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774 LGAs Should Be In Charge Of VAT Collection, Not FG Or States, Says NULGE

Shehu Danladi
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774 LGAs Should Be In Charge Of VAT Collection, Not FG Or States, Says NULGE

The National Union of Local Government Employees has stated that the Value Added Tax should be collected by the 744 local government councils rather than the Federal Inland Revenue Service or state governments.

According to NULGE President Akeem Olatunji, who mentioned this in a chat with one of our journalists on Sunday, VAT collection by the third tier of government will have a more positive influence on communities and individuals.

Olatunji stated that local governments should be in charge of collecting VAT because “both companies and consumers dwell within the LG districts.”

On August 10, 2021, Justice Stephen Pam of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, declared that the Rivers State Government, not the FIRS, should be collecting VAT and PIT in the state.

Last Monday, the court denied FIRS’ request for a stay of execution, stating that the previous order remained in effect until it was overturned by a higher court of competent jurisdiction.

“We support the collection by the LGs because both companies and consumers reside within the LG areas for beneficial impact directly on the people and communities,” Olatunji stated in response to questions about the VAT

Police Officer Detained For Allegedly Killing 18-Year-old Female Admission Seeker In Lagos

Roland Edet
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Police Officer Detained For Allegedly Killing 18-Year-old Female Admission Seeker In Lagos

The police command has detained a yet-to-be-identified police officer in Lagos State for allegedly killing an admission applicant, Monsurat Ojuade.

We learned that 18-year-old Ojuade was shot and killed around 11.35 p.m. on Friday in the Ijeshatedo area of Lagos State.

Ojuade allegedly took the just completed Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and received a score of 236.

The admission seeker’s death was confirmed by the Lagos State Police Command, which added that one officer had been arrested and detained in connection with the incident.

The police command announced this in a statement by Adekunle Ajisebutu, its Public Relations Officer, captioned, “Shooting incident at Ijeshatedo: Erring police officer apprehended, detained.”

The statement read, “It has come to the knowledge of the Lagos State Police Command that one Monsurat Ojuade (female) aged 18, was hit by a stray bullet at about 0100hrs of 11th September, 2021 when a team of detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, went on investigation activities to effect arrest of a robbery suspect in Ijeshatedo area of the State.

“Concerted efforts were made to save the life of the injured victim. She was immediately taken to the hospital for urgent medical attention but later died on the way to the hospital.

“The Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, regrets this unfortunate but avoidable incident and sincerely commiserates with the bereaved family in whose pain he shares in this moment of grief.

“This is, therefore, to inform the bereaved family, sympathizers and the general public that the erring Police officer who pulled the trigger has been identified and is currently being detained.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the said police officer should be tried and charged to court immediately after being dismissed from the Force.

“This, it is believed, will serve as deterrent to others who do not act professionally in the course of their duties.

“This singular sad incident notwithstanding, the Lagos State Police Command shall continue to strive vigorously and conscientiously to protect the lives of property of the citizens in the State.”

Civil Defence Arrests Son Who Impregnated Mother Thrice In Kwara

Saladin Babagana
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Civil Defence Arrests Son Who Impregnated Mother Thrice In Kwara

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained a woman and her son for an alleged incestuous relationship in Kwara State.

Three children have already been born as a result of the incestrious relationship., which occurred in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Fati Sime, the mother, and her son, Adamu Sabi Sime, moved to the neighborhood from Benin Republic.

Fati’s second son, who was also accused of sleeping with her, is thought to be at large.

Confirming the incident  in Ilorin on Sunday, the Spokesperson of the Kwara State NSCDC, Babawale Zaid Afolabi, said the mother and her two sons have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further background checks because they lacked the necessary papers to stay in Nigeria.

“Yes, the case is true. It was reported to us last Thursday by one Mallam Bandede, the district Head of Mosne Community in Kaiama.
“When our operatives in Kaiama got there, we discovered that the mother (Fati) has three children for Adamu Sabi, her biological son.
“Further check revealed that the younger brother of the accused , who was also confirmed to be sleeping with the mother, is now at large,” Babawale said.

Some of the residents in Kaiama, who spoke on phone with our reporter on Sunday, expressed shock over the incident.
They called on the immigration service to always carry out diligent checks in profiling foreigners who are migrating into the country

FCT , Six Other States Hold Security Summit To Address Banditry, Kidnapping

Toyin Adebayo
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FCT , Six Other States Hold Security Summit To Address Banditry, Kidnapping

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and six states convened a security summit in Abuja on Thursday under the auspices of the G7 to discuss how to respond to the country’s rising insecurity.

The G7 Security Summit was attended by the FCT Police Commissioner, as well as his colleagues from Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Niger States.

The meeting, which took place at the Nigeria Police Officers Mess, was attended by DSS officers from Kogi and Benue, as well as the Director Security Service, FCTA, and FCT Commandant (NSCDC).

The conference was called to discuss concerns such as kidnapping, banditry, livestock rustling, and other criminality, according to Babaji Sunday, the FCT Commissioner of Police and Chairman of the G7 Technical Committee.

He underlined the need of working together with all sister agencies to prevent criminal activity.

He hinted that, “That is why we are meeting to strategize to address the challenges now that we banditry and cattle rustling and other criminality”.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, termed the country’s security challenges as “hydra-headed” and “unique in Nigerian history.”

He urged the G7 governors to equip various security services in response to the increased security challenges.

He urged the Commissioners of Police, top officials from the FCTA Department of Security Service, the military, and other security organizations to take the discussions seriously in order to preserve the states and the country from a terrible wave of insecurity.

Adesola urged the G7 countries to protect the FCT from criminality and violence.

According to him; “It is very instructive that we all come to terms with the ugly and horrifying security situation bedeviling the G7 States in particular and the nation at large. Bluntly speaking, we are faced and challenged with a situation that is not only hydra-headed, but quite unprecedented in the history of our country.

“This meeting couldn’t have come at a better time than now, given the present insecurity challenges and criminality in our nation today.

“We should bear in mind that Abuja is the Nation’s Capital City and as such we all do have a common stake to protect the FCT from being vulnerable to any act of criminality and attack. It Is Important to remind us that Abuja, aside from being the seat of the Federal Government, is equally playing host to foreign Embassies and high Commissions of many countries of the world.

“The city of Abuja, strategically is the gateway of the nation and the symbol of Unity to all tribes of the nations. Therefore, any major security breach or criminal act will be a gross embarrassment to the country”.

In addition, the Director, Department of Security Services, FCTA, Malam Adamu Gwary said that the FCT administration will do everything possible to ensure safety in Abuja and its environs.

He added that, “We want to come together to forge a common front particularly on cross border crimes. We want to have a common front on information sharing”.

More so, the Nasarawa State Police Commissioner , Adesina Shoyemi said “The people who come to Abuja find out that they cannot cope and move to the suburb, which is why we need to monitor properly. We are combing the nooks and cranies of the state and very soon all the criminals will be arrested”.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Commandant, Dr. Peter Maigari said the meeting will focus on collaboration with other agencies through synergy.

FCTA Sensitise Staff On Dangers Of Corruption

Toyin Adebayo
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FCTA Sensitise Staff On Dangers Of Corruption

The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) organized a one-day sensitization training in Abuja for heads of secretariats, departments, and agencies.

The workshop’s goal is to rid the FCT Administration of corrupt practices.

Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), remarked that in order to tackle corruption effectively, all hands must be on deck.

He took advantage of the opportunity to remind public officers in the FCT Administration to follow Public Service Rules when performing official duties, while also stating that the FCT Administration had already institutionalized good working ethics and international best practices, resulting in stronger institutions.

He further added that the FCT Administration’s recent great performance in the ICPC’s Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies is a reflection of the FCT Administration’s whole staff’s hard work and dedication.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, had earlier remarked in his goodwill message that the FCT Administration has shown tremendous dedication to the fight against corruption.

The Chairman, who was represented by ICPC Director of Systems Study Review Barrister Abia Udofia, said that the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit is not trying to persecute any company or individual, but rather to assist the government in ensuring that things are done appropriately.

FCTA ACTU is active and leading the anti-corruption battle in the FCT, according to him.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola, stated in his remarks that the current administration has been vigorously combatting corruption for the past six years, with a remarkable track record of achievement.

According to him, corruption is a cankerworm that has a great potential to destroy any Administration’s progressive progress and advancement.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the FCT Administration has adopted anti-corruption policies and initiatives to ensure that personnel adhere to established government norms and procedures.

The destructive impact of corruption on the nation’s economy and prosperity, according to Mr. Udo Samuel Atang, Director in the Office of the FCTA Permanent Secretary, underlines the fight against corruption in government institutions.

He continued, “The approval of the sensitization effort by the FCT Administration’s authorities is a clear show of the Administration’s willingness to nip the issue of corruption in the bud.”

COVID-19 Variants Help to Extend Africa’s Pandemic

Toyin Adebayo
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COVID-19 Variants Help to Extend Africa’s Pandemic

As the third wave pandemic winds down, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted that weekly COVID-19 infections in Africa had declined by more than 20%, the greatest seven-day drop in two months.

However, due to the impact of more transmissible variations, the rate of slowing is slower than in prior rounds.

According to the report, the continent registered over 165 000 cases in the week ending September 5th, a 23 percent decline from the previous week but still more than the weekly instances recorded at the peak of the first wave.

The more contagious Delta variant that partly fuelled the third wave has been dominant in several countries that experienced COVID-19 surge. In southern Africa, for instance, where more than 4000 COVID-19 genome sequencing data was produced in August, the Delta variant was detected in over 70% of samples from Botswana, Malawi and South Africa, and in over 90% from Zimbabwe.

Moeti made this known during a virtual press conference on Thursday, facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Professor Alan Christoffels, Director of the South African National Bioinformatics Institute, and Dr Christian Happi, Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics and Director at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases at Redeemer’s University in Nigeria.

Her words; “While COVID-19 cases have declined appreciably, the downward trend is frustratingly slow due to the lingering effects of the more infectious Delta variant.”

“We are spearheading critical work and supporting countries in scaling up pathogen surveillance through genome sequencing to detect and respond effectively to COVID-19 variants.”

“In collaboration with the South African National Bioinformatics Institute, WHO is at the forefront of the efforts to set up the Regional Centre of Excellence for Genomic Surveillance and Bioinformatics in Cape Town. The centre will support 14 countries before being expanded to serve more countries. Last year, WHO and partners established a COVID-19 sequencing laboratory network in Africa which has to date produced nearly 40 000 sequencing data.

“The continent lags far behind the rest of the world when it comes to sequencing, with only 1% of over 3 million COVID-19 sequences conducted worldwide occurring in Africa.

“The third wave has shown us how variants can hijack the efforts to tame the pandemic. Countries must step up surveillance because without genomic information, variants can spread undetected. You can’t fix what you don’t measure.”

Moeti hinted that, WHO has also recently provided financial support to countries including Eswatini, Sao Tome and Principe and Senegal to reinforce genomic surveillance. To date, the dominant Delta variant has been detected in 31 African countries, while the Alpha and Beta variants have respectively been identified in 44 and 39 countries.

The C.1.2 variant initially identified in South Africa has so far been detected in 130 cases in 10 countries globally, including five in Africa. Although the variant has exhibited concerning mutations, there is no evidence that it is more transmissible or may affect vaccine efficacy, but more research is needed.

As Africa’s third COVID-19 pandemic wave eases off, vaccine shipments to the continent continue to grow, with around 5.5 million doses received through COVAX in the first week of September. However, only around 3% of the continent’s population is fully vaccinated.

“To ultimately tip the scales against this pandemic, our best efforts to reduce transmission through public health measures must be met by a significant step-up in vaccine supplies and vaccinations,” Dr Moeti said.

Also on hand to respond to questions were Dr Nicksy Gumede-Moeletsi, Regional Virologist, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr Richard Mihigo, Coordinator, Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme, WHO Regional Office for Africa, and Dr Thierno Balde, Regional COVID-19 Deputy Incident Manager, WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Aliyu Reaffirms FCTA’s Commitment to Rural Development

Toyin Adebayo
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Aliyu Reaffirms FCTA’s Commitment to Rural Development

… Launches AMAC’s Landmark Projects

Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reaffirmed the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) commitment to developing rural communities, in line with presidential deliverables.

She said this at the official inauguration of landmark projects carried out by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), noting that the FCT Administration has stayed focused on completing all projects rather than abandoning any, in keeping with the current administration’s policy of continuity.

The newly constructed office block, Jiwa Community Town Hall, Primary Health Care Centre at AMAC Housing Estate in Sabo Lube, and Block of Classrooms at Zhidna are among the projects inaugurated by the minister.

Aliyu noted that while the government strives to provide essential infrastructure and maintain existing ones, given the limited resources at its disposal, it cannot do so alone, and she urged residents of benefiting communities to justify the government’s investment in their communities by ensuring proper maintenance of these projects for the areas’ overall development.

According to him ; “In line with the current Administration’s philosophy of continuity, we in the FCT Administration have remained focused on completing every project rather than abandoning any.  

“As we proceed on the onerous task of developing the FCT and meeting the yearnings of its growing population, I wish to reiterate the commitment that we shall continue to do our best in the FCT Administration to break new frontiers in pursuit of excellence. Governance is centred on service delivery and our mandate demands no less”.  

Aliyu, however, commended the leadership of Abuja Municipal Area Council for taking the lead in infrastructural provisions to rural communities, while urging other area councils to follow suit.  

Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, said the quest towards the development of the area council has assumed a holistic approach that spanned across human and infrastructural development, assuring that the council remain undaunted to service delivery.  

He called on all and sundry to join hands with the council in the building process, the council boss also called on opposition to desist from “pull him down syndrome” so that the leadership of the council could deliver the much desired dividends of democracy to the people.  

Other projects to be completed according to him include the Karshi Community Plaza, the Karshi Community Radio, amongst others.  

Police Arrests Three For Alleged Murder Of Uber Driver In Lagos

Mosali Edunosa
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Police Arrests Three For Alleged Murder Of Uber Driver In Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has detained three male suspects in the grisly murder of Morenikeji Stephen Oluwaniyi, a 27-year-old Uber driver, and the theft of his Toyota Corolla saloon car.

The offenders were apprehended by detectives attached to the Meiran Police Division, Lagos State, according to a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu.

He stated that: “the suspects, Rilwan Nasiru, 27; Sodiq Taiwo, 23 and Oladimeji, 20 booked UBER service online, lured the driver to Meiran area and strangled him to death. The suspects, after the dastardly act, dumped his body on the Abule Egba bridge, along the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway and made away with his Toyota Corolla Saloon car with Reg. No. KSF 830 GX.

Following a report by victim’s fiancée at the Police Division on 6th September, 2021, detectives immediately put in motion investigation mechanisms which led to the arrest of the suspects in their criminal hideouts, and recovery of the stolen car.

“The Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, pleased with the breakthrough but saddened by the incident, has directed that the case should be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police while commiserating with the victim’s family, has assured that no stone would be left unturned to diligently prosecute the case. He further admonishes UBER drivers and others operating a similar business to be security conscious always and be wary of the passengers who patronize them.

Convention: PDP Governors To Disclose Resolutions At NEC Today (Thursday)

Roland Edet
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Convention: PDP Governors To Disclose Resolutions At NEC Today (Thursday)

Governors elected on the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) platform have stated they will present their resolutions to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Thursday, ahead of the party’s national convention.

During their meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, the governors were briefed by former governors, ministers, and lawmakers. They also met with the party’s candidate for the governorship election in Anambra, Valentine Ozigbo.

The party will announce the composition of its national convention committee members at its NEC meeting on Thursday. The national convention is set for October 30th.

“You will hear from us at the NEC meeting tomorrow (Thursday),” Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Sokoto state governor, told reporters shortly after the meeting, which lasted more than six hours.

He also stated that the party is on track in regards to the November 6 governorship election in Anambra.

Recall that the governors called an unusual meeting on Tuesday to discuss concerns plaguing the party.

Prior to the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday, the governors announced that they will address party concerns and tactics to reposition the PDP.

The governors had in a statement by its Director General, CID Maduabum, explained that the extraordinary meeting “will discuss party matters and strategies to reposition the PDP ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party taking place tomorrow, 9th September, 2021.”

The PDP Governors had further re-assured all PDP members, stakeholders and the nation of their commitment, determination and loyalty in the patriotic task of dislodging the failed APC government that has brought nothing but misery and pain to all Nigerians.

FCDA Threatens To Close Glo Offices Over N1.3 Billion Debt

Toyin Adebayo
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FCDA Threatens To Close Glo Offices Over N1.3 Billion Debt

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has threatened to shut down all Globacom Nigeria Limited offices in Abuja due to a N1.3 billion telecommunications duct debt.

As a result, the Authority has set the telco a seven-day deadline to pay or face having their business and switch premises shut down.

Hussein Monguno, Chairman, Finance and General Purpose Committee of the 7th FCDA board, told journalists during a visit to some of the telecommunications’ critical infrastructures in Abuja that the move was part of the effort to recover the over N7.8 billion debt owed to FCDA by several telecommunication companies.

He claims Globacom has never paid the leasing agreement since the beginning of complete deregulation of the telecommunication duct network in 2004.

Monguno believes Globacom Nigeria Limited has failed to demonstrate any commitment, despite other telecoms companies responding positively

According to him; “When we were sworn in to this board, the minister find it necessary to constitute a committee for debt recovery. When the committee was constituted. 

“There are about 7.8 billion naira or thereabout debt, being owed to FCDA by different telecommunication companies, we wrote them a letter. We invited them to come and either accept or disagree with the billing system because FCDA has a very good billing system.

“Some of them actually paid. As I speak now, MTN is actually on credit, and several others have payed, but the case of Glo is quite different. They have never responded and they are the highest debtors of N1.3 billion. 

“FCDA has built this infrastructure to give them an enabling environment to operate. They have to reciprocate our effort by paying for the service. So, if they don’t pay the debt, we know what to do. They have signed an agreement, and the content of the agreement is very rich. We can do quite a lot, we can seal up this place and we can also disconnect them.

When asked on the negative impact the disconnection would cause its customers, the Chairman said “subscribers can choose to go to other network. Why will you have a network that will not be able to pay their debt?” 

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Zaliha’u Ahmed, said all efforts made to recover this debt has failed and every attempt to get M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited to reason with FCDA and make payments of their indebtedness has fallen on deaf ears.

She hinted that, Globacom’s indebtedness to FCDA on the lease of telecommunications duct amount to N1.3 billion.

Her words; “We will not hesitate to seal up all their operations, with a view to ensure that they pay the debts.

“For the past six months, we have been writing them. We have written several letters and several reminders. We have invited them for meetings, but they disregard all these, so we don’t have any other option than to do what we are doing.

“If we conceal their operations, maybe it will send a message and it’s not only to Globacom but to anybody that refuses to pay the statutory services.”

The Executive Secretary explained that liberalization of the telecommunication industry in the country commenced in the year 2000 while the FCDA commenced full liberalization of the authority’s telecommunication duct network in the 2004.

She said that the district infrastructure provided in the FCT is of world class and it is composite in nature (encompass all the infrastructure above and those Underground).

“The Telecommunication Duct Network in the Federal Capital Territory is one of the underground infrastructure provided to house the Telecommunication Industry.

“Each and all telecommunication service providers are allowed to lease 1/4 duct space in the available duct network provided in the city at a token. 

“Over the years, many Telecommunication service providers has leased the various length of telecommunication duct in the Federal Capital Territory spanning across the developed districts of the Federal Capital City (FCC) of which one of such lessee is M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited with commencement date of 2004.

“However it is pertinent to note that M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited being an indigenous National Telecommunications carrier has over the years defaulted in the renewal of the “lease rate as agreed in the agreement entered with the Authority”.

“In 2018 the 7th FCDA Board, brought to the notice that M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited indebtedness to the FCDA on the lease of Telecommunication Duct is in the tune of N755,389,830.54 Million and this continues to grow as the years elapsed to N1,337,441,027.60. 

She also hinted that ; “Efforts made to recover this debt has failed and every attempt to get M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited to reason with FCDA and make payments of their indebtedness has fallen on deaf ears.

“The Authority issued a warning letter to M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited has equally received no response.

“This has left the Authority with no choice but to give M/s Globacom Nigeria Limited business premises, reiterating the Authorities desire to recover its indebtedness or face their business and switch premises being sealed up.

“Globacom Nigeria Limited is hereby given 7 working days to make payment to the authority or face being sealed up. This is just the beginning of the recovery of the authority’s Debt owed by the Telecommunication Industry.” She said

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