President Muhammadu Buhari has been challenged by Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, to bring a restructuring bill to the National Assembly.
The issue came after Buhari said in his Democracy Day speech that the National Assembly is responsible for reforming the country, as some Nigerians have demanded.
In response to this, Afenifere’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, issued a statement yesterday urging the President to present the restructuring and power devolution bill to the legislative branch as soon as possible.
Doing this, the group noted, would “Nigerians to believe that he meant what he says.”
On the president’s claim that his administration has not done badly in the last six years, Afenifere declared that “Nigerians were far better off in virtually everything in 2015 than they are presently.”
“For the President to claim that the country is better now than in 2015 clearly shows that he is not in touch with reality or that he has a different measurement when comparing the two eras,” he added.
The body regretted that the president confessed the seeming helplessness of his administration in combating the insecurity that was about to consume the country presently. “I am more pained than anyone can imagine with the ongoing security challenges because… they have increased the hunger, pain, and anger in the land,” the president said.
President Buhari does not need to tell us all of this since we already know and feel it.
What is required of him is to take actual action to address the issues he so eloquently outlined.”
According to what he (the President) confessed to telling Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State when the latter came to him with images of the destruction during the #EndSars demonstration in Lagos, the President was also accused of being insensitive.
Afenifere accused President Buhari of shifting blame and responsibilities when pressed on what his government ought to do.
“Were this not to be so, he would not have hidden his inability to confront insecurity problems on the excuse that state governors are allegedly pocketing allocations meant for the local government councils in their respective states.
“Also, he would not have sent Governors Seyi Makinde and Rotimi Akeredolu of Oyo and Ondo states back to go and face the insecurity problems in their states when he knew perfectly well that the tools to tackle the problem are not within the control of these governors.
Tax evaders who want to file a lawsuit against the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) must now deposit half of the assessed amount in dispute into a Federal High Court interest-bearing account before the court may hear their case.
Mr Muhammad Nami, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, revealed this on Friday during a public hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts to look into revenue leakages resulting from tax waivers and incentives given to foreign enterprises granted pioneer status.
According to Mr Nami, the new rule is contained in a recent Practice Direction issued by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, under Order 57 rule 3 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019. He also confirmed that the Practice Direction took effect from 31 May 2021.
Nami also stated that the Management of FIRS “has initiated a process for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with critical stakeholders as far as information sharing and amendments to the relevant laws are concerned”.
He revealed further: “We have gotten several amendments to our tax laws which require companies operating in the Free Trade Zones to file tax returns on their operations to the FIRS”. These amendments are aimed at checking the activities of taxpayers currently taking advantage of some gaps in our tax laws and fiscal policy by establishing businesses in the nation’s tax-free zones. He emphasized that such companies produce goods that are meant for export and then sell the goods to our custom’s zone thereby making it impossible for the companies operating in our custom’s zone to operate competitively with them.
However, as part of efforts to attract investment vis-a-vis raising revenue for the government, Mr Nami also hinted that as a first step, “FIRS has set up a high-power committee which is made up of senior officials of FIRS and the National Investment Promotion Commission(NIPC) to look into issues patterning to tax waivers and granting of pioneer status”.
Mr Nami, who maintained that tax evasion and tax avoidance were global phenomena, also said that such practices were equally fiscal policy issues. He then urged the National Assembly to, as a second step, amend the relevant tax laws that would make it almost impossible for these companies to exploit loopholes in our tax laws to shift both profits and taxes to their countries of origin. He pointed out that taxes not paid to Nigeria or waived by the Nigerian Government are returned to the treasury of defaulting companies’ home countries operating in Nigeria, hence the need for legislation to address the issue.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, has disclosed that blood stocks in the African Region have declined over the last year as travel restrictions and worries of infection have prevented individuals from attending donation centers.
In addition, over seven million people in African countries use this life-saving medicine each year.
She said, the average blood donation rate has decreased by 17%, and the frequency of blood drives has decreased by 25%. Blood demand fell by 13% as a result of the suspension of normal procedures in some nations and a reduction in the number of persons seeking medical help.
Blood donors in numerous nations have made unusual efforts to continue donating blood even throughout the pandemic, according to Moeti.
In eight African countries, awareness efforts backed by the partnership of donor groups, civil society organizations, and armed and security services have resulted in high levels of voluntary donor recruitment.
Because fewer people donated blood during the COVID-19 epidemic, the Regional Director revealed this in her statement commemorating the 2021 World Blood Donor Day with the theme: “Give blood and keep the world beating.”
According to her ; As WHO we are working with a range of stakeholders to improve access to quality blood supplies. We have partnered with the Coalition of Blood for Africa (CoBA), launched in November 2020, to drive this agenda, including engaging the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) and the private sector. The BloodSafe Program funded by the United States of America National Institutes of Health supports research to enhance availability of safe blood in African countries. Through this partnership, research projects in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi are underway in collaboration with universities in the United States.
“On 14 June, WHO celebrates World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, like plasma. This day is also an opportunity to thank and appreciate voluntary, unpaid blood donors for this life-saving gift.
“Safe blood and its transfusion are key aspects in providing quality care to save mothers haemorrhaging during childbirth and people with serious injuries. Blood is needed for surgical procedures, as well as to treat severe anaemia, inherited blood disorders, and other conditions. Blood can only be stored for a limited time and so a steady supply of donations is important to make sure adequate blood products are always available”,she added.
Moeti further stated that; As part of the COVID-19 response, 10 African countries are investigating the use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) therapy. Among them, Ethiopia, Guinea and Mauritius have collected CCP for compassionate use and randomized control trials are ongoing in South Africa and Uganda.
She said the UN agency in partnership with Facebook, have set-up a Regional Blood Donations feature, which connects people with nearby blood banks. The tool is now live in 12 countries and over 3.8 million Facebook users have signed-up to be notified of blood donation opportunities.
We are encouraging more young people to donate blood to save lives and to inspire their peers and families to do so too. In some countries, in line with national guidance, people aged 16 and 17 can donate blood with their parent’s or guardian’s consent, and in all countries anyone over 18 can save someone’s life by donating blood.
She urged governments, in collaboration with blood donor associations and nongovernmental organizations, to put in place the systems and infrastructure needed to increase the collection of blood from voluntary donors.
“To all those who have donated blood, I thank you, and I encourage everyone to give this life-saving gift”,she said.
At the Onne seaport in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized almost 100,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing a total of 15,325 kilograms.
The illicit substance, cough syrup with codeine (100mg), packed in 500 cartons and concealed in a container marked MRKU 1565305, bearing imported food masks made in India, was discovered on Thursday, June 10, 2021 in a warehouse at the Onne port complex, according to the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi.
This, he claims, happened during a joint examination with officers from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the State Security Service (SSS), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDA).
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted over 100,000 bottles of codeine syrup with a total weight of 15,325 kgs at the Onne seaport, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, said on Saturday in Abuja that the illicit substance, cough syrup with codeine (100mg), packed in 500 cartons and concealed in a container marked MRKU 1565305, bearing imported food masks made in India, was discovered on Thursday, 10 June 2021 in a warehouse at the Onne port complex.
According to him, this was during a joint examination with officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), State Security Service (SSS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among others.
The seizure followed an intelligence received by NDLEA, as a result of which the container was put on hold and moved to the Customs Government warehouse within the port complex.
“No importer or agent has however come forward in respect of the container but efforts are ongoing to track the owner for further investigation and prosecution,” Babafemi said.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (NAIA), have seized nine cartons of khat, weighing 146.95 kgs at the cargo wing of the airport.
The consignment packaged as dried green tea was shipped from Addis Ababa, on board Ethiopian airline flight ET911.
After initial examination and suspicion, a clearing agent was asked to report with the consignee before the release but failed to do so for fear of arrest, a development that led to a laboratory test on the consignment, which tested positive to khat and the eventual seizure.
Speaking on the development, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) hailed the synergy among various government agencies at the Onne port and charged them not to rest on their oars as they daily work hard to keep Nigeria safe of illicit drugs.
He said, “The damage 100,000 bottles of codeine would have done to our youths if they had slipped through the port to our villages, towns and cities is unimaginable. 146.95 kgs of khat could have done the same damage if allowed to go into our streets. We’ll continue to motivate our officers and men so that they can give their best in the discharge of their responsibilities across the country and ultimately with the support of all our stakeholders and partners.”
Non-Saudi residents will not be recognized eligible for Hajj in the holy land for the second year in a row.
Saudi authorities said in a statement on Saturday that only Saudi citizens will participate in this year’s Hajj.
“In view of what the world is seeing with the pandemic Covid-19 and the advent of new varieties, Hajj 1442 shall be confined to residents and citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ONLY — (60,000).”
“This year, the total number of pilgrims is limited to only 60,000 persons, including inhabitants of all nationalities and nationals of Saudi Arabia.
“The health status of those wishing to register for Hajj 1442 must be from the following categories: a vaccinated person, a vaccinated person who has completed one dose and spent 14 days, or a vaccinated person recovering from infection.”
On Saturday, June 12th, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, joined the youth in a peaceful protest.
Hundreds of young people gathered to demand proper governance, and they began their peaceful protest from Mokola Under Bridge, with a substantial security presence to ensure that the protests were not hijacked by hoodlums.
Governor Seyi Makinde joined the demonstrators in front of the Aare Afe Babalola Building at the Bodija Housing Junction.
The Governor joined the primarily young demonstrators to guarantee that the demonstrations were not hijacked by hoodlums and to identify with their legitimate demand for good administration.
The protesters who are majorly students of higher institutions of learning and members of Revolution Now staged a peaceful protest demanding for a good governance.
Comrade Apostle K of Revolution Now, spoke to newsmen who were monitoring the protests that began at Mokola Under Bridge, said the protestors are protesting against bad administration, pointing out that a cup of Garri, which is considered a staple food for the poor, is now N70.
He stated, “Nigeria as a country has collapsed under President Buhari; we need an active President; our President is not active; we cannot continue in this manner; the suffering is too great; the price of all essential commodities is too high; the electricity is out; our President recently suspended Twitter; this is injustice; we want a better standard of living; this current administration has failed.”
Fuel prices are rising without cause, there are random killings of innocent people, our people are unable to farm again, raising the price of critical food commodities on the market, and our president appears unconcerned about any of these issues.
“We can’t keep going like this; we need to change the situation by replacing our president, who has failed to deliver on all of his campaign pledges after over seven years in office.”
According to Apostle K. as of the time of writing this article, everything in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is running well, with most of the normally clogged highways clear of traffic.
As at the time of filling this report everything is going on well in Ibadan the Capital City of Oyo State, as most of the ever congested roads are free from traffic.
The protesters we’re so happy to have the State Governor in their midsts, and also promised to make sure that the protests end on a peaceful note.
As Boko Haram terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers continue to terrorize Nigeria, a rising artist, Amodu Francis Eleojo, has urged the Federal Government to set personal agendas aside and democratically pay attention to the country’s ruling system.
Eleojo told newsmen in Abuja that the government is playing politics with the security situation, resulting in the loss of lives and the economy of the country.
Eleojo claims that the country’s current condition has had a severe impact on not only the manufacturing industry, but also the entertainment business, where many entrepreneurs make their living.
He said; “The Federal government of Nigeria are increasingly becoming insensitive and sentimental to sensitive matters. It is a thing of major concern and worry. If truly the government want a secured nation, I would suggest they should put away personal agendas and democratically pay attention to the ruling system of the country. To them is a thing of “I don’t care” because it doesn’t affect them directly. So many industries are suffering from this, the entertainment industry is not an exemption. The entertainment industry is hoarding so many entrepreneurs who make their livelihood through it.
“Regardless of how apathetic the country may seem to be, everyone have a deep connection with this Country, Nigeria.
“ In one way or the other we’re the problem of ourselves and we’re the only solution we have. The problem of insecurity has been a lingering issue and this is as a result of the top government officials selfishness. At this stage it’s becoming very traumatic and disheartening. Every sector of the country is becoming vulnerable and unstable including the entertainment industry. Tours, shows, events and concerts are propelling activities that are very key to the industry but with the current impeding insecurity issues these are being brought to a halt.”
The Artiste who started his career in 2018 in Kogi State spoke on what led him into becoming a Musician., saying, “ I first took interest in Music when I discovered I could sing along to so many songs and was very creative about it. I remember vividly in my early school days when I tried creating a band with other students whom I think could also sing. My dad’s love for reggae music also got me interested in music. He’s always listening to one of the reggae’s best, lucky dube at every chance he gets. That really made me paid attention to music, So I decided I could try creating music too.”
Fielding questions from newsmen on who inspired him to make music, Eneojo attributed it to his Junior brother, saying, “My junior brother, Nelson did inspired me to make music. He actually didn’t know much about music but he really loved music. Sometimes we could put on a particular song and go into a competition of “who knows how to sing best with the right lyrics” This really helped me, it made me know much of writing and composing songs at a very early age. We could go to a classroom, make use of the desk to create beats and write songs. We always made a freestyle of Olamide’s Ghost Mode and he particularly told me, I could be a very good musician. Since then I took it upon myself to discover that musical side of me. And here I’m.”
The Musician with his Most Popular Song: “Gbege,” describe his type of music as more or less an afrobeat kind sound, saying, “Personally, I would describe my music as “the heart’s radio” I always express myself and put together my life experiences in my music. I don’t really create music from abstract. I use the things around me, people’s experiences and events.”
On What his creative process is like, Eneojo has this to say, he said, “I have a very simple creative process while making music or songs. I normally listen to a beat, probably a finished beat or a beat that’s yet to be fully worked on but most importantly the beat would contain an hint of what the song would look like, I phantom a rhythm, which most times is an easy process if I know what I want to do at the moment after which I put into writing and then go into the recording process. Sometimes these procedures can come in no order. I could write before making a beat or put up a rhythm before the beat. So it comes in no order.”
The Rising Artiste who begin his career as a University Graduate added his voice on whom he would mostly like to collaborate with.
“I don’t really have a particular artiste in mind at the moment. But I’ve always loved to collaborate with Olamide and Tiwa Savage right from time, I really love their versatility and their style of music. There are both great artistes. Can’t wait to have them on a track soon.”
On his new song released in March 12, 2021, Eneojo noted that the Music is his first ever body of work. “ I have a debut EP(Extended Playlist) which was released March 12, 2021. It’s called “Trail the EP” It’s my first ever body of work. I have five great songs on the EP. It wasn’t an easy process putting out the EP because it’s my first time. It actually took me a year to make it a reality. It had some strenuous moments too right from the recording process to the release time. The EP is doing great and I’m happy people are loving it.”
He however stated that the message as it relates to the music meant for everyone.
“ At least there’s a track that everyone or anyone can relate to. The messages or the lyrics on the EP are quite relatable. The tracks were more about love life( Fantasy) transactional love( Owo Ni Koko) Affirmation that African women are beautiful( African Lady) and the the need to celebrate and have fun despite one’s problem( Jaiye).”
Speaking on the impact the Internet have to the music business, Eneojo noted that It is really growing fast. “The internet has made music business very easy! You can be at the comfort of your home and be earning in music through the internet. It has made selling of songs easy and you don’t necessarily need to make a CD before you get your money. Streaming of songs is as a result of the internet and so many other opportunities the internet has created. Personally, I think the internet has done a lot for the music industry and it’s business positively.”
Eneojo described “Gbege” music as his favourite song among all his song he would chose to perform. “ I would love to perform all my songs though. But to pick one, I would choose “Gbege” I have a very strong connection with the song actually. Yes I do have connections with other of my songs but this particularly for now is what I would love to perform anytime”.
A Graduated of University of Lagos, Eneojo described Olamide as his famous Musicians to admire. “I’ve always admired Olamide because he inspired me at an early age. A very versatile artiste who’s also very hardworking. So many things to learn from him. He’s very consistent, humble and very supportive.”
On his next plan, Eneojo noted that he has a whole lot working on, “ A whole lot actually! I’m currently working on my Debut album and hope it drops anytime soon. I would continue to put in steady work, expect steady growth and working more smart to get to where I want to be. The future really holds a lot and definitely I would get to where I want to be anytime soon.”
…As FCTA To Partner NOSDRA For Prevention Of Oil , Gas Related Disasters
Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has asked for stringent regulation and monitoring of gas dispensing outlets in the nation’s capital.
This, he claims, will prevent gas dispensing outlets from being too close to residential areas.
He also hinted that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will collaborate closely with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) in order to reduce the risks of oil and gas-related disasters and effectively manage emergency situations in the FCT.
He made this call when a delegation from NOSDRA, led by its Director General, Mr Idris Musa, paid him a courtesy visit in his office, said collaborations between agencies is very essential for the effective prevention and management of disasters in the FCT.
His words , “I think this is one area that we have to be very strict and firm. Even where gas plants would be located, they have to really be under the tightest control and regulations because as you know, the gas station do not require much land like a typical petrol station and there is a tendency, if we are not careful, especially in the Area Councils and Satellite towns, they will just be squeezed into areas of high concentrations of people or within residential areas”.
He commended the very vital role that NOSDRA is playing in protecting the FCT environment and other parts of the country from oil spillage arising from activities in the upstream and downstream petroleum sector.
The FCT Minister also appreciated the support and cooperation of the agency and thanked the DG for making available the maps detailing the locations of petrol filling stations in the FCT for effective management and response to emergencies.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Idris Musa, Director General of NOSDRA, noted that the Agency is a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Environment charged with environmental management in the petroleum sector, which includes upstream, midstream, and downstream.
He also praised the FCTA’s Development Control Department and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board for ensuring that petrol filling stations are built in accordance with the Abuja Master Plan and environmental standards.
He said NOSDRA has captured all the petrol and gas stations in the FCT and the Area Councils through its ICT and GIS programmes and has documented them in a map in its database for effective response during emergencies.
The DG also disclosed that the agency has successfully introduced world class methods of installing underground petrol storage tanks at filling stations in such a manner that would prevent the seeping of petrol into the water table, saying it is now serving as a guide for existing and future projects
During the 12th June Democracy Day celebrations and beyond, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been assured of their protection.
While urging folks to go about their daily lives in a lawful manner.
Following a normal FCT Security Committee meeting held yesterday in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, gave this assurance.
“The residents of the FCT are peace-loving people,” saying, as a result, we are united in our desire for a calm June 12 celebration. Our security agencies are catching on to this determination and have told us that no stone will be left unturned.
“Security agencies have marshalled various strategies that will be deployed during this period. So, one thing I can tell the residents is to be assured of their safety in the city during the period and beyond”.
Speaking on the issue of kidnapping in the Territory, the Permanent Secretary stated that the various security agencies’ joint operations will pay off, and that the FCT Administration is assisting the various security agencies by providing more operational vehicles and restoring those that have broken down in order to boost their operations and improve response times.
He ,however, revealed that the National Security and Civil Defence Corps reported on the establishment of a Special Task Force to tackle the menace of kidnapping in the Territory.
Speaking also on the challenge of street begging which equally constitutes security threats to residents of the FCT, the Permanent Secretary said that a multipronged approach which includes sensitization of residents on the appropriate way to give alms, intervention of our religious institutions and constructive engagements with sponsors where identified would be adopted to bring the menace to the barest minimum.
He said that even though it was in the nature of Nigerians to give alms to the needy, they should not do so on the streets as such good gestures could be used to fund purchase of illicit drugs and encourage anti-social vices.
He therefore called on residents to instead go to places of worship, hospitals, orphanages, etc to make such donations.
Adesola said; “We also discussed the issue of beggars that infiltrated the city and we have developed a multipronged approach. For instance, the use of sensitization for people to know that there are better ways to give alms rather than giving to the so called “poor on the streets” because when you give to the poor on the streets, they could use it for illegal purposes, they could use it to buy drugs”.
“But when you give to orphanages, to churches and mosques, you go to community activities, to hospitals to donate there, these are channels that your money, your alms will be used for purposes that are beneficial. We’ll be sensitizing the citizens on this Mr Olusade added.
He also called on religious institutions to sermonize to their congregants that the war on street begging and antisocial behavior should be seen as a collective effort and not one for the government alone.
The Committee also deliberated on the destruction and theft of critical public infrastructure amongst other security matters.
In attendance at the meeting were heads of the various military and paramilitary formations and agencies in the Territory, religious and traditional rulers, Area Council Chairmen as well as senior officials of the FCTA.
