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Author: Day Break

Govt Warns Nnamdi Kanu – Benue Not Part Of Biafra
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been warned to steer clear of Benue State.
This followed the recent threat by Kanu to send ESN members to protect Igbo people living in Benue.
Kanu identified Ado and Oju Local Government Areas as places that need the presence of ESN.
In his reaction, Ado Local Government admonished Kanu to stop dragging Benue into “his self-seeking campaign”.
The Chairman, James Oche, told reporters on Saturday that the territorial integrity of the state would never be a subject of Biafra agitation.
He cautioned proponents of Kanu’s “inordinate ideology” in Benue to desist or face the wrath of the law.
On the IPOB leader’s comment about the “abduction” of 3 people, Oche clarified that they were arrested in connection with the murder of an elderly Fulani man, Mohammed Isa.
“It was an act that threatened the security of the area and made the Deputy Governor summon a meeting that was held yesterday in Makurdi with all concerned stakeholders.
“Kanu reportedly issued statements charging Benue Governor to protect ‘IPOB communities’ or he would send Eastern Security Network operatives to do so. He should stop insulting the sensibilities of Benue people.”
The LG boss assured that Governor Samuel Ortom was doing his best in terms of security.
He advised the people to remain calm and support the governor’s commitment to the full implementation of the Anti Open Grazing Law.
March 8, 2021
Agbekoya: There’ll be consequences if Miyetti Allah disobeys open grazing laws
Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, on Sunday, took a swipe at the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore for opposing the ban imposed on open grazing of cattle in the South-West region.
Miyetti Allah had insisted that the ban was tantamount to an eviction notice.
Secretary-General of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Saleh Alhassan, in an interview, had said the ban on open grazing was targeted at destroying the means of livelihood of herdsmen and radicalise the herders.
On its part, Agbekoya Farmers Association chided the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore over their refusal to obey the South-West Governors’ open grazing laws, saying there will be consequences if they failed to obey the law.
President-General of the group, Chief Kamorudeen Okikiola, said: “Can a Southerner or a Yoruba man living in the North refuse to obey the Sharia law or any other law of the Northern states?
“Yoruba people have been very accommodating, but if we are pushed to the wall, we are going to fight back.
“How can a group of people, under a business name or an association, come out openly to say that they cannot obey the law of the state where they are operating their business, even if the law affects their business?
“We call on the South-West governors to put everything in place to make sure the open grazing law is effectively obeyed to avoid and put to end clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the Southwest.”
Okikiola reiterated that the effective solution to the problems of clashes between farmers and herdsmen was to stop open grazing, stressing that those interested in rearing cattle must, by all means, establish cattle ranches as it is done in other countries of the world.
“The days of open grazing are gone, and anyone that is interested in rearing cattle should establish a cattle ranch.
“We are warning the members of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore to be ready to obey the open grazing law in South-West or face the wrath of the law or other consequences,” he said.
March 8, 2021
Supreme Court To Hear Dickson’s Appeal Against Disqualification Suit
The immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State against a suit seeking his disqualification from contesting the concluded Bayelsa West senatorial election.
The Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, had on January 7, 2021 ruled that the disqualification suit against Dickson was not statute barred and should be given accelerated hearing by the Federal High Court.
The three-man panel of the court disagreed with the Federal High Court’s decision to dismiss the matter, saying the judgement of the lower court was wrong.
The panel presided over by Justice U. Onyemenam, explained the appeal was based on whether by the provisions of Section of the Electoral Act and Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the originating process of the applicant was statute barred.
He, however, said the suit was filed within 14 days beginning from the publication of the particulars of the candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said: “We had looked at it and have come to the agreement that for the public to be aware and to be able to challenge any particulars of a candidate published by INEC (1st respondent), the 1st respondent would have to publish it first.
“We did not agree with the submission of the 2nd respomdent (the PDP) and the 3rd Respondent (Seriake Dickson) on this issue. We agree with the Appellant that the cause of action arose on the 17th September. Based on this, this appeal has merit and is hereby allowed”.
The court hadsaid: “The ruling of the Federal High Court is hereby set aside. The Appellants motion experte for substituted service is granted. All processes shall be served on the 3rd respondent by pasting on the office of the 2nd respondent.
“The suit is hereby transferred back to the Federal High Court for trial on the merit. We order accelerated hearing and make no order as to cost”.
But Dickson approached the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the judgement of the Court of Appeal.
March 8, 2021
Today’s Major Nigerian Newspapers’ Cover Stories 08-March -2021

March 8, 2021
APC leader, Asiwaju Tinubu congratulates VP Osinbajo as he turns 64 on March 8
All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader and former Lagos state governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the Vice- President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on his 64th birthday, saying the Vice- President has exemplified the best traits of a public servant who strives to do his best for our precious nation.
Tinubu described Osinbajo as a man of vision and diligent work ethics who has exemplified the best traits of a public servant.
He said, “I join the family, friends, and associates of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to celebrate with him as he turns 64 on Monday.”
“Praying for many more productive years and the best of health for Prof. Osinbajo, we also thank God for the life He has given his servant”.
“Our VP has exemplified the best traits of a public servant who strives to do his best for our precious nation. Prof. Osinbajo has shown great character, intellect, and professional knowledge in serving Nigeria and in supporting President Buhari and his agenda”.
“While celebrating his birthday we also urge this man of vision and diligent work ethics to continue ever forward by recommitting himself and his ample talents to the betterment of this nation and its people.
May he continue to exhibit outstanding patriotic loyalty and singularity of purpose”.
“May he always work for the good of the nation and do his best to continue to reform the economy as is his mandate as VP so that all Nigerians may drink of the cup of prosperity and hope.”
“I pray that your efforts bear the fullest fruit and that history will speak fondly of your efforts and achievements. Happy Birthday dear friend and brother. May God always guide and bless you.”
March 7, 2021
More Trouble For Nigerians As FG Considers Fresh Tax On Petroleum Products, Recharge Cards
As the Federal Government declared tax reliefs for businesses due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is considering new taxes to generate revenue to fund the 2021 Appropriation Act.
The Nigeria Customs Service also proposed the return of a N1.50 levy on every litre of petroleum product bought in the country. Non-alcoholic beverages are also to be taxed like alcoholic drinks and tobacco.
Controller-General of the NCS, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.), had on Thursday appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Customs to defend the service’s 2020 budgetary performance and 2021 proposal.
Ali, who led top officials of the Customs before the committee, made written and oral submissions. The lawmakers also grilled him for about three hours.
The Customs boss told the lawmakers that the service had designed various strategies to improve revenue generation in 2021 based on the 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper.
Part of the programmes to be executed is the e-Customs, which will make its operations electronic and automated. Ali said the NCS plans to purchase operational scanners and border surveillance equipment, among others.
“Proportionally, it is the service’s expectation that, as a result of this reform, we will increase the revenue base of the government,” he said.
The Customs boss also noted that the service recommended and the government approved downward tariff review of the current 35 per cent levy on new and luxury imported vehicles to five per cent. He said the duty on commercial vehicles was also downwardly reviewed from 35 per cent to 10 per cent.
He said, “This is to encourage massive importation of vehicles into Nigeria and further increase the revenue base of the government; also, and most importantly, to reduce smuggling of vehicles through our borders. The complaint has always been that the tariff is too high and, therefore, people are forced to go through the borders to smuggle their vehicles.
“Based on that and now that we have succeeded in reducing these duties, it is our belief that most of the vehicles coming into Nigeria will come through the ports and by so doing, it will create jobs, increase earnings for not only the Customs but also other operatives in the marine sector. So, it is a win-win situation as far as we are concerned.”
Consequently, Ali stated that a levy would now be reintroduced on petroleum products, adding that the NCS had recommended that telecommunications service providers should also be taxed on the recharge cards they produce, while carbonated drinks would also become taxable soon.
He said, “One of the reasons for us to tax carbonated drinks is that, if we tax alcoholic beverages and tobacco because they are injurious to our health, carbonated drinks, with the content of sugar, are equally injurious to our health.
“Most of the diabetes cases we see today are as a result of consumption of these drinks. So, it is deadly; as deadly as tobacco. Alcohol is less deadly than them. But we are still running a zero excise duty on these companies.”
March 7, 2021
Four bandits killed in military ambush in Kaduna

By Gabriel Udeh
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, has confirmed the killings of four bandits in Kaduna.
In a statement on Sunday he said security agents in Kaduna have confirmed the killing in an ambush in Chikun and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of the State.

He said three rifles and one axe were recovered from the bandits, who were part of the syndicate terrorising communities in various parts of the state.
He said the statement, was based on operational feedback from troops of Operation Thunder Strike (OPTS), intelligence was received on bandits’ movement from Katika village towards Antenna in Chikun LGA. Aruwan said in response to this, the troops laid an ambush at Antenna village, and as the bandits approached, the troops opened fire on them, killing four on the spot.

He added that more bandits had been neutralized during aerial missions conducted around their locations in Chikun and Birnin Gwari local government areas.

He said Governor Nasir El-Rufai had commended the troops for a swift action that led to the successful elimination of the bandits.
March 7, 2021
32 Women Serving in Buhari’s Govt, Says Adesina

by Remi Babayeju
The Presidency on Sunday disclosed that no fewer than 32 women are serving as ministers, Head of Service of the Federation, special advisers and assistants, as well as heads of departments and agencies under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

In a release issued on Sunday to mark the International Women’s Day, the Media Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina, said March 8 of every year is observed globally as the International Women’s Day, adding that the theme for 2021 is “Choose to Challenge”.

According to him, the celebration provides ample opportunity to reflect on how President Buhari honours the womenfolk.

He, thereafter, listed ‘The Buhari Women’ to include seven ministers, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, two special advisers, two senior special assistants and five directors-general, among others.

Adesina gave the names of the ‘Buhari women’ to include Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development; Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs; Mariam Yalwaji Katagum, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment; Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State for Environment; Gbemisola Saraki, Minister of State for Transportation; Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Folashade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Mariam Uwais, Special Adviser to the President; and Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, and Secretary of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

Others include Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); Hadiza Bala-Usman, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson and CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission; Chioma Ejikeme, Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD); Patience Oniha, Director-General, Debt Management Office (DMO); Aisha Dahir-Umar, Director-General, National Pension Commission; Jummai A.M. Audi, Chairperson, Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC); Yewande Sadiku, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC); Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/Chief Executive of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Nigeria; Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator/CEO, SERVICOM; and Folashade Joseph, Managing Director, Nigeria Agriculture Insurance Corporation (NAIC).

Others are Cecilia Gaya, Director-General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON); Ronke Sokefun, Chairperson, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC); Aishah Ahmad, Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli, Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA); Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Oge Modie, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Strategic Communications; Toyin Adeniji, Executive Director, Micro Enterprises, Bank of Industry (Oversees the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, GEEP); Stella Okotete, Executive Director, Business Development, NEXIM Bank; Omolola Abiola-Edewor, Executive Director, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC); Imaan Sulaiman–Ibrahim, Director-General, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Lauretta Onochie, Personal Assistant to the President on Social Media and INEC Federal Commissioner-nominee.
March 7, 2021
PDP tasks Buhari on N51bn fraud allegation by close aids

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP has asked the Buhari Presidency not to keep quiet but come clean on legations that certain officials and individuals close to the Presidency defrauded the nation of the sum of N51 billion out of which N2.5 billion was wired to a member of Buhari’s immediate family.

The PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, also challenged the Buhari Presidency to speak out on allegations that 122 posh properties, valued at over N1.6 trillion and seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were shared and allocated to cronies on the directives of the Presidency.
“The Buhari Presidency should not pretend not to be aware that the media is awash with reports that a known confidant of Mr President and certain officials of the Nigerian Customs defrauded our nation to the tune of N51 billion under a hazy ‘Revenue Assurance Fund’, out of which N2.5 billion was reported to have been transferred to a foundation allegedly owned by a female member of the President’s immediate family.

“This close confidant, who is alleged to be fronting for certain individuals close to the President in scandalous contracts running into billions of naira in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) among other government agencies, was arrested at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom in 2019, for alleged passport scam and laundering of 200,000 pounds allegedly belonging to a particular relation of Mr President.”

“On the EFCC scandal, the Buhari Presidency should come clean on how the anti-graft agency was hijacked to become an instrument of treasury looting and corrupt enrichment for fraudulent friends and officials of the Buhari administration.”
“It is indeed appalling that such impunity and barefaced looting are going on under an administration that came into governance with an assurance of fighting corruption, only to end up swimming in an ocean of corruption,” the party said.

The PDP asked the Buhari Presidency to end its silence as the issues are already in the public domain, with Nigerians demanding investigations.

The PDP, therefore, demanded that the Buhari Presidency should order an immediate and open investigation into the allegations into these duplicitous enterprises for which persons connected to the Presidency have again been mentioned. The PDP tasked the Buhari Presidency not to keep quiet but offer an explanation to allegations in the media space that certain officials and individuals close to the Presidency defrauded the nation of the sum of N51 billion out of which N2.5 billion was wired to a member of Mr President’s immediate family.
March 7, 2021
Supreme Court registrar gives details on how Justice Ngwuta died

By Doris Ferdinard
The registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Hadizatu Uwani Mustapha, has given details on the death of Justice Ngwuta, disclosing that he died at the National Hospital, Abuja not in his sleep as reported by many media outlets.
The Chief Registrar said the deceased judge died at about 2.30 am on Sunday morning at the Intensive care unit of the National Hospital, Abuja.
Mustapha said Justice Ngwuta passed on after he fell sick about a week ago and was admitted at the National Hospital in Abuja.
“He felt sick and was admitted, in the last week, in the National Hospital, Abuja. “But, before he was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital on Friday, March 5 he tested negative to COVID-19 investigative test conducted on him.
“Hon. Justice Ngwuta was due to retire from the Supreme Court bench on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years on March 30, 2021.
“His remains have been deposited in the National Hospital mortuary pending the arrangement for his burial.”
An investigation by Daybreak further revealed the senior judge was due for retirement on March 30, 2020, when he would have attained the mandatory retirement age of 70
Justice Nguta was born in 1951 in Amofia-Ukawu, Onicha Local government Area of Ebonyi State. The senior lawyer commenced his private legal practice at Abakaliki from July 1978 to October 1995.
Ugwuta was later appointed a judge of the High Court Abia in October 1995 and then promoted to the Court of Appeal on May 22, 2003.
The deceased was finally sworn-in as Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in May 2011.
Ngwuta was the chairman of the judicial panel of inquiry into the Obegu Enyibichirikwo Disturbance in 1997-1998 and has been a member of several Election Petition Tribunal, Governorship and Legislative House Election Petition Tribunal; Nasarawa State held at Lafia in February 1999, National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal Plateau State, held at Jos in April 1999, among others.
The federal government had in 2018 accused the senior judge of corrupt practices.
An Abuja Federal High Court, however, absolved Ngwuta of all allegations. The senior justice was also on the supreme court panel that gave the controversial pronouncement that saw to the emergence of Hope Uzodinma as the government of Imo state
March 7, 2021