Oluwasegun Adesuyi, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Lagosians Will Pay N2m For One Cow If Anti-Grazing Bill Is Passed Into Law – Miyetti Allah

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) on Wednesday warned that the cost of a cow could rise to about N2 million in Lagos State if the anti-grazing bill is passed into law in the state, stressing that it is expensive to breed cattle in one location.

MACBAN Zonal Secretary in the South-West, Alhaji Maikudi Usman, stated this during a one-day public hearing organised by the state House of Assembly on the anti-open grazing bill, stated that the best way to breed cattle was to move them from one place to another during the rainy and dry seasons.

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday sent the “bill for a law to Prohibit Open Cattle Grazing In Lagos State, the Trespass of Cattle Land And For Other Connected Purposes” to the committee on agriculture after it scaled second reading.

According to him, “If cattle are bred in one place, the price could go up to about N2 million each. We agreed with some local chiefs in other states that anyone who wants to rear cows in a location should register and should indicate when he is leaving”.

Usman, who agreed that there were some criminally-minded herders, argued that raising a cow in one location could increase the price of a cow to as much as N2 million.

“A Fulani man moves from one place to another to ply his trade, but we have some bad eggs that are causing trouble. The government should allow us to talk to our people that they don’t want our cows to destroy people’s farmland.

“We have met with stakeholders in Ekiti, Ondo and even Oyo states and we reached agreements with them,” Usman was quoted as saying this in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House, Mr Eromosele Ebhomele.

During the public hearing on the bill provides 21 years jail term for any herder found with firearms, the MACBAN scribe urged the state government for assistance, noting that ranching is more expensive than open grazing.

He also pleaded with the government to subsidise the cost of raising the cattle in one location.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Lagos State Butchers Association of Lagos State, Alhaji Alabi Bamidele Kazeem, advocated for support to cattle breeders, arguing that “rearing animals in one location could be expensive”.

On his part, the President of the Lagos State Sheep Farmers Association, Alhaji Mustapha Ibrahim, described the bill as “all-embracing and would ensure a symbiotic relationship between cattle rearers and farmers”.

He also advocated for legislation to promote the creation of farm estates across the state.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said the bill was intended to create an atmosphere that would encourage peaceful co-existence among residents.

Obasa, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, said in his keynote address that it was important to address the issue of cattle rearing, especially as it affects security and other human desires.

He added that the issues involved with the current ways of cattle rearing and open grazing called for concerted efforts for stability and economic development.

“If there is no security, there will be no peace and development. Farmers/herders clash appears to be the oldest. Both the farmers and herders are critical to food stability.

“Both of them affect our health. Their conflicts lead to insecurity and claim lives and properties. We must engage ourselves to make the right decisions,” the Speaker said.

Mixed Reactions As Nigerians mock President’s Igbo attire

Nigerians on social media are mocking President Muhammadu Buhari for the Igbo outfit he donned in Imo, while on an official visit.

Buhari on Thursday morning arrived Owerri, Imo, on one-day official visit where he would inaugurate some developmental projects executed by the State Government.

He was received at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi, Dave Umahi, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Anambra State gubernatorial candidate, Andy Uba — among other prominent personalities.

Before departing Owerri back to Abuja, the president will hold townhall meeting with stakeholders from the South East zone of the country.

See some reactions to Buhari’s outfit below:

BREAKING: Buhari arrives in Imo for commissioning of projects

President Muhammadu Buhari has landed at the Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri, the capital of Imo state for the commissioning of projects on Thursday.

Buhari was received by state officials and other dignitaries.

Few days ago, Governor Hope Uzodinma revealed that the President will be in Imo today, to commission some “significant projects” executed by his administration.

“While in Abuja, I secured approval for President Muhammadu Buhari to visit Imo on Thursday, Sept. 9, to commission some significant projects put together by the Shared Prosperity Administration,” the governor told journalists after his visit to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Uzodinma also disclosed that President has assured more support for Imo state on the management of some ecological challenges facing the state.

Tension As Gunmen abduct three Obasanjo’s workers in Ogun

Gunmen have kidnapped three workers of former President Olusegun Obasanjo at a village in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

A source told our correspondent on Wednesday that the gunmen waylaid the three workers at the Obasanjo Holdings in Kobape in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.

The source said the workers abducted are the financial controller, group auditor and group store manager of the firm.

The source said, “They were abducted around 4pm at Seseri village after their Hilux car was shot at by the gunmen, who took them away.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident.

He said, “It happened today (Wednesday) around 6pm . There is Obasanjo Farm around the area in Kobape.

How Netflix, others’ operations affect ours – Cinema operators

The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) have expressed worry over some movies going directly into movie streaming platforms, instead of cinemas where movies could be watched by a wider public.

This was disclosed by CEAN’s Chairman, Mr Patrick Lee, in Lagos on Wednesday.

According to him, the cinema experience is different from watching a movie on one’s mobile phone or computer, adding that the association was already discussing with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and Netflix, a movie streaming platform, to come to some sort of agreement with such investment.

“We are speaking with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and Netflix to see that those movies be allowed to have some streaming time at the cinema.

“We welcome such kind of investments because they will help the industry grow,” he told NAN.

He also assured film enthusiasts across the country of their safety against COVID-19 in all cinemas.

Lee said that considering the upsurge in the new variant of the pandemic, cinemas across the federation were also on alert to ensure that visitors strictly comply with COVID-19 safety protocols.

“We are taking the new variant of COVID-19 pandemic seriously, we are aware of the upsurge and we keep reminding our members daily on the need to adhere to the safety protocols.

“We are still keeping to the safety protocols of handwashing, social distancing, hand sanitising, temperature checks and the hall capacity agreed for each state.

“For Lagos State, we agreed 50 per cent hall capacity and we are keeping to the rule. We are also sending reminders to the 54 cinemas in the country, who are also sending to their staff to ensure the COVID-19 safety protocols are kept.

“We are taking it seriously and happy that no case of COVID-19 pandemic had been linked to any cinema yet and we pray and hope that will continue.”

LG chairmen kick against Sanwo-Olu’s 75-25 VAT sharing formula, demand 50-50

The conference 57 secretary demanded a 50-50 sharing formula, contrary to the 75-25 proposed in the bill in favour of the state government.

The Conference of 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos has requested equal sharing formula with the state in the proposed value-added tax (VAT) bill now before the Lagos House of Assembly.

The secretary of the Conference 57 and chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Abdulrasak Ajala, made the request at a one-day public hearing on the bill organised by the Lagos Assembly on Wednesday.

The parliament is considering a tax bill titled ‘A Bill for a Law to impose and charge Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain foods and services, provided for the administration of the tax and for related matters’, following Rivers’ example.

Mr Ajala explained that for the councils to pursue meaningful development, they required a better sharing formula for its members in the proposed VAT law.

The conference 57 secretary demanded a 50-50 sharing formula, contrary to the 75-25 proposed in the bill in favour of the state government.

Being the closest to the grassroots, Mr Ajala explained that the councils, which also host companies, should benefit from a better share than the 25 per cent in the bill.

The council chairman commended the legislators for the bill, as well as the synergy between the executive and the legislature.

“On the distribution of revenue, you will agree with me value-added tax is on consumption and production, and all these economic activities are domiciled in our respective communities. In addition, local governments, being the closest to the grassroots, need more revenues given the enormity of the responsibilities the Constitution confers on us,” he noted. “Hence, the 25 per cent in the bill is grossly inadequate for local governments to execute all the promises we made to our people; and of course all our electoral promises.”

Mr Ajala further stated, “This is the reason we are making a passionate appeal, on behalf of Conference 57, that we should raise the bar higher, from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.”

Contributing, Michael Ade, representing the Lagos Tax Justice and Governance, commended the lawmakers and the state government for having the political will to imitate Rivers’ government and parliament.

Also commenting, the attorney general and commissioner for justice, Moyosere Onigbanjo, declared that the judgment on the VAT law was not valid only in Rivers, but any state in the country stood to benefit from the judgment.

According to the attorney-general, the National Assembly does not have powers on VAT.

The House Committee on Finance chairman Rotimi Olowo, insisted that it would make no sense if all monies accruable to Lagos was taken by the federal government.

Mr Olowo argued that given the pressures on the state governments in terms of infrastructure development, the proposed law on VAT in the state would bring about development.

The Speaker of the parliament, Mudashiru Obasa, assured stakeholders at the public hearing that their contribution were as vital as the bill and would be included in the proposed bill before its passage.

Akeredolu dares Miyetti Allah, says No Going Back On anti-open grazing law

Following the move by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to nullify the anti-open grazing law being adopted by southern states, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state maintained his position on the law, stating that he will never back down on his decision.

Akeredolu, the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum and the Coordinator of the Southern Governors’ Forum disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement issued by his aide on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale.

As chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum and the Coordinator of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Akeredolu said the governors would never back down on the law.

The Fulani herdsmen association through its secretary, Saleh Alhassan stated earlier that the anti-open grazing laws would negatively affect the peace and stability currently enjoyed in communities.

Deal of the day
Akeredolu said the move by Miyetti Allah was an indication that the association was unbothered about the crimes perpetrated under the pretence of being herders.

While emphasizing that no bandit would be allowed to operate in the State under “any dubious guise”, he said the government has the “responsibility to implement the law for the benefit of the people of the state and those, who may share in their aspiration for development of their God-given space.”

“They claim to be above the law of any State in the Federation. They warn of the imminent breach of peace and promotion of pervasive anarchy if they are not allowed to ravage the sweat and toil of the long-suffering farmers who, apparently, don’t count for much in the scheme of things in their estimation.

“No part of our land will be given to foreigners who cling to a dubious regional protocol as an instrument validating dispossession. Let him practice his cultural practices on his father’s land. His likes will not be permitted to operate with impunity in Ondo State. We will defend our land.”

Buhari Govt Approves National Policy On 5G Network In Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has approved the National Policy on fifth-generation (5G) networks for the country’s digital economy.

The policy was approved today during the weekly Federal Executive Council presided by President Buhari himself.

Confirming the development a few moments ago in a statement, Femi Adeluyi, technical assistant (on Information Technology) to Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), minister of communications and digital economy, said the country will as a result of the development enjoy advantages which include much lower latency, higher bandwidth, greater device density, longer battery life for nodes and greater network flexibility.

He noted that implementation of the National Policy is with immediate effect.

It will be recalled that 5G network installation in Nigeria has been a subject of debate over the months.

The ministry has, however, said 5G networks “offer significant advantages over the current technologies.”

The statement reads: “The National Policy has been developed over a period of 2 years, due to the need for extensive stakeholder engagement and the need to ensure adequate public awareness and sensitisation,” the statement reads.

“The stakeholder engagement was thorough and multi-sectoral. It also took into account the report of the 3-month 5G trials that commenced on the 25th of November 2019.

“The report critically reviewed and studied the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria.

“Leading international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), an organ of the United Nations, have confirmed that the deployment of 5G networks leave no adverse health effect and are safe.

“Some of its advantages include much lower latency, higher bandwidth, greater device density, longer battery life for nodes and greater network flexibility.

“Several countries have already commenced the deployment of 5G and are enjoying its benefits.”

The ministry further listed countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, South Africa and Lesotho, currently operating on the network.

Sunday Igboho Aides: Armed Robbers Allegedly Steal DSS Case File

Daredevil armed robbers have allegedly stolen the case file of the Department of State Services, DSS, on the trial of Sunday Igboho Aides.

This was made known on Wednesday by the counsel to the DSS, I. Awo at the Federal High Court.

The case file was related to the Fundamental Human Rights Enforcement application filed by the aides to Igboho.

According to Awo, his colleague who was to bring the case file to court had boarded a vehicle belonging to armed robbers commonly known as ‘one chance.’

The DSS lawyer said his belongings including the case file were hijacked by the armed robbers.

Meanwhile, the lawyer to the detained aides of Igboho has berated the DSS for disregarding court orders.

On August 4, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had granted bail to the 12 aides after spending over 60 days in detention.

After meeting their bail conditions, the secret police refused to release the aides alleging that they were helping their boss to stockpile arms to cause chaos in the country.

But after so many outcries, the DSS, last week, released 10 of the 12 aides of Igboho following their arrest since July 1.

But in a letter to the DSS, Igboho’s associates lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, asked the secret agency to immediately release the remaining two aides in their custody.

Olajengbesi advised the secret police to obey court orders and release his remaining clients, Amudat Habibat Babatunde and Jamiu Noah Oyetunji.

He stated that the failure of the DSS to comply with court orders will be damaging Nigeria’s reputation in the community of nations.

We Don’t Give Preferential Cut-off Marks To Northerners – JAMB Replies El-Rufai

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board has dismissed reports by Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State accusing the board of giving preferential cut-off marks to students sitting for UTME in the north.

Recall that El-Rufai told Channels TV that the board usually gives a lower cut-off mark to candidates from the northern region for admission to tertiary institutions.

He however stated that for the sake of maintaining standards in the nation’s education sector such practice must stop and all candidates must be treated equally.

According to him, the preferential treatment has been counterproductive as it has made northerners lazy, hence the need for JAMB to stop the act.

Reacting in an interview with PUNCH, JAMB’s Head of Information and Media, Fabian Benjamin, said El-Rufai was wrong in saying that UTME candidates of northern extraction enjoyed special privileges or lower cut-off marks.

According to the JAMB spokesperson, it was not the duty of the examination body to set the minimum scores for admission into schools.

Fabian said: “We don’t give preferential or differential cut-off marks to candidates. Candidates are admitted on the scores as defined by institutions. As for the UTME, they sit for the examination and it is what they obtain that is the basis for their selection after the policy meeting has authorised the commencement of admission.

“There are no preferential cut-off marks for anybody. What people refer to as the cut-off mark is the minimum score and each institution sets its own minimum score; it is a function of performance in the UTME for the year, subscription to programmes and institutions that is how many candidates have applied to the institutions or for the programmes. These are what push the minimum score either up or down for institutions or programmes.

“The determining factor is the subscription to a particular programme or school. If the subscription is very low, technically, it will affect the minimum score for the programme.”