The Presidency has made it clear that appointment or sacking of Service Chiefs is a Presidential prerogative of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reacting to a Senate resolution calling on the Service Chiefs to resign or be sacked due to the multi-pronged security challenges in the country, the Presidency stressed that the President will continue to do what is best at all times in the best interest of the country as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The two-paragraph statement was issued today, July 21 by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity Femi Adesina.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has published detailed information to guide taxpayers and the general public on rates payable as stamp duty.
This followed several requests by taxpayers seeking clarifications on the current administration of Stamp Duties Act in the country.
The clarification guide is contained in a Public Notice signed by Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Muhammad Nami, and published on the official FIRS website, www.firs.gov.ng
Nami said: “stamp duty is a tax payable in respect of dutiable instrument as provided under the Stamp Duties Act, CAP S8, LFN 2004 (as amended). Such instruments include Agreements, Contracts, Receipts, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Promissory notes, Insurance policies and others stipulated in the Schedule to the Stamp Duties Act.
“Stamp Duty is chargeable on both physical and electronic instruments in two ways i.e. Ad-valorem, where duty payable is a percentage of the consideration on an instrument; or Flat Rate, where a fixed sum is chargeable irrespective of the consideration on dutiable instrument or document.”
He listed no fewer than 50 types of chargeable transactions which require stamp duty, even as he specified the rates chargeable on each.
A statement issued by Director, Communications and Liaison Department the FIRS, Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad said that some of the chargeable transactions are bank deposit or transfer, loan agreement, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to land, sales agreement, will, tenancy/lease agreement and all receipts.
He quoted Nami as saying that the recently launched FIRS Adhesive Stamp “is not the same as postage stamp administered by NIPOST for the purposes of delivery of items and documents, and is therefore not a substitute for the FIRS adhesive stamp, which is produced for the sole purpose of stamp duty payment.”
The FIRS helmsman stressed that the burden of payment of stamp duties whether fixed or ad-valorem is that of the beneficiaries of a contract, or Money Deposit Banks’ customers who transfer an amount of N10,000 and above from his account to another customer’s account.
“It is the responsibility of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Money Deposit Banks (MDBs), Companies, Landlords, Executors, etc. to ensure that service providers, contractors, tenants etc. pay stamp duties due on agreements, receipts and other dutiable instruments.
“Failure to deduct or remit stamp duties into the Federal or State Stamp Duties Account attracts relevant penalties and interest as stipulated in the Stamp Duties Act, Cap S8, LFN 2004 (as amended).”
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its determination to correct the gaps, through research funding, in the nation’s health, governance and security infrastructure which the coronavirus has exposed.
Boss Mustapha spoke today, July 21, while Inaugurating the Body of Experts (BoE) for the Healthcare Sector Research and Development Intervention Scheme (HSRDIS) established by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Boss Mustapha
He praised the efforts of the CBN at addressing the flaws in the public health system through its landmark intervention, adding that the pandemic represented Nigeria with a fresh opportunity to reposition its health system and redress all the deficiencies in the sector as well as other infrastructure.
Boss Mustapha expressed confidence in the composition of the body to deliver on the onerous task, stressing that the CBN intervention would set Nigeria’s healthcare system on the path of recovery.
In his remarks, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, said the Body of Experts (BOE) was established to review and evaluate submitted research proposals and provide recommendations for financing the identified R&D proposals.
Emefiele said that 20 projects valued at N26.278 Billion had been funded under the N100 billion credit support intervention for the healthcare industry, adding that the CBN HSRDIS was designed to increase Nigeria’s research and development activities to support the development of validated Nigeria-made vaccines, drugs and herbal medicines.
He said that the CBN would provide grants to biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies, institutions, researchers, and research institutes, to boost domestic capacity to curb the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable or non-communicable diseases.
The apex bank boss stressed the need to support capacity of relevant health agencies towards attaining World Health Organisation (WHO) Maturity Level three prerequisite for manufacturing of vaccines in Nigeria, even as he said that the Bank would facilitate partnership between academia (researchers, research institutes and universities) and industry to research and develop drugs, phytomedicines and vaccines for the control, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in Nigeria
Emefiele said that a major objective for the Bank was also to reduce dependence on imported drug products (synthetic and herbal) and vaccines for the control, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in Nigeria.
“Attention will be paid to research projects with high potential to contribute to the development of the Nigerian vaccines that will help curb the spread infectious diseases.
“All submissions will be subjected to strict scientific and empirical scrutiny considered to be best in class.”
In her response, the Chairperson of the Body of Experts and DG, NAFDAC, Prof. Adeyeye assured that the body “will diligently seek the truth by ascertaining how the hypothesis driven questions raised in the proposals will be answered.”
She noted that the success of the exercise will increase access to medical products which could impact positively the health of our population, create jobs and expand trade whilst reducing the over dependence on importation and further encourage local production.
Other members of the body of experts are Prof. Babatunde Lawal, Professor Richard A. Adegbola, Prof. Alex Akpa, Professor Isa Marte Hussaini, Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed, Dr. Chinwe Lucia Ochu and Dr. Philip Fafowora Builders.
The Board of Experts, chaired by the Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, is expected to address challenges that limit Research and Development investment in the healthcare sector.
File photo of President Muhammadu Buhari and Late Isah Funtua at the Presidential villa, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and deep sadness over the death of his longtime friend and associate, Malam Isma’ila Isa Funtua.
He said that Isa Funtua, who until his death today, July 20, was Life Patron of International Press Institute and Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), had stood by him throughout his political journey.
In a condolence message to the family members, government and people of Katsina State, as all associates, President Buhari said that his death had created a huge gap in the media industry.
Describing late Isa Funtua as a man that was “greatly admired and respected,” the President prayed to Allah for repose of Malam Funtua’s soul, and to grant the family strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
The Chief of Nigeria Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has cautioned against constantly blaming security agents over some shortcomings in their battle with the insurgents and bandits in parts of the North.
“if we don’t do anything and continue to complain, and continue to accuse the agencies involved in fighting it, then we are not helping matters.”
General Buratai, who spoke to newsmen today, July 20, after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa Abuja on the security situation in the parts of the country, admitted that one cannot rule out some challenges in security matters.
“There are set backs that can occur in such military operations or any security operations but that does not mean inability to handle it, incompetence to handle it. As long as the efforts are there and are visible, the support of all and sundry will be required to address it squarely.
The army chief said that it is important for the press not to escalate the situation through reportage.
He pleaded with the press not to give prominence to the bandits, terrorists activities, adding that press blackout will go along way in weakening them.
“You know for the criminals, publicity is their oxygen. Without that publicity, they will be ineffective. Couple with our efforts in the military and security agencies, we will do everything possible to get rid of these criminals.”
General Buratai gave assurance that the security situation is under control and is not like what it used to happen a month or two ago.
“We are working very hard and the troops are doing very well and I commend them for the efforts they have put in so far. “This include the kinetic and the non-kinetic aspect of our exercise Sahel Sanity. We are there fully supporting operation Hadarin Daji, which is a join operation of the armed offices and the security agencies.
“So far, this collective effort is making tremendous progress in the area of bringing normalcy. Unlike the series of killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling and of course, the threats to prevent the people from going to their farms and farm this season, this has been removed with the presence of the number of troops in the northwest and they are carrying out surveillance operations, patrol to ensure that no one is molested if you go outside the community to farm or harvest. .
“We will ensure that this is sustained throughout this farming season and beyond. What we require is the full support of everyone in the area.”
Founding Managing Director of Democrat Newspaper and former President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua, is dead.
He died of cardiac arrest today, July 20.
He was life patron of Newspaper’s Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and Chairman of Bulet Construcion company.
He will be buried according to Islamic rites tomorrow, July 21.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has linked contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to members of the National Assembly, saying that majority of the contracts awarded were handled by the lawmakers.
He made this known today, July 20 while answering questions at the ongoing probe by the House of Representatives committee.
Akpabio said: “most of the contracts in NDDC are given out to the members of the National Assembly. If you don’t know, please ask the two chairmen.”
The minister said that some Chairmen of committees on NDDC have slots in the budget, even as a member of the committee, Hon. Boma countered him.
Amidst heated argument that followed, the leader of the committee stopped Akpabio while shouting “Hon. Minister, it’s okay, it’s okay.”
The House of Representatives is currently investigating NDDC over alleged fraud, mismanagement of funds, among others.
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a passionate get well message to Saudi Arabian ruler and Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, who has been hospitalized.
In a statement today, July 20 by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, President Buhari said: “on behalf of myself, government and people of Nigeria, I pray for speedy and full recovery of the Saudi King, one of the finest leaders I have ever met in the course of my interactions with world leaders.
“King Salman is a true friend of Nigeria who has never failed to identify with us at all times through important collaborations and cooperation.
“As the King receives medical attention, I send my best wishes and prayers for his speedy recovery.’’
The Presidency wishes to respond to a number of opinion articles and a stringent newspaper editorial this Sunday, which outrageously said President Muhammadu Buhari was not in control of his administration.
As many detractors have done lately, these “influencers,” “celebrated columnists” and “editorial comments” do no more than endorsing the opposition’s utterly wrong and fallacious position that the President is not in charge of his government.
Sometimes, we are forced to wonder whether some writers are mindful of the implication of words for the strategic and territorial interests of the nation.
An entrenched culture of dissent in our country is not something that anyone, not least a Buhari Presidency wants to stamp down.
The fact that these baseless and appallingly mischievous attacks can freely be aired is itself evidence of the right to freedom of expression prevailing in the country today.
Whether it is Ibrahim Magu, Godswill Akpabio, NDDC, NSITF and the others, Nigerians are bound to hold differing opinions, write letters, opinion columns, editorials and even stage lawful protests.
What is sometimes worrisome is that several of these comments, disguised as objective criticisms are merely speaking the language of the opposition-the people who ruined the country during their 16 years of corruption on an industrial scale.
These detractors pick up isolated issues like the ones in the EFCC, NDDC, and incidents of crime and corruption which have been with the country for years, and without any serious effort to uncover them, paint them a phenomena orchestrated and happening because President Buhari’s administration has decided to pursue cases of suspected wrongdoing in the anti-corruption agency, pension funds, NDDC and other government agencies.
But the government was the first to point out the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by the EFCC leadership would cause the administration. The question to ask is: did they expect the President to draw a curtain over these suspected scandals by not ordering audits and investigations? And for them to turn around to accuse him of a cover up?
To do a cover up and not order audits and investigations as the President did would amount to a historic betrayal of the mandate and the faith placed in him by the Nigerian people.
President Buhari’s integrity, uprightness and probity are intact and well known. Let us remind these so-called editorial writers that ECOWAS, Africa Union and the international community at large recognized President Buhari as Champion of the Anti-Corruption fight in Africa.
Nigerians are convinced that he is honest. They voted for him as President against the background of corruption, public policy paralysis and growing menace of terrorists threatening to take over a sizable portion of the nation’s territory. In his five years in office, there is not a single charge of corruption against his person.
As the leader of the country, President Buhari fully understands and bears the full weight of the solemn oaths he swore to defend the nation’s constitution, its citizens and territory. Disinformation is not a viable option for opposition. The Buhari government has done nothing to warrant these criticisms. Under our laws, you are innocent until proven guilty: Investigation, trial then conviction. Not the other way round. To carry out investigations before condemnation or conviction should not be misconstrued as a weakness or a vacuum in leadership.
The war against corruption is today at historic crossroads. This is the time all Nigerians should stand together to roll it back. President Buhari is determined not to be diverted by unfounded attacks, neither would he compromise the sacred mandate of Nigerians. He is determined to get justice for Nigerians on all these corruption cases being pursued.
Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity.
The Chartered Institute of Management & Leadership (CIML), USA has inducted and confered it’s distinguished FELLOWSHIP to Barrister Yakubu Galadima. The conferment of the honour, according to the Institute, is in recognition of his giant strides in demonstrating excellence in corporate leadership and Governance. Presenting the certificate to Barrister Galadima today, July 18 in Lagos, the Assistant Regional Director of the Nigerian Chapter who is also a Distinguished FELLOW of the Chartered Institute, Ambassador (Dr) Jonathan Daniel said that the recipient is one of the few Nigerians found worthy of the honor after a rigorous screening process. Barr. Yakubu Galadima is the Managing and Principal Partner of Marble Partner. He went to the Prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria from 2001 to 2007 where he obtained LL. B (Hons), proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Abuja campus where he equally obtained his B.L and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2008. Yakubu Galadima has vast experience in Litigation and Arbitration. He has experience and bias for International Commercial Law/Transactions, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Oil and Gas Law, Asset Tracing and Recovery. Barr. Yakubu Galadima has worked as an Associate with Babalakin & Co for almost a decade. He is also a member of the International Bar Association (IBA), American Bar Association, African Bar Association and Nigerian Bar Association. After working at Babalakin & Co for almost a decade and gathering requisite working experience, he established Marble Partners LP in 2016, where he is the Managing and Principal partner. Barr. Yakubu Galadima is married and blessed with children. When he is not busy with the practice of law or mentoring young lawyers who are aspiring to the Bar, he likes to relax and he is an avid reader, researcher and has hobbies of playing table tennis, badminton, traveling, watching football. etc. Barr. Yakubu promised to abide by the rules and regulations governing the institute and also to use his influence to support the activities of the institute both at home and in the diaspora. The Chartered Institute of Management & Leadership, USA is an International /professional Institute duly Incorporated and Chartered under Delaware Code, Title 6; Chapter 18 of the state of Delaware statues in the United States of America with a vision to transform every corporate entity into global reckoning, productivity and also be a leading human capacity building institution in leadership resources and administrative management across the continent. Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership is listed on World University Directory as an America Professional Body ( No 42).
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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has published detailed information to guide taxpayers and the general public on rates payable as stamp duty.
The Chief of Nigeria Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has cautioned against constantly blaming security agents over some shortcomings in their battle with the insurgents and bandits in parts of the North.
Founding Managing Director of Democrat Newspaper and former President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua, is dead.
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a passionate get well message to Saudi Arabian ruler and Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, who has been hospitalized.
The Chartered Institute of Management & Leadership (CIML), USA has inducted and confered it’s distinguished FELLOWSHIP to Barrister Yakubu Galadima.
What Buhari’s Critics Fail To Understand, By Garba Shehu
The Presidency wishes to respond to a number of opinion articles and a stringent newspaper editorial this Sunday, which outrageously said President Muhammadu Buhari was not in control of his administration.
As many detractors have done lately, these “influencers,” “celebrated columnists” and “editorial comments” do no more than endorsing the opposition’s utterly wrong and fallacious position that the President is not in charge of his government.
Sometimes, we are forced to wonder whether some writers are mindful of the implication of words for the strategic and territorial interests of the nation.
An entrenched culture of dissent in our country is not something that anyone, not least a Buhari Presidency wants to stamp down.
The fact that these baseless and appallingly mischievous attacks can freely be aired is itself evidence of the right to freedom of expression prevailing in the country today.
Whether it is Ibrahim Magu, Godswill Akpabio, NDDC, NSITF and the others, Nigerians are bound to hold differing opinions, write letters, opinion columns, editorials and even stage lawful protests.
What is sometimes worrisome is that several of these comments, disguised as objective criticisms are merely speaking the language of the opposition-the people who ruined the country during their 16 years of corruption on an industrial scale.
These detractors pick up isolated issues like the ones in the EFCC, NDDC, and incidents of crime and corruption which have been with the country for years, and without any serious effort to uncover them, paint them a phenomena orchestrated and happening because President Buhari’s administration has decided to pursue cases of suspected wrongdoing in the anti-corruption agency, pension funds, NDDC and other government agencies.
But the government was the first to point out the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by the EFCC leadership would cause the administration. The question to ask is: did they expect the President to draw a curtain over these suspected scandals by not ordering audits and investigations? And for them to turn around to accuse him of a cover up?
To do a cover up and not order audits and investigations as the President did would amount to a historic betrayal of the mandate and the faith placed in him by the Nigerian people.
President Buhari’s integrity, uprightness and probity are intact and well known. Let us remind these so-called editorial writers that ECOWAS, Africa Union and the international community at large recognized President Buhari as Champion of the Anti-Corruption fight in Africa.
Nigerians are convinced that he is honest. They voted for him as President against the background of corruption, public policy paralysis and growing menace of terrorists threatening to take over a sizable portion of the nation’s territory. In his five years in office, there is not a single charge of corruption against his person.
As the leader of the country, President Buhari fully understands and bears the full weight of the solemn oaths he swore to defend the nation’s constitution, its citizens and territory. Disinformation is not a viable option for opposition. The Buhari government has done nothing to warrant these criticisms. Under our laws, you are innocent until proven guilty: Investigation, trial then conviction. Not the other way round. To carry out investigations before condemnation or conviction should not be misconstrued as a weakness or a vacuum in leadership.
The war against corruption is today at historic crossroads. This is the time all Nigerians should stand together to roll it back. President Buhari is determined not to be diverted by unfounded attacks, neither would he compromise the sacred mandate of Nigerians. He is determined to get justice for Nigerians on all these corruption cases being pursued.