A quarter chief has been assassinated in Owo town, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State over an alleged land issue.
The quarter Chief, who was identified as High Chief Elewere Tunde Ilori, was shot dead on Wednesday evening while returning from where he had gone to settle land dispute.
The Chief was said to have gone to resolve the land dispute on the order of the Olowo Of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye following a complaint lodged at the Olowo palace by two aggrieved families.
According to a source in the community, the Chief and members of the two parties involved in the dispute were returning to town when they were attacked, with the deceased chief shot in the head
The source, which craved anonymity, disclosed Chief Ilori died instantly, while one other person who was hit by the assailant’s bullet was been rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the town.
“The hoodlums ran away from the scene immediately and the remains of the man and the other person shot were taken to the hospital where one of them was pronounced dead. I think the incident had been reported to the police in the town,” the source said.
Following the death of the chief, tension built up in the community as youths who protested the killing barricaded major roads in the town with bonfire.
Confirming the development, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Funmilayo Odunlami said investigation had commenced towards apprehending the perpetrators of the heinous act
The Federal Government yesterday faulted former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assessment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s score card in the last six years.
It disagreed with the former leader’s remark that the President has nothing to offer in office, particularly on the worsening insecurity that has upset the country.
The government warned Nigerians against the use of incendiary and insulting words, especially by leaders, saying that they can overheat the polity and heighten tension.
Government also said that with a recent court declaration, bandits have been declared as terrorists, stressing that no administration in Nigeria’s recent history has provided the security agencies with the hardware to tackle insecurity as that of President Buhari.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the clarifications at a briefing in Abuja against the backdrop of increasing banditry and kidnappings in the country.
Ex-President Obasanjo had on Monday claimed that President Buhari has nothing more to offer the nation.
He said the nation should start looking beyond the tenure of Buhari by shopping for a new leader in 2023.
Obasanjo said: “President Buhari has done his best. That is what he can do. If we are expecting anything more than what he has done or what he is doing, that means we’re whipping a dead horse and there is no need.”
But, Mohammed said the assessment of the President by Obasanjo was wrong because Buhari was doing his best for Nigeria.
The Minister said: “If anybody is worried today about the security situation of the country, it is Mr. President.
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“ President Buhari has done so much, under very difficult economic and social conditions, to tackle insecurity in our country.
“Not only has he done so much. President Buhari continues to do much more to keep Nigerians safe. To say he has nothing more to offer is untrue, fallacious and smacks of dirty politicking.
“By boosting the number and capacity of our fighting forces, Mr. President is putting them in good stead to tackle insecurity not just during the life of his administration but long after he would have left office.”
Mohammed assured Nigerians that Buhari will leave the nation better with sustainable achievements.
He added:” President Buhari is leaving a legacy of security, infrastructural development, economic prosperity and social cohesion for Nigeria.
”This may not seem obvious today, amidst daunting challenges, but posterity will be kind to this President.
“Despite all this, President Buhari has not relented, constantly presiding over meetings of security chiefs to get an update and also issue necessary directives, and not missing any opportunity to offer succour to his countrymen and women, when necessary.
“The skewed narrative in certain quarters that the President has not shown enough empathy is glib talk. The President has also continued to work with our neighboring countries and indeed our Western partners to tackle insecurity, especially terrorism.
“With the entire Sahelian region experiencing a devastating surge in terrorist attacks, more so in the wake of the Libyan crisis, it has become even more imperative for Nigeria to step up regional cooperation to more effectively tackle insecurity – and that is what Mr. President has been doing.
“Gentlemen, President Buhari has done so much, under very difficult economic and social conditions, to tackle insecurity in our country. Not only has he done so much. President Buhari continues to do much more to keep Nigerians safe. To say he has nothing more to offer is untrue, fallacious and smacks of dirty politicking.
“By boosting the number and capacity of our fighting forces, Mr. President is putting them in good stead to tackle insecurity not just during the life of his Administration but long after he would have left office. President Buhari is leaving a legacy of security, infrastructural development, economic prosperity and social cohesion for Nigeria. This may not seem obvious today, amidst daunting challenges, but posterity will be kind to this President.
“Please permit me to use this opportunity to commend the military, police, civil defence and other security, intelligence and para-military agencies for their continued service to the nation. It is important to remember that our men and women in uniform sacrifice their sleep and comfort so we can in turn sleep well.
“Even as we continue to battle insecurity, it will be uncharitable on our part to suggest they are not doing enough, or not to appreciate their sacrifices. The recent massive surrendering of Boko Haram terrorists and the huge pressure on bandits represent a testament to the effectiveness of the efforts of our security agencies. We should encourage them to do more, instead of pillorying them.”
The Minister said the use of incendiary and insulting words, especially by leaders of all hues, can only overheat the polity and heighten tension.
He asked Nigerians to appreciate the efforts of the government at addressing security challenges in the country.
Mohammed said: “Finally, while there is nothing wrong in the citizens expressing their concerns over the insecurity in the country, we wish to say that the use of incendiary and insulting words, especially by leaders of all hues, can only overheat the polity and heighten tension.
“While the government provides leadership, all Nigerians have a role to play in securing our nation. Security is not the sole responsibility of the security forces alone.
“We must not only support our security agencies, we must also say something anytime we see something that hampers our safety and security, as encapsulated in the mantra: ‘’If you see something, say something.’’
Asked why the Federal Government’s position on the status of bandits, Mohammed said:” I think the AGF went to court and got a declaration. As far as the law is concerned today, bandits are terrorists. But it is not me or you that will say that they are terrorists, the court has made a declaration.
Regarding gazette on the court declaration, the Minister said: “There is a process for everything, we should be patient. The Attorney-General of the Federation won’t go to court for nothing. For the AGF to go to court, it is the biggest step to declare bandits as terrorists.”
Responding to a correspondent, the Minister insisted that Buhari has improved security architecture of the nation than he met it.
He said: “Since assuming office in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to make the issue of security a major plank of his administration’s policy. This is not a surprise, considering the fact that the fight against insecurity is one of the three priority areas of the APC-led Federal Government.
“Yes, the security situation has continued to pose a great challenge, but amidst the cacophony of voices – some genuinely concerned about the situation and others ready to exploit it for selfish ends – it is easy to forget where we are coming from.
“Today, we only look at the current situation, without wondering what would have been had this President not taken the bull by the horns, as far as security is concerned.
“With the way the insurgents were going before this Administration came into office, with their control of a vast swath of land the size of Belgium, with their freewheeling attacks in almost a dozen states, including the Federal Capital Territory which was hit at least five times, perhaps they could have achieved their aim of declaring an Islamic State in Nigeria, if President Buhari had not acted decisively.
“After all, in 2014, Boko Haram declared a Caliphate in Gwoza after capturing Bama and Gamboru as well as other towns and villages in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. They installed their own Emirs, collected taxes and flew their flag before the military dislodged them.
“Yes, banditry and kidnapping have added to the state of insecurity, President Buhari has also continued to provide quality leadership in order to ensure that our security agencies decisively tackle the cankerworm of insecurity of any hue.”
“We are also pained to inform the public that ASUU has activated its process of resuming the conditionally suspended strike immediately…”
The Bauchi zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime is forcing university lecturers to go on indefinite strike over its failure to implement the 2009 agreement.
“Should we embark on strike, know that we are forced, and government should be held responsible and accountable,” said ASUU zonal coordinator Lawan Abubakar at a press conference on Tuesday in Jos.
The union had on November 14 issued a three-week ultimatum to Mr Buhari’s regime to do the needful or face an indefinite strike.
“We are also pained to inform the public that ASUU has activated its process of resuming the conditionally suspended strike immediately after the expiration of the three-week ultimatum,” added the ASUU coordinator.
Mr Abubakar, represented by his predecessor, Nanmwa Voncir, noted that the agreement was renegotiated in May 2020, yet the regime remained adamant about not implementing it.
The ASUU coordinator advised the regime to implement the 2009 agreement with the union to avert a strike by its members.
Mr Abubakar further stated that Mr Buhari regime’s lackadaisical attitude towards addressing ASUU demands would force the union to take the drastic decision of embarking on an indefinite strike.
He explained that the union’s demands were not personal but aimed at lifting the standard of university education in the country.
“The Bauchi zone of ASUU feels that the government has been tolerated enough, and we cannot continue to entertain its officials who are failing to do the needful for over the years,” Mr Abubakar stressed. “Impending strike action can be avoided if government officials can do what they failed to do in the last one year.”
He added, “We are, once again, pained to bring these issues to the public domain because more than a year after suspending the 2020 strike, little progress has been made towards implementation.”
Mr Abubakar, who decried the sorry state of public universities in Nigeria, called on parents, students, and the public to continue to understand and support the union in its bid to regain the lost glory of public universities in Nigeria.
“These universities are public properties, and as stakeholders in the Nigerian project, we have a role to play, regaining its lost glory. Today, our public universities don’t have infrastructures; our laboratories and other facilities are obsolete,” the ASUU coordinator further stated. “We are pretending to be teaching, and the students are pretending to be learning.”
“The NNPC is once again giving Nigerians strong assurance that we have product sufficiency that will last far beyond the festive period,” said the statement.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC) says it will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a sufficient supply of petrol to every part of the country during and beyond the forthcoming festive period.
Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Mr Garba Muhammad, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The NNPC expressed appreciation to Nigerians for always heeding its advisories to avoid panic buying.
“The NNPC is once again giving Nigerians strong assurance that we have product sufficiency that will last far beyond the festive period,” said the statement. “Indeed, our stock has risen from a reserve of 1.7 billion litres to over two billion litres within the last one month.”
Therefore, the national oil company urged Nigerians not to engage in panic buying but to “fully enjoy the spirit of the festive season.”
While appreciating Nigerians for their understanding and support, NNPC promised that it would not relent in always ensuring a sufficient supply of petrol.
“We wish you all happy celebrations,” added the NNPC statement.
A staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Lugbe, Shila Ojebola, has been reported dead three weeks after his abduction along the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
Ojebola’s promotion was announced while he was at the kidnapper’s den.
Family members told People’s Gazette that the 47-year-old victim was killed after a total of N7m ransom was collected by his captors.
The medium reported that the police and State Security Service (SSS) were involved in the ransom process.
The Kaduna-Abuja highway has come under attack in recent times, with many feared killed and kidnapped.
The appalling situation has incited fear among travelers who are torn between plying the highway or taking the train.
Recall that terrorists had detonated an explosive along the Kaduna- Abuja railway in November, but no casualty was recorded.
The publisher of www.trixxng.com, Osho Oluwatosin has been honoured with the blogger of the year award at the recently concluded fifth edition of Prestige Excellence Award.
The event which held on Sunday, 28th of November, 2021 at the prestigious Presken hotel had several dignitaries that include Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa, Hon Lanre Odubote, Buba Marwa, Babajide Otitoju, captains of industry and important personalities from different walks of life in attendance.
According to Mr Wale Abiodun, the organizer of Prestige Excellence Award, Osho Oluwatosin was selected as the blogger of the year due to the sagacity, intelligence, and consistency he has used to make TRIXX NG a force to reckon within a short period of time.
Mr Wale Abiodun made special reference to TRIXX NG’s rank in Nigeria and globally, while commending Osho Oluwatosin for putting lots of efforts to attain such a huge feat.
In his reaction, Osho Oluwatosin appreciated God and the organizers of Prestige Excellence Award for counting him worthy of such a huge award.
Going down the memory lane, Osho Oluwatosin dedicated the award to his mentor, Femi Oyewale who is the publisher of Sahara Weekly Magazine/Online for putting him through in the media industry. He cited the lessons Femi Oyewale taught him as reasons behind his achievements in the media industry so far.
‘’I want to appreciate Mr Wale Abiodun for counting me worthy of this huge award. It’s not something I take for granted especially for the fact that it will be my first career award. I thank God for the progress experienced in my career so far, it has all been by his grace alone’’
‘’ I want to specially appreciate Mr Femi Oyewale, the publisher of Sahara Weekly Magazine/Online who was the first person I met when I decided to delve into journalism. I had my industrial training with his media outfit and he took me as a son. Without him, I would not have gotten to this stage of my career’’
‘’TRIXX NG is a platform I see as a calling, it’s my ministry and I have no regret starting www.trixxng.com in 2018. I appreciate our readers, supporters, friends who have been pushing for us out there, God bless every one of you, Amen’’
Osho Oluwatosin is a 25-year-old media personality who is vast in the areas of media and public relations. He is currently the media aide to Renowned Prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele and has worked for several notable personalities that include UK-Based Nollywood Actress, Princess Elizabeth Onanuga, Film maker, Titi Jeje, Prophet Joshua Iginla, late Prophet TB Joshua, Imo PDP Chieftain, Emmanuel Okewulonu, Dr DK Olukoya, corporate organizations that include United Bank For Africa (UBA), First Bank Of Nigeria, Zenith Bank, Union Bank, Unity Bank, Polaris Bank, Fidelity Bank, Dangote Group, Guarantee Trust Bank(GTB), to mention a few.
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for the coronavirus after visiting four African countries.
His government tweeted on Monday that the President being “booked off for the week, there won’t be a weekly message issued today.”
In a press statement published on the government’s website, he is receiving treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms after contracting the virus on Sunday, 12 December 2021.
“The President started feeling unwell after leaving the State Memorial Service in honour of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier today.
“The President is in good spirits but is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force,” the statement added on Sunday.
The South African presidency revealed that Ramaphosa had authorized his vice to deputize for him.
“The President, who is fully vaccinated, is in self-isolation in Cape Town and has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week,” it added on Sunday.
The presidency explained that his covid-19 test results were negative when he visited Ghana, Nigeria and other countries.
“On his recent visit to four West African states, President Ramaphosa and the South African delegation were tested for COVID-19 in all countries.
“The President and the delegation returned to South Africa from the Republic of Senegal on Wednesday, 8 December 2021, after obtaining negative test results. The President also tested negative on his return to Johannesburg on 8 December.
“Today’s proceedings in Cape Town were undertaken in compliance with health regulations pertaining to hand hygiene, the wearing of face masks and social distancing.”
Presidency has debunked reports that there are provisions in the Finance Bill 2022 now before the National Assembly forcing Nigerians to have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) in order to operate a bank account.
Recall that the Leader of the Senate, Yahaya Abdullahi, had last week Wednesday in his lead debate on the bill, sent to the National Assembly by President General Muhammadu Buhari, had said the Finance Bill 2021 has made it mandatory for commercial banks to demand the TIN from anyone who wishes to open an account with them.
Bill, he said also empowers banks to demand TIN from existing customers if they wish to continue to operate their accounts.
But a Presidency source who pleaded for anonymity, claimed to be involved in the drafting of the bill said the news reports are “totally inaccurate, the bill has no such provisions for individuals.”
The source presenter the main changes proposed under the bill which would be further defended this week at both the Senate and the House of Representatives:
“Capital gains tax at the rate of 5% to be applicable on disposal of shares in a Nigerian company worth N500m or more in any 12 consecutive months except where the proceed is reinvested in the shares of any Nigerian company within the same year of assessment. Partial re-investment will attract tax proportionately. Transfer of shares under the regulated Security Lending Transaction is exempted.
“Lottery and Gaming business to be specifically taxable under CITA including betting, game of chance, promotional competition, gambling, wagering, video poker, roulette, craps, bingo, slot or gaming machines and the likes.
“Companies engaged in petroleum operations including Midstream and Downstream operations will not be eligible for exemption on profits in respect of goods exported from Nigeria. Downstream companies were previously eligible under the old Upstream and Downstream classification.
“FIRS to be empowered to assess CIT on the turnover of a foreign digital company involved in transmitting, emitting, or receiving signals, sounds, messages, images or data of any kind including e-commerce, app stores, and online adverts.
“Capital allowance claimable on an asset is limited to the portion used for generating taxable profits. Assets partially used to generate taxable income will be eligible for pro-rata capital allowance except where the proportion of non-taxable income does not exceed 20% of the total income of the company.
“Any capital allowance or unabsorbed allowances brought forward by a small or medium company, other than a company under pioneer status, to be treated as having been claimed and consumed in each such year of assessment.
“The reduction of minimum tax rate from 0.5% to 0.25% of turnover (less franked investment income) is to be applicable to any two accounting periods between 1 Jan 2019 and 31 Dec 2021 as may be chosen by the taxpayer.
“Disputed tax assessment to be in abeyance until determination while undisputed tax assessment is to be paid within 30 days after service of the notice of assessment on the company except otherwise extended by the FIRS. Reference to provisional tax has been deleted in recognition of the well-established self-assessment tax regime.
“Withholding tax on interest earned from a unit trust to be treated as final tax. Only WHT on dividend is currently treated as final tax for local companies.
“The deployment of technology to automate tax administration including assessment and information gathering by FIRS to now include third party technology (previously only proprietary technology may be deployed). A penalty of N50,000 to be applicable where a company fails to grant access to FIRS in addition to N25,000 for each day the failure continues.
“FIRS to be the primary agency of the Federal Government responsible for the administration, assessment, collection, accounting and enforcement of taxes and levies due to the Federation, the Federal Government and any of its agencies except otherwise authorized by the Finance Minister.
“Any person or agency of the Federal Government must refer matters requiring tax investigation, enforcement and compliance to the FIRS. Relevant officers who violate the rule to be liable to a penalty of N10m and/or 5 years imprisonment on conviction.
“Deductible life assurance premium for personal income tax purposes to exclude a contract for deferred annuity.
“The Finance Minister, subject to the approval of the National Assembly, shall make regulations for the imposition, administration, collection, remittance, including distribution of arrears of stamp duty and Electronic Money Transfer levies collected between 2015 and 2019 fiscal years.
“Tertiary Education Tax to be payable within 30 days of service of assessment (currently 60 days).
“Non-residents making taxable supplies to recipients in Nigeria to have the primary obligation to charge, collect and remit VAT to FIRS. The VAT withholding obligation of Nigerian recipients now limited to where the non-resident or its appointed agent fails to collect the VAT.
“The exemption from VAT registration and compliance obligation applicable to small companies with annual turnover less than N25m to exclude companies engaged in upstream petroleum operations regardless of turnover.
“Appointment of the FIRS to assess, collect and enforce the payment of Nigerian Police Trust Fund levy. The Act enacted in 2019 imposed a tax of 0.005% on the net profit of companies operating in Nigeria.
“Amendment of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure Act to remove the requirement for commercial companies to pay a levy of 0.25% of turnover annually to the Fund. Primary sources of fund to be limited to 1% of the Federation Account.
“Mandatory payment of gross revenue collected by federal ministries, departments or agencies to the federation account or consolidated revenue fund as the case may be except otherwise authorized by law. Any officer who violates this requirement may be liable on conviction to imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine of N5m or both.
“Amendment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act to enable government borrow for “critical reforms of significant national impact”. Currently, government at all tiers are only empowered to borrow for capital expenditure and human development. Capital expenditure is defined as spending on an asset that lasts for more than one financial year. Human development and critical reforms are not defined.”
The National Union of Road Transport Workers boss, Musiliu Akinsanya, better known as MC Oluomo has been defended on social media by one of his son’s, King West.
According to Naija News, King West on his Instastories on Sunday slammed those calling his father a tout.
Sharing a photo of his father, MC Oluomo, and his two twin siblings who recently graduated from United States Universities, King West said his ‘tout’ father is better than the parents of those criticizing his.
He wrote: “What did you say about a tout? Well all I know is he is better than most of your pops”.
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB has said it will fight tooth and nail to actualize the 2023 Igbo Presidency.
Naija News understands that the Biafra agitators stated this in a statement on Sunday while condemning a comment by the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG against the Igbo nation over the 2023 presidency.
A former Secretary to the Federal Government, Pius Anyim; and a former governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, were quoted to have earlier said that the South East is ‘prepared to kneel or bow before every ethnic group to clinch the 2023 presidency’.
CNG has, however, mocked the statement credited to the Igbo leaders, describing their comment as ‘no more than deception.’
“The bitter truth is that no matter how low the Igbo are willing to go or how long they are willing to keep their knees on the ground, it will be unreasonable to expect other Nigerian tribes, not least the North, to risk entrusting the Presidency in them,” CNG said in a publication.
Responding in its statement on Sunday, MASSOB described the remarks of the group against the Igbo nation as adding salt to the injury, querying “how do you think that your enemies will trust you? Een if you kill your wife or children to show your loyalty to them, just as our so-called Igbo/ Abuja politicians are killing our brothers to please the Northern caliphate, yet they never gain their trust.”
In addition to his response, MASSOB Leader, Uchenna Madu said it was appalling the appealing tendencies of the two Igbo statesmen.
Madu said, “A beggar only begs for something that does not belong to him. A beggar is always inferior to the giver. Ndigbo are not beggars.
“It is an abomination that Igbo elders will kneel down to another in begging, even though that the lives of Ndigbo are at risk. We can never beg, rather we devise our own means of fighting back because Igbos must survive. Ndigbo are not cowards or weaklings.”
