We Only Rescued NLC President, Joe Ajaero, From Mob, Imo Police Explains

November 1, 2023

Brutalised NLC President….

The Imo State Police Command has explained that its officers rescued the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero from mob who attacked him in Owerri, the State Capital.
In a statement today, November 1, by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Okoye Henry, the Command said that
the NLC President was taken into protective custody at the State Command Headquarters to ensure the protection of his life and to make sure that he was not lynched
“It is pertinent to state that the NLC President was in Owerri as part of arrangements of the Congress to mobilize workers for a mega protest rally in the state.
“In the course of their planning, it was reported that suggestions arose for the lockdown of some essential facilities, particularly the airport, which led to some workers and other individuals resisting the picketing process leading to scuffles and heated arguments and an eventual attack on the person of the president by a mob.
“Upon receiving this report, the Imo Police Command swiftly deployed police operatives to the scene where the Officer in Charge exercised his operational discretion.”
The statement said that after Joe Ajaero was taken into safe custody, the Commissioner of Police directed that he should be taken to the Police Medical Services, Owerri, where he would be accorded medical attention as a result of the attack.
“He has therefore been accorded adequate security cover to proceed on his other legitimate engagements for the day.”
The Command however, drew the attention of the NLC leadership to an existing court injunction from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria holden in Owerri with Suit No. NICN/OW/41/2023 dated 27th October, 2023, barring the NLC from holding the intended protest rally in Owerri.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command, Mohammed Ahmed Barde, therefore urges all concerned parties to ensure compliance with the Court directives so as to avoid jeopardizing the current security arrangements on Owerri and other parts of Imo State, even as the State gears up for the forthcoming electioneering process on 11th November 2023.”
Information coming from Owerri said that Joe Ajaero was thoroughly brutalized, but any clarification as to who were responsible.
However, from the attack, his right eye was completely shut even as he reportedly said that immediately after his arrest, he was beaten up and blind-folded and taken to an unknown destination where more brutalisation took place, sometimes with bottles.
His phones, money and other personal effects were said to have been taken off him, also without information as to who took them from him.

Lagos Closes Down 34 Organisations, 23 Hotels, Others Over N356 Million Tax Evasion

Editorial staff

November 1, 2023

The Lagos State Government has shutdown 34 corporate organizations and 23 hotels, restaurants, and event facilities on issues relating to tax evasion, to the tune of over N356 million.

While the corporate organisations were closed down for failing to remit Personal Income Taxes of their employees and for non-remittance of Consumption Taxes by operators in the hospitality sector to the Lagos State Government, hotels and others were closed for failure to deduct and remit Consumption taxes.

The State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), in a statement today, October 31, by the Head of the Corporate Communications, Monsurat Amasa – Oyelude, listed the defaulters to include NTS Nigeria Ltd., Med-In Hospital & Pharma Services Ltd., Danvic Petroleum Int’l Ltd., Business Intelligence Technology, Avaya Nigeria Ltd., Gladstone Tech Ltd., Courier Plus Services Ltd., Kurioucity Ltd., Medilag Ventures Ltd., Future Oilfields, and Seven Six & Ten Limited.

The list of hotels, restaurants and event facilities affected also includes Blitz Suites & Hotel, Offshoroomz Hotel, God’s Grace Hotel, De Orange Place Ltd., De Santos Hotel, Kentade Hotel Limited, Chamcee, Chelsea Suites, Falode Hotels, High Climax Hotel, Chez Moi Apartment, Excellence Hotel, Bereans Venture (Tantalizer Ebute Metta), La Avril Hotel & Suites, De Orange Place Ltd., Milaco Guest House, New World Inn, Model Motels Ltd, Rely Maritime Ltd, 4 Seasons Hotel, Dream Land Hotel, 343 North Restaurant and Lounge, and Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant.

The statement quoted the Director of Legal Services of LIRS, as saying, while addressing a state-wide tax law enforcement exercise, that the tax liabilities of these companies and hotels amounted to more than N356.12 million.

He said that their actions have caused the State Government loss of revenue.

He said that the Agency had previously reduced its enforcement activities to promote voluntary compliance by taxpayers.

“However, certain companies and hotels chose to engage in tax evasion.

“Therefore, the renewed enforcement activities of the Service are targeted at such companies, restaurants, hotels, and event centres.”

He emphasized that the primary goal is to secure compliance with the remittance of Consumption and Personal Income taxes, enabling the Lagos State Government to carry out projects intended for the well-being of the vast populace resident in Lagos State.

Alade said that these companies deduct Personal Income taxes from their employees’ salaries at the end of each month, and charge consumption taxes on goods and services purchased by customers.

“Unfortunately, some unpatriotic firms choose to withhold these payments, illegally converting the funds for their own use.”

He warned that failing to file tax returns or engaging in tax evasion are considered criminal offences that may result in financial penalties and, in some cases, custodial sentences upon conviction.

The Agency is currently prosecuting some High-net-worth individuals and companies that failed to file their Returns, he said courts have issued Bench Warrants for some taxpayers in this category and three arrests have been made pursuant to these Warrants, they are Platinum Apartments & Suites,

The Moonlight Place Enterprises and Jezreel Nursery and Primary School.

He warned that the enforcement exercise shall be a continuous one and it shall be visited on all erring companies, hotels, restaurants, and Individuals in the State if they refuse to regularize their tax positions immediately or if they fail to comply with all extant tax laws operational in Lagos State.

2024 Olympic Games Qualifier: Super Falcons Beat Ethiopia 4 – 0

Editorial staff

November 1, 2023

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, today, October 31, beat Ethiopian side by four goals to nothing at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja to book a place in the third round of the qualifiers for 2024 Olympic Games.

Super Falcons, who are former African champions, won the second round contest 5-1 on aggregate.

Uchenna Kanu gave Nigeria the lead in half time and five minutes into the second half, Rasheedat Ajibade netted in the second goal.

Barcelona’s star, Asisat Oshoala dribbled past her marker on the right before setting up the winger even as Oshoala got her name on the scoresheet in 68 minutes.

Ajibade got her second of the game, four minutes later with Oshoala providing the finishing initiative.

The Super Falcons will face Cameroon or Uganda in the next round.

Source: Prompt News online.

Senate Confirms Adedeji As Chairman Of Federal Inland Revenue Service

Editorial staff

November 1, 2023

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Zacch Adedeji, as the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The red chamber confirmed the nomination of Adedeji today , October 31, after he was screened by the committee of the whole house.

Adedeji, a first-class graduate in accounting from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, was appointed by President Tinubu in September in acting capacity for a 90-day period before his subsequent confirmation as the substantive Executive Chairman for a term of four years in the first instance.

No Plan To Re-Denominate Naira, CBN Spokesman, Dr. Isa Clarifies

Editorial staff

November 1, 2023

Director in the Corporate Communications Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Isa AbdulMumim, has made it clear that there is no plan by the apex bank to

re-denominate Nigeria’s Naira.

In a statement in Abuja today, October 31, the apex bank spokesman said that the news making the rounds in the social a media about plan to redenominate the Naira by cancelling two zeros from the currency is fake.

“The attention of the CBN has been drawn to the wide circulation of a text message suggesting that the apex bank plans to redenominate the country’s legal tender, the Naira, with effect from January 2024.

“We are concerned that this narrative, which we had refuted before now, appears to be gaining traction with several debates on the implication of such policy to the economy.

“We wish to reiterate that the contents of the message are misleading.

“The authors, in their mischief, modified text eked from old policy move by a previous CBN governor in 2007 to make it look recent.”

Dr. Isa AbdulMumim said that there is currently no plan by the CBN to restructure and redenominate the Naira.

“Whilst the apex bank may be considering reforms, such are subject to laid down procedure in line with provisions of the CBN Act.

“The public in hereby advised to ignore the news report, as it is speculative and calculated to cause panic.”

Wike Is Not A Political Orphan, Niger Delta Group Warns Gummi, Others

Editorial staff

November 1, 2023

Leaders of Ethnic Nationalities from Niger Delta region have warned a Muslim religious cleric, Sheikh Mahmoud Gummi and others to know that any attack on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike, will be considered as an affront to the collective interest of the region.

Speaking on behalf of the group, when they paid solidarity visit on Wike today, October 31, in Abuja, the former Presidential Amnesty Programme Coordinator, Kingsley Kuku, said: “Wike is not a political orphan from the Niger Delta.

“He has a strong socio-political base. So we take very serious exception to the call for the Minister’s sack and to the blackmail on the President with denial of electoral/political support in far away 2027 should the President fail to do his bidding.

”To say the least, Gummi’s abrogation of exclusive ownership and monopoly of administration of Abuja by a given ethno-religious region in Nigeria is not only disgusting, senseless but also puerile, hubristic, irresponsible and divisive.”

This was even as Wike said that he owes everything to President Bola Tinubu who appointed him, and that he has resolved to remain firm and undistracted.

The Minister called on the leaders to support the President, as the task of developing Nigeria and building a virile economy, transcends political affiliations.

Appeal Court Asks Sylvia To Go Ahead And Contest Rivers Guber Poll On APC Platform

Editorial staff

October 31, 2023

The Court of Appeal in Abuja as asked Timipre Sylva to go ahead and contest the November 11 Rivers State Governship election as the validly elected candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

for the November 11, 2023.

The three-member panel reached the unanimous decision in a judgment that was delivered today, October 31, in Abuja.

The Judges held that the trial court, which nullified Sylva’s candidature, lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by an APC member, Demesuoyefa Kolomo, having not been an aspirant in the primaries that produced the ex-Minister of State for Petroleum.

The court also awarded the sum of N1 million in favour of the appellant (Sylva) in the first appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1060/2023, between APC and Kolomo.

The panel equally awarded the sum of N1 million in favour of Sylva in the appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1061/2023, between Sylva and Kolomo and two others.

Sylva has appealed against the October 9 judgment delivered by Justice Donatus Okorowo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which disqualified Sylva as candidate for the November 11 election.

Kolomo, who described himself as a registered voter, had, in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/821/2023, filed on June 3, prayed the court to delete Sylva’s name from the list of candidates vying for the election, having taken the oath of office twice as governor of the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had subsequently removed the name of Sylva from the list of candidates for the election.

Source: NAN.

Appeal Court Affirms Natasha Akpoti As Duly Elected Kogi Central Senator

Greenbarge Reporters

October 31, 2023

The Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, has affirmed Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the Kogi Central Senatorial District election held in February this year.
The three-member panel, in its judgment today, October 31, upheld the judgment of the state’s election tribunal.
It dismissed the appeal filed by Senator Abubakar Ohere of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
The court agreed with the submission of counsel for Akpoti – Uduagan, Joshua Usman (SAN), for being meritorious.
The appellate court also awarded the sum of N500,000 against the Ohere.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Kogi State National and State Assemblies Tribunal had on September 6, 2023 declared Akpoti-Uduaghan the validly elected candidate for the poll.
The tribunal also invalidated the victory of Ohere.
The Tribunal Chairman, Justice K. A. Orjiako, delivered the unanimous judgment of the three-man panel, revealing that Ohere’s results were inflated in nine polling units in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.
Orjiako added that the Independent National Electoral Commission reduced Akpoti – Uduaghan’s results in those areas and omitted the results of three other polling units meant for her in the same LGA.
Following the necessary corrections, the court declared her as the winner of the election with 54,074 votes, surpassing Ohere, who garnered 51,291 votes.
But unsatisfied, Ohere approached the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn the ruling.

Borno Gov, Zulum Warns: Over 1 Million IDPs Turning Into Drug Users, Prostitutes, May Join Boko Haram

Greenbarge Reporters

October 31, 2023

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum has warned that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state are turning into drug users, prostitutes and creating another danger to the security of the state and the country.
“We returned many (IDPs), but still, we have over one million people, internally displaced people living in IDPS camps, that is increasing prostitution in IDP camps; that is increasing procreation without care in the IDP camps.
“There is drug abuse in the IDP camps.
“…many of such people will decide to join ISWAP and Boko Haram.”
Professor Zulum spoke yesterday October 30, when he hosted the reconstituted management board of the North East Development Commission.
He expressed fear that the continuous existence of Internally Displaced Persons camps in Local Government Areas of Borno State is a potential time bomb.
“We have to stop the younger ones from being recruited into Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“Otherwise, in the near future, the entire Nigeria will be wiped off the map.
“We want the intervention of the North East Development Commission.
“We want you to partner with the state government for us to close these IDP camps so that people can earn their means of livelihood by themselves.
“Otherwise, many of the people will decide to join ISWAP and Boko Haram.
“These people who are living in IDP camps are a matter of great concern to all of us.
“On the assumption of duty, I promised the people of Borno State that I’d close all official camps that are inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and we did so with the help of Almighty Allah.
“Now my next agenda is to see how we shall close all the IDP camps that are in the local government areas without which there shall be no peace.”

Nigerian Professor Faces Court Charges Of Alleged Corruption, Sexual Harassment

Greenbarge Reporters

October 31, 2023

Suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Professor Cyril Ndifon, has been charged to court for alleged corruption and sexual harassment against female students of the institution.
This followed the conclusion of investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), into the Professor’s alleged gross misconducts.
In the charge sheet number: FHC/ABJ/CR/511/2023, ICPC is arraigning the Senior Lecturer on a four count charge bordering on sexual harassment, official corruption and abuse of office contrary to sections 8, 18 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
One of the counts read: “That you, Professor CYRIL OSIM NDIFON (m) between June – September, 2023 at Calabar, within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, and while being a public officer charged with responsibility for the certification of students as fit in learning and character as a prerequisite for the award of Bachelor’s degree in law and admission into the Nigeria Law School, used your office and position as the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar to gratify yourself by soliciting for nude photographs and videos from one Ms. ABC (not real name), a year 2 diploma student of the University of Calabar, through WhatsApp chats on your telephone number 0803***** and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under S. 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”
Professor Ndifon would be arraigned in court on a date to be given by the court.
It would be recalled that ICPC, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) had on 4th of October, 2023 arrested Professor Ndifon in Calabar, Cross River State after shunning several invitations extended to him.

1...182183184...2,449 Page 183 of 2,449