Again, I Won’t Receive Visitors On Sallah Day – President Buhari

July 29, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he will not be receiving visitors on Sallah day, which comes up on Friday, July 31.

The President, who also avoided visitors during the Eid-El-Fitr a fortnight ago because of the raging coronavirus, said that he would observe the coming Eid El-Kabir prayers with his family at home.

President Buhari confirmed that the decision was based on advisories from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19.

A statement by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that in order to stop the spread of the disease, the President will not be receiving Sallah homages by religious, community, party and government leaders.

The President advised all citizens to observe the occasion as advised by state and local authorities.

Buhari wishee all Muslims a safe and happy Eid, even as he reiterated the protocols as issued by the PTF that large gatherings, as much as possible, should be discouraged.

He said that where small groups choose to hold the Eid together, face masks are absolutely necessary, “as is social distancing. Advisedly, such prayers should hold outdoors and worshippers are encouraged to bring their own prayer mats.”

Don’t Increase House Rent Because Of Stamp Duty, Federal Govt Warns Landlords

Editorial staff

July 28, 2020

Federal Government has warned that there is no basis for landlords in Nigeria to increase house rent for their tenants in relation to the stamp duty payable on tenancy and lease agreement by tenants in the country.

According to a statement today, July 28 by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), tenants, not landlords, should pay the applicable stamp duty by themselves at any commercial bank of their choice, not to any landlord.

The Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Mohammad Mamman Nami, was quoted as making this clarification in Abuja as part of his ongoing national public enlightenment campaign on the Stamp Duty Act.

Nami, who spoke during a live radio programme: “The Midday Dialogue” on Nigeria Info FM Abuja, said that since the responsibility of stamp duty payment is not that of the landlord, there is no justifiable reasons for any landlord to increase rent purportedly on account of the stamp duty which is chargeable on the instrument of the transaction, that is, the tenancy or lease agreement or receipt exchanged between the landlords and the tenant, and not the actual rent fee the landlord is collecting from tenants .

“The stamp duty is charged at graduated rates. Stamp duty on rent or lease from 1 year to less than 7 years is 0.78%. If your rent is N100,000 stamp duty due on it is N780. Your stamp duty could be as low as N200 or N300 if you live in a room and parlor or in the village where rent is low. If you can afford to pay your rent between 7 to 21 years, your stamp duty is 3% on the rent. If you can afford to pay rent at once from 21 years and above the stamp duty due is 6%, which is very rare but we created room for it because some renters prefer long leases.

“Once you’ve reached an agreement with your landlord on the amount to pay for your rent of less than 7 years, you should calculate 0.78% of the amount, go to a nearby bank and ask to pay the 0.78% into the stamp duty account. Collect the teller and tender it to your landlord to legalise your transaction with him or her.

“It is the responsibility of the landlord before he or she issues a receipt or sign a rent or lease agreement with a tenant to make sure that the tenant presents evidence of stamp duty payment. A landlord that does not insist on evidence of stamp duty payment will bear the cost of the stamp duty if the FIRS eventually finds out. You do not pay stamp duty on your own residential accommodation if you are the owner of the property even if you live in a 10-ten storey building.”

Nami also disclosed that the Finance Act 2019 has exempted 60% of taxpayers, including Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) from paying tax as only companies which make up to N25 million turnover now pay tax or collect Value Added Tax (VAT). This has therefore relieved millions of Nigerians and SMES, including many businesses impacted by COVID-19, of their tax obligations to the government, which is a form of long-term tax palliative to them even before the pandemic,” he added.

The FIRS chairman stressed that the global economic downturn occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic has made it necessary for the three tiers of government to close tax loopholes in the country in order to fund the budget, provide needed public infrastructure and meet overhead cost like salary payment at federal, state and local government levels.

Nami enjoined Nigerians to pay their taxes as and when due.

Value Added Tax Rakes In Over N651 Billion For Nigeria Between January And June – NBS

Editorial staff

July 28, 2020

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has said that the sectoral distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) data for 2020 showed that the sum of N651.77 billion was generated as VAT in the first six months of 2020 as against the N600.98 billion generated in the first half of 2019. This represents 8.45 per cent growth Year-on-Year.

According to NBS report, Professional Services generated the highest amount of VAT with N95.92 billion and closely followed by other Manufacturing, generating N67.63 billion, Commercial and Trading generating N31.10 billion while Mining generated the least and closely followed by Textile and Garment Industry and Pharmaceutical, Soaps and Toiletries with N127.58 million, N499.19 million and N648.78 million generated respectively.

It said that out of the total amount generated in the first half of 2020, N335.82 billion was generated as Non-Import VAT locally while N161.74 billion was generated as Non-Import VAT for foreign.

It said that the balance of N154.21 billion was generated as NCS-Import VAT.

NBS data showed that Nigeria generated a total sum of N327.1 billion revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) in the second quarter of 2020, up by 0.81 per cent when compared to N324.58 billion in first quarter of 2020.

Overall, twenty-one out of the twenty-eight sectors recorded declines in VAT remittances in second quarter of 2020, a significant decline which may be largely attributed to the COVID-19 induced lockdown across the country during the period.

In Q2 2020, the biggest decline in VAT remittance was from hotel and catering service with a 45.5% drop in VAT remittance from N2.52 billion received in Q1 2020 to N1.36 billion at the end of Q2 2020.

Also, the manufacturing sector recorded a 19% decline in VAT remittance from N37.3 billion in Q1 2020 to N30.2 billion. NBS said that VAT earning from oil marketing plugged 18.8%, while oil production dropped by 7.4%.

Other critical sectors that recorded declines in VAT earnings in Q2 2020 include Automobiles (-30%), Breweries (-27.3%).

EFCC alleged that the invitees made revelations indicting Omolori, after which letters were sent to him on November 4, 2019, but that he failed to honour it.

EFCC said that it sent another letter to him on March 16, but that he still failed to honour it, adding that the commission is left with no option than to approach the court for a warrant of arrest to be issued against the respondent.

After listening to the counsel to the EFCC, S.N. Robert, the judge granted the commission’s application.

“I have considered the application, I averted to Paragraph 7 of the supporting affidavit and Exhibit EFCC 4 wherein the respondent was said to have ignored invitations to report in the applicant’s office without any justifiable reason.

“It is clear to me that Section 3 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 can be invoked in the circumstances of this case in granting this application and I so do.

“Warrant of immediate arrest is hereby issued against Mohammed Omolori, the former Clerk of the National Assembly forthwith.”

Source: NAN.

Abuja Court Orders Arrest Of Embattled Ex National Assembly Clerk, Sani Omolori

Editorial staff

July 28, 2020

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja High Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Mohammed Ataba Sani-Omolori, the immediate past Clerk of the National Assembly.

The judge, Justice Suleiman Belgore issued the order yesterday, July 27, following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking an order of the court for Omolori’s arrest.

In the application, marked M/8728/2020, filed before the court, the EFCC claimed that Omolori had ignored its invitation to report to the commission’s office to answer questions regarding a petition on his alleged mismanagement of funds.

The EFCC said it is investigating an allegation on the diversion of 14 Toyota Hilux vehicles and 13 Peugeot 508 vehicles valued at over N400 million.

According to the commission, in the course of the investigation, Adamu Mohammed Fika, secretary of the National Assembly Commission, Oluseye Ajakaye and others were invited to its office.

Buhari Pats APC Caretaker Committee On The Back Over Crisis Resolution

Editorial staff

July 28, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended members of the Mai Mala Buni-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee for the work they are doing in repositioning the governing party.

Recall that following the suspension of the National Chairman and the National Working Committee of the APC in June, the National Executive Committee of the party chose the Yobe State governor and others as the Chairman and members of the Caretaker Committee as well as of the extraordinary National Convention Committee respectively.

At a Virtual interaction with the governors of the APC-controlled States today, July 28, with Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo in attendance, the President said that he is pleased with the work that the Caretaker Committee has been doing.

“I am pleased with the Chairman and the work of the committee. He is highly mobile in the efforts to coordinate and strengthen the party. I am happy with his personal efforts.”

President Buhari also appreciated the efforts of the APC Governors following the successful conduct of the party primaries in Edo and Ondo States, adding: “I am happy that they knew their responsibilities as Governors and had identified the right priorities.”

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Governor of Kebbi State and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Senator Atiku Bagudu, thanked President Buhari for taking the right steps to resolve the crisis in the party.

The APC Governors also commended the President for his handling of security issues and the economy, noting in particular, the success recorded in pulling the country out of the 2016 economic recession as well as the ongoing management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are proud of your leadership and achievements.”

AfDB: Independent Review Panel Exonerates Adesina

Editorial staff

July 28, 2020

The Independent Review Panel set up by the Bureau of Governors of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has exonerated President of the Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina of any ethical wrongdoings.

This is contained in the panel’s report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

The Independent Review Panel was constituted following a complaint by the United States, to review the process by which two previous organs of the Bank – the Ethics Committee of the Board, and the Bureau of the Board of Governors had previously cleared Adesina.

The three-member Independent Review Panel was headed by Mary Robinson, who is a former President of the Republic of Ireland, a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Other members were the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Gambia, Mr Hassan Jallow and Mr Leonard McCarthy, a former Director of Public Prosecutions, and a former Director for the Office of Serious Economic Offences.

The report of the Independent Review Panel stated that it concurred with the Ethics Committee in its findings in respect of all the allegations against the President and found that they were properly considered and dismissed.

The panel added that it had considered Adesina’s submissions on their face and found them consistent with his innocence as well as to be persuasive.

A senior management staff at the Bank who pleaded anonymity, said the conclusions of this review panel were decisive and had now cleared the way for Governors of the Bank to re-elect Adesina to a second five-year term as President during annual meetings of the Bank scheduled for August 25-27.

NAN recalls that in January, 16 allegations of ethical misconduct were levelled against Adesina by a group of whistle-blowers.

The allegations which were reviewed by the Bank’s Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors in March, were described as “frivolous and without merit.”

The findings and rulings of the Ethics Committee were subsequently upheld by the apex Bureau of the Board of Governors in May, which cleared Adesina of any wrongdoing.

Sales Of Power To Neighbouring Nations: Punch Goofs – Presidency

Editorial staff

July 28, 2020

The presidency has faulted report published by the Punch newspaper on the level of power Nigeria sold to its neighbouring countries.

The presidency regretted that it is most disappointing that sensationalism has dominated the thinking and ethos of institutions that citizens look up to with trust, confidence and reliability.

“Monday edition of the Punch checks all the boxes in terms of an abject failure to honour these time-tested traditions with its news piece: “NIGERIA EXPORTS USD81.48bn ELECTRICITY ON CREDIT AS COUNTRY’S BLACKOUT PERSISTS,” is to say the least, hyperbolic and terribly misleading.”

In a statement today, July 28 by the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the presidency said that apart from the fact that the figure quoted is far from accurate, out-dated and therefore not reflective of the current reality, the overall cost of power generated and sold by Nigeria in the period covered by report is not anywhere close to what was mentioned by the paper.

It said that the actual cost of electricity generated within the said timeframe (2018-2019) by all the electricity generation companies in Nigeria was about N1.2 trillion ($4 billion).

“Over 90% of the electricity generated was distributed and consumed by consumers across the 11 electricity distribution companies in the country.

“Power exported to Niger, Benin and Togo based on Multilateral Energy Sales Agreement with the Government of Nigeria is on the basis that they would not dam the waters that feed our major power plants in Kainji, Shiroro and Jebba.

“As of the last review in 2019, the amount of indebtedness to all three customers stood at $69 million, subsequent upon which several payments were made to NBET. Much of this has been repaid by the debtor nations.

“As of today, Niger owes only USD 16 million and Benin, USD 4 million, adding up to the Naira equivalent of about N1.2bn.

“The essence of said bilateral agreements, by which we give them power and they do not build dams on the River Niger means that Nigeria and her brotherly neighbours had avoided the unfolding situation of the Nile River between the sovereign states of Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.”

The presidency advised the newspaper to, in future, seek clarity from the market operator which is the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN.

“This process of fact-checking only improves your standing in the public arena.”

Chronic Hepatitis B Infections Among Children Drop To 1 Percent -WHO

Editorial staff

July 28, 2020

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the proportion of children under five years of age “chronically infected with hepatitis B (HBV)” has dropped to just under one per cent in 2019.

In a statement, WHO said the drop was from about five per cent in the pre-vaccine era, between the 1980s and the early 2000s.

It said that the reduction marked the achievement of one of the milestone targets to eliminate viral hepatitis in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The statement came yesterday, a day ahead of this year’s World Hepatitis Day commemorated annually, which is today, July 28 to enhance global awareness of viral hepatitis.

The disease is characterised by an inflammation of the liver that causes a range of health problems, including liver cancer.

This year’s theme is “Hepatitis-free future,” with a strong focus on preventing hepatitis B among mothers and newborns.

To build on the achievement, the global health body is calling for “united and stepped-up action” through intensified efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

It is advocating enhanced testing of pregnant women, provision of antiviral prophylaxis to those who need it, and maintenance and expansion of access to hepatitis B immunisation and birth dose vaccine.

“No infant should grow up only to die of hepatitis B because they were not vaccinated,” the statement quoted the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus as saying.

“Today’s milestone means that we have dramatically reduced the number of cases of liver damage and liver cancer in future generations.

“Preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B is the most important strategy for controlling the disease and saving lives.

“Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must ensure that mothers and newborns have access to life-saving services including hepatitis B vaccinations,” Ghebreyesus said.

Globally, more than 250 million people are living with chronic HBV infection, according to the organisation.

It says infants are especially vulnerable, with 90 per cent of children infected with HBV in their first year of life becoming chronic HBV carriers.

“HBV attacks the liver and claims the lives of nearly 900,000 people each year,’’ WHO added.

Nigeria Declares July 30 & 31st As Public Holidays To Mark Eid-El-Kabir

Editorial staff

July 28, 2020

File photo of Minister of Interior, Rauf Arebosola at a prayer ground | Credit: Amiloaded

The Federal Government has declared Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July, 2020 as Public Holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir Celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, while making the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Muslim faithful and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on the occasion.

The permanent secretary in the ministry of interior, Georgina Ehuriah, who made the declaration in a statement today, July 28, called on the Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad and to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country especially as the world is witnessing global health challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Aregbosola who assured that the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is fully committed to battling the scourge with the cooperation of all Nigerians, emphasized that government would continue to foster peaceful coexistence, national cohesion and stability in its march towards actualizing the full potentials of the country.

The Minister advised Nigerians to take responsibility against the spread of the COVID-19 virus and also to stay safe by observing physical and social distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene, as well as other regulations issued by relevant authorities.

Mr Aregbesola wishes all Muslims a happy Eid–el-Kabir Celebration.

Responses To Dr. Emmanuel On Covid-19 Cure, From 2 Frontline Doctors

Editorial staff

July 28, 2020

Screen grab of Doctor Stella from a viral video

Okay what she is saying doesn’t make sense. She is a primary care physician. She doesn’t work in the hospital setting. So that means she doesn’t see the sick COVID patients we see in the hospital. A lot of the COVID patients have mild symptoms and don’t have to be hospitalized. These are the people she is treating. Most of these people get better on their own even without any drugs just supportive care at home. They are not the sick patients admitted to the hospital

The sick COVID patients admitted to the hospital are taken care of by doctors called hospitalists like me. We strictly work in the hospital and take care of admitted patients. The studies have been done on these sets of patients. We initially used hydroxychloroquine but we quickly found that it causes cardiac arrhythmia (simply put messes up the electrical wiring of the heart) in a lot of patients. We see this easily because they are constantly on a heart monitor in the hospital. Causing deaths in some of the patients

Read the claims here: US-Based Doctor Claims There Is Cure For COVID-19

The risk-benefit ratio of continuing chloroquine on these set of sick patients is simply too high. Plus there was no concrete evidence it was truly helping

Remdesivir and convalescent plasma we have been using for hospitalized patients seems to be working way better and faster than hydroxychloroquine

2: I dont want to burst any bubble. But this very event was politically motivated to support Trump claims. There is no science in it. She lives in Louisiana and Houston but came to Washington DC for this speech. She even said no need for mask!!. This physician is a cameroonian who schooled at Unical Nigeria. She is also a pastor. I know her personally. She is a pediatrician and claims to be treating adults even 90yr olds. Its all American politics. Election is coming by Nov. this year. Trump needs to shore up his image after a dismal performance in the control of the pandemic.Shes being used. I work in the ER in Dallas, there’s is no evidence that hydroxychloroquine zithromax and zinc work. Many people have died while on these drugs. These are patients that I participated in their care. As it stands now, no known cure yet. Best thing is still prevention(mask, hand washing and Social distancing).

A repost of a post by a Bonafide Nigerian Doctor in Texas about the Cameroonian Doctor inferring to be a Nigerian.

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