The Nation Newspaper

Tag: bars

  • INEC bars Buhari, Atiku, others from campaigning till Nov. 18

    There should be no public campaigning by presidential candidates until November 18, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said yesterday.

    This is in line with the timelines given by the agency and the provisions of the Electoral Act, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said.

    He advised parties and their candidates to adhere to the electoral timetable during a workshop for election professionals from the Commonwealth Africa Region.

    Yakubu reminded political parties and candidates that the end of primaries did not mean the immediate commencement of campaigns.

    “Section 99(1) prohibits campaigns by political parties earlier than 90 days before polling day.

    “Therefore, going by the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities issued by the Commission, campaign for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on Nov. 18.

    “Campaign for Governorship and State Assembly elections begins on Dec. 1.

    “I call upon political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to these dates,’’ he said.

    Yakubu said that with the conclusion of primaries by political parties yesterday, the next activity was the nomination of candidates to the commission.

    He reminded political parties that the dates for the submission of lists of candidates (Form CFOO2) and their personal particulars (Forms C1001) for presidential and National Assembly elections are from Oct 10 to Oct.18.

    The date for the governorship and State Assembly elections is Oct. 22 and Nov. 2.

    “The commission will receive the submission from political parties at Aso Hall of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, from 9.a.m to 4.p.m. daily.

    “Although we have communicated these dates to all political parties, let me reiterate that there will be no extension of time.

    “Similarly, in making submissions to the commission, the covering letters as well as the list of candidates must be duly signed by the National Chairmen and National Secretaries of political patties in line with the commission’s guidelines.’’

    Yakubu described the workshop and its theme, “Strengthening Electoral Democracy in the Commonwealth African Region” as topical and relevant.

    He said that all the countries of the Commonwealth, Africa region, needed to further consolidate on election process so that elections were not merely periodic but also peaceful and credible.

    “Bringing election managers together to share experiences and build capacities is a critical step to the consolidation of electoral democracy,” Yakubu said.

    Yakubu said that participants would be taken through five interrelated sub-themes, ranging from the promotion of sustainable electoral democracy, strategic planning, gender and elections, electoral technology to elections and new media.

  • NERC bars DisCos from villifying Fashola

    The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC ) has barred the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos ) from disparaging the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.

    In a communique issued after a meeting with the DisCos, it was agreed that the Legal Counsel of the Electricity Distribution Companies representing ANED, should never in whatsoever way interfere with the policy directives, or regulatory pronouncements made either by the Honorable Minister of Power, or the Commission.

    “That no unwarranted remark should be made by ANED representatives against the person of the Honorable Minister, NERC Chairman or against any of the NERC Commissioner going forward”

    According to the communique, the meeting stressed the need to uphold customer service standards especially as it relates to refund of monies collected from customers for meters under the scrapped CAPMI Scheme.

    It said the Discos were directed to publish a reminder in any two National Newspapers that customers who paid for CAMPI yet unmetered should come for refund with details of payment.

    The meeting also received reports that some MD customers’ were still unmetered inspite of NERC’s Order and  directed that Discos should report on the current status especially as it relates to Energy Theft and compliance.

    The Discos, NERC said, are to pay attention to MD Meters within their franchise being bypassed, or compromised, adding that Smart technologies should be deployed in appropriate areas going forward.

    The meeting raised concerns over non compliance of the Discos with the Estimated Billing Methodology, disregard for safety standards and the poor state of the Forum Offices, as well as their large backlog of unresolved cases.

    It said that Electricity Distribution Companies should ensure that estimated bills are kept within reasonable levels in accordance with the Methodology even before the MAP regulation and capping regulation come into  effect.

    The meeting agreed that the Uniform System of Accounts (USoA) reporting form should be on the Commission’s website by Friday August 31, 2018.

    A special session was agreed to be set aside for in depth discussion with the Operators on Competition Transition Charge (CTC) and Franchising before the consultation with the larger stakeholders will commence.

    In addition, the 72bn naira intervention fund is to be clearly structured. It was agreed that this offer should be fully utilised by the Electricity Distribution Companies.

    “The Electricity Distribution Companies were advised to make submission Energising Economic Clusters for the Commission’s consideration

  • Court bars police from arresting 1004 Estate landlords

    A Lagos High Court has restrained the police from arresting or infringing on the rights of some officials of 1004 Apartments in Victoria Island.

    Justice Idowu Alakija made the order of interim injunction following an application by five executive officers of 1004 Home Owners and Residents Association (HORA).

    Abiola Ogunniyi, Edet Essien, Joy Okara, Peace Itaribo and Olanrewaju Olaniyi, brought the application through their counsel, Mr Promise Asikpo and Joel Nyot.

    The defendants are Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Akinlosi Oyelokun, Inspector Yusuf Danladi and the Police Service Commission.

    Justice Alakija held: “Upon hearing the applicants in this case, I am convinced that all the respondents have been served with the originating processes and the motion for Interlocutory injunction.

    “It is hereby ordered that the parties maintain the status quo and the respondents are not to carry out any act that shall infringe on the fundamental rights of the applicants, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

    The vacation judge, however, directed that the file be returned to the registry forwarded to Justice Owolabi Dabiri for hearing of the interlocutory injunction.

    Earlier, Asikpo told the court that there was an imminent threat by the police to violate the fundamental rights of the applicants.

    He said the applicants were first arrested in November 2017 and in August this year, adding that it took a lot of efforts before they were released.

    The residents of 1004 Estate, he said, petitioned the I-G over unlawful arrest and detention of some occupants by policemen claiming to be from I-GP Special Tactical Squad.

    In the petition, HORA alleged that five officials were unlawfully assaulted and detained for two days.

    Those initially arrested and detained overnight at the Adeniji Adele Police facility on Lagos Island were Mrs Joy Okara (HORA Finance Manager), Mr Peace Itaribo (Accounts Officer) and Mr Olanrewaju Olaniyi (Vending Officer).

    The association’s executive, who attempted to secure their bail, were also arrested and for two days along with the staff, the petition said.

  • Court bars Kano from collecting consumption tax

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has set aside Sections 96 and 97 of the Kano State Revenue Administration (Amendment) Law, No. 3 of 2017, which empowers the state to collect consumption tax.

    The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, operators of Shoprite, sued the Attorney-General of the Federation, Kano Attorney-General and Kano State Inland Revenue Service.

    They urged the court to hold that state law was in conflict with the provisions of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, Cap VI, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    According to them, the VAT Act is already being implemented by the Federal Government as a consumption tax for the benefit of both the federal and states governments.

    The plaintiffs prayed the court to determine whether Sections 96 and 97 of the Kano State Revenue Administration (Amendment) Law, No. 3 of 2017, did not amount to double and multiple taxation.

    In his verdict, Justice John Tsoho resolved the three issues raised by the plaintiffs for determination in their favour.

    He held that Sections 96 and 97 of the Kano State Revenue Administration (Amendment) Law, No. 3 of 2017 are inconsistent with items 7 and 8 of Part II of the Second Schedule to the Constitution.

    According to him, the imposition of consumption tax through Sections 96 and 97 of the Kano State Law over the same goods and services, which are already subject to VAT amounted to double taxation.

    The court dismissed the defendants’ preliminary objection to the suit.

  • Ibori’s influence intact behind bars

    Never underestimate the influence of the human spirit. A thousand soldiers cannot conquer a man whose spirit refuses to be put down. Little wonder James Onanefe Ibori commands respect despite being locked behind bars.

    Though the former Delta State governor is still serving his jail term in the UK, his influence among kinsmen remains indubitable. The once powerful man turned 58 recently. To celebrate him, the incumbent governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, put a paid advertorial in one of the national newspapers.

    Ibori bagged a jail sentence abroad for stealing at least $250 million of public funds while he served as governor of the oil-rich state. Strangely, however, he still manages to peddle his influence even from jail.

  • Court bars NERC from tariff increment

    Court bars NERC from tariff increment

    AFederal High Court in Lagos yesterday restrained the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) from implementing the new electricity tariff billed to be effective from Monday, June 1.

    Ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by a lawyer, Toluwani Adebiyi,  Justice Mohammed Idris restrained NERC and the electricity distribution companies (Discos) from effecting any increment in electricity tariff pending the determination of the suit.

    Following the commission’s announcement of proposed increment, Adebiyi had prayed the court to stop NERC and the Discos from foisting further hardship and unjustifiable increment of tariff on Nigerians.

    Adebiyi is seeking an order restraining the NERC from implementing any upward review of electricity tariff without a significant improvement in power supply at least for 18 hours in a day in most communities in Nigerian.

    He wants an order restraining the NERC from foisting compulsory service charge on pre-paid meters not until “the meters are designed to read charges per second of consumption and not a flat rate of service not rendered or power not used.”

    He also wants the service charge on pre-paid meters to not be enforced until there is visible efficient and reliable power supply like those of foreign countries where the idea of service charge was borrowed.

    The lawyer is praying the court to mandate the NERC to do the needful and generate more power to meet the electricity need of Nigerians, adding that the needful should include and not limited to a multiple long-term financing approach, sourced from the banks, capital market, insurance and other finance sectors.

    Granting the applicant to serve the respondents all the processes in its office in Abuja, the judge adjourned the case to June 11.

  • Lagos bars Liberia, others from trade fair

    Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) on Tuesday said they will not allow participants from some West African countries currently devastated by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) such as Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone at this year’s International Trade Fair slated for between the 7th and 16th of next month,

    Briefing the media on the forth coming trade fair, Chairman, Trade Promotion Board of LCCI, Dr Micheal Olawale-Cole said the fair is intended to provide economic and commercial bridges between local and international investors, as the chamber is committed to provide a platform to broaden the horizon and scope of investment opportunities for both  exhibitors and visitors.

    Reiterating the commitment of the chamber to sustain and intensify their role as catalysts for business promotion, Olawale-Cole said the theme is “Promoting the Nigerian Economy as a Preferred Investment Destination”. He argued that with the latest rebasing of the economy, it has become imperative to further expose the potentials of the nation’s economy to both indigenous and international business people.

    The fair, he said, is billed to hold in three interconnected grounds at the main bowl of  Tafawa Balewa Square, the cricket pitch and the club arcade car park with a total available space  of over 40,000 square meters. He also stated that to counter the challenge of the absence of permanent indoor exhibition hall, the chamber has acquired two large marquee tents, measuring a total of 4,500 square metres to provide high quality and standard  exhibition halls for exhibitors. These tents will come with new air-conditioners and flooring materials that will ensure a good ambiance for all exhibitors.

    On foreign participation, Olawale-Cole said the fair has enjoyed more popularity and patronage by the day within the international business community. According to him, the recognition of Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy has impacted positively on the fair. In his words: “As at today, we have confirmed registration from China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cameroun, Argentina and Egypt. Others are Indonesia, Pakistan, India and the European Union delegation.

    On security, he pledged the provision of good security cover for all visitors and exhibitors alike. He said: “We have engaged reputable security firm, which shall work in close collaboration with the Nigerian Police and the Federal Fire Service. We shall engage the services of anti-bomb and anti-terrorism units of the Nigeria Police in addition to the deployment of closed circuit television (CCTV) camera for surveillance around all locations of the fair arena. This is in addition to working with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure free vehicular movement.

    The Chamber also used the opportunity of the announcement of the fair to unveil her goodwill ambassadors who graced the occasion such as Chief Executives of Main One cable, Ms Funke Opeke, CEO KAYMU, Ms Evangeline Wiles, popular artiste, TU face, Ice Prince, Brymo,  Vector, on –air- personality, Olisa Adibua amongst others.

  • Money laundering, terrorism: NAICOM bars operators on excess premium

    Money laundering, terrorism: NAICOM bars operators on excess premium

    The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has barred operators from charging excess premium on any policy to prevent money launderers and terrorism financiers from using that window to perpetuate crime.

    There have been speculations that some unscrupulous operators allow terrorist financiers and others to launder illicit funds through the industry.

    Director, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Francis Usani, said despite the training and workshops for insurance and reinsurance firms and brokers, many operators were not complying with the Anti-Money Laundering and Combat of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) rules.

    Usani, who spoke at an AML/CFT training for operators in Lagos, said the Unit would sanction culprits.

    Consequently, NAICOM has released guidelines on rebates, commissions, refund and returned premiums.

    NAICOM’s Deputy Commissioner (Technical), Mohammed Kari, in a circular titled: Circular on Commissions, Rebates and Returned Premiums to all insurance institutions in Nigeria, said: “For the avoidance of doubt and in line with Article 3(9) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Regulation 2013, no insurer, broker or its agents shall charge or receive premiums in excess of the actual premium on an insurance policy that may result in refunding the excess amount paid or with the intent of returning the excess in any form, by cash or otherwise to the insured, its agents or any party thereafter.

    “An insurance institution shall keep and maintain a register of return or refund premiums in hard copy, where transactions are to be entered on the day they are made. The register shall be presented in such a manner to include: i) the date of transaction; ii) policy number; iii) name of client; iv) Name of insurer/broker/agent; v) gross premium received with date; vi) Commission paid with date; vii) net premium; viii)excess premium returned/refunded; and ix) reasons for the return or refund premium.

    “Similarly, a register of policies cancelled or reversed after the receipt of premium or credit note from the broker must be kept and maintained by an Insurer. A Broker shall also maintain a register of cancelled businesses where the premium had earlier been received, notwithstanding whether it has been remitted to the insurer or not.

    “All payments for returned premium which must be approved by the chief executive officer of the Insurance company shall be made in the name of the original insured or proposer. An Insurance Institution shall submit to the Commission a monthly soft copy of the report of Returned or Refunded Premiums and cancelled/reversed businesses in 3.2 and 3.3 above by the thirrd working day of the succeeding month in the format provided herewith and a Quarterly Report in hard copy not later than 14 days from the end of each quarter. The hard copy above must be signed by the Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Internal Audit of the Insurer and the Managing Director/chief executive officer in the case of Brokers.”

    The circular also added: “Where there was no incidence of returned premium in any month, the Institution shall file a “Nil Return” in accordance with Section 3.5 above.

    “Any unexplained payment or where the explanation, in the opinion of the Commission, is not satisfactory, such payment shall be deemed suspicious and subject to appropriate treatment under extant laws.”

    The commission said any insurance institution that fails or omits to comply with the content of this circular shall be penalised in line with relevant provisions of the Insurance Act, 2003, the NAICOM Act, 1997,

    It said regulations, guidelines and such other penalties as may be prescribed by the Commission from time to time.

    On the commencement of reporting, it noted that the first report as contained in 2.3, 2.4, 3.5 and 3.6 covering the quarter from April 1, to June 30, shall be submitted not later than the July 14, adding that strict compliance was required.

     

  • Lagos issues safety guidelines to night clubs, bars

    The Lagos State Government has issued fresh safety guidelines, which include conspicuous display of entry and exit signs, occupancy limits and fire and safety plaques to night clubs and bar operators operating in the state.

    Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed, made this known yesterday while addressing a press conference as part of a safety sensitisation campaign for owners of event centres, night clubs, bars, hotels and leisure places.

    The event was organised at the auspices of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC).

    Ahmed said, “As part of its commitment to the safety of lives of residents, operators of these places must ensure adequate access and exit routes, traffic and crowd control flow, adequate provision of toilets and hand washing facilities and well-lit and sufficient directional signage.”

    He added that the commission decided to commence the campaign at this period in anticipation of the “ember months” activities, especially partying, thus urging all operators to consider and practice safety measures such as an efficient management of electrical/generator hazards, fire prevention, accessible first aid kit, safe food service and adequate waste collection and good house keeping.

    Ahmed said an inspection team would soon begin an inspection tour of all facilities located around the three senatorial districts in the state, warning that any operator found flouting the guidelines would be prosecuted.

    The commissioner, who disclosed that the exercise is being carried out in conjunction with the Ministries of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Physical Planning, Health and Home Affairs (Fire Service), said henceforth, no approval will be granted to new facilities except it conforms with the state’s safety regulations.

    Ahmed, who described the move as a continuation of the Commission’s determination to spread safety consciousness among residents, added that strict compliance with these guidelines would better position operators for higher profitability.

    Earlier, the LSSC’s Director General, Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi, said the awareness drive followed on the trail of series of sensitisation carried out in the three senatorial districts with stakeholders early this year.

    She said that much as the commission appreciates the importance of entertainments, safety of people cannot be over emphasised.

     

  • A lift for people behind bars

    A lift for people behind bars

    Things are looking up for inmates of Oji River Medium Security Prisons. There is a turnaround of fortunes for them.

    The prison commissioned in 1992 was tucked away in rural Oji River with the aim of reforming convicts with ligh sentences.

    But due to logistics and remoteness of the prison, the inmates were often deprived of some basic amenities and provisions. The problems of drugs, foodstuff, clothings and sanitary wares have been hitting the inmates in addition to the fact that their number has since shot up from an initial 80 to 149.

    Commissioned on December 7, 1992, the prison was fitted with every amenity required for living at least a tolerable life. The prison cells were provided with functional showers in their bathrooms.

    There was also a functional borehole. There was a clinic and a well equipped workshop.  But all these amenities are no longer functional. The inmates resigned to fate. They almost provide everything for themselves. Visits by charitable organisations were rare.

    Things are changing. A charitable organisation, Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organisation (CAPIO) visited the prison and met with the inmates. The organisation, a Catholic Church organ, went with lots of items for the inmates. There were various foodstuff, drugs, clothings, provisions, slippers, towels and toiletries.

    The items were so much that the Deputy Comptroller of the Prison, Sir Eric Okafor exclaimed: “This is first of its kind. Additional goodness on top existing goodness.”

    One of the leaders of the inmates added: “I have never seen such gift items since my stay in this prison.”

    He thanked the CAPIO for their gesture which he said was “unprecedented in the history of this prison.”

    He prayed that God will bless them and always replenish their sources.

    CAPIO director, Rev. Fr. James Ekereku told the inmates that it has been one desire of the organisation to fight for those who have been imprisoned unjustly, adding, “we also have programmes to rehabilitate freed prisoners.”

    Ekereku said he was impressed by the orderliness of the prison and the inmates. He advised the inmates not to waste their time in prison idling away but should try to learn a trade or at least keep busy with one trade or another.

    He also implored them to give their lives to God.

    “These items you see here were donated by individuals. It was difficult for us convincing them to donate for prisoners because of their experiences in the hands of criminals.”

    He urged them to change their lifestyle when they are freed so as to make their work easy for the organisation.

    “We discovered that many of you are not interested in changing after regaining your freedom and often go back to crime. You should know that God is there for you and if you repent, he will open the way for you to make positive achievements.”

    Ekereku pleaded with them not to venture into anything that could bring them back to prison after being freed.

    The comptroller of the prison, Sir Eric Okafor told the visiting Carmelites that he regarded their visit as a “widow’s mite” not because it “is all you have but because you squeezed out time to come and give to those who could not reward you.”

    “I say this because any good without a pinch on your skin may not be rewarded. You came for charity, charity without reward.”

    He prayed that God will continue to bless the CAPIO members and the inmates will ever remember them for this unprecedented visit and gesture.