Category: News

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom Dr Tom FredFish has kicked against the recent resolution purportedly reached by the embattled governor of Rivers Sim Fubara and his political godfather and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike describing the truce as desecration of Nigeria judiciary and constitution.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday , FredFish stated that the peace accord reached by Fubara and Wike is not sustainable in view of the legal implication and judicial precedence set by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on issue of carpet crossing and defection by lawmakers.

He explained that such arrangements between the political gladiators in Rivers State is alien to democratic culture and norms.

“According to the statement,”the truce is a desecration of the Nigerian constitution and an arrangement alien to democratic culture and norms.”

He noted that the list of conditions for peace which the Governor and others signed in a document that is being circulated on social media remained a flagrant violation of Fubara’s liberty as governor.

“I am particularly interested in one of the resolutions which suggested that the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Hon. Martins Amaewhule should be recognized and Amaewhule returned as the Speaker of the House alongside with his 26 APC defectors and co-travelers.” He stated.

FredFish described the proposed return of the former Speaker as an “intimidating slap” to the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt.

“Considering its order in suit marked PHC/3030/CS/2023, where the court restrained Hon. Martin Amaewhule and Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol from parading themselves as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the RSHA.

“As far as the laws of the land and the rule of law are concerned, no individual or group of persons can act outside the confines of the constitution or disobey the courts because of a sitting room arrangement by party chieftains to satisfy their political capital. It is illegal, unconstitutional, criminal, foul, and cannot stand.

“If they want to be returned as speaker and deputy speaker of the House they ought to return to the Court and give reasons why the court should return them to the House and not attempt to go back to the office through a back door.” He said.

FredFish insisted that going by the laws, Hon. Amaewhule and 26 others in the Rivers Assembly were no longer Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, having defected to another political party hence the issue of returning the leadership under Hon. Amaewhule is unnecessary and uncalled for.

He observed that Hon. (Barr). Edison Ehie remained the constitutionally recognized Speaker of the Assembly until the Court says otherwise and warned Hon. Ehie never to succumb to pressure to vacate the office because of mere political pronouncement warning him that any attempt to do otherwise would result to another court for contempt as the matter has gone beyond Hon. Ehie as a person.

“I am waiting to see if the resolution will be implemented and have notified my lawyers in White Waters chambers who are on a stand-by to help seek redress in court and to strengthen our laws and ethos of democratic governance, as no man is bigger than the laws of Nigeria.” He concluded.

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service has revealed that it generated an increase of 63%, about N203.1 billion for the year 2023, from the N124 billion it generated in 2022.

Acting Chairman of the FCT-IRS, Haruna Abdullahi made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, as he said that the Service projects to generate about N250billion in 2024 with the support of staff of the FCTA, the National Assembly, and other key stakeholders.

The Service stated that it has generated N98.5bn in 7 months between January and July 2023, more than the N65.7bn generated in 2022 within the same period.

According to Abdullahi, the revenue tax collection of the FCT had grown from barely N46bn Naira in 2017, to N124 billion in 2022, representing an over 270% increase.

“The Tax Revenue Collection of the FCT-IRS grew from barely N46 billion in 2017 to over N124 billion in 2022, indicating over 270% growth. At this point, I would like to inform the public that, as of December 19, 2023, the FCT-IRS, for the first time since its inception in 2015, has exceeded the N200 billion mark by generating the sum of N203,147,090,410.5 annual revenue for the year 2023. This is a huge milestone for the service, and it represents about a 63.34% increase in collection from the preceding year.”

“For the year 2024, FCT-IRS has a target of N250 billion (Two-hundred and Fifty Billion Naira), we are determined and optimistic that we will realize and surpass that, with the committed and dedicated staff of the service, support from the FCT Administration, the National Assembly, and other key stakeholders, including our esteemed taxpayers, it is achievable, and the task ahead is surmountable.”

The Acting Chairman explained that the taxpayer base of the FCT, had grown from 543,969 individuals, and 284,746 non-individuals in 2015 to 1,108,162 individuals, and 389,981 non-individuals in 2023.

The FCT-IRS would begin the enforcement of Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011 (as amended) and Section 31 of the FCT IRS Act 2015, which required Secretariats, Departments and Agencies, commercial banks, and other corporate bodies to demand and verify Tax Compliance Certificates as preconditions for rendering services in the FCT, he explained.

“As part of our efforts to ensure compliance with filing of returns, the Service will, in accordance with the tax laws, apply a penalty for non-filing of annual returns by 31st January of every year for employers and 31st March of every year for individuals.”

“A comprehensive reassessment of returns will be intensified, which will be followed by constant monitoring and compliance exercises.”

For the avoidance of doubt, section 32 of the FCT-IRS Act, 2015 empowers the Chairman of the Service to authorize any Officer of the Service to have free access to properties and records of taxpayers for the purpose of compliance with the tax laws.

Furthermore, Abdullahi warned that the Service will not only hesitate to prosecute tax offenders through the instrumentality of the law, but will ensure that all taxes due to FCT are recovered.

By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

Article 1(1) of the United Nations Convention Against Torture explains that torture means ” any act by which severe pain or suffering whether physical or mentally, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind,when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions”.

Conventional security agents in Nigeria, and those providing ancillary policing functions such as vigilantes, community police formations, among others have a history of deploying torture as a means of extracting confessions from suspects, albeit under duress.

This negates the provisions of Section 28 of the Nigeria Evidence Act, which stipulates that” A confession made by an accused person is irrelevant in a criminal proceeding, if the making of the confession appears to the court to have been caused by any inducement, threat or promise having reference to the charge against the accused person, proceeding from a person in authority and sufficient, in the opinion of the court, to give the accused person grounds which would appear to him reasonable for supposing that by making it he would gain any advantage or avoid any evil of a temporal nature”.

Conventional security services or those claiming to provide security services in various locations have adopted both physical and psychological methods of torture on victims. These include continuous blows with either fists, gun butts, matchetes or heavy sticks;sexual torture such as rape, threat of imminent rape, insertion of broomsticks or broken objects into victims genitals; forced positions; pouring of contaminated water which may sometimes contain faeces and urine.

Others are suspension or hanging in the air through a hook or some other hard object in the roof of an isolated room; deprivation of food and water for a long period of time; flogging with horsewhips, cane or electric cable; nakedness; rudeness and obscene insult.

Torture strongly contravenes several local and international legal instruments on human rights such as articles 4 and 5 of the African Charter on Human And Peoples’ Rights which provide that” Human beings are inviolable. Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and integrity of his person. No one may be arbitrarily deprived of this right”; Every individual shall have the right to be respect of the dignity inherent in a human being and to the recognition of his legal status. All forms of exploitation and degradation of man particularly slavery, slave trade, torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment shall be probihited.

Also, chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution provides the following rights to a Nigerian citizen: right to life, human dignity( freedom from degrading treatment,torture) and personal liberty; right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty; right to remain silent; right against self- incrimination; right to fair, open and impartial judicial process, among other rights.

To ensure that the menace of torture is addressed in Nigeria, all international treaties should be domesticated. The federal government, as a matter of urgency, should ratify international treaties containing safeguards against torture and other illtratments, including International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its first Optional Protocol; and the UN Convention against Torture; the excesses of local vigilantes, community police formations or any other group claiming to provide policing functions for communities should be strictly checked by judicial processes.

The appropriate quarters should not hesitate to apply punishments when necessary to erring groups, even to the extent of disbanding such groups. Their functions should be restricted to providing intelligence to the police, and they should not be allowed to carry firearms to avoid abuse. On the other hand, recruitment of members into these groups should strictly be based on credibility, and individuals with questionable characters and no visible means of livelihood should not be recruited into those local security arrangements.

Conventional security agents should be exposed to some academic trainings in human psychology, the constitution to enhance civilian- police relations, and respect for human rights. Also, locations where persons are secretly detained should be unraveled and get rid of.

It is also suggested that the” teeth for tat” principle should be applied here in the sense that in the course of torture, the victim dies, the perpetrators should be brought to book and made to face the full wrath by paying with heads through sentencing to death by hanging.

If the above recommendations are strictly applied, the incidence of torture in Nigeria will be highly checked.

..Navigating towards a compassionate horizon

By Capt. Caleb Danladi

The vast expanse of the world’s oceans serves as a testament to the unyielding spirit of adventure, commerce, and human endeavor. Central to this maritime tapestry are the seafarers, modern-day navigators, (Sailors or shore staffs)
who brave the open seas to facilitate global trade and maintain the interconnectedness of our world. As we marvel at the massive vessels cutting through waves, it is imperative to recognize the critical importance of prioritizing the welfare of these unsung heroes — the seafarers.

Seafaring is a profession of immense challenges and responsibilities. It demands not only technical expertise but also mental resilience and a sense of adaptability to the ever-changing dynamics of the ocean. Despite their crucial role in sustaining global commerce, seafarers often find themselves facing unique challenges that require urgent attention.

First and foremost consideration in prioritizing the welfare of seafarers is ensuring their physical well-being. Long stints at sea, exposure to unpredictable weather conditions, and demanding work schedules can take a toll on their health. Adequate medical facilities, regular health check-ups, and access to mental health resources become paramount to sustaining a healthy and resilient seafaring workforce.

Moreover, the welfare of seafarers extends beyond the confines of their vessels. It encompasses fair labor practices, just compensation, and the provision of proper living conditions. Recognizing seafarers as key contributors to the global economy underscores the importance of fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe and hygienic living spaces.

Family plays a pivotal role in the lives of seafarers, yet the nature of their profession often keeps them separated from their loved ones for extended periods. Prioritizing the welfare of seafarers involves fostering initiatives that enable them to maintain meaningful connections with their families, be it through communication facilities onboard or support for reunification during shore leaves.

In times of crisis, such as the recent challenges posed by the global pandemic, prioritizing seafarer welfare becomes even more critical. The limitations on crew changes, extended contracts, and the mental strain induced by isolation underline the necessity for comprehensive support systems and global collaboration to address these challenges effectively.

Education and training are integral components of seafarer welfare. Ensuring that seafarers have access to continuous professional development opportunities not only enhances their skills but also boosts their confidence and job satisfaction. Empowered seafarers contribute not only to the success of their voyages but also largely to the overall resilience of the maritime industry.

The maritime community, including shipowners, flag states, and international organizations, plays a pivotal role in championing seafarer welfare. Establishing and enforcing global standards, fostering a culture of transparency, and promoting collaborative initiatives are essential steps in safeguarding the well-being of those who navigate our oceans.

In conclusion, prioritizing the welfare of seafarers is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for the sustained prosperity of the maritime industry. As we chart the course towards a future where the oceans continue to be a conduit of global exchange and connectivity, let us ensure that the brave men and women who navigate these waters do so with dignity, resilience, and the assurance that their welfare is paramount on our collective journey towards a compassionate horizon.

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

The Federal Ministry of Health has condemned the criminal act of kidney trafficking, promising to sanction offenders such as the sellers buyers, and medical practitioners with will face a fine of N1 million or two years imprisonment, or both.

Acting from the report from Daily Trust Newspaper publication titled” Inside Abuja’s Kidney Market where the Rich prey on the Poor in the FCT’ , the ministry has condemned the practice.
In a statement signed and issued by
the Director, Media & Public Relations, Patricia Deworitshe, the ministry said ” it has noted with great concern and condemns in totality such barbaric inhuman criminal practice of kidney trafficking revealed in that report.”
“We acknowledge the pain of those affected and wish to let the public
know that the National Health Act (NHA) 2014 Sections 51-56,
prohibits such illegality.”
“Persons who contravene or fail to comply with the provisions of the section commit an offense and are liable on conviction or a fine of N1,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than two years or both. It is pertinent to note that both the seller and the buyers of this illegal trade as well as the medical practitioners and facilities where this criminal act is being performed will face the full wrath of the law.”
“Donation of kidneys should be on informed consent of the donor,
done based on medical advice with privileged information about the
process to save lives.”

However, the Medical and Dental
Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is looking into allegations levelled against medical practitioners engaged in such activities.”

While the Federal Ministry of Health remains committed to improving regulatory standards and practices to enhance an effective and efficient healthcare system in line with the renewed hope agenda.

The ministry has advised, the public not to engage in such illegal practices and should contact the Federal Ministry of Health on 08033228978 for any information that can lead to the arrest of such perpetrators.
End

By Our Reporter

A pro-democracy group known as Coalition for Democracy and Justice, CDJ has urged those making inflammatory statements following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the political crisis in Rivers State to allow peace a chance. 

The group in a statement signed by its Convener, Augustine Adams described as unhelpful, the utterances of some individuals who are fanning embers of discord on the issue. 

The statement reads:

“We have watched with worry, the aftermath of the peace process initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring to an end, the crisis rocking the political space in Rivers State and we find it pertinent to appeal to those making inflammatory comments that the price for peace is cheaper than the cost of war. 

“We urge all individuals and groups criticizing the peace initiative of President Bola Tinubu to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign in Rivers State. President Tinubu’s intervention and resolution of the political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the immediate past Governor of the state, Nyesom Wike was timely, patriotic and statesmanlike. 

“Mr President’s action was a commendable and important step towards fostering unity and stability in Rivers State. We believe that the interests of the people of the state should always be placed above political differences, and the pursuit of peace should be supported by all well-meaning individuals and groups.

“It is important to note that the intervention by President Tinubu was made in the spirit of reconciliation and the greater good of the people of Rivers State. We call on all stakeholders to embrace this effort and work towards building a harmonious and prosperous future for the state and Nigeria as a whole.

“We strongly condemn any attempts to undermine the peace initiative and urge all parties to refrain from igniting the flames of disunity. The people of Rivers State deserve an environment of peace and cooperation, and it is incumbent upon all of us to support efforts aimed at achieving this goal.

“We implore all concerned individuals and groups to engage in constructive dialogue and to focus on the shared goal of a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State. Let us set aside our differences and work together to build a better future for our beloved country as being.

“We reiterate our support for President Tinubu’s peace initiative. He has started well by embracing all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation. The President deserves commendation, not condemnation.

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has granted approval for Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s proposal to establish a Community Guards Corps in the state. This decision comes after a thorough examination of the executive bill by the joint House Committees on Special Services and Security Matters, Judiciary, Justice, and Human Rights Committee.

Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Nasiru Adamu (PDP-Goronyo), reported that the bill underwent meticulous scrutiny, resulting in 28 recommendations. These recommendations include reframing the bill’s title to ‘A bill for a law to establish the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps,’ with a focus on preserving peace, ensuring the safety of individuals and their property, and facilitating prompt responses in emergency situations.

Adamu emphasized the necessity for a new section addressing the service number of officers and the correction of typographical, technical, and drafting errors by the Legal Services Department. The Speaker, Alhaji Tukur Bala, presented the report for consideration, and the members unanimously adopted the request through a voice vote.

The House of Representatives has initiated an inquiry into the discrepancies found in the remittances of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to the Federal Government. The decision to establish a committee comes in light of non-reconciliation in the financial records of JAMB and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

During the appearance before the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies, JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, reported that the examination body began remitting revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund less than a year after he assumed office. He detailed remittances of N7.8bn in 2017, followed by N5.2bn, N3.68bn, N3.82bn, N3.5bn, and N3.1bn in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively.

However, a discrepancy of N11m was identified in the submission from Mrs. Lucy Anom, representing the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. This led Committee Chairman Afoji Obuku to propose the formation of a sub-committee to investigate the alleged differences and report back to the Committee on Basic Education.

Simultaneously, JAMB expressed its objection to the automated deduction of funds from the registration fees collected from candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Prof Oloyede argued that this practice was significantly diminishing JAMB’s revenue contribution to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

Despite a member of the committee, Oyedeji Oyeshina, highlighting a reduction in JAMB’s revenue generation and remittances to the CRF since 2019, Oloyede clarified that the reduction was due to a decrease in examination fees for UTME candidates. He explained that the examination fee was reduced from N5,000 to N3,500 in 2019, resulting in a drop in revenue. Additionally, the Federal Government initiated automated deductions after approving and implementing the reduction in examination fees.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Kaduna State chapter of Nigeria Union of Pensioners have rejected the post retirement training being organized for retirees by Kaduna State Pension Bureau’ headed by Executive Secretary (ES), Prof. Salamatu Idris Isah, saying it was introduced mainly to delay the payment of gratuity and death benefits of its vulnerable members.

The pensioners also rejected the sum of N40,000 and 20,000, being deducted from gratuity of the retirees and that of pensioners to sponsor the training, arguing that the deduction did not comply with the best established practice, and ran contrary to the state pension reform law 2016 as amended.

A rejection letter dated 27th November 2023, with ref. no. NUP/KDS/HQ/VOL.2/19, obtained by our Kaduna correspondent put the total amount of money so far deducted at over N38 million, which the pensioners are demanding for the immediate refund.

The letter signed by the State Secretary, Kaduna State chapter of Nigeria Union Pensioners, Comrade Alhassan Balarabe Musa, and addressed to Governor Uba Sani, also queried the rationale behind paying gratuity for only 20 persons per day.

According to the letter, gratuities are always released at once, which had been the usual practice, after an extensive, thorough and reliable verification of authentic beneficiaries are conducted, done and certified as had already been conducted on all of them.

The letter entitled: “Rejection of Post Retirement Training Being Organized by Kaduna State Pension Bureau”, stated that “We write to re-affirm our appreciation to his Excellency for being very considerate to the Kaduna State Pensioners, by approving N3.1billion for the payment of gratuity and death benefit, which we believe will touch the lives of many Kaduna State Pensioners.

“However it may interest His Excellency to note that despite his effort in uplifting the living standard of our pensioner’s, the Executive Secretary Kaduna State Pension Bureau introduces post retirement training just to delay the payment of gratuity to our vulnerable Pensioners.

“To Sponsor the training, the Sum of N40, 000.00 and N20, 000.00 is being deducted from the Gratuity of the Retirees and that of Nigeria Union of pensioners respectively”, according to the letter also with imprint of Aboman Ladan, Alh. Shehu Isah Hunkuyi as Executive chairman and treasurer respectively.

It continues that “These deductions do not align with the best established practices, and contrary to Kaduna State Pension reform

law 2016 as amended. Equally the gratuity is being paid 20 persons per day instead to be released at once as it is being done before, we can’t understand the rationale behind such delay?
“Therefore Nigeria Union of Pensioners Kaduna State Chapter wishes to
disassociate itself with any misleading polices that is contrary to the law and
increases hardship to our Pensioners, and is not being practices in any of the 36 States in the Federation’, it stressed.

The letter further noted that the state sectorial council, the highest body of Nigeria Union of pensioners in the state in its meeting of 18th November 2023, resolved that payment of gratuity should be done at blow for the all retirees, deduction from retiree’s gratuity and that of Union’s checkoff dues be stopped.

“All deductions should be refunded immediately, October Union checkoff dues should be remitted to the Nigeria Union of pensioners of state chapter’s account immediately “, the letter directed.

The pensioners therefore appealed to Governor Sani to immediately direct the ES Bureau to comply with their prayers immediately, while appreciating his concern for the state pensioners plight.

Contacted for clarification, the ES Kaduna Pension Bureau, Prof. Salamatu Isah, told our correspondent to disclosed the source of his information after introduction.

Prof. Salamatu also demanded that our reporter should get clearance from government house before they can talk, when he persevered.
“Get your clearance from the Government House pls. Yes, because all that we did was approved and the union was in the picture.
“You can investigate if you are a good journalist. You can also check with the Chief Press Secretary in Govt House.

“The same pension Union has reported the matter before public complaints commission kaduna, l am making my submission to the commission on the matter. Hence, l cannot make any response to the above mentioned allegations. Until the commission is done with their investigations”, the ES responded.

Also contacted, Pensioners State Executive chairman and Secretary who confined the allegations said individuals, some local governments and some members with certain banks are facing severe delay in pension payment especially Jaba LGA and one other.

“Refusal to remit checkoff- dues to Nigerian Union of Pensioners when deducted from the pensioners. In order to provoke the union members to come on the streets for protest.

“She refused to follow up to pay the February 2021 pension for Jaba LGA Pensioners”.

“Most of the times Local Government may remit their pension fund but the Bureau may hold the money for some days before payment to individual pensioners. If gratuity is paid after the pensioners was screen it will take up to a month before the pensioner will be paid

However, when the Chief press Secretary to the Governor, Shehu Lawal, was contacted, he could not respond til the time of filing this report.

According to our findings with the pensioners, everywhere in the world, the post-Retirement trainings are not in practice.
“What we know is pre-retirement training. She deceived the government and the General populace by saying she got approval of post-Retirement, after all her letter to the Governor indicated pre-retirement”, Pensioners Secretary said.

“They also sponsor a political thug to go on Air to accused Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), National Union of Local Governments Employees (NULGE) and National of Pensioners (NUP), with a false allegations, aimed at encouraging industrial disharmony, and uprising which will lead to security threat in the State, which the trade Unions refused to respond, for the sake of love they have for their State Governor Malam Uba Sani’, Musa stated. End