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Reps warn FIRS against contempt of parliament over refusal

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March 29, 2024

Reps warn FIRS against contempt of parliament over refusal

Reps committee pledges support for scientific research

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has warned the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS), Mr Zacch Adedeji against his alleged disregard to appear before the committee on invitation.

The committee said that Adedeji’s actions amounted to contempt of parliament.

Rep. Bamidele Salam, Chairman, PAC, said this at the resumed investigative hearing of revenue leakages in Abuja on Thursday.

The chairman, while reading the riot act against the FIRS chairman, said that this is the fourth time the committee would be inviting the FIRS chairman but failed to show up.

According to him, in addition to writing him officially, we have also made sure that such letters were delivered personally to his mail box and his WhatsApp number.

“And we condemn and describe it as irresponsible and arrogant, and we tell him that there will be consequences if he continues this contempt of his parliament.

He said that several letters had been written to him without responses, adding that the value-added tax that the federal government should be collecting on Remitta had not been collected by FIRS.

He said some VAT from the revenue collected by Remitta ought to have gone to the FIRS, but added that they would rather add the VAT together and shared it with the CBN, Bank, and Remitta.

He said, “by the time we finished our reconciliation, the money would be in the hundreds of billions, adding that this was what they were asking the FIRS to come and collect, but the service had refused to show up.(NAN)

By Femi Ogunshola

NASS assures Ministry of Works

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March 29, 2024

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The National Assembly has assured the Ministry of Works of adequate budgetary provision for the completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway which has a contract sum of N1.08 billion.

The Chairman, joint National Assembly Committee on Works, Sen. Barinada Mpigi, gave the assurance when he led members of the joint National Assembly Committee on Works on oversight visit to some selected federal highway projects in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Coastal Highway is an inter-state highway that is proposed to traverse about nine states along the coastal shoreline of the country.

The 750km highway, handled by Hitech Construction Africa Ltd., will start from Lagos, and would terminate in Cross River, with a spur to the north central part of Nigeria.

Mpigi who expressed the National Assembly’s support for speedy completion of the work, appreciated the level of work done so far.

“The coastal road is real and is life and I can testify that the ministry is doing the right thing. And with the expectant period, it is achievable, he said.

On his part, Chairman House Committee on Works, Rep. Akin Alabi, said that the house of representatives would work with the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the the two committees on appropriation for adequate funding of the road.

“We are going to work with both the Senate President, the Speaker and the committees on appropriation to make sure funding is not what will delay the project.

“We have seen it over and over again in this country, where you have great intention when you want to begin a project, but along the line, you will run into trouble.

“But this is a project everyone is committed, both the Executive and the Legislature and it must be delivered. We must make sure that every fund released are accounted for it.

“This is the kind of project, a legacy project that will put smile on people’s faces and we are all committed to achieving it,” Alabi said.

Also, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, lauded the commitment of the contractor, Hitech Construction Company on the level of work so far done.

“We commend Hitech. We are very confident that this project which is 700 kilometres, the phase two will be executed successfully under President Tinubu.

“As a former governor of Lagos, he even acquired the right of way for the coastal highways but could not get a contractor at that point to start it.

“He is a man that is very committed to development. We are submitting everything about this project to the President and he will be relating with national assembly in terms of funding.

“Whatever funds that the national assembly will give us will be properly utilised.

” When we construct roads under the renewed hope of the president, it will last for hundred years. He is the father of concrete technology in the country, ” Umahi said.

Additionally, Umahi said that when lands along the corridors of the coastal highways are aquired by government, it would be a gold mine and it would help to pay back for the funding of the project.

The Managing Director Hitech, Mr Dany Abboud, said that the company was committed to finishing the project within the stipulated time.

“We assure you that we are fully committed to do this project as per the directives of the Federal Government through the ministry of works to do it within 36 months. It will be hopefully and willingly done within 36 months if not before,” he said.(NAN)

By Naomi Sharang/Lydia Ngwakwe

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 less privileged

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March 29, 2024

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Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 less privileged

Mrs Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), on Thursday begun distribution of food items to 1,500 less privileged persons in FCT, Abuja.

Essiet, during the food distribution in Abuja, said the exercise was also being done in kwara to 250 less privileged persons.

She explained that the donation was in collaboration with the City Boy Movement of President Tinubu to ensure every household had something to eat during the holy month of Ramadan and Easter.

“In the spirit of unity and compassion, we came together to make a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow citizens.

“At least 1,500 persons in the FCT and 250 persons from Kwara will benefit from this gesture,” she said.

She explained that the items symbolised hope, solidarity and compassion to the beneficiaries.

Essiet said that the donation was a reminder to the citizens, the power of community and the importance of standing together in times of need.

“As we observe the holy seasons of Ramadan and Easter, our people should imbibe the values of empathy and generosity, reaching out to those who are less fortunate by spreading kindness,’’ she said.

Essiet told the beneficiaries that the Federal Government was standing with them and committed towards ameliorating the sufferings of the ordinary people.

“May these items bring comfort and nourishment to your homes and may the spirit of unity and compassion continue to guide us as we strive to build a brighter future for all,” she prayed.

Mrs Sarah Isah, a beneficiary, thanked the President for the timely gesture to cushion hunger and bringing laughter to the faces of the masses, especially in the Holy months.

“I was not expecting these food items at all, but I thank God for providing because every day I pray for God’s help,” she said.

Other beneficiaries thanked the senior special assistance for carrying out the president’s mandates of giving aid to the underprivileged in the society and prayed for continuity in the project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items donated included; rice, wheat, tomato paste, groundnut oil, salt and sugar.(NAN)

By Diana Omueza

Family Announces Burial Arrangements of ex Rep, Cairo Ojougboh

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March 29, 2024

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Family Announces Burial Arrangements of ex Rep, Cairo Ojougboh

The family of the former member of the Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, has announced his burial arrangements.

The late Ojougboh, who died on February 7, 2024, aged 64, will be buried on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Ojougboh Family Compound in Agbor, Delta State.

The Internment will take place immediately after a Funeral Mass, scheduled to start by 10:00a.m. at the St. John The Baptist Catholic Church along Old Lagos/Asaba Road, Agbor in Delta State.

Reception will take place the same day at the Open Ground, Opposite Central Hospital, Agbor.

The late Ojougboh was an illustrious son of Delta State. He was a grassroot politician who has contributed immensely to the development of Delta State and the nation at large. He was a prominent, fearless and outspoken politician without prejudice to tribe or tongue.

Ojougboh was conscientious, amiable, accessible and generous to all who came across him and was committed to serving the public interest and improving the lives of citizens.

Other lined-up burial activities that will precede the interment are Requiem Mass on Thursday, April 16, 2024 by 4:00p.m. at the Church for The Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja and Vigil Mass on Thursday, April 18, 2024 by 4:00 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State.

The Christian Wake will take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024 between 6:00p.m. and 10:00p.m. at the Ojougboh Family Compound, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State.

The burial activities shall be capped with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday April 21, 2024 at All Saints Catholic Church, Alihame, Agbor, Delta State by 9:00a.m.

Late Cairo Ojougboh represented Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007 and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.

He was also a former Executive Director Project of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

We extend our sincere gratitude to everybody for their show of love and support at this trying time.

FG Stresses Commitment to Press Freedom, Responsible Journa..

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March 29, 2024

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FG Stresses Commitment to Press Freedom, Responsible Journa..

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principle of press freedom while urging media professionals to exercise their freedom with the utmost sense of responsibility.

Idris made the remarks in Abuja on Thursday when he received senior executives of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) on a courtesy visit to his office.

“That is what I think the media industry will also help us to achieve. While we drive press freedom, we should also carry along with it the responsibility for the media to discharge its duty creditably, honestly, and transparently. You cannot report what is wrong and say you are doing press freedom. That is unacceptable,” he said.

The Minister said press freedom is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy and the government fully recognizes the importance of a vibrant media landscape in fostering democracy.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a product of press freedom and he cannot in any way stifle press freedom,” he said.

Idris said it is wrong to intentionally disseminate misinformation and inflammatory reports aimed at sowing discord and promoting anarchy within the society under the guise of press freedom.

“You cannot report issues with the intention to create disharmony and discontent that will ultimately lead to the breakdown of law and order for our citizens and say you are exercising press freedom,” he said.

Idris warned that the biggest victims of disinformation are media professionals, who are at risk of losing public trust, confidence, and credibility.

While responding to a request by the Executive Director of the Centre, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, on the review of certain sections of the constitution perceived to be hindering press freedom, the Minister gave the assurance that he would work with the National Assembly to achieve results.

Idris also promised to work with other stakeholders to promote compliance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act while warning against willful abuse of the Act.

Earlier, Dr. Akingbulu had commended the Minister for changing the narratives of the Ministry since his assumption of office, saying, “There is now a perception that the narratives coming out of here have changed and that the Information Sector in Nigeria is on course to a new era, an era of positive developments.”

Eyiboh bags NIPR’s outstanding spokesperson award

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March 29, 2024

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Eyiboh bags NIPR’s outstanding spokesperson award

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate, Rt.Hon Eseme Eyiboh has won the most Outstanding Spokesperson Award of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information.

Eyiboh, himself a former Spokesperson for the House of Representatives and Chairman of its Committee on Media and Public Affairs was selected for the prestigious award on account of his roles in projecting the positive image of not only the President of the Senate but the Senate as an institution of democracy.

The Jury Sub-Committee of the National Spokespersons Awards, set up by the NIPR and the Ministry found Eyiboh worthy of the award among other spokespersons operating across the Legislative arm of government in both state and national institutions in the country.

The ceremony took place at the International Conference Center, Abuja. In the award, Hon Eseme Eyiboh is described as an indomitable non-violent communication expert with deep network and effective practice delivery with clarity in objectives, strategic in framing engagements with his audience. His
impact and effectiveness in perception and reputation management is robust.

The letter to the award recipient, read in parts:
“I am excited to
inform you that, from the numerous entries, you have been selected as the Outstanding Spokesperson Award – Legislature
in recognition of your work and having satisfied the selection criteria”.

“The National Spokespersons Awards is the highest honours celebrating outstanding spokespersons
in corporate communications, public affairs, politics, media, advocacy, and other domains in
Nigeria who have demonstrated outstanding eloquence, integrity, and effectiveness in their roles
as spokespeople. There was an eruption of ovation and a rush to join him in the podium when Eyiboh was announced as the winner. His acceptance speech on behalf of others brought to the fore his gift of the garb rendered with inexhaustible elocution.
Eyiboh dedicated the award to the President of the Senate – senator Godswill Akpabio(his boss).

Bridging Energy Gap Vital for Nigeria’s Economic Growth

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March 29, 2024

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Bridging Energy Gap Vital for Nigeria’s Economic Growth

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has emphasized the critical importance of bridging the energy access gap to the creation of economic prosperity of the country.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari, made this submission in a keynote address on industry operations with the theme, “Stability in the Energy Sector: Integrated Strategies for Infrastructure, Transportation and Security,” at the 2024 edition of Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF) held in Abuja, on Thursday.

To bridge the energy access gap in Nigeria, Kyari said NNPC Ltd was working on developing the right infrastructure to deliver oil and gas to drive prosperity for Nigerians.

“We are committed to developing gas infrastructure across the country,” Kyari stated, stressing that the company’s commitment was not just a statutory requirement of the Petroleum Industry Act, but a pledge to ensure energy security beyond fuel supply.

“We are dedicated to investing in critical infrastructure to enhance economic prosperity by supplying gas to the domestic market, targeting at least 8 billion cubic meters,” Kyari added.

He listed some of the infrastructural projects being undertaken by the NNPC Ltd to help bridge the energy access gap in Nigeria to include the Obiafu/Obrikom/Oben (OB3) and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipelines, adding that they are designed to enhance the nation’s gas supply network.

On the global front, Kyari said NNPC Ltd was working on expanding gas supply to the international market primarily through the NLNG Train 7 project while efforts were also being made to kick off Train 8 as well as the various floating LNG initiatives.

Kyari called for support in leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for economic prosperity, emphasizing the need to bridge access gaps in electricity and clean cooking fuel.

He assured stakeholders and investors of the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he said is committed to the gas revolution.

Also speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council and Head of Asset and Investments Management, NGPIS, Engr. Salahuddeen Tahir, emphasized the critical role of energy in modern society, stating: “It’s a trigger for essential services such as transportation, heating, electricity generation, medical services, security, banking services, and communication.”

Tahir said there was need to develop a diversified and sustainable energy transportation system as a measure for mitigating climate change and enhancing energy security.

This year’s edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF) is the 24^th

in the series having debuted in 1991. The forum is focused on contributing to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry policy development in commemoration of the first commercial oil discovery in Nigeria by Shell D’Arcy at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State in 1956.

SDP witness contradicts self on alleged ‘affidavit forgery’ against Gov. Ododo

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March 29, 2024

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SDP witness contradicts self on alleged ‘affidavit forgery’ against Gov. Ododo

There was a mild drama, on Thursday, at the Kogi Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja as the Social Democratic Party (SDP)’s witness, Danmusa Williams, contradicted himself on documents before the panel.

The SDP and its governorship candidate in the Nov. 11 election, Murtala Ajaka, had alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Gov. Usman Ododo, forged his age declaration affidavit.

Testifying before the three-member panel of justices led by Justice J.O.K. Oyewole, the witness from the FCT High Court, Abuja, who had said the documents did not emanate from the court, upon cross examination, could not substantiate his claims.

When asked whether he checked the record of the registry to ascertain that it was a forged document, Williams said he only looked at the date, being on Saturday, and concluded that it could not have been from them.

After It was found that the governor’s declaration of age affidavit was deposed to in Okene, Kogi, and not in FCT, the witness told the tribunal that a lawyer forwarded the affidavit he was referring to.

However, there was controversy when Williams further claimed that the affidavit submitted by the APC candidate was fake because it did not have the name and picture of the deponent on it.

The witness’ attention was then drawn to the fact that the affidavit submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he also annexed with the documents, had both the picture of the deponent and name, and that it was sworn to in Okene and not FCT.

Williams was stuck for words after the discrepancies between what he said in court and the documents he presented were pointed out to him by the defence counsel.

Justice Oyewole adjourned the matter until March 30 for continuation of hearing

While Pius Akubo, SAN, represented the petitioners, Kanu Agabi, SAN, J.B. Daudu, SAN, and D.C. Denwigwe, SAN, appeared for the respondents.(NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje

CITAD’s Y.Z. Ya’u bags Icon of Civil Society award

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March 29, 2024

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CITAD’s Y.Z. Ya’u bags Icon of Civil Society award

The Executive Director of Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Malam Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, has once again received outstanding recognition for his contribution to national security on civic space and civic action in Nigeria.

Malam Yunusa Ya’u bagged the award of an ‘Icon of commitment to civil society and exemplary courage in difficult times by space for change on Thursday last week in Abuja.

Giving reasons the award was given to Malam Y. Z Ya’u, the organizers labelled him as one of the most dogged comrades in outstanding commitment to civil society and exemplary courage in difficult times in Nigeria.

The organizers added that Malam Y. Z Ya’u is a man who contributes to promoting democracy and active citizenship through information, communication and technology and civic empowerment programs for citizens.

Y. Z Ya’u was also described as a man who always fight against corruption and promoted accountability, justice, equity, and a better Nigeria.

Spaces for Change (S4C) is a non-profit organisation.

Ohanaeze disassociates self from Igbo Easter retreat in Asaba

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March 29, 2024

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Ohanaeze disassociates self from Igbo Easter retreat in Asaba

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has disassociated itself from the proposed Igbo Easter Retreat in Asaba, Delta State, saying the retreat were not from them.

Dr Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, stated this in a statement on Thursday in Enugu.

According to him, the attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been drawn to a mischievous flyer in circulation, inviting the general public to Asaba, Delta State, for an Igbo Easter Retreat holding between March 30 and April 2, in the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

He said the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo would have ignored the hare-brained “Igbo Easter Retreat” as the highest mark of rascality and insensibility, but since silence may be misconstrued by the gullible public as giving validity to an orchestrated aberration, hence, this rebuttal.

Ogbonnia said Ohanaeze Ndigbo noted with dismay that the mischief makers, impostors, charlatans and media navigators who masquerade on the invaluable footprints of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for narrow, perverse and illicit interests fail to appreciate the profound emotional attachment the Igbo owe to Ohanaeze.

The national publicity secretary stressed that such a sacred Igbo identity should not be desecrated on the whims, caprices, rascality and exuberances of some social deviants and wary transgressors.

He said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo held an Igbo Retreat with the theme “Ako bu Ije” at the Old Governor’s Lodge, Enugu, on Wednesday, March 27, and the retreat was chaired by Admiral Allison Madueke (Rtd).

“The retreat attracted eminent personalities from all walks of life, including the governor of Enugu State, represented by his Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai.

“There were paper presentations by reflective scholars such as Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, Monsignor Obiora Ike, Prof. Nnenna Oti, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Dr Domnic Okechukwu, Dr Sam Obaji, Dr Nnaemeka Obiaraeri, among others,” he said.

He said it was insensitive for a genuine Ohanaeze Ndigbo to organise a retreat on Easter Saturday and Monday when the predominant Igbo Christians and elders should be in their various communities and residences for the Easter celebration.

“The mischievous Asaba flyer regrettably carries names of Igbo professors. It will be indeed most inconceivable of a genuine professor or any other person to portray ignorance that the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo which resides in Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as the President-General.

“The good people of Delta State and the general public are hereby notified that appropriate security agencies have been duly alerted about the unscrupulous marauders whose sole aim is to upset, disarticulate and torpedo the peace and tranquility for which Asaba town is known.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide dissociates itself from the hair-brained Easter Retreat at Asaba. We further caution that anybody attending such an event is doing so at his or her own risk,” Ogbonnia said. (NAN)

By Alex Enebeli