elder statesman, through his law firm, has written a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, asking that Farotimi’s name be removed from the roll of legal practitioners in Nigeria.

According to the petitioner, as Channels Television reported, Farotimi had allegedly violated certain provisions of the rules of professional conduct for lawyers.

A partner in Babalola’s law firm, Ola Faro, who was also mentioned in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its criminal justice system,” signed the 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024.

The petition is titled “Petition against Tomilola Titus Farotimi also known as Dele Farotimi Esq, a Nigerian lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar with his name on the roll of legal practitioners kept by the Supreme Court for violation of extant rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners rules 1, 15(1), 15(2B), 15(3A), 15(3G), 15(3I), 15(3J),26(1), 27(1), 30, 31(1), (2) and (4) of the rules of professional conduct 2023 by bringing the entire judiciary in Nigeria into dispute with his unfounded allegations of corruption against eminent justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, judges of High Court of Lagos State, Aare Afe babalola, SAN, Olu Daramola SAN, Ola Faro Esq., and the entire chambers of Aare Afe babalola & Co in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.’

Faro said that the petition was written both in his personal capacity “and for and on behalf of the law firm of Afe Babalola & Co.”

He gave a background of the facts of the case and detailed the alleged contraventions of the rules of professional conduct by the respondent, Farotimi.

The petitioner highlighted that Farotimi “engaged in conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner by making false accusations against the Supreme Court and the legal profession.”

The petitioners also stated that Farotimi “Participated in conduct that he believes to be unlawful by bribing judicial officers and having unlawful access to a judicial officer.

“Joined his clients in committing misconduct and breach of law with reference to judicial officers by having unlawful access to a judicial officer.

“Gave service to his client which he knows is capable of causing a breach of law and disrespect and corrupting a judicial officer.

“Knowingly made false statements of law and facts in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.

“Assisted his clients in a conduct that he knows to be illegal and fraudulent.

“Knowingly engaged in illegal conduct in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.

“Treated his fellow lawyers without respect, fairness, consideration and dignity, allowing ill feeling between opposing clients to influence his conduct and demeanour by distorting the facts of a case in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.

“Failed to observe good faith and fairness in dealing with other lawyers in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.

“Conducted himself in a manner that obstructed, delayed and adversely affected the administration of justice by taking steps to frustrate a decision of the Supreme Court for his personal benefit and benefit of his client who lost at the Supreme Court.

“Treated the court, particularly the Supreme Court without respect, dignity and honour by using uncouth, unprofessional, undignified and offensive language against the Supreme Court and the justices of the Supreme Court.

“Made defamatory statements against judicial officers rather than making a complaint to appropriate authorities.

“Indicated that he discussed a pending case with a judge trying the case in the absence of an opposing lawyer.”

The petitioners stated that “The contravention of these rules by the Respondent (Farotimi) prompted this petition to protect the dignity of the legal profession, the dignity of the court as the temple of justice and to uphold the standards of the legal profession.”

They also noted that some of the statements made in Farotimi’s book are likely to set the legal profession and society ablaze and that those statements were made to discredit the entire Nigerian judiciary, Justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the High Court of Lagos State, their law firm and to ridicule them within the legal profession and injure their hard-earned reputation and financial credit.

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, is the regulatory body that investigates and addresses misconduct among Nigerian lawyers.

The LPDC ensures that legal practitioners adhere to ethical standards and professional conduct.

DAILY POST reported that Farotimi was recently sent back to jail after the ruling on his bail application was adjourned till December 20, 2024.

The FCT High Court had also barred human rights lawyer from further publishing, selling, circulating, advertising or distributing the hard or soft copies of the controversial book.

 [DailyPost]