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For Impersonating FIRS Chairman, Director ,Female graduate, Lover In Police Net

Ola Akinola
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For Impersonating FIRS Chairman, Director ,Female graduate, Lover In Police Net

Two fraudsters, one Miss. Onuoha Onachi who claimed to be a graduate of Imo State University awaiting call-up for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and her lover, Chinedu Okoro, are currently cooling their heels in police cells in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.

This was following their arrest on Monday for impersonating the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr Muhammad Nami, on Facebook to defraud unsuspecting job-seekers.

Newsfocusng gathered that a team from the Intelligence and Investigation Unit of the FIRS nabbed the duo following a complaint by their victims and thereafter handed the suspects to the police. Okoro, who claimed to have been the owner of a failed boutique business, confessed that he took to the crime of impersonating the FIRS chairman on Facebook in March 2020 and created a phantom Director of the service with the name, Alhaji Tanko to dupe their victims.

According to Okoro, he opened two false Facebook accounts in the name of the FIRS chairman and the fictive Alhaji Tanko and populated one of the accounts with pictures of Mr Nami and the other with the internet-generated pictures of an innocent person to stand for Alhaji Tanko.

Through an elaborate scheme, Okoro proceeded to represent himself to unsuspecting job applicants whom he directed to one Kayode who in reality is the female suspect, Miss Onuoha. Speaking as the phantom Kayode, Miss Onuoha then redirected their victims to the fictitious Alhaji Tanko who in reality is Mr Okoro, the mastermind of the crime.

Speaking as Alhaji Tanko, Okoro then confirmed the availability of jobs at a price at the FIRS to the victims who were then cajoled to part with at least 60 per cent of a lump-some to secure their purported slots. Okoro confessed that he charged as much as N350, 000 per victim while Miss Onuoha admitted to having made N170,000 from the crime before being caught.

The suspects also confessed to have impersonated the Head of Service of the Federation to defraud job seekers in the past. They also confessed that the FIRS chairman knew nothing about their fraudulent activities as they have never met or had any kind of communication with Nami.

FIRS has consistently alerted the public in general to the activities of fraudsters like Okoro and Miss Onuoha through periodic job scam disclaimers published in national dailies and on many online news websites in the country.

1999 Constitution : A Fraud That Can’t Be Cured , Says Afe Babalola

Gladys Phillip
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1999 Constitution : A Fraud That Can’t Be Cured , Says Afe Babalola

A Legal icon and founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti(ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola  has described the proposed amendment of the 1999 Constitution  by the Natiional Assembly as a worthless exercise which may not yield  meaningful result. 

He opined that, “The root cause of our problems, which has brought Nigeria to the brink of extinction, is the 1999 constitution foisted on it by the Military when it was exiting the reign of governance in 1999” 

This was contained in a statement  made available  to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti entitled “Proposed Amendment of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly,: A futile exercise ” argued that it was an attempt to cure what he termed ‘ A Fraud”.

According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) , another impediment to the proposed exercise was the inability to take the powers of the President on the control of public funds ,ditto the judicial powers .

Alternatively, Babalola  suggested that ” since amendment in law includes substitution for an existing document, why is it that the National Assembly cannot call for a Public Hearing on the substitution of the 1999 constitution for the 1963 constitution which was made with the consent of the people?” 

He said ” It is common knowledge that the 1999 constitution was made by the Military which in its wisdom claimed that it was made by the people. The constitution says among other things that: “We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having firmly and solemnly resolved…do hereby make and give to ourselves the following…”Of course, this claim is false.

“The truth is that there is no way the National Assembly can amend the 1999 constitution to cure the inherent defects in the 1999 constitution. First, you cannot cure fraud.

“Second, it is impossible, by way of amendment, to take away the military system of government under the 1999 constitution or the power and control of public funds by the President. Or can we, by way of amendment, change the Judicial powers of the President under the 1999 constitution? ” Babalola  said 

“The proposed amendment to the 1999 constitution, whichever way you look at it, is a futile exercise. We all know that previous sessions of National Assembly had made laws to convene National Conference. I therefore advise that the current National Assembly should call for a National Conference to discuss and make a new true federal constitution which will provide for a Parliamentary system of government.

“Against the background of the massive demand by Nigerians, home and abroad, for a true federal constitution made by the people and for the people, the National Assembly is calling for Public Hearing in the country’s six Geo-political Zones for people’s inputs on any issue of interest to enable the National Assembly to amend the 1999 constitution.

” The fact remains that you cannot amend a Coconut tree which has no branches to become and Iroko tree which has branches. It is a well-known fact that everything about the 1999 constitution is wound round the Presidential system of government. Why then is the National Assembly afraid of calling a National Constitutional Conference to fashion out a new true federal constitution and come up with a Parliamentary system of government like we had in 1963.” Babalola said

Constitutional Review: Fayemi Opens Public Consultation

Toyin Adebayo
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Constitutional Review: Fayemi Opens Public Consultation

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has declared open a public consultation on the review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in Ado-Ekiti.

While calling for the devolution of power and allocation of more resources to the federating units and building a nation where justice and peace reign.

The one day consultation was held to harmonise views of the Government and people of Ekiti State on the review process of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),
This is in furtherance to the announcement by the National Assembly on the commencement of the exercise as part of efforts aimed at ensuring active participation of Nigerians in the proposed alteration of some provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The Consultation forum which was chaired by renowned Law Professor and former Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Akin Oyebode, featured paper presentation of the positions of the three arms of government, eminent personalities and Civil Society Organisations.

According to Fayemi said the 1999 Constitution had been under severe criticism because it was largely a product of military decrees, adding that it did not emanate from process of public involvement, consultation nor pass through any referendum.

He said that , attempts to review, rewrite, amend and change the constitution have led to several conferences and discussions that were not inclusive due to the manner the conferences were conducted as well as the polarization of some of the debates.

His words; “No doubt constitutional making and review have always been a challenging issue in any society, and the reason for the challenges is not farfetched. The constitution is expected to put together the value, commitment, aspiration, interest and agreement of different groups, communities and individuals.

“As polarizing as the issues are with meaningful engagement, all-inclusive participation and gathering public opinion we can resolve the contention and agree on some of the issues in the interest of our nation. And as I have always stated that the interest of our dear nation should be placed far above personal interest.” The Governor said.

The Governor proposed that the idea of restructuring must be motivated by a generational responsibility to build a nation where justice and peace reign and made a call for devolution of power and allocation of more resources to the federating units.

He urged the review committee to critically work and concentrate on the defects of the 1999 Constitution and tap from the resources of constitutional reform veterans like Professor Oyebode, Bishop Ajakaiye, and Dr Kunle Olajide who participated actively in the 2014 National Conference in order to enrich their suggestions and recommendations.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Consultation, Prof Akin Oyebode in his remarks described the 1999 Constitution as a military documents, adding that this was not the first time Ekiti would be participating in the reform of the country’s constitution.

He lamented that the recommendations of the 2014 Constitutional Conference organised by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration have been conserved to an historical document.
Some of the speakers who made presentations at the forum included the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda; Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Funminiyi Afuye represented by his Deputy, Hakeem Jamiu; Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola represented by Justice John Adeyeye; Chairman Traditional Rulers Council and Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Alabi, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Rev Felix Ajakaiye and Chairman Ekiti State Civil Society Organisation, Professor Christopher Oluwadare.

Major issues raised at the conference included, the need for financial autonomy of the legislature and judiciary, state and religion, gender equality for women and girls, public revenue, fiscal federalism and revenue allocation, Nigeria police reform and security architectures, local government autonomy, electoral reforms and judicial reform.

Coop One-Stop: CMB Introduces New Agency Banking system, For Efficiency, Transparency

Toyin Adebayo
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Coop One-Stop: CMB Introduces New Agency Banking system, For Efficiency, Transparency

The management of Cooperative Mortgage Bank (CMB) has introduced a unique Agency Banking system, Coop One-Stop , this us to bring banking closer to the populace for efficiency and transparency,

The initiative is designed to allow agents who would be physically present in Cooperative Society Offices, local governments, universities, markets, villages and small communities to provide regular banking services and perform other functions which encompass National Social Housing Savings Scheme, Cooperative Save for Shelter and Thrift Savings (Ajọ).

The Head of Agency Banking, Mrs Stella Abu, explained that Agency Banking has grown over the years since it was first initiated in Brazil in 1999 due to its versatility, a method CMB is currently adopting to make banking easier for all.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Head, Communications and Public Relations, Cooperative Mortgage Bank (CMB) Mrs
Olufunmilayo Afolabi stated that, Coop One-Stop project will provide employment for Nigerians who are willing to take banking to their neighbourhoods and make huge profit.

Mrs Abu, however called on interested Nigerians to embrace the opportunity, saying, Agents will benefit from adequate training and provision of necessary facilities specially designed for the project.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CMB, Kabir Tukur, also assured both existing and potential customers of exceptional service delivery and commitment to satisfaction.

He urged cooperators, who are the main beneficiaries of the Coop One-Stop Agency Banking initiative, and Nigerians in general to key into the project for maximum benefits.

Established in 1994, Cooperative Mortgage Bank’s twin objectives are: provision of affordable and durable houses to the populace, and provision of structured mortgage for ease of home ownership.

As an award-winning financial institution with over 13 contact centres across the nation, CMB is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, and accredited by Federal Department of Cooperatives as a cooperators’ bank.

For further inquires contact Coop One-Stop on:

Phone: 09053994506//070026226564

WhatsApp: 08083031351

Twitter/Instagram: cmbanknigeria

Facebook: Cooperative Mortgage Bank

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: https://cmbankng.com/cmbank/personal-banking/savings/coop-one-stop/

96% Of Targeted Nigerians Receive First Jab Of COVID-19 Vaccine, NPHCDA

Toyin Adebayo
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96% Of Targeted Nigerians Receive First Jab Of COVID-19 Vaccine, NPHCDA

…Says Second Jab Has Reached 4,683

The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib disclosed that as at 24th May, 2021 the agency has been able to provide first COVID-19 vaccine doses to a total number of 1,929,237 Nigerians, representing 96% of the targeted population.

He also added that, they have begun providing second doses, and that number has reached 4,683. Those individuals currently eligible for second doses will have received their first dose 6 to 12 weeks ago.

Shuaib made this known at a press conference on update in Nigerian on the status COVID-19 vaccination
which will henceforth become routine every Tuesday at 1.00pm on Tuesday at the NPHCDA headquarters in Abuja.

NPHCDA boss, however, advised all Nigerians who have received their first dose to check their vaccination cards for the date of their second dose, and ensure that they receive the second dose to gain full protection against COVID-19.

 
His words , “As we transition to administering second doses, our teams have assessed the communication and mobilization activities that have been undertaken thus far to create awareness for the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage uptake. We will be building on the work we’ve already done in these areas to ensure that Nigerians can easily access accurate information about COVID-19 vaccination. Our goal is to do everything possible to educate, combat misinformation, and ensure confidence in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and to ensure all Nigerians have clear information on how, where, and when to get the vaccine. We will do this through continuous engagement and communication with communities across our country.
 

“Permit me to say that the success we have achieved with the first dose is the collective efforts of all stakeholders, for which we are most grateful.

“In particular, I want to use this opportunity to sincerely appreciate the father of the nation His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his exemplary leadership and for providing all the needed resources to enable us successfully conduct this unprecedented massive vaccination.  We also wish to appreciate the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 response under the leadership of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha for his guidance. Our partners and donors have been with us providing technical support and resources. They are represented here by the WHO and UNICEF Country Representatives Dr Walter Mulombo and Peter Hawkins respectively. We thank you so much”.

 
He also noted that, the global community is facing great challenges regarding vaccine supply. Like most nations, this impacts the clarity over Nigeria’s next shipment. Saying, While we have information that we may get the next consignment of vaccines by end of July or August, these have not been officially confirmed. When we are able to, we will provide an update regarding timelines and details of the next shipment. At present, we do not have that information available due to the wider context we are in.

“However, we can update you on some positive developments. Pfizer and BioNTech pledged on Friday of last week to provide 1 billion doses of their COVID-19 vaccine to low-and-middle income countries by the end of 2021, and another 1 billion doses in 2022. Johnson & Johnson also announced it has signed a deal to provide 200 million doses of its vaccine to Covax.

 
He continued; “Separately, the International Monetary Fund is now advocating for a $50 billion fund to be spent on ensuring a faster rollout of COVID-19 vaccines globally and is calling for at least 40% of the global population to be vaccinated by the end of this year, and at least 60% by June 2022. The fund would be used to increase COVAX vaccine coverage, procure additional tests, and expand vaccine production capacity. We strongly endorse the creation of such a fund, and emphasize that all nations must have comparable access to COVID-19 vaccines in order to end this pandemic.

“Additionally, the United States announced it will donate 20 million vaccine doses by the end of June to the COVAX scheme”, he explained.

Providing an update on the rescheduled dates for the PSC’s Zonal Town Hall meetings across the remaining Zones, Shuaib said, North-East is scheduled for 8th of June in Yola, Adamawa State; South-South Zonal Town Hall meeting is scheduled for 15th of June 2021 in Benin, Edo State; The South-West Zonal Town Hall meeting is scheduled for 22nd June 2021 in Lagos, Lagos State; The North-West Town Hall meeting is scheduled for 29th of June 2021 in Kano, Kano State; and the last Town Hall meeting in the South East is scheduled for Owerri, Imo State on 6th of July 2021.

NHPCDA boss noted that, the Federal Government is taking significant precautions to protect Nigerians against B.1.617.2, known as the Indian variant.  Flights from India and other high-risk countries such as Turkey and Brazil have been barred from entering Nigeria, we are ramping up our test and trace measures, and we are accelerating the national project to establish production of oxygen supplies across all states of Nigeria.

He also seized the opportunity to enjoin Nigerians to continue to observe the Public Health or non-pharmaceutical measures in place to curb the transmission of Covid-19, as we are not out of the woods yet.

FCTA Expresses Concern Over Multiple Taxation, Moves To End It

Toyin Adebayo
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FCTA Expresses Concern Over Multiple Taxation, Moves To End It

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has expressed concern over alleged outrageous demands and notices of multiple taxation in the territory and vowed to put an end to it in line with the ease of doing business, and for the benefit of Abuja residents.

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who spoke on Tuesday at a retreat: “Resolving the conflicting issues on tax collections in the FCT”, however, noted that the retreat was one of government’s sustained efforts at providing the platform for building a bigger economy.  

Aliyu acknowledged the acrimony between the FCT Administration and the Area Council authorities as it relate to the collection of levies, rates, charges and other demands, however, affirming that the administration was not unmindful of the position of the constitution as the supreme law of the country in the discharge of this essential function of government.  

She also assured that efforts are in place to further fine-tune the constitutional provisions especially with respect to the status of Abuja as the seat of the federal government, adding that the authorities are doing everything possible within the confines of the law to reaching an amicable agreement with the political leaders in the area councils in areas of misunderstanding.  

The Minister further stated that in the spirit of ease of doing business the FCT Administration welcomes any initiatives that would open the door for investments, create job opportunities and optimally utiliszed the God-given resources which the Federal Capital Territory is blessed with.  

While appealing to residents for their support by committing to regular payment of taxes and charges due for services, she, however, stressed that the administration and indeed the six Area Councils, could hardly achieve any development without the payment of taxes, levies and charges on services being rendered.  

Aliyu assured chairmen of the six Area Councils of the readiness of her office to collaborate with them for a mutual desire to make life better for residents at the grassroots in the interest of good governance.  

Similarly, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade
Adesola, noted that the imposition and collection of tax revenues was a constitutional obligation that binds the citizens and their leaders and provides the needed resources for progressive national development.  

Adesola, hinted that collection of tax revenues in the FCT to a large extent are being undertaken in a brigand fashion, thus inflicting mental and physical torture on the citizens.  

His words; “We can easily recall and relate to the viral but avoidable incident where customers were locked inside a restaurant in the FCC by overzealous Area Council’s revenue officials; a situation that gravely caused serious embarrassment to the government.  

“The more friendly our businesses environment is, the more we will be able to attract investments that will in turn result to higher tax revenue. The corollary will undermine our revenue generation efforts to the detriment of all,” Adesola affirmed.  

FCT Perm Sec Decries Destruction Of Government Property, Says It’s Totally Unacceptable, Reprehensible

Toyin Adebayo
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FCT Perm Sec Decries Destruction Of Government Property, Says It’s Totally Unacceptable, Reprehensible

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA),Mr. Olusade Adesola has describe as totally unacceptable and reprehensible, the spate of destruction of government critical facilities.

While calling on the acting Managing Director of Water Board, Mrs. Joy Okoro to work with the Security Department to ensure men of the Civil Defence Corps are redeployed to protect all facilities owned by the Board in line with the mandate of the Corps.

Adesola made this known when carried out an inspection tour on the Lower Usuma Dam Treatment Plant located in Bwari Area Council of nation’s capital with a view to ascertaining areas the Administration needed to improve on.

According to him, FCT Administration is taking all necessary precautionary measures to avert any ugly situation around the Dam, he however expressed shock over the massive encroachment around the Dam reserve areas, explaining that in the event of any failure, the volume of water from the Dam can submerge the entire Bwari.

He also stated that, the construction of the water treatment plant shows the administration’s huge investment in the advancement of the welfare of her citizens.

While adding that the FCT Administration would continue to prioritize the maintenance of the Dam for optimum service delivery.

Petrol Tanker Crashes, Explodes In Lagos, As NEMA Deploys Rescue Team

Ola Akinola
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Petrol Tanker Crashes, Explodes In Lagos, As NEMA Deploys Rescue Team

A tanker fully loaded with about 45,000 litres of PMS exploded immediately after crashing at Banire-Ejigbadero Busstop, Egbeda of Lagos state.

The incident which occurred in the midnight on Monday involved a tanker which reportedly loaded at Abuke Ado, in Lagos.

According to a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Head Media and Public Relations, NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel stated that the “tanker with no registration number is still half filled with PMS and stranded across the major highway. No live was lost or property destroyed.”l

The Police Disaster Management Unit and Gowon Estate Police Station have apprehended the driver of the truck.

“The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also reacted immediately to the distress alert and quickly responded

“Presently, efforts are on to decan and transload the volatile content to another tanker before road can be reopened for traffic.”

He stated that Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit, Police DMU and the Gowon Estate Police Division were also at the scene of the incident.

Police Officer Blown To Death In Ebonyi

Roland Edet
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Police Officer Blown To Death In Ebonyi

A police officer, Idi Aminu, member 32 PMF attached to Afikpo police Division has been killed by an explosive device suspected to be hand grenade.

Speaking on the issue, the Police public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebonyi state police command, DSP Lovett Odah explained that the device in the possession of the officer exploded, and killed him.

She stressed that there was no bomb explosion in Ebonyi state, noted that the public should not be thrown into unnecessary panic.

Nonetheless, the residents of Afikpo in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi state are confused, panicked.

Meanwhile , a retired veteran journalist and President General in the Afikpo community,Chief Jasper Okoro told newsmen that a number of residents of the area suspect that it was a bomb explosion.

He said the explosion was near their Eke Market and a primary school of which the casualty figure could have been more if the bearer of the explosive had reached the market or school.

Kaduna Air Crash: 29-Year-Old Pilot Was Our Breadwinner, Says Father

Nnenna Nwankwo
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Kaduna Air Crash: 29-Year-Old Pilot Was Our Breadwinner, Says Father

The father of the late 29-year-old pilot, Asaniyi Taiwo,who flew the crashed military plane, Mr Asaniyi Rufus, has said that only God can console him and members of his family over the demise of his son.

He made this known at his residence on Monday, the 62-year-old father of the late pilot, who betrayed emotion repeatedly, lamented the death of his son.

According to him; I struggled to ensure that my children have the best. I did farming for 32 years to support my teaching job, just to ensure that my children have the best of education.

“Since my retirement in 2019, Taiwo has been the one sustaining my family. All the responsibilities of the family had been on his shoulder, being the first male child.

“He was a blessing to us and our extended family. I had thought that the chain of hardship had been broken, but God took him away,” the bereaved father said.

Asaniyi appealed to the Federal Government to help find jobs for his late son’s siblings so that he (father) would not die thinking of him.

“I want to appeal to government to please help me find jobs for them because God has taken my beloved Taiwo away,” he said, sobbing uncontrollably.

Similarly, the deceased’s mother, Mrs Rachael Asaniyi, 59, who could barely speak, also appealed for government’s assistance.

Also speaking, the eldest child of the family, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olaoye, who spoke highly of her late brother, said the family had taken solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life.

“Just a day to the incident, he called me that I should get the list of things sent by our in-laws for his marriage and that I should put costs on them and get back to him.

“He also told me that the military had asked him to proceed on a course in the United Kingdom with effect from June 12.

“My brother was exceptionally brilliant; he was the shining light of both our nuclear and extended family, but God knows best,” she said.

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