Abuja Court Freezes Accounts Of Abia State In 27 Financial Institutions

March 31, 2023

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Apo, Abuja has granted an order freezing all the monies of the Abia State government domiciled in about 27 financial institutions.

Justice Bello Kawu in an exparte motion no: M/6686/2023 also barred all the banks from cooperating with the financial aides of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, pending the determination of the motion.

The suit was filed by Uche Eni against the Accountant-General of Abia State and the Commissioner for Finance.

Listed financial institutions as respondents are Access Bank Plc, Eco Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank, Central Bank of Nigeria, Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Accountant General of the Federation and 21 others.

The court granted the reliefs sought by the claimant’s lawyer, Johnmary C. Jideobi while adjourning the matter to April 5, 2023.

The court granted the following Order(s):-

“A mareva order of this Honourable Court freezing forthwith all the monies belonging to the people and Government of Abia State of Nigeria or controlled by the Defendants and domiciled in any Bank (whatsoever named) operating within Nigeria or domiciled with or in the hands of the 1st to 28th Respondents PENDING the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed herein.

“An order of this honourable court restraining the 1st to 28th Respondents from co-operating with the 1st and 2nd Defendants or any authority and person purporting to be acting on behalf of or in the name of the Government of Abia State of Nigeria (howsoever named or described) in accessing any funds held by the 1st to 28th Respondents for the benefit of the people and Government of Abia State of Nigeria PENDING the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed herein.

“An order of court granting the Claimant/ Applicant leave to effect a substituted service of all the originating processes in this suit, inclusive of the ex-parte Order of this Court, on the 1st and 2 Defendants at the Abia State Liaison Office, Abia House, Abuja, through any registered post or courier service operating within the Jurisdiction of this honourable Court and for same to be deemed as proper services.

“An order restraining the 1st and 2nd defendants forthwith from Interfering with dealing with, withdrawing or accessing in whatever manner, monies in the hand of the 1 to 28th Respondents belonging to the Government and people of Abia State pending the hearing and disposal of the Motion on Notice filed herein.

“An interim order of this Honourable Court restraining all the Respondents and their privies, whether severally or individually, from extending any loan facility howsoever called or described) to the Government of Abia State pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed herein.”

NBC Fines Channels TV N5 Million Over Dr. Datti Ahmed’s Outburst

Editorial staff

March 31, 2023

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has fined Channels Television N5 million for breaking the broadcasting law in a programme with Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party (LP) Vice Presidential candidate.

This is contained in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the television station and dated March 27. The letter, with the title: “Broadcast of an Inciting Interview, A Sanction”, was signed by Balarabe Ilelah, the commission’s Director-General.

It read in part:” The NBC monitored the broadcast of a live interview of the running mate of the Labour Party Vice presidential candidate, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, by the anchor of Politics Today, Seun Okibaloye, on Wednesday, March 22.

“Dr Baba-Ahmed said it will be unconstitutional to swear in an elected president on May 29, 2023, because of election irregularities,” Ilelah said in the letter.

He said that the broadcast was volatile and capable of inciting public disorder and therefore violated some sections of the broadcasting code.

This, according to him, includes the section that said no broadcast shall encourage, or incite, be repugnant to public feelings or contain offensive reference to any person or organisation, alive or dead or generally be disrespectful to human dignity.

Ilelah added that according to the broadcasting code, broadcasters shall ensure that no programme contained anything which amounted to subversion of constituted authority.

He recalled that the NBC had engaged Channels Television severally to consider public interest before any programme is broadcast.

This, he said, was to ensure that the country was not plunged into anarchy.

“Consequently, on the following infractions, Channels Television is hereby sanctioned and shall pay a penalty of N5,000,000 (five million naira) only in the first instance,” he said.

He added that any further infraction by the television station would attract higher sanctions.

“You are advised to pay within two weeks from the day of receipt of this letter or the penalty will be graduated,” the NBC Director-General said

Source: News Agency of Nigeria.

We Generated N10.04 Trillion In 2022, Federal Inland Revenue Service Boss

Editorial staff

March 31, 2023

Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Muhammed Nami, has said that the agency generated a total of N10.04 trillion in 2022.

Nami, who was represented by the Tax Controller, Enugu Medium and Small Tax Office of the FIRS, Stella Obiora, today, March 31, at the ongoing 34th Enugu International Trade Fair, said: “in 2022, we collected N10.04 trillion. This underscores the efforts and capacity of our staff members.”

The FIRS boss said that one of the four cardinal goals of the current management of the Service, emphasized on rebuilding FIRS institutional frameworks.

“Our focus on building and strengthening human capacity has continuously improved our revenue collection year to year.

“Beyond our focus on developing our human capital resources, it is obvious that revenue from oil which used to be the main source of government revenue is fast depleting and this has given rise to the need to look towards the non-oil revenue sources for a more sustainable way of raising income.

“We have, therefore, introduced some reforms which includes: Introduction of the TaxproMax Solution which is an in-house e-service solution that allows taxpayers to register, file their returns, make payments and carry out other tax obligations seamlessly.

“The Service has also introduced Self-Service Stations in all our tax offices across the country where taxpayers can walk in and have access to internet and use the TaxproMax solution to transact business with the Service.

“These initiatives are meant to make tax compliance as easy as ABC.

“We also have a world class fully automated contact centre where taxpayers can call to lodge their complaints and make enquiries in various languages that include English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin, French and Arabic, and will be attended to promptly by our well-trained professional staff.

“I implore the Enugu State Government to also introduce reforms in collaboration with the relevant government agencies that will produce positive changes and improve voluntary compliance which will lead to increase in revenue generation,” she said.

In his welcome address, the President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Jasper Nduagwuike, represented by the Vice President, Publication and Publicity, Emma Nwamkpa, said that tax harmonisation is crucial and still needs urgent attention in the country.

Source: NAN.

PDP Lifts Suspension On Anyim, Fayose, Others

Greenbarge Reporters

March 31, 2023

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has lifted the suspension of some of its chieftains, including former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Professor Dennis Ityavyar, Dr. Aslam Aliyu, and Ibrahim Shema.

This was contained in a statement today, March 30, signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

He said that the decision was taken at its NWC meeting today where members extensively discussed recent developments in the party.

“This decision is without prejudice to the powers of the NWC to take necessary disciplinary action against any member of the Party at any time pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party across the country to be guided by the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) as well as the new spirit and necessity of reconciliation, unity and harmony in our Party at this critical time.

“The PDP must remain focused as we continue to take every necessary action to recover the stolen mandate freely given by Nigerians to our Party and Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday February 25, 2023, at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

“The NWC recognized the imperativeness of a total reconciliation among Party leaders and critical stakeholders for a more cohesive Party in the overall interest of our teeming members and Nigerians in general.

“Consequent upon the above, the NWC reverses the referral of the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Dr. Samuel Ortom to the National Disciplinary Committee.”

God, Forgive Churches In Nigeria, We’ve Gotten It Wrong This Time – Fr. Mbaka

Greenbarge Reporters

March 30, 2023

The outspoken founder of Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Father Ejike Camillus Anthony Ebenezer Mbaka, has begged God to forgive the Churches in Nigeria for jumping fully into the politics of “who wins the 2023 Presidential election” only to mess up the Altar.

Addressing a large crowd of Christians in an open space in Enugu today, March 30, Mbaka knelt before a raised altar, with head bowed, saying: “God, forgive us, forgive the Church, we have gotten it wrong this time.

“I apologize on behalf of the whole men of God, the whole pastors, the whole priests and the whole Bishops. I’m not worthy to apologize for Bishops, but I’m apologizing.

“Let the mercy of God descend, because, what we did within the political moment….a lot of indescribable political brouhaha and political jingoisms and atrocities (were committed).

“We manifested and buried the power of sacrament beneath political forces, political hocks and vultures; they want to vulturize the Church.

“We turned the Churches into campaign centres, turned the churches into places of politicking.

“We messed up the Altar, we defiled the Altar. How do we want power to move from Altar that has been defiled? We cannot continue with such iniquities.

“I pray that God will forgive us forgive us Oh Lord, forgive Your Church, forgive Christianity in Nigeria.’”

Mbaka, who spoke in both English and Igbo languages, regretted: “we have gotten it wrong this time. Amen.

“Just let it be like this. If you want to misunderstand me, that is your business.”

“See Life? A Whole You Lost Senate Seat!” Buhari To Gov Lalong

Greenbarge Reporters

March 30, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari seems to be saying to Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong today, March 30, at the Presidential villa, Abuja: “See life, imagine you, a governor, being defeated for a Senate Seat.” The governor simply laughs it off.

INEC Sets To Give Atiku, Obi “Bloody Nose” In Court, Picks Legal Team

Greenbarge Reporters

March 30, 2023

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has set in motion, machinery to give the Presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, legal “bloody nose” with the appointment of five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to defend the 2023 Presidential election.
The legal team of the electoral body will be led by Abubakar Balarabe Mahmud (SAN) and made up of Stephen Adehi, Pinheiro Oluwakemi Adekunle, Miannaya Essien and Abdullahi Aliyu, all of them Senior Advocates of Nigeria) SANs
Other legal experts are Garba Hassan, Esq, Patricia Obi Esq and Musa Attah Esq.
INEC had on March 1, 2023, declared the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 25 February 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu had polled a total of 8,794,726 votes and also scored over 25 per cent of the votes cast in 30 states, more than the 24 states constitutionally required.
The Chairman of the electoral body, Professor Mahmood Yakubu who announced the final results in Abuja said that the candidate of the PDD, Atiku Abubakar came second with a total of 6,984,520 votes while the LP candidate, Peter Obi came third in the election with a total of 6,101,533 votes even as Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP came fourth with 1,496,687 votes. However, Atiku and Obi have challenged the declaration of INEC claiming that they each, defeated Tinunu in the election.
The development saw the presidential candidates file petitions at the Presidential election tribunal challenging the declaration of Tinubu. Obi, in his petition claimed that Tinubu “was not duly elected by the majority of the lawful votes cast at the time of the election.”
The former Governor of Anambra State alleged that there was rigging in 11 states and that he would demonstrate this in the declaration of results based on the uploaded results.
Source: Naija News.

Osinbajo Writes Tinubu, Says: All I Can Offer You In This Solemn Period Is Prayer.

Editorial staff

March 29, 2023

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has, on behalf of his wife, wrote a personal letter to the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 71st birthday.

In the letter he personally signed, Professor Osinbajo wrote: “Dolly and I rejoice with you, the family, friends and associates on this occasion of your 71st birthday.

We thank the Almighty God for his grace and enablement upon your life that has made possible your many years of service and contributions to Lagos State, our nation and our great party.

This occasion of your 71st birthday is unique, as it occurs as you prepare to take on your most significant assignment yet as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

All we can offer you in this solemn period is a prayer. That the Lord will help you in this assignment and give you good health, strength and wisdom to serve our people and our nation excellently.

Happy Birthday! God bless you.”

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN

Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

29th March 2023

Federal Govt Sets N24 Billion For NCC To Provide Free Internet In Airports, Varsities, Etc

Greenbarge Reporters

March 29, 2023

The Federal Government has set aside the sum of N24.20 Billion for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide internet in 20 selected airports in Nigeria and higher institutions of learning and also some markets to support micro, small and medium enterprises.

This was announced today, March 29, by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami at a news briefing shortly after the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential villa, Abuja.

He said that the first memo, approved by FEC, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, is the award of a contract for the provision of broadband in some selected domestic and international airports.

According to the minister, 20 of the domestic and international airports are going to be covered in the first phase of the project.

“In each geopolitical zone, you have around three airports. Like in the southwest, you have two in Lagos, you have in Ondo. For Southeast you have Imo, you have Anambra, you have Enugu. “For South-South. For example, you have like Port Harcourt, Akwa Ibom. For North-Central you have like Abuja, Ilorin. “For Northwest you have Kano, Sokoto and Kebbi. For Northeast you have like Yola, Maiduguri and Gombe.

“So all these airports are going to be covered and the federal government of Nigeria will provide broadband for free for passengers that are coming through the airports and particularly in Abuja, sometimes you will discover you will land and there is no any internet for free to even allow you to communicate.

“So, we have set our team in order. We have developed the sustainability model, so that even after the deployment, the maintenance will be very effective.”

Professor Pantami said that in the same memo also, there is going to be a provision of broadband to 43 higher institutions of learning at federal and state levels.

He said that some of them are universities for federal government, some states, some polytechnics and many more.

“You may recall that last year, the federal executive council approved a similar memo for the provision of unlimited internet in 18 universities (17 universities and one college of education).

“So this one is the second phase of the project and in the first memo approved today, we have 20 airports, both domestic and international and in addition, we also have 43 institutions of learning.

So if you add you will discover 63 institutions are going to benefit, accommodating higher institutions and local and domestic airports and the price for this is N18.95 billion.

“The second memo is very similar to the first one; it’s the provision of broadband to some selected markets.”

The minister recalled that last year, the Federal Executive Council approved the implementation of that by providing broadband to 20 markets in Nigeria, where there are a minimum of three markets per geopolitical zone.

“This one is to complement the earlier approval, where six markets are also going to benefit from this, in addition to six higher institutions of learning; two federal universities, one state university and polytechnics and this one the price is N5.25 billion.

“So both memos, you will discover that they will provide broadband to these institutions at the price of approximately N24.20 billion and the project is going to be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

“The duration for the project is four months minimum and maximum of five months and there is a budgetary provision for that.

“Also, the fund to sponsore the implementation has been secured by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.”

Professor Pantami said that for universities, the bitter and better lessons learnt during the COVID-19, had made the government not to go back to that, saying: “we want to ensure that students and staff benefit from unlimited internet. “For airports, we know the difficulty when you land without any connectivity. So it will even at least make our airports more lively, if there is at least internet connectivity that is for free.

“Thirdly for market, it’s to support innovation-driven enterprises that are being championed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where we try to give global visibility to our innovators, to our micro, small and medium enterprises, so that their market is not going to be narrowed and restricted only to our local communities.

“So besides the internet, we have been giving them domain name for free and also supporting them to establish website so that they will be able to have global visibility and also it will support Nigeria, even in the process of transition to cashless policy.

“When internet is free and it’s effective in our markets, it will support online activities, online payments, among many others.”

Moves To Disrupt Democracy: They Are Planning, We Are Planning – DSS

Greenbarge Reporters

March 29, 2023

The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that some disgruntled elements in the country are already planning to disrupt the country’s democracy after a successful elections but warned that it’s operatives are also working hard to frustrate such elements.
In a statement today, March 29 by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS said that it had identified some key players in the plot for an Interim Government in Nigeria. “The Service considers the plot, being pursued by these entrenched interests, as not only an aberration but a mischievous way to set aside the constitution and undermine civil rule as well as plunge the country into an avoidable crisis.
“The illegality is totally unacceptable in a democracy and to the peace loving Nigerians. This is even more so that the machination is taking place after the peaceful conduct of the elections in most parts of the country.”
The secret service said that the planners, in their many meetings of the Interim Government, have weighed various options, which include, among others, “to sponsor endless violent mass protests in major cities to warrant a declaration of State of Emergency.
“Another is to obtain frivolous court injunctions to forestall the inauguration of new executive administrations and legislative houses at the Federal and State levels.”
The DSS said that it supports the President and Commander-in-Chief in his avowed commitment to a hitch-free handover and will assiduously work in this direction.
It also declared support for the Presidential Transition Council and such other related bodies in the States.
It vowed to collaborate with them and sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure seamless inaugurations come 29th May, 2023.
“Consequently, the Service strongly warns those organising to thwart democracy in the country to retract from their devious schemes and orchestrations.
“Stakeholders, notably judicial authorities, media and the Civil Society, are enjoined to be watchful and cautious to avoid being used as instruments to subvert peace and stability of the nation.
“While its monitoring continues, the DSS will not hesitate to take decisive and necessary legal steps against these misguided elements to frustrate their obnoxious intentions.”

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