Federal, States, Local Governments Share N1.1 Trillion August Revenue

September 30, 2023

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared the sum of N1.1 trillion to the Federal Government, 36 States and Local Government Councils for the month of August.

The details were contained in a communiqué issued by the FAAC after its September meeting.

The communiqué said that the N1.1 trillion total distributable revenue, comprised statutory revenue of N357.398 billion, Value Added Tax revenue of N 321.941 billion and Electronic Money Transfer Levy revenue of N14.102 billion.

It also comprised Exchange Difference revenue of N229.568 billion and Augmentation of N177.092 billion.

The communiqué said total revenue of N1.48 trillion billion was available in the month of August 2023.

“Total deductions for cost of collection was N58.755 billion, total transfers and refunds was N254.046 billion and savings was N71 billion.

“Gross statutory revenue of N 891.934 billion was received for the month of August 2023. This was lower than the N1.1 trillion received in the month of July by N258.49 billion.

“The gross revenue available from VAT was N345.727 billion.

“This was higher than the N298.78 billion available in the month of July by N46.938 billion.”

It said that from the N1.1 trillion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received N431.245 billion, state governments got N361.188 billion and LGCs paid N266.538 billion.

“A total sum of N26.473 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) and N14.657 billion (13 per cent of savings from NNPCL) were shared to the relevant states as derivation revenue.

“From the N357.398 billion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N173.102 billion, the state governments received N87.800 billion and the LGCs received N67.690 billion.

“The Federal Government received N48.291 billion, the state governments received N160.971 billion and the LGCs received N112.679 billion from the N321.941 billion distributable VAT revenue.”

The communiqué said that the N14.102 billion EMTL was shared among the three tiers of government.

It said that the Federal Government received N2.115 billion, the state governments received N7.051 billion and the LGCs received N4.936 billion.

“The Federal Government received N114.445 billion from the N229.568 billion Exchange Difference revenue.

“The state governments received N58.048 billion, and the LGCs received N44.752 billion.

“The sum of N12.027 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) and N0.296 billion (13 per cent of savings from NNPCL) went to the relevant states as derivation revenue.”

It said that from the N177.092 billion augmentation, the Federal Government received N93.292 billion, the state governments received N47.319 billion and the LGCs received N36.481 billion.

“In the month of August, VAT, Import and Excise Duties and EMTL increased considerably while Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Oil and Gas Royalties recorded significant decreases.

“The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $473.75 million.”

The Eagle Online

How Thugs Attack Ajaka’s Campaign In Kogi, SDP Governorship Spokesman Narrates

Editorial staff

September 29, 2023

Faruk Adejo-Audu, spokesman of the Social Democratic party (SDP) governorship candidate for Kogi State, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, has narrated how those he called opposition political thugs attack the candidate’s supporters in Koton Karfe, today, September 29.

Adejo-Audu said, in a statement today, September 29 that several supporters of Ajaka sustained bullet wounds after the attack, which occurred on his way from a rally to the town’s Central Mosque for his Jumat Prayers.

He said that the thugs had earlier opened fire at the rally venue at about 10: 30 am when supporters began gathering ahead of Ajaka’s arrival to flag off the event at 1:00pm.

According to him, the rally was already underway when thugs with sophisticated assault Rifles arrived and started shooting sporadically.

“Party supporters scampered in different directions while the fiery thugs descended on the event equipments namely podium, canopies, chairs, Public Address Systems.

“They fired bullets into the giant speakers, smashed several hundreds of chairs and canopies, and then sustained the gun fire for over 15 minutes.”

Adejo said that Ajaka, who arrived at the venue about 2 hours later,praised supporters and party faithfuls who bravely returned to the venue despite the attack on hearing the approach of his siren.

Ajaka was quoted as saying that even armed bandits in the jungle can’t be worse than these people.

“But I assure you they are desperate because they know we the people are resolved to chase them away this time for Good. This is the last kick of a dying wild lion.”

I’m Ready For DNA – Mohbad Wife: Says She Never Had Physical Contact With Sam Larry

Editorial staff

September 29, 2023

Omowunmi, the wife of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known by his stage name as Mohbad, has said that she is ready to have a DNA conducted on their son, Liam.

Omowunmi, who also gave an inkling into why she has not undergone DNA, spoke on the issue today, September 29.

There have been allegations that the real father of Liam is a music promoter, Sam Balogun, also known as Sam Larry.

But Omowunmi denounced ever having any intimate relationship with Sam Larry.

She wrote: “Please help me I’m ready for it. I have never had a physical conversation with Sam Larry in my life.

“I only greet him whenever I see him.

“Mohbad got me deflowered.

“How do I go about it?

“I’m ready.

“It’s just people around me, Most especially My lawyer.

“Can you help me speak to my sister?

“I am ready.”

Source: The Eagle Online.

Police Blames Music Industry Over Rise In Drugs, Crimes

Editorial staff

September 29, 2023

The Lagos State Police Command has lamented that the music industry has glamorised drug use thereby increasing crimes in the society.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Superintendent of Police, who spoke at the 2023 Press Week Lecture/Symposium organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, News Agency of Nigeria Lagos Chapel, called on stakeholders to help in the fight against drugs.

“The music industry is not helping us in any way. They glamorise drugs.

“Not all that glitters is gold.”

He said that a lot of super stars are involved in drug abuse, saying that behind most crimes in the society, there is substance abuse or drug addictions among the youths.

He said that the command regularly arrests criminals in the state and that in 90 percent of the cases, the criminals blame their actions on drugs.

“Drugs and their attendant problems are things that manifest in the society.

“We all know that there is a direct connection between drugs and crimes.

“For us in the Lagos State Police Command, we have come to realise that the more there is drug use in the society, the higher the crime rate is.

“If drugs actually reduce in the society, crimes too will reduce.

“Ordinarily, people would not go and commit crimes until they use drugs.”

Hundeyin said that beyond crimes, drug abuse messes up the future of Nigerian youths and their health.

According to him, when musicians have health challenges, most times they will not want to go to hospital but rather invite a nurse to treat them at home because they are using drugs.

“Going to the hospital will expose that and they don’t want people to know.”

On the way forward, the PPRO said that the media and other stakeholders have a strong role to play in portraying the ills and dangers of drugs in the society.

He lamented that elders who should be the custodians of morals have been arrested on several occasions selling illicit drugs.

“It is painful when elderly parents come to beg for their children arrested for drugs.

“Encouraging drug use will not help anyone.

“Elderly ones should be our mouthpiece.

“It is bad that elderly people are making these problems worse.

“We need to expose this.

“Our borders are quite porous, people bring in things, illicit drugs inclusive.

“The more we make noise about it the better.”

Hundeyin said that the right policies and tighter borders could also help in addressing the menace, even as he advised young ones not to experiment with drugs in order not to cut their lives short.

He urged students and young Nigerians not to bow or succumb to peer pressure, adding: “You should know what is good and what is bad.

“Always stand right even if it means standing alone.

“In the long run, you will be better for it.

“Drugs are not helping in our society.

“It has made the job of policing more difficult because more and more youths are going into drugs, which translates into cultism, murder, rape and many of them end up in prison.

“Our young ones should stay away.

“Drugs affect crimes.

“So to help us reduce crimes in the society, we must collectively do all we can to ensure that drug use comes down and we should not glamorise it.”

Hundeyin said that the only way the youth could fulfill their destinies is to stay clear of drugs.

I’m Disappointed In Some Big Media Houses, Kaduna Gov Complains Over Tribunal Verdict

Greenbarge Reporters

September 29, 2023

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has expressed huge disappointment with the conduct of those he called some “big media houses” that gave misleading report about the judgement of the state guvernorship election petitions tribunal.
In an interview on Channels’ TV’s politics, the Governor did not mince words in condemning the media houses, accusing them of allowing themselves to be used as the opposition propaganda machine.
The tribunal had earlier yesterday, September 28, dismissed the petition by the governorship candidate of the PDP challenging Sani’s victory in the 18 March governorship election in the state, saying it lacked merit.
But during the interview, Uba Sani said that he was extremely disappointed by some big media houses which went to the press when the ruling was going on.
“I thank Isah Ashiru for even approaching the tribunal to ventilate his anger. As a democrat I believe that if you are not satisfied with an election, you should approach the court.
“Looking at my background as someone who has spent a good part of his life as an activist, I believe in democracy and the rule of law. That is why when Isah Ashiru approached the tribunal I believe it’s within his rights.
“Today the tribunal has made its judgment. It dismissed the case. That is why in my own statement I called on him and his supporters and my supporters to calm down. It’s about moving Kaduna State forward. I thank him for contesting the election.
“I think there is no confusion about the Kaduna State tribunal judgement. As I said some of us that have been involved in the draft of the electoral law know that there is nothing like confusion there. The case was dismissed because it lacks merit. The preliminary objection was made out of hand.
“There are a lot of cases like this. We are not here to talk about propaganda. There are two things here: you either win a political battle or you win a propaganda battle. I was disappointed in some big media houses.
“I think PDP started misinforming and misleading some very important media houses. I am extremely disappointed in them. When the ruling was going on, Media Houses went to the press. In 2003 I was a spokesperson for President Obasanjo. Of course I know the media very well.”

Police Arrest Naira Marley’s Associate, Sam Larry, In Connection To Mohbad’s Death

Greenbarge Reporters

September 29, 2023

Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of Balogun Eletu, widely known as Sam Larry, an associate of singer Naira Marley, over the death of musician, Mohbad.
The Command’s spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin said in a statement late yesterday that Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, aka Sam Larry “is now in our custody. He is currently assisting with the ongoing investigation.”
Sam Larry and Naira Marley have been at the centre of a public outrage over Mohbad’s death.
A video had captured Sam Larry storming Zlatan Ibilr’s music video shoot and attempting to harass Mohbad.
In his defence, Sam Larry posted a video on social media where he denied involvement in Mohbad’s death, insisting that he loved Mohbad while he was alive.
Mohbad died aged 27 on September 12 under controversial circumstances.
The police are investigating his death and have carried out an autopsy after exhuming his body.
The Lagos State judiciary has also announced a coroner’s inquest, due to commence today, September 29, into the matter, at the instance of a human rights lawyer, Femi Falana.

Abducted Dapchi School Girl In 2018, Leah Sharibu, Now Leads ISWAP Medical Team

Editorial staff

September 28, 2023

Reports reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that Leah Sharibu, who was among the girls abducted Dapchi Secondary School by Boko Haram in 2018 now leads the medical team of Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).

A military source said that after her abduction, Leah was “trained” on how to administer some medical services to injured Boko Haram fighters and women.

One of the antics of terrorists in the North East is forcing their captives to acquire some expertise in some areas like medicine, nursing, engineering, and computer, among others, to train their members in such areas.

“She was ‘trained’ as a medical personnel and now leads the ISWAP medical team in the northern part of the Lake Chad area,” the source said.

Another source said that “Ten days ago, Leah, her supposed husband and other fighters were sighted at Dogon Chukwun kangarwa.

“Her husband is a commander under ISWAP but they are facing persecution from a Boko Haram commander loyal to Shekau, Malam Bakura.

“As of today, we got a report that a large contingent of the ISWAP fighters has started migrating from the area through Guzamala forest.

“They were sighted on the route of Cross – Mosquito camp- Garin-giwa (where Governor Umara Zulum’s convoy was attacked) – Munguno – Gajiram with cache of dangerous arms”

The source hinted that Leah Sharibu had even remarried another ISWAP commander, after she dumped the first husband.

Leah was abducted alongside over 100 schoolmates from Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018.

A few years ago, it was reported by some media houses that the Dapchi girl was married off.

It was gathered that Leah, after the purported divorce from one Abdulrahman, was remarried to another ISWAP commander in the Lake Chad area named Ali Abdallah.

One of the security sources said: “Leah was first married to Abdulrahman after she allegedly converted to Islam and they have two children, all boys, that were named after two Boko Haram commanders that were killed.

“We don’t know what transpired, but Leah secured the divorce and married another commander, Ali Abdallah.”

Vice President Shettima To Nigerians, Your Sacrifices Will Not Be In Vain

Editorial staff

September 28, 2023

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that their sacrifices will not be in vain as the administration is determined to fulfill all the promises it made to the citizens.

Shettima, who spoke today, September 28, at a public lecture to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary in Abuja, said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to building a country where the economic independence of each citizen is guaranteed, and where none of them has to depend on unspecified handouts to earn a living.

“Today, we gather to honour Nigeria’s journey to redefine its destiny. Today, we stand on the precipice of history to reflect upon a nation that has defied the predictions of doomsayers, a nation that has become the metaphor of resilience.

“Over the past 63 years, we have not only survived but thrived because of our collective resolve, our commitment to progress, and the enduring spirit of unity that binds us together from Aba, down through Ogbomosho to Zaria, despite the conspiracies of minor vested interests.”

The Vice President said that while this anniversary offers Nigeria another opportunity to acknowledge the cross-regional bonds that have kept the country standing as Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, “we are here to remind ourselves that the future we promised Nigerians isn’t an empty performance for electoral favours.”

The Vice President noted that the future of a great nation is not determined by the occurrence of a socio-economic challenge, but by the intention, sincerity, and innovative ideas of its leaders, and their commitment to implementing them.

“We cannot renew the hope of the nation unless we deliver on our promise to drive food security and eradicate poverty. We cannot foster economic growth and nurture job creation unless we facilitate access to capital, enhance national security, and optimize the business environment for our enterprises.

“We are going to uphold the rule of law and fight corruption to design the Nigeria of our dream. We can’t achieve any of these unless each citizen remains a strategic partner in pursuit of our ultimate national interests.”

Shettima emphasized the crucial role of leadership in shaping a nation’s destiny, saying: “the future of a great nation rests on the intention, sincerity, and innovative ideas of its leaders and their commitment to implementing them.”

The Vice President also recognized the sacrifices made by Nigerians over the years and that such solidarity has inspired the government to focus on diverse sectors, from agriculture to digital technology, from healthcare to education.

“We knew from the starting point of this race to serve the people that the track would not be without its holes and thorns. We knew that challenges would arise, and obstacles would test our resolve. But, as our history has shown, Nigerians are too ambitious to be broken by a temporary setback. We are going to emerge from this phase of our reforms stronger, each of us with renewed hope.

“At 63, we recognize that what has sustained us and propelled us forward is our collective belief that overcoming the challenges we’ve inherited necessitates sacrifices.”

He reiterated that these sacrifices are investments in a brighter future, one that will secure the well-being of current and future generations.

“As we work together towards a future where opportunity knows no bounds, let’s remember that our most potent weapon is the overriding resolve of the majority to choose unity over chaos and democracy over anarchy.”

Earlier in his address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, called on the Federal Government to consider increasing the salary of workers to mitigate the current economic situation in the country.

He advised the administration to build on the existing synergy among the different arms of government to provide the much needed democracy dividends to Nigerians.

Also speaking on Tinubu administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda in a lecture themed: “Actualizig the vision of Renewed Hope for socio-economic development through effective leadership,” the guest speaker, Dr Goke Adegoroye, commended President Tinubu for the steps taken so far in repositioning governance and resetting the economy.

He advised the administration to prioritise key aspects of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda with a view to ensuring that the impact is felt across different sectors of the economy.

Confusion In Kaduna: Governship Election Tribunal Gives 2 Opposing Judgements

Editorial staff

September 28, 2023

There is confusion In Kaduna State now as a result of two opposing judgements delivered by the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, one in favour of the Governor, Uba Sani and the other calling for rerun of the election.

The tribunal, which delivered the judgement via zoom today, September 28, upheld the election of the Governor on the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It dismissed the petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Isah Ashiru Kudan.

The judgment, which took five and half hours, saw the three-man panel of judges led by Justice Victor Oviawie, Justice K. Damlat and Justice N. Nonye, stricking out the petition because the preliminary notice was filed out of time, after the seven days prescribed by the constitution, and was deemed to have been abandoned.

Giving a split judgment, Justice Victor Oviawie said the preliminary notice was filed outside the seven days prescribed by the constitution from the day when the main case was filed, adding that the petition was deemed to be abandoned and this judgment was also towed by Justice N. Nonye, while Justice K. Damlat differed.

In his own verdict, Justice Damlat said that the preliminary notice was properly filed and was not abandoned.

Another aspect of the split judgement declared that the governorship election was inconclusive and a rerun should be conducted.

In the split decision of a ratio of 2:1, the three-man tribunal declared the election inconclusive and directed that a supplementary election should be held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within 90 days.

INEC is to conduct election in seven wards, four local govts, 24 polling units consisting of 16,300 registered voters.

Nigeria’s Debt Rises By Over N1.5 Trillion Since Tinubu’s Coming – Report

Editorial staff

September 28, 2023

Nigeria has borrowed over $1.95 billion from the World Bank, despite growing concerns by Nigerians and international bodies on the country’s rising debt burden.

Data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) shows that Nigeria’s total public debt has increased to N87.37 trillion at the end of June 2023.

This represents a 103.93% year-on-year increase compared to N42.84 trillion in Nigeria’s public debt as of June 2022.

Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, the World Bank has approved three loans totalling $1.95 billion.

The loans are for education ($700 million), power ($750 million), and women empowerment ($500 million), the reports said.

Details revealed that on June 19, the federal government secured a $750 million loan from the World Bank to facilitate power projects across the nation.

The loan, with project ID P174622, was approved on June 9, 2023, making it the first World Bank loan approved under the administration of President Tinubu.

The global lender said the fresh loan would be additional financing for the power sector recovery performance-based operation. The World Bank document further disclosed that the new financing would run from 2023 to June 30, 2027.

Part of the document reads to justify the loan: “Lack of access to the electricity grid affects 45 percent of the population (90 million people), making Nigeria the country with the largest number of people not connected to electricity. As such, Nigeria accounts for 12 percent of the global access deficit.

Also, on June 27, 2023, the World Bank Group announced the approval of a loan of $500 million for women empowerment programmes.

This is the second loan approved under President Tinubu. World Bank Statement announcing the loan reads:

“The World Bank has approved $500m for Nigeria for Women Program Scale Up. The scale-up financing will further support the government of Nigeria to invest in improving the livelihoods of women in Nigeria”

Educating adolescent girls ($700 million)

The most recent loan is $700 million, approved in September 2023, to bolster educational opportunities and empowerment for adolescent girls in Nigeria.

Report has it that the new loan is to provide additional funds for an ongoing project known as the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).

Announcing the loan, World Bank also said: “The World Bank approved add

itional financing of $700 million for Nigeria to scale up the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment program whose goal is to improve secondary education opportunities among girls in targeted states.”

Meanwhile, the federal government has paid $1.17 billion to service foreign debt commitments in the first half of 2023.

This was captured in the Export and International Payment data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Source: Fact Check.

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