Blog

NASU wants proposed communication tax dropped

NAN-H-73

Tax

By Olayinka Olawale

Lagos, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions on Tuesday advised the Federal Government to stop the proposed communication tax in the country.

Mr Peters Adeyemi, National Secretary of the union, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Nigerian workers were already paying too many taxes.

He said the country did not need a nine per cent communication tax with the present economic recession, as many workers were already over-taxed.

NAN reports that the Communications Service Tax Bill is currently before the Senate.

If seeks to compel telecommunications service subscribers, including those of satellite television providers like DSTV, among others, to pay additional tax on services rendered by the providers.

Also, services such as, voice calls, SMS, MMS, data and pay TV would all have an additional nine per cent tax imposed on them; meaning that the subscribers will pay more.

Adeyemi said the bill was unacceptable and unfair to all.

“Can somebody tell the Federal Government that we do not need this tax right now? Nigerians are going through a lot of hardship right now due to the recession.

“Why will you subject people to nine per cent tax with the current situation in the country?

“Too much taxation is right now eating deep into our resources and salaries; we do not need any double taxation during this hard time.

“What is the essence of communication tax; it is another way to milk Nigerian workers.

“We pay a lot of tax on any transaction we make in the bank presently; any transaction, either deposit or otherwise, the banks will charge us.

“Enough of all this exploitation, Nigerians cannot afford a nine per cent communication tax,” he said.

Adeyemi urged stakeholders in the ICT sector to deliberate on the issue and come up with a better position.

He also frowned at some state governments that were not paying workers’ salaries, even in the critical state of the country. (NAN)
OOG/KOLE/SOA

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Oluwole Sogunle

NAN-H-78

Examination

Osogbo, Nov. 8, 2016(NAN) An education expert, Mr Bunyamin Zakariyah, on Tuesday, advised students to shun examination malpractice in order not to destroy their future.

Zakariyah, who is the Coordinator of Unique Success Academy, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo.

He decried the level of examination malpractice in the country, saying that the development, if not quickly checked, had the potency of destroying the future of students.

” The most annoying part of the mess is that some parents do encourage their children to toe this line of dishonour, indirectly making their future bleak in a way.”

He also urged all stakeholders in the education sector, including parents especially, to collaborate and fight the menace.

“We cannot continue this way; there is so much rot in the education sector, and this mess has totally eroded the reading culture in our students and makes the future look so bleak.

“Obviously, a nation that considers reading as an alternative forgone, is bound to fail in all ramifications.

“That is why I always say that examination malpractice is `future destroyer’.

“Parents who are aiding their children to perpetrate this atrocity are big enemies of the country’; they are not helping the children in any way,” Zakariyah said. (NAN)
DO/DUA/NKO

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Edited by Dada Ahmed/Nkechi Okoronkwo
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NAN-H-66
Forgery
By Tomisin Erogbogbo
Lagos, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) A 24-year-old security guard, Daniel Alfa, on Tuesday appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for alleged signature forgery.
He was alleged to have written a referral letter to another company for employment with forged signature of the Human Resource Manager (HRM) of his current employer, Tastee Fried Chicken Ltd.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Mrs Memunat Folami, granted him N200, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
Folami said that the accused must provide two responsible sureties who must be his blood relations.
She adjourned the case to Nov.25 for mention.
The Prosecutor, Insp Philip Osijiale, told the court that Alfa committed the offence on Oct.19 at about 10.00 a.m. at Tastee Fried Chicken Ltd, Victoria Island, Lagos, by forging the company’s HRM signature.
He said that the accused also forged his company’s letter head paper to write referral letter to another company, applying for the post of a driver.
Osijiale said that Alfa was caught when an employee of the other company, Mopheth Pharmacy, came to confirm the authenticity of the letter from the HRM.
He said the offence contravened Section 363 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. (NAN)
TME/DUA/TA
Edited by Dada Ahmed/Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-HE-20
Economy
By Aisha Ahmed
Kano, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) Kano State Government on Tuesday stressed the need for more investment in education to diversify its economy amidst global economic crisis. 

The state Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, said this at a one-day conference on Diversification of Nigerian Economy amidst global economic crisis, organised by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) at its 13th National Conference in Kano.

Ganduje, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, said that only education could pave room for researchers to diversify the economy.

He said that demographic evidence proved that by the year 2050, Nigeria could be projected to the 3rd position in terms of population after China and India.

“Kano is presently establishing a 3rd mega project of a vocational and skills acquisition Centre, which is the first and largest in Africa.

“Education and vocational skills must be accorded priority to achieve ways of diversifying the economy,’’ he said.

The governor restated the administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state, saying that the government recently provided N120 million for accreditation of the Kano Polytechnic’s courses.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Conference, Dr Nura Yakubu, said that Nigeria was witnessing a vulnerability of dependency on single commodity.

He added that the conference aimed at finding ways to engage students and lecturers in diversifying the country’s economy. (NAN)

AAA/OIF/IS

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN-AE-5
Mining
By Aminu Ahmed Garko
Paiko ( Minna) Nov. 8,2016 (NAN) The Federal Government has promised to develop a framework that would legalise artisan mining activities and provide them with legitimate land in the country.

Dr Kayode Feyemi, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, disclosed on Tuesday this after inspecting artisan mining site at Muye Kafinkoro in Paiko Local Government Area of Niger

He added the Federal Government planned to develop a framework that would legalise artisan mining activities.

“We will encourage them to register so that government can come to their aid in the area of capacity training, modern equipment and financial assistance,“ he said.

According to Fayemi, the plans when materialised, will enable the artisans to organise for safety during their business and excel in their endeavour.

The minister, however, urged the miners to cover all wells they use for their activities to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

“Mining must be become job-creative avenue and revenue generating vehicle for Nigeria,” he said.

He also called on artisan miners to form mining cooperative societies to enable government to support and encourage them.

Fayemi said that the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development were ever ready to issue licence permit as long as the artisan miners would form cooperative societies.

The minister said that if they were registered, they could be employed by registered mining companies and contributes positively toward enhancing the nation’s revenue.

He described the participation of children in artisan mining as child labour, adding that the ministry would ‘’carefully monitor to prevent the participation of underage children in the trade.’’

Fayemi called for active participation of local government chairmen and stakeholders in monitoring the activities of children to prevent them from indulging in artisan mining.

“Any Nigerian child must be seen in school and not in artisan mining activities,” he said. (NAN)
AAG/DUA/AFA
Edited by Dada Ahmed/Felix Ajide
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NAN-H-65
Approval
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) The Osun State House of Assembly has approved Gov. Rauf Aregbesola’s nominee, Mr Adebowale Asaolu, as Commissioner 1 in the State Civil Service Commission.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had written a letter to the Assembly for approval of Asaolu to replace the late Robert Adebiyi, a former commissioner with the commission.
The letter was read at the assembly’s plenary of Oct.26, by the Speaker, Mr Najeem Salaam.
The motion for the approval of the nominee was moved by the leader of the house, Mr Timothy Owoeye, and seconded by Mr Wasiu Adebayo at Tuesday’s plenary.
Owoeye said the nominee had the potential to reposition the state civil service to be in line with global standards.
In his contribution, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, said the nominee had what it takes to reposition the civil service in the state.
Deputy Speaker Adegboye Akintunde, who presided over the plenary, said the new commissioner would bring his experience in both public and private lives to bear on his new assignment.
Akintunde called on the commissioner to be proactive in the discharge of his duties by making the state civil service effective and result oriented.
Speaking after his approval, Asaolu said that the appointment would give him an opportunity to showcase his competence in the management of human resources.
According to him, motivation and training which are tools to enhance performance would be made available to the workers.(NAN)
VE/UDO/PAD
(Edited by Udochukwu Ifionu, controlled by Peter Dada)

NAN-H-71
Economy
By Deborah Ogedemgbe
Auchi (Edo), Nov 8, 2016 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday at Iyamho, near Auchi, Edo, said that over-reliance on a mono-cultural economy had failed Nigeria, hence, his administration’s emphasis on diversification.

Buhari made the statement during the inauguration of Edo State University, Iyamho.

He said that the country’s present economic hardship was the result of past mistakes of  government operating a mono-cultural economy.

The president said that Nigeria could get revenue from agriculture, adding that there was a need to return to the land and explore other benefits, such as the abundant mineral resources.

He noted that it was time to rebuild Nigeria.

The president said his administration’s focus was on security, the economy and the fight against corruption, adding: ‘’I can assure you that as a government, we have made success in each of them.”

He appreciated Gov. Adams Oshiomhole for his successful eight-year rule in Edo, which comes to an end on Saturday.

Buhari said that the quality of projects he had so far inaugurated in the state in the education, health and road sectors were of high standard.

He commended the foresight and integrity of the governor to have embarked on the developmental projects.

He also congratulated the governor-elect of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on his election victory.

Buhari said he believed that multi-party system was best for a country like Nigeria.

He said that as a nation with over 250 million population, differences of opinion and beliefs were bound to arise from time to time.

The president said the country had remained united through  the grace of God and re-affirmed the government’s commitment to the unity of Nigeria.

Earlier, Oshiomhole said that because sound education was the bedrock of development, his administration established the university.

Oshiomhole assured the people that the institution would not depend on government for funding.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first set of students of the institution, the second owned by the Edo Government, matriculated on June 11. (NAN)
DCO/KOO/JCE
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Chukwudi Ekezie

Ondo APC accuses Mimiko of plans to loot treasury

NAN-H

Award

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Akure,Nov.8,2016(NAN)The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has raised an alarm over  contracts being awarded   by the  outgoing Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

The party accused Mimiko of trying to siphon state fund at the tail of his  eighth year tenure.

The publicity secretary of the party, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya, alleged that contracts worth  billions of  naira were  being awarded to a crony of the governor  as a means to further empty the state treasury.

“The outgoing Governor Olusegun Mimiko has concluded plans to award contracts worth N62 Billion between now -November 2016 to February 2017 when he would be vacating office as the Chief Executive Officer of the State.

“Among the contracts to be awarded is the 28KM ABOTO-ATIJERE road, in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, to the cost of N12billion, given to ZHIJIANG Construction Company Ltd, that Governor Mimiko will sign-off this week without bidding.

“The Governor’s plans is to pay 75 per cent upfront of the total contract sum without following due process as a way to embezzle the state fund and leave the treasury empty for the successor government. This is against the social contract he swore with the people.

“We were reliably informed that ZHIJIANG Construction Company Ltd is owned by a close ally of the Governor but in a matter of days, our investigation will confirm this among other corrupt plans of  Dr. Olusegun Mimiko to plunge our state into serious financial debt after his tenure” Adesanya said.

He called on the anti graft agencies to begin deeper investigation into the outgoing government of Mimiko and his cronies, ZHIJIANG Construction company Ltd.

“Our party, APC shall keep close-watch of the Governor and his cabals and continue to expose his shady deals” he said.

Reacting to the allegation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Eni Akinsola, said he could not provide any information on the contract.

“I do not have details if there is such contract but I know there are Aboto and Atijere towns in Ondo State,” he said.(NAN)

OMA/
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NAN-H-63

Letter
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos, on Tuesday, fixed Nov. 10 to continue the criminal trial of Warampo Dudafa, a former special assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Dudafa alongside one Joseph Iwejuo on 23-counts of conspiracy and concealment of crime proceeds.

They had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, the court was constrained to adjourn the matter following the absence of the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo.

Oyedepo had written a letter to the court, urging it to adjourn the matter as he was attending another case before the Lagos division of the appeal court.

This letter was not opposed to by defence counsels.

Justice Idris consequently fixed Nov. 10 for continuation of trial.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have on June 11, 2013, conspired to conceal proceeds of crime amounting to over N1.6billion.

It was alleged that they concealed the sum through a company, Seagate Property Development and Investment Ltd.

They were alleged to have also used Avalon Global Property Development Company Ltd to launder over N399 million.

Other companies allegedly used in perpetuating the crime included: Pluto Property and Investment Company Ltd, Rotato Inter Link Services Ltd and De Jakes Fast Food and Restaurant Nigeria Ltd.

Dudafa was alleged to have between June 1 and June 4, 2015, contracted Iwejuo and Ebiwise Resources Ltd, to conceal N150million being alleged proceeds of crime.

EFCC also alleged that on April 27, Dudafa failed to furnish any information in relation to over N616 million held on his behalf by Seagate Property’s account.

The prosecution said he also failed to disclose the sum of N560 million held for him by De Jakes Fast Food Ltd, as well as the sum of N10 million held for him by Ibejige Services Ltd.

The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of section 27 (3) (c) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004. (NAN)
UNS/PIO/PIO
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Edited by Idonije Obakhedo

NAN-H-62
Theft
By Tomisin Erogbogbo
Lagos, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) Two men: Kazeem Ahmed, 45, and Christopher Madieke, 48, on Tuesday appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Camry car valued at N950,000 and receiving stolen goods
The prosecutor, Insp. Philip Osijiale, said that Ahmed had on Oct. 9 at about 5:00a.m., at Awoyaya Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, conspired to steal a Toyota Camry valued at N950,000.
“The accused stole the vehicle with Registration Number FKJ 679 DH from where the owner, one Yinka Olasehinde, parked it.
“Madieke on the same day at about 7p.m., received the stolen vehicle from Ahmed knowing that the car was stolen.
“On Oct. 19, a friend informed Olasehinde that he saw his stolen car at Ikorodu, the car was later traced to Oshodi where Madieke was arrested,” he said.
Osijiale said that the offence contravened Sections 409, 285 and 326 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of conspiracy, theft and receipt of stolen goods.
The magistrate, Mrs Memunat Folami, granted the accused a N500, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
She said the sureties must be blood relations of the accused, must be car owners, their driver’s licences must be released to the court.
Folami said that the sureties are to make deposits of N10,000 each into the Chief Registrar’s account.
Folami adjourned the case to Dec. 5, for mention. (NAN)
TME/OIF/PAD
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(Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo, controlled by Peter Dada)