Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, has revealed how Nigeria has been made to go through an annual tax revenue loss of about $10 billion through illicit profit shifting by multinational corporations operating in the country.
President Muhammadu BuhariPresident Muhammadu Buhari has indicated that there is little he can do to intervene in the face-off between the governor of Kano State, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje and the emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Operation Shege Ka fasaGovernor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje has said that the state will not be part of the proposed Northern regional security arrangement, known as Shege-Ka-Fasa as a way of countering the recently proposed Southwest regional security system known as Amotekun.
Answering reporters’ questions today, February 7 in Abuja after a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari along with some prominent Kano personalities, Governor Ganduje said that the state already has effective security arrangement that made it the safest state in the country.
“Kano State as of today, is the most peaceful state in the country. No armed robbery, no banditry, no tribal conflicts, no religious conflicts, even the few cases of kidnapping, the kingpins are being arrested in Kano. You will recall that those who attacked the deputy governor of Nasarawa state were arrested in Kano. Even the Magaji Darin Daura who was kidnapped for almost two months, the man behind it was arrested in Kano.
“We have introduced ICT into security administration in the state that is why we are succeeding. We have full cooperation among the security agencies and Kano is providing an heavenly environment for the security agencies, especially in terms of community policing.
“Also, we have succeeded in establishing a very powerful command and control center where all security agencies and their representatives do communicate with each other. And from that center, security agencies are able to communicate with all the DPOs in all the 44 local government areas in the state.”
Ganduje agreed that each state has got its own style of administering security, said that very soon “we are going to have community security summit: that is, the communities are going to assist security agencies.
“We are going to come out with a blueprint. Instead of recruiting people into the police force, we are going to build a strong synergy between the communities and the security agencies. The synergy will be from the ward level to local government level to state level to zonal level.
“It will work because it’s been working. So, there is no intention to recruit into security agencies in the state.
“And like I said earlier, we have built a command and control center where we can community with all the DPOs in the state. We can see them, speak with them through the cameras. CCTV has been installed in all black spots throughout the state. We have been monitoring and it is working.
“We have also installed most powerful vehicle tracker in the country, which operates even beyond Kano State. That is why Kano State is a trapped where kidnappers can be arrested.”
Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has formally declared free primary and secondary education in the state.
The governor, who spoke to newsmen shortly after leading some leaders to visit President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa today, February 7, said that he would be needing the assistance of the federal government to fully implement the free education.
He said that under the new arrangement, every school going age in the state would be made to compulsorily enrol in school.
Governor Ganduje said that the over 400,000 out-of-school children would be reintegrated in the free education policy.
According to him, new classrooms will be built in addition to providing all other necessary items, including free uniforms and feeding, required for qualitative education.
He said that efforts would be made to also fashion Almajiri system into the new dispensation.
The governor stressed that with the free and compulsory education, the issue of teenage marriage amongst the girls would be eliminated, explaining that every teenage girl will be made to compulsorily go through at least, secondary education before marriage.
The Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) were among the 74 political parties which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cancelled out of its register yesterday, February 6, for falling short of its conditions for registration.
The full list is reproduced here:
( 1 ) AAP – Advanced Allied Party
( 2 ) ABP – All Blending Party
( 3 ) ACD – Advanced Congress Of Democrats
( 4 ) ACPN – Allied Congress Party Of Nigeria
AD – Alliance For Democracy
AGA – All Grassroots Alliance
AGAP – All Grand Alliance Party
ANDP – Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party
ANN – Alliance For New Nigeria
ANP – Alliance National Party
ANRP – Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party
APA – African People Alliance
APDA – Advanced People ’s Democratic Alliance
APN – Alternative Party Of Nigeria
ASD – Alliance Of Social Democrats
AUN – Alliance For A United Nigeria
BNPP – Better Nigeria Progressive Party
CAP – Change Advocacy Party
CC – Coalition For Change
CNP – Change Nigeria Party
COP – Congress Of Patriots
DA – Democratic Alternative
DPC – Democratic People’ s Congress
DPP – Democratic People ’s Party
FDP – Fresh Democratic Party
FJP – Freedom And Justice Party
GDPN – Grassroots Development Party Of Nigeria
GPN – Green Party Of Nigeria
HDP – Hope Democratic Party
ID – Independent Democrats
JMPP – Justice Must Prevail Party
KP – Kowa Party
LM – Liberation Movement
LPN – Legacy Party Of Nigeria
MAJA – Mass Action Joint Alliance
MDP – Modern Democratic Party
MMN – Masses Movement Of Nigeria
MPN – Mega Party Of Nigeria
MRDD – Movement For The Restoration And Defence Of Democracy
NAC – National Action Council
NCMP – Nigeria Community Movement Party
NCP – National Conscience Party
NDCP – Nigeria Democratic Congress Party
NDLP – National Democratic Liberty Party
NEPP – Nigeria Elements Progressive Party
NFD – Nigeria For Democracy
NGP – New Generation Party Of Nigeria
NIP – National Interest Party
NPC – Nigeria People ’s Congress
NPM – New Progressive Movement
NUP – National Unity Party
PDC – People For Democratic Change
PDM – People ’s Democratic Movement
PPA – Progressive People ’s Alliance
PPC – Providence People ’s Congress
PPN – People’ s Party Of Nigeria
PPP – People’ s Progressive Party
PT – People’ s Trust
RAP – Reform And Advancement Party
RBNP – Re- Build Nigeria Party
RP – Restoration Party Of Nigeria
SNC – Save Nigeria Congress
SNP – Sustainable National Party
SPN – Socialist Party Of Nigeria
UDP – United Democratic Party
UP – United Patriots
UPC – United People’ s Congress
UPN – Unity Party Of Nigeria
UPP – United Progressive Party
WTPN – We The People Nigeria
YDP – Young Democratic Party
YES – Electorates Solidarity
YP – Youth Party
The new Alapomu of the 450 year Apomuland in Osun State, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi is scheduled to receive his staff of office at a coronation ceremony tomorrow, February 7, to be conducted by Governor Oyetola.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has removed 74 political parties from its deregister.
“As long as I am alive and on this seat, I will make sure you and your wife perform the next hajj (2020)”
These were the words of Ambassador Adnan bin Mahmoud Bostaji, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria when I visited him in his office and I pleaded with him to make way for my wife to join me in the annual work-pilgrimage which, for the past couple of years, I have been privileged to be part of. Senior journalists from no fewer than 20 countries, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, etc are part of the team.
When therefore, on Tuesday, February 4, I casually came across a news about the death of Ambassador Adnan Bostaji in a facebook post, I was petrified and perturbed and shaken.
Bostaji dead???
In a sense of confusion, I began to place calls to his aides in the embassy; first to his secretary, Remi and then Isa Mohammed and then to the embassy’s general lines and finally to Abubakar. It was only the line of Abubakar that went through. He confirmed that Ambassador Adnan died in the early hours of that day, February 4. That he returned from Saudi Arabia the previous day, February 3 hale and hearty. He did not wake up alive on February 4.
So, Ambassador Adnan Mahmoud Bostaji is truly truly dead?
Just like that?
This was the man who oozed with life, with fresh ideas on how to move his country forward within the confines of his operation, with friendly disposition and with doggedness to make the difference from the status quo.
The late diplomat was virtually at home in Nigeria with everyone, both those in high places and the lowly ones. He was so innovative, generous and friendly that many organizations had had cause to honour him with awards. In short, his love for Nigeria was very transparent, as was shown in his mien and psyche each time he encountered Nigerians. His secretary is a Nigerian and most of his staff members are Nigerians.
Ambassador Adnan enjoyed attending public functions to which he was invited. One of such was the public presentation of a book on Qur’anic translation into Ebira language, which was staged at the National Mosque sometime last year. He actually promised to assist in publishing the book in multiple copies through his home country. When the committee on the translation visited him in his office later to show appreciation, he reiterated his desire to link up with his home government to facilitate the multiple production of the book. And the book is still in process… but he died!!!
Only last week, the late Ambassador had a meeting with Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari and seized the opportunity to cement the cordial diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in many areas.
Ambassador Adnan Bostaji actually introduced new ways of carrying out diplomatic duties, interacting freely with whoever would add value to what he had set to achieve. His attitude to work might have been influenced by the creative and modern way the Crown Prince, Muhammad Bin Salman back home, has allowed the diplomatic relations to flow. But there was still something special about Adnan Bostaji.
As a matter of fact, those before him were never as open in dealing with none governmental personalities as late Ambassador Adnan Bostaji. The late Ambassador was able to cultivate friendships with people across various professional groups, especially with journalists.
He so much believed in openness in governance that he would turn in all kinds of activities of his embassy, and that of his government back home, for publication. Indeed, there was no week that he would not forward interesting development either within the embassy or from Saudi Arabia to me for publication. And he always felt elated and showed open appreciation whenever he saw a story from him published.
Before he was appointed as Ambassador and deployed to Nigeria in 2016, Adnan Bostaji had served his country in various capacities and country.
He was born in Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian Federal Capital in 1966 and did his early education, upto secondary school in the same city. He graduated with Bachelor’s Degree in 1985 from King AbdulAziz University in Jeddah and a Diploma in Diplomatic Studies Institute in Riyadh in 1988.
He started his career by joining the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Later, he was appointed deputy to the ambassador at the Saudi Embassy in Tehran from 1991 until 1998.
Adnan Bostaji also worked at the administration of the Gulf Cooperation Council for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1998 until 2000.
In 2000, he was appointed as chargé d’affaires at the Saudi Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, until 2003.
He then worked as head of economic affairs and international organizations at the Saudi Embassy in London from 2003 until 2005. He also joined the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah as director from 2003 until 2016.
Before his appointment as a Saudi ambassador to Nigeria, Adnan Bostaji served as deputy to the ambassador at the Saudi Embassy in Berlin in 2016.
With such towering credentials, late Ambassador Adnan Bostaji set to work and actually proved his mettle in diplomatic duties and even human relations. As a matter of fact, he showed wherever he went and whatever he did, that he had nothing to hide; that he loved the company of good people, irrespective of colour and creed, and above all, that he loved his job and the country of his birth.
The late Ambassador actually demonstrated the true sense of service to his country, to humanity and to his family, and was never found wanting.
It was not for nothing that President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, in a tribute to him, described Adnan Bostaji as “passionate friend of Nigeria.” I too, and many others who encountered him would describe him simply as a friend, a brother and a committed family man. He was a man that was so much in love with humanity. He lived a life as prescribed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when he enjoined us to “live as if you will never die forever, and live as if you will die the next moment.”
This Ambassador Adnan Bostaji demonstrated when he told members of the committee on translation of the meaning of Holy Qur’an in Ebira language: “I advise you to hasten up the work because I may not be around by the time you would have finished it.” And his words to me: “as long as I am alive and on the seat…”
Now that he’s gone, where do we pick up the pieces?
His death once more reminds us of the reality of life, for, from Allah we all came, and to Him we are all surely returning.
Rest well, Ambassador Adnan bin Mahmoud Bostaji, in the bosom of the glorious Allah, till we meet again.
Members of the Mental Health and Wellness Initiative interact with the chiefTraditional head of Tawari community in Kogi State, the Aguma of Tawari, 78-year-old Alhaji Yusuf Idris Tawari has recounted how he lost 26 people, including his driver and Chief Iman of the community to yet to be identified gunmen that attacked the community on January 2 this year.
Yusuf, who spoke when members of the Mental Health and Wellness Initiative, a Non-Governmental organization visited the village to assess the extent of the effect of the attack, said: “I lost 25 people in one night and my driver who died in Abuja making the 26th casualty. The chief Imam of the community was writing his sermon for the Friday prayer when they broke into his room and shot him at close range. Look at the village almost completely deserted. The few people left are living in fear.
“They burnt down my house and my car. My driver died in Abuja from the thick fumes inhaled from the inferno. I escaped by the grace of God.
“We are traumatized and that’s why I was excited about the news of your coming to see the carnage”.
The leader and founder of the NGO, Salihat Badamasiuy alson visited the Administrator of Kogi local government council, Barrister Musa Muhammed Tanko at the council secretariat in Koton Karfe where she condemned the gruesome attack.
She appealed to the local authorities and other spirited individuals to offer support to the community.
“We are here to spare our thought for the people of Tawari community. The ugly incident is ungodly, wicked and condemnable as it has left a permanent scar on the psyche on the residents of that community.
“They need every moral support they can get to heal them of the trauma and depression this unfortunate event has caused them.”
Ms. Salihat promised that her NGO would collaborate with willing authorities to provide relief to the people of Tawari.
That was even as the council administrator commended the gesture by the group and pledged his support in areas his office would be needed to bring smile on the face of the people again.
“I must commend your decision to take this bold step in sparing thought for the people of Tawari. You have taken a giant stride, working on healing the psyche of this people and as the chief executive of the local council, I pledge my support in whatever capacity required of me to bring smile to the face of the sad people of Tawari community.”
The group also paid homage to His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Abdulrazak Gambo IsaKoto, Ohimege Igu of KotonKarfe.
While thanking the group for the rare focus on the mental well-being of the society, the Ohimege described the visit as timely as it was strategic.
“Tawari is not only a remote community but has a rich history. What happened there can only be likened to a terrorist attack on the defenseless people.”
It was gathered that over 50 houses, including the chief’s palace, clinic, the oldest church in the community and school buildings among others were burnt down while others are ridden with bullets or vandalized.
Alhaji Yusuf said that he has been suing for peace and has repeatedly warned the youth of the community against reprisal attack even as he commended the government of Kogi State for the prompt response to the incident.
The village was attacked under the cover of darkness as it is yet to witness electricity. Most of the power generators on which the residents depend to light up their homes have been burnt down. Motorbikes which serve as the major source of income to the youth were burnt in large numbers.
The Tawari chief, Alhaji Yusuf appealed to government at all levels, civil society organizations and resourceful individuals to come to their aid in their spirited effort towards rebuilding the community and facilitate the return of the displaced people.
Although many have since condemned the wicked attack, one month after, no suspect has been arrested and not much has been done to alleviate the consequences of the attack on the community.
Chief Tawari thanked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the relief materials donated and promised to ensure judicious sharing of the items to the affected people.
WadumeThe Nigeria Police have charged suspected Taraba kidnap kingpin, Bala Hamisu, aka Wadume, an Army Captain, Tijjani Balarabe as well as 18 others with 16 counts charge bordering on terrorism, murder, kidnapping and illegal arms running.
Also on the list of defendants is Staff Sgt. David Isaiah; Sgt. Ibrahim Mohammed; Corporal Bartholomew Obanye; Private Mohammed Nura; Lance Corporal Okorozie Gideon; Corporal Markus Michael; L/Corporal Nvenaweimoeimi Akpagra; Staff Sgt. Abdullahi Adamu; Private Ebele Emmanuel; ASP Aondona Iorbee and Insp. Aliyu Dadje and Auwalu Bala, aka Omo Razor.
Others in the charge sheet are Uba Bala (aka Uba Belu); Ahmad Suleiman (aka Dan Ball); Bashir Waziri, (aka Baba runs); Zubairu Abdullahi (aka Basho); Hafizu Bala (aka Maiwelder); and Rayyanu Abdul.
The criminal charge dated February 3, 2020 was filed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Simon Lough; Anthony Egwu, and Peter Amadi, all of the Legal/Prosecution Section, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
This is coming six months after Wadume was allegedly assisted to escape on August 6, 2019, by soldiers attached to Battalion 93, Takum, led by Balarabe. Wadume escaped when the policemen, who arrested him, were attacked by the troops.
Three policemen and two civilians were killed during the incident, while five other police officers were injured.
Criminal charges against the suspects are expected to be filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, this week.
Count one of the charge read, “That you, Alhaji Hamisu Bala, 33, aka Wadume; Capt. Ahmed Tijjani Balarabe; ASP Aondona Iorbee; Insp. Aliyu Dadje; Auwalu Bala; Uba Bala; Ahmad Suleiman; Bashir Waziri; Zubairu Abdullahi; Rayyanu Abdul and others now at large, between February and April 2019 at Takum and Ibi, Taraba State, within the jurisdiction of this court, while acting in concert, conspired together to commit felony, to wit: acts of terrorism, by attacking and kidnapping one Usman Garba, aka Mayo, at his filling station in Takum, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2013.”
The defendants were also accused of possessing six AK-47 rifles and dealing in prohibited firearms contrary to Section 27 (1)(a)(I) and (1)(b)(iii) of the Firearms Act Cap F28, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
The police stated that the prosecution would rely on the testimonies of 29 eyewitnesses, some of whom would testify on how one Usman Garba was kidnapped on February 16, 2019 at Takum by Wadume and his gang.
They allegedly demanded a N200m ransom and killed the victim despite receiving N106.3m.
“DCP Abba Kyari, CSP Baba Khali, ASP Abdulrahman Mohammed, ASP Bawa James, Insps Habila Samuel and Ilarju Joseph are the investigating police officers in this case; they will testify about their findings in the course of the investigation and will tender exhibits and documents,” the police stated.
Listed as exhibits in the case were the written statements of the defendants, photographs of the victims, autopsy reports, six AK-47 rifles recovered from the gang, three empty shells, one live ammunition and six Volkswagen Sharon buses, and one (police) Toyota Hiace bus, among others.
Among exhibits attached to the charge were the call logs showing the phone communication between Wadume, Balarabe and the police officers at Ibi Police Station.
In one instance, the logs showed that Wadume and the army captain exchanged 166 phone calls. Documents also showed that Wadume also made several calls to the Ibi Divisional Police Officer.
Balarabe, 46, in his statement, admitted that Wadume once gave him fish worth N50,000, adding that he also gave him N200,000 to repair a patrol van which was having mechanical problems.
Source: Channels TV.
