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FRSC decorates 24 newly promoted officers in Badagry

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Badagry Command, on Monday decorated 24 of its newly promoted officers in the area with their ranks.

Addressing the newly promoted officers and marshals at the command’s office in Badagry, Mr Babatope Agbaje, the Unit Commander, said the journey for another appraisal had just begun.

“Your appraisal scored you well, that is why you are being decorated today; it is expected that you must live up to the expectations of the corps.

“It is expected that you work to support the corporate strategy goal of FRSC. Our mission has not changed, our vision remains the same.

“Our mission is to create safe motoring environment in Nigeria,” he said.

Agbaje urged the newly promoted officers to redouble their efforts in taking the FRSC to greater heights.

He said:“As you have been elevated to the next rank, we won’t gainsay the fact that to whom much is given, much is expected.

“Henceforth, you cease to be the person you were some minutes ago; you are now someone else.

“So, we want to see that commitment in you.

“Officers, you will need to exercise your authority as officer. Work in harmony with others, work together.”

Agbaje said that the reason the members of the corps are together is because of the job.

“If the job gets bad, we are gone,” he said.

The unit commander told the Daybreak reporter that he was happy because FRSC had lived up to its word, with the elevation of eight officers and 16 marshals in Badagry Unit.

“In accordance with the tripod policy of the corps, which is consultation, reward and punishment, FRSC rewards every officer that has performed excellently well within an appraisal period.

“Around May in 2019, our officers and men went for the examination, and those that performed excellently well were rewarded with this promotion around Dec.22, 2019.

“Today, we have eight officers and 16 marshals being decorated with their ranks,” he said.

He urged officers who were not promoted to redouble their efforts, adding that promotion comes from God.

Mr Jamal Agboola, the newly promoted Superintendent Route Commander (SRC), said he felt very happy for being promoted to the next rank.

Agboola urged other officers of the unit to be hardworking, courageous and follow the rules and regulations of the corps.

January 20, 2020
Abia Govt pledges readiness to reduce drug dependence among youth

The Abia Government has pledged its readiness to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to reduce high drug dependence by youth in the state.

Mr Dan Okoli, the Abia Commissioner for Homeland Security disclosed this during a visit to NDLEA office in Aba on Monday.

Okoli, noted that most violent crimes were committed under drug influence, adding that the agency would do everything possible to reduce drug related crimes in the state hence the need for support from government.

“You find out that crimes are committed when the perpetrators are under influence; so that is the root of crime and if you attack crime at its root it will be easier to uproot and eradicate.

“That is why I am interested in the NDLEA and we are going to do things to the best of our ability to assist NDLEA to reduce drug abuse to the barest minimum in Abia State.

“Supporting reduction of drug abuse in Abia will make it easier for me, my ministry and other security agencies in the state to curb crime.

“So we are going to collaborate with them and synergise with other security agencies to reduce crime in Abia.

“We will also try to monitor them, that is the security agencies that we collaborate with, to reduce compromise because where you put your resources, you also look in there,” he said.

Okoli also promised his ministry would help the agencies fish out bad eggs among them who frustrated their plans to weed out criminals from the state.

Reacting to 26 drug suspects arrested from “Milverton York” in Aba, he said he received information detailing the evils happening there and passed same on to the NDLEA resulting in the timely arrest of the culprits.

The commissioner said part of his ministry’s mandate was advocacy saying that the ministry intended to sensitize community leaders, transport unions and vigilante groups on security issues.

He also promised to work with security agencies to connect with lawmakers in the state and at federal levels to review punishment for drug offenders and other criminals in order to deter them from continuing their practice.

Earlier, the Abia Commander, NDLEA, Mr Bamidele Akingbade, thanked the Commissioner for visiting the agency to discuss issues that would enhance security in the state.

He noted that Abia had a high preponderance of hard drugs stressing that NDLEA has been doing its best but called for support to overcome the agency’s handicaps such as lack of vehicles to work with.

Akingbade said 26 suspects arrested were part of the agency’s Christmas and New Year operations to ensure drug dealers were not allowed a field day in the state.

He also urged the state to support his agency’s drive to review drug-related laws and sensitize the legal bench to ensure adequate punishment to deter drug dealers not minding the quantity they carry.

Daybreak reports that NDLEA confiscated assorted drugs including heroin, cocaine, marijuana, marijuana in hot drinks, packets of Tramadol and cocaine hidden in clothe buttons from the suspects.

January 20, 2020
Man, 29, dragged to court for allegedly being in possession of hemp

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday charged a 29-year-old man, Sadiq Adio, before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly being in possession of 500g of cannabis sativa.

The defendant is being tried on a charge of trafficking in 500g of cannabis sativa also known as hemp.

The prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aetna, alleged that the defendant, who committed the offence on Oct. 10, 2019, was arrested at White Sand in Isheri Osun area of Lagos State.

He alleged that the defendant was caught selling the restricted narcotics listed in the NDLEA schedule as a banned substance.

He said that the offence contravened Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap 30, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

No date has been fixed for arraignment.

Daybreak News reports that the offence of drug trafficking attracts a term of life imprisonment if the defendant is found guilty.

January 20, 2020
Varsity offers posthumous award to late Umaru Shinkafi

The Federal University Gusau, in Zamfara, says it will confer a Special Posthumous award on late Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, a former Nigeria’s intelligence chief.

Shinkafi, who died on July 6, 2016, was a presidential aspirant under the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), served as Federal Commissioner of Internal Affairs in 1975, and was Director General of Nigerian Security Organization (NSO) in 1979.

In a letter to one of the deceased’s children, Dr Zainab Bagudu, wife of Kebbi governor, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Magaji Garba, said the award was in recognition of the immense contributions of late Shinkafi to the development of education in Zamfara during his lifetime.

Garba said the award would be presented on Jan. 25, at the maiden convocation ceremony of the institution

January 20, 2020
PenCom directs PFAs to implement pension enhancement for retirees under contributory scheme

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) on Monday directed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to implement pension enhancement for retirees on programmed withdrawal under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Mr Peter Aghahowa, the Head, Corporate Communication of PenCom, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

Aghahowa said that the commission also informed the public to take note of the directive

” The general public have been informed that all PFAs have been directed to implement the second edition of the pension enhancement exercise for retirees on Programmed Withdrawal mode of retirement

”The pension enhancement is for CPS retirees who have accumulated significant growth in their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) and had retired between July 2007 and December 2017. ”

According to Aghahowa, the retirees referred to above are by this notice advised to contact their respective PFAs to confirm their eligibility and complete requisite documentations.

January 20, 2020
Supreme Court verdict: PDP urges Kano supporters to remain calm

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised its supporters in Kano State to remain calm and avoid acts capable of causing trouble in the state.
Alhaji Rabi’u Suleiman-Bichi, the state’s PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, gave the advice, while speaking with newsmen in Kano on Monday.
Sulaiman-Bichi, who was reacting to the Supreme Court ruling affirming Ganduje as the duly elected governor of the state, stressed the need for party supporters to maintain the peace for the development of the state and country at large.
He also urged them to remain steadfast and not engage in any form of crisis.
“My call to our supporters is for them to remain calm over the recent development.
“Let us put hands together to move our party forward,” he said.
He said that the party had accepted the verdict that affirmed Ganduje as duly elected governor of the state.
“We thank the Almighty Allah for the current situation.
“As you know we were at the High Court where the decision was not in our favour and we went for appeal, there too it was not in our favour. We then exploited the final option and went to the Supreme Court.
“We have accepted the final judgment in good faith and we will forge ahead to move our party forward,” Sulaiman-Bichi said.
Daybreak reports that the Supreme Court on Monday affirmed Ganduje as the duly elected Governor of the state.

January 20, 2020
Resident doctors want law to protect health workers against assault

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called for a law that would protect health workers against assault while on duty.

The association made the call in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Aliyu Sokomba; the Secretary General, Dr Bilkis Muhammed and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Egbogu Stanley.

In the statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Sunday, the association decried the rising incidences of assault of health workers while carrying out their legitimate duties.

The doctors suggested that governments should pass the law to make any attack on doctors a non-bailable offence with a minimum of one-year jail term.

They lamented that the health professionals were being threatened and attacked, even while providing life-saving emergencies.

According to them, there was a dire need for legal protection that would ensure a secure working environment for doctors and other healthcare providers in the country.

“We condemn in very clear terms the recent assault of a female doctor at Maitama District Hospital, Abuja, who was violently attacked and stripped naked by relatives of patients she was treating.

“It is disheartening that a female doctor will be physically abused in such a dishonorable manner.

“In another incident on Jan. 14, at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, two male doctors on a call at the Special Care Unit were beaten mercilessly by patient relatives.

“The assailants attacked the doctors after losing a newborn baby to neonatal asphyxia after several efforts to resuscitate the baby failed.

“This ugly trend has become alarming, considering the spate of occurrence, especially in government hospitals where mobs freely take the law into their hands with apparent impunity without consequences,” they said.

The resident doctors, therefore, urged the government to step in and curb the trend

They stressed that the frightening development had made it impossible for doctors to work with dedication and devotion for fear of being attacked.

“We demand that doctors and other healthcare providers are provided with the protection they need while on duty.

“Strong action against any person who assault doctors and other health workers must be ensured by law enforcement, as such the need for relevant laws.

“In the meantime, we call on the federal, state and local governments and managers of health facilities to collaborate with security agencies to beef up security in health facilities.

“This will help in protecting all health workers and ensure arrest and prosecution of any person who assault health workers,” the doctors said.

The association called on its members to remain calm and continue to discharge their duties, assuring that they would ensure justice for the assaulted members to forestall future occurrence.(NAN)

January 20, 2020
Buhari condoles with family of Lekan Are

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with family of renowned businessman, Chief Lekan Are, who passed away on Saturday, urging them to find solace in the good deeds and the good life lived by the departed.

The President’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday.

President Buhari condoled with friends and associates of Chief Are, whose outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry in Oyo State and the nation, would be sorely missed.

According to him, the businessman’s investments in people and institutions will leave lasting memories of his selfless and sacrificial life.

President Buhari noted the prominent role played by Are in his alma mater.

Are had served as Patron of Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association for many years.

President Buhari prayed that the almighty God would accept the soul of the departed and comfort his family. (NAN)

January 20, 2020
Stakeholders condemn setting Nsukka PDP office on fire

Some stakeholders in Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State have criticised the burning of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nsukka office on Saturday.
The stakeholders made the commendation in Nsukka on Sunday while briefing newsmen, and urged security agencies in the area to ensure that the perpetrators of such heinous crime were arrested and persecuted.
Mr Chinedu Nwamba representing Nsukka East Constituency in Enugu State House of Assembly condemned the motive behind the fire.
“Nsukka members of PDP have been speaking with one voice, so I don’t know what must have motivated the person(s) to go to the extent of setting the party house ablaze.
“The law enforcement agencies should ensure that miscreants behind the heinous act are arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Nwamba said for the fact that stakeholders in Nsukka endorsed Chief Patrick Omeje as the PDP chairmanship candidate for the Feb. 29 LG election in Enugu State did not stop any aspirant from contesting the party primary.
“The party has not shut out any party member from contesting Nsukka LG chairmanship position in the forthcoming PDP primary,” he said.
The legislator said Nsukka PDP stakeholders recently agreed in a meeting that Omeje who is the immediate past chairman of the council should go for second term having performed very well.
“I do not know why few people wanted to create disaffection in the party because of their selfish interests.
“If any member feels uncomfortable with the decision of stakeholders, such member is not a loyal party member and as such should look for another political party to join,” he said.
Also, Mr Emma Ugwuerua representing Nsukka West in Enugu State House of Assembly condemned in totality the action of those behind the fire as no reason whatsoever would justify such criminal act.
Ugwuerua also condemned the recent carrying of mock coffin of Omeje by misguided youths on alleged protest of his endorsement by stakeholders.
“Those behind putting the party office on fire as well as protesting against the decision of stakeholders are not loyal party members but enemies of the party.
“If you are a party member and you do not respect decision of stakeholders then whose decision will you obey?
“My happiness is that the decision by stakeholders to adopt Omeje as party chairmanship candidate for the forthcoming LG poll in Enugu State was done during stakeholders meeting and not in secret,” he said.
He explained that endorsing Omeje did not stop any aspirant who believed he or she would be more popular than Omeje from contesting with him in the party primary.
“PDP in Nsukka will allow every chairmanship and councillorship aspirant cleared by the party to participate in the forthcoming party primary,” Ugwuerua said.
Mr Fabian Onah, the PDP Chairman in Nsukka LGA said he was surprised that any member of the party would contemplate on how to set party office on fire.
“Everything in my office, chairs, tables vital documents were destroyed by that fire on Saturday morning.
“The party has not stopped member from contesting for chairmanship or councillorship in the forthcoming party primary.

“So I wonder why some people will go to the extent of setting party office on fire,” he said.
Onah promised that the party leadership in the state would do everything within its power to fish out those that set the fire.(NAN)

January 20, 2020
Presidency explains Finance Act 2019

The presidency had made pubic the breakdown of Finance Bill, 2019, which was submitted to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari alongside the 2020 Appropriation Bill, and signed into law by the president on Jan. 13, 2020.

The breakdown was released by Mr Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, on Sunday in Abuja.

Th Act has the following objectives.

“Promoting fiscal equity by mitigating instances of regressive taxation.

“Reforming domestic tax laws to align with global best practices.

“Introducing tax incentives for investments in infrastructure and capital markets.

“Supporting Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses in line with the administration’s Ease of Doing Business Reforms.

“Raising Revenues for Federal, State and Local Governments.”

The fact sheet on the new Act indicates that it was the first legislation created to accompany an Appropriation Act since the return of democracy in 1999.

The new Act raises VAT from five per cent to 7.5 per cent.

To allay fears that low-income persons and companies will be marginalised by the new law, reduce the burden of taxation on vulnerable segments and promote equitable taxation, the Finance Act 2019 has extended the list of goods and services exempted from VAT.

The additional exemptions include the following:

“Basic food items – additives (honey), bread, cereals, cooking oils, culinary herbs, fish, flour and starch, fruits (fresh or dried), live or raw meat and poultry, milk, nuts, pulses, roots, salt, vegetables, water (natural water and table water).

“Locally manufactured sanitary towels, pads or tampons.

“Services rendered by microfinance banks; tuition relating to nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education.

“Nigeria’s increased new VAT rate of 7.5 pe rcent is still the lowest in Africa, and one of the lowest anywhere in the world — South Africa VAT: 15 per cent; Ghana: 12.5 per cent; Kenya: 16 per cent; Egypt: 14 per cent ; Rwanda: 18 per cent; Senegal: 18 per cent.”

Under Nigeria’s revenue sharing formula, 85 per cent of collected VAT goes to States and Local Governments.

This means that the bulk of additional VAT revenues accruing from the increase will go towards enabling States and Local Governments meet their obligations to citizens, including the new minimum wage as already noted by State Governors.

The Buhari administration had firmly resisted previous suggestions to raise VAT.

The new Finance Act exempts Businesses with turnover below 25 million from VAT payments.

Companies Income Tax (CIT) — under the new law small companies – companies with less than N25 million in annual turnover are charged Zero CIT.

“CIT for Companies with revenues between N25 and N100 million (described in the Act as “medium-sized” companies) has been reduced from 30 per cent to 20 per cent.

“Large companies with annual turnover greater than N100 million will continue to pay the standard 30 per cent CIT.

“The new Act includes a provision that grants to all companies engaged in agricultural production in Nigeria, an initial tax-free period of five years renewable for an additional three years.

“The new Act also provides incentives to promote tax compliance through bonus reductions in CIT for early remittance:

“Two per cent bonus for medium-size companies; one per cent bonus for other companies.”

On Personal Income Tax, the new Act now includes electronic mail as an acceptable form of correspondence for persons disputing assessments by the Tax Authorities.

Contributions to Pension and Retirement Funds, Societies and Schemes are now unconditionally tax-deductible.

Stamp Duty Tax — with the new Act, the N50 Stamp duty charge is now applicable only to transactions amounting to N10,000 and above, a significant increase on the former threshold of N1,000.

The new Act expands the list of items exempted from stamp duty.

The new Act also makes provisions for Customs and Excise Tariff.

It stipulates that to reduce unfair advantages previously conferred on imported goods at the expense of locally manufactured ones, certain imported goods are now subject to excise duties similar to locally manufactured goods. (NAN)

January 20, 2020