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Tag: GOVT

  • APC to heads of govt agencies: don’t disrespect National Assembly

    APC to heads of govt agencies: don’t disrespect National Assembly

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned its members, who are appointees of government, not to disrespect the National Assembly.

    The party said the National Assembly is the institution at the heart of the nation’s democracy, noting that any form of denigration of that institution was “like flirting with suicide”.

    The National Assembly has had running battles with government appointees following their refusal to honour invitations to answer questions on certain issues affecting Nigerians and the day-to-day running of government – the latest being the refusal of the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, to honour an invitation from the Senate.

    Speaking with reporters at the weekend after a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) with the APC caucus in the House of Representatives, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party did not intervene early enough on the face-off between the Senate and the Comptroller General of Customs because the matter was not strictly a party affair.

    He added that the party believed both parties will  see reasons to amicably resolve the matter.

    He explained that taking the matter to court had further complicated the issue at stake.

    But he assured the citizenry that the party will ensure the matter is resolved within the shortest possible time.

    Abdullahi said: “Yes, you are right. The issue came up. The House of Representatives expressed these concerns.

    “They believe that the party has being shielding some people from the Executive arm of government, who are also members of the party and that is why they are able to, in their own words, disrespect the National Assembly.

    “Don’t forget that the meeting we had was with the House of Representatives and not the Senate. But I think they felt equally affected by what is going on with the individuals you have mentioned. But the assurance that we gave them is that the party will not do that.

    “The party will not support any member, who is an appointed official of government to disrespect the National Assembly because we recognise that the National Assembly is the very meaning of our democracy.

    “The difference between dictatorship and democracy is that you have a National Assembly. In military rule, you have the executive and the judiciary. The only institution you don’t have under military rule is the National Assembly or the House of Assembly in the state.

    “So, that is the very foundation of our democracy and we believe as a party that every single citizen, regardless of what we feel about some actions or inactions of that institution or some individuals in that institution or the perception we have about some people in that institution, the most important thing is that it is the very institution at the heart of our democracy and any form of denigration of that institution is like flirting with suicide.

    “So, as a political party, we are not going to do that. We are not going to support anybody to disrespect our National Assembly and I believe that some of these issues that are coming up will very soon be resolved.

    “As you have learnt, the party said we are going to intervene on some of these issues and try to resolve them. I don’t think trying to intervene to resolve the issues should be interpreted to mean that we are protecting some of the individuals that are involved.

    “We are not protecting anyone to disrespect the National Assembly. Our desire will be to see that there is stability in the system and the polity is not unnecessarily overheated by issues that can be resolved amicably.”

    Abdullahi said the party did not intervene early in the matter because it was not strictly a party affair.

  • Ile-Ife crisis and govt’s provocative response

    Ile-Ife crisis and govt’s provocative response

    THE federal government has responded overwhelmingly to the ethnic clash that occurred in Ile-Ife two weeks ago. Arrests have been made, and some of the suspects have been moved to Abuja, the federal capital city, and paraded humiliatingly before newsmen. It is not known why that was necessary. Even though some Ife groups and the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, the Afenifere, have alleged bias against law enforcement agencies, it is clear that one visit after another, many dignitaries, including the Internal Affairs minister, have shown interest in nipping in the bud a crisis that started as a small disagreement between a Yoruba woman and a Hausa man.

    It is hoped that before the affair is laid to rest, patriotic public officers saddled with law enforcement and security responsibilities will get to the bottom of the crisis, identify the real culprits, apportion blame appropriately, and prosecute the offenders. However, except they are living in denial, the federal government, the presidency and a section of the security and law enforcement agencies cannot claim not to know that they have been accused of bias several times. Ife groups and the Afenifere should go ahead and document their grievances against the security agencies and present them before the public.

    If the federal government could react so overwhelmingly and promptly, though controversially, to the Ife crisis, it is surprising that they were lethargic in responding to the bloody conflict that erupted between herdsmen and the Agatu people in Benue State in February 2016. Even when herdsmen openly claimed responsibility for masterminding what they described as revenge attacks on Tiv towns, during which more than 300 people were massacred, not one person was arrested, and no one was ferried to Abuja. Instead, the government waffled over casualty figures.

    And when a mob of religious fanatics murdered Bridget Agbahime in the presence of her husband and witnesses in Kano last June, state prosecutors inexplicably withdrew charges against the five suspects on trial without the federal government lifting a finger or saying a word. It undermines national stability and unity when the federal government is accused of bias or when it gives the impression that some lives matter more than others. When citizens lose confidence in the government as an impartial arbiter, they may find self-help a tantalising prospect. That is the terrible danger Nigeria faces today.

    The printer’s devil ensured that this piece was published last week under a different and misleading headline. The error is regretted. It is repeated today under the right heading and with a few adjustments.

  • Govt to raise $1b from asset

    Govt to raise $1b from asset

    The National Economic Council (NEC) yersterday approved the proposed Nigeria Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), which will take off on May 1.

    It is expected to yield about $1billion to the Federal Government’s purse.

    The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Babatunde Fowler, broke the news to State House correspondents at the end of the NEC, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    He was joined at the briefing by Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Kaduna State Deputy Governor Bala Bantex.

    He said the scheme would capitalise on the considerable international goodwill already built by President Muhammadu Buhari in his mission to rebuild Nigeria.

    The policy, he said, is necessitated by the under payment of tax via the use of tax havens and other evasion strategies, which he noted had not been helpful to Nigeria.

    According to him, the practice has been principally perpetrated by multi-national companies and high networth individuals, making Nigeria to have the lowest non-oil tax to GDP at 6%.

    The policy will also capitalise on the current global movement against tax evasion and illicit financial flows. It will offer a window for those who have not complied with extant tax regulations to remedy their position by the provision of limited amnesty to enable voluntary declaration and payment of liabilities.

    The VAIDS scheme targets to increase the tax to GDP ratios to 15% from just 6% by 2020 while simultaneously generating revenue and encouraging investment and economic activity “as only 214 individuals in the entire country pay N20 million or more in tax annually”.

    On the scope of the programme, Fowler said: “VAIDS scheme will embrace all Federal and states’ taxes, such as Companies Income Tax, Personal Income Tax, Petroleum Profits Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duties, Tertiary Education Tax and Technology Tax.

    “The scheme is intended to cover all back taxes without any limit to time on how far back a tax assessment can go where a taxpayer has wilfully defaulted.”

    The scheme is to run from May 1, for up to six months. There will be incentives to encourage early participation.

    “Tax payers will be allowed up to three years to settle their liabilities. Revenue expected from the scheme is conservatively estimated at US$1 billion,” Fowler said.

    On the role of state governments, the FIRS boss said based on initial estimates, at least 50% of the funds recovered will belong to states who are the ultimate collectors of personal income taxes.

    Bantex said the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Munguno, briefed the Council on the security situation in the country, with particular reference to the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, cattle rustling, ethnic militias/security outfits and kidnapping, among others,.

    According to him, the NSA blamed the situation on unemployment, which he described as a major security threat.

    The Council, according to him, agreed to hold an extraordinary session to discuss security matters, especially as it has to do with the economy.

    Ikpeazu, who spoke on deforestation, said the Council backed the suspension of wood export.

    It was also disclosed that NEC received a report of Excess Crude Account as at 15th March, 2017, which stood at US$2,45,864,724.59, recording a marginal increase of US$2,458,382,882.03.

  • Ile-Ife crisis: Kaduna govt meets ethnic leaders

    Kaduna State Acting Governor Barnabas Bala Bantex yesterday met with leaders of ethnic communities towards dousing tension that may lead to reprisal attacks following the crisis in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    Bantex warned against trying to incite unnecessary tensions in the state because of events  happening elsewhere, saying such those involved should desist from circulating videos and images with inciting comments and calls for reprisals.

    The acting governor admonished the leaders to prevail on their subjects to uphold peace, remain calm.

    “Those trying to incite unnecessary tension because of what is happening in Ile-Ife, Osun State, should desist from such.

    “Already, the unfortunate incident has been contained and the government will not allow enemies of peace capitalise on the situation to cause problems in Kaduna.

    “People circulating images and calling for reprisals are enemies of peace, and everybody must say no to them. The government will ensure that anyone or group of persons distributing images and videos calling for revenge are arrested and prosecuted.

    “Citizens must support the government to ensure that every threat to law and order is defeated”, he said.

    Bantex described the Southern Kaduna crisis as criminal and banditry, and not a Christian versus Muslim crisis as widely believed.

    According to him, the most peaceful council in Kaduna is Jaba, one of the eight councils that make up the ‘Zone 3’, called Southern Kaduna.

    Leader of the Community Leaders Forum delegation and President-General of the Yoruba Traditional Rulers Council in the 19 Northern States, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Oguntoyinbo, said masterminds of the Ile-Ife crisis are not representing the Yoruba as a people.

    He urged the Yoruba community in Kaduna and the North to remain calm, peaceful and shun reprisals.

    “We are tired of spilling blood and, therefore, appeal to our political, religious and traditional leaders to, irrespective of their differences, unite and find a lasting solution to the recurring crises”.

  • Govt trains 1,500 in civil service

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has in the past three months trained 1,500 staff of various cadres from its Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs).

    FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye disclosed this at the closing ceremony of one of the training sessions at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, Dutse-Alhaji, Abuja.

    Ajakaiye said that the first of the one-week capacity training course was held between 5th and 9th December 2016 and the last session was rounded off at the weekend.

    Ajakiaye revealed that 600 staff were trained in Basic Computer Appreciation skills using Microsoft Office Tools to enhance their productivity, while the remaining 900 were trained on fundamentals of Public Service with focus on Procurement Act, Financial Regulations and Public Service Rules.

    He said that Civil Service remains the key driver of Nigeria’s development, and therefore, the personnel need to be well trained to meet the current global challenges in tune with the Change Agenda of the Federal Government.

    The Permanent Secretary said that in view of the crucial role Civil Service plays in the country’s march towards development, the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is doing everything possible to ensure rectitude in that sector.

    He said, “The Civil Service is the most important aspect of governance. In fact, Civil Service is the most strategic and essential ingredient as far as Nigeria’s development is concerned. This is why government is doing everything necessary with a view to ensuring that we get it right.”

    The Permanent Secretary charged officers to always adhere strictly to their assignments, in spite of whose ox is being gored; adding that for civil servants who insist on the doing the right thing, they have nothing to fear.

    He urged participants to contribute their quota in their various capacities for the progress of the country; stressing those civil servants should always consider their assignment as service to humanity and not opportunity to amass wealth.

    The Administrator of the Institute Dr. Shehu Misau commended the FCT Administration for giving top priority to building the capacity needs of its officers.

  • Ondo councils’ account: Chairmen to sue govt

    Ondo State council chairmen have kicked against the freezing of their councils’ accounts by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    They said it was flagrant disobedience to the state’s High Court which ruled against dissolution of the councils.

    The council chairmen said the action was not only “incomprehensible but disappointing”.

    They said they were headed to court to challenge the action.

    Their counsel, Olusole Oke, said the governor’s action was not only subjudice but contemptuous of an order of a State High Court, which on January 17, barred the government from dissolving the councils.

    “We are more disappointed because the governor is a senior lawyer, who should understand the dictates of the law and  obey court orders.”

    Oke said the council officials will head to court and de-freeze the accounts, “as it cannot stand in the face of the fact that obedience to the rule of law is guaranteed by the constitution.”

    He added that the order of the state High Court is still in force and has not been vacated by any court order.

    The lawyer  lamented that part of the order which forbade the payment of salaries to non-elected officials of the councils “cannot stand because the mandate of the chairmen who elected them has not ended as declared by the court”.

  • Minimum wage: Govt counters NLC’s accusation

    Minimum wage: Govt counters NLC’s accusation

    The Federal Government yesterday dismissed as untrue allegation of foot-dragging leveled at it by  the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in  constituting a  tripartite committee to deliberate on the proposed N56, 000 minimum wage for workers in the country.

    Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige said that contrary to the NLC allegation government  has remained committed  to its policy of  improving the welfare of the Nigerian workforce by holding series of meetings with stakeholders on the subject matter.

    Ngige in a statement through the Deputy Director of Press in the ministry ,Mr. Samuel Olowookere said there was no time government stalled the process of constituting the  tripartite committee.

    He said:”The final meeting of the technical committee on new minimum wage was slated for 23rd February, 2017 but could not hold as scheduled.

    “The Nigerian Labour Congress and its Trade Union Congress counterpart requested for a postponement of the meeting.

    “This was in order to attend the delegate conference of National Union of Civil Engineering Construction/ Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), at Asaba Delta State.”

    He said that in demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment, a new date for the meeting of the technical committee on minimum wage has been scheduled for March 14 by 2:00pm at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

    The minister said that the new date had been communicated to both the government and worker’s representatives of the technical committee.

    Ngige, therefore, said the allegation as ascribed to the NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, was “mischievous and unfounded.”

    “The NLC President is fully aware of the rescheduled meeting and the reason for the postponement of the earlier meeting which was at the instance of labour unions,” he added.

  • Govt, group move to boost cocoa production

    Govt, group move to boost cocoa production

    The  Federal  Ministry  of Agriculture and  Rural Development is to join the Federation of Agriculture Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN) to  raise cocoa production to 1.2 metric tonnes  yearly.

    FACAN President, Dr  Victor Iyama told The Nation that the Minister, Chief Audu Ogbeh, at a meeting with the group in Abuja promised to give out free seedlings to enhance cocoa production.

    Iyama said the Minister  expressed concern that Nigeria with its size has not been able to produce more than 200,000 metric tonnes of cocoa a year.This was disappointing compared to Ghana that produce one million tonnes of cocoa.

    To reverse this, Iyama said the Federation was in support of the government resolve to increase annual output of the commodity within the next couple of years.

    He urged the government to support FACAN campaign to train farmers on best agronomic practices, assist them to rehabilitate their farms, renew farms through complete seedlings replanting or canopy substitution through grafting of aged trees.

    Added to these, Iyama, mentioned is the retaining of input – fertilizsers, herbicides, tools and irrigation system.

    He spoke of the need to ensure a more productive and sustainable cocoa sector – free from poverty and human rights issues, if the nation was to continue to supply more cocoa beans and to remain competitive in the global market.

    FACAN, he said, was  ready to provide practical guidance by teaching farming practices that will lead to higher yields, offering entrepreneurial ideas for the non-harvesting season to insure year-round earnings.

    Meanwhile, the  African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) have repositioned themselves to boost business opportunities in Africa’s cocoa sector, including youth employment and empowering women participation.

    The two institutions met in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to strategise for cooperation to foster the transformation of the cocoa industry in Africa. A statement said cocoa is one of the five Cs (cocoa, coffee, cotton, cassava and cashew) that have been selected for support under AfDB’s new Agriculture and Agri-business Draft Strategy. Africa produces 73 per cent of world cocoa, with more than 70 per cent coming from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Nigeria.

    It is a major export earner, yet its production is still in the hands of ageing smallhold farmers with more than 70 per cent productivity losses as a result of numerous challenges.

    The statement noted that the processing and market are in the hands of foreign investors.

    While global cocoa production is valued at approximately $12 billion on the export market, with cocoa farmers receiving about $ 8 billion in revenue, the world chocolate market is valued at $110 billion.

    The statement indicated that chocolate value addition in warehousing and other logistical services, chocolate production and packing, retail networks, and all associated logistics is 10 times the value of Africa’s cocoa exports.

    AfDB’s Agriculture and Agro-Industry Director, Chiji Ojukwu,  said: “The large potential and opportunities offered by the cocoa sector have not been fully exploited by producing countries, nor have they taken advantage of existing technological progress and innovations in the way other commodities have.”

    Cocoa is still produced by impoverished smallholder farmers, and most cocoa producing countries continue to export cocoa beans as raw materials, without adding value.

    Within the global value chain, most of the money is made after the beans have reached the North. At the same time many cocoa farmers and workers in the South have to get by on less than $1.25 a day, below the threshold of absolute poverty.

    “Cocoa growers today receive about six per cent of the price that consumers in rich countries pay for chocolate.

    In the 1980s their share is almost three times as great: 16 per cent.

    “As a result, the African cocoa sector faces considerable challenges that need to be addressed in order to sustain or even increase its contribution to the economies of producing countries,” the statement said.

    AfDB’s Vice-President in charge of Agriculture, Water, Human Development, Governance and Natural Resources, Aly Abou-Sabaa,  said: “A transformation agenda is required, where cocoa farmers would embrace a business approach and where activities to add value to the raw material would thrive, and generate growth, employment and additional revenues for cocoa stakeholders on the African continent.”

    There is a huge potential to increase value addition in Africa, which would be a source of economic diversification, job creation, tax revenues and, indirectly, improvement of farmers’ incomes. New cocoa and chocolate products made available to African consumers would also lead to increased consumption in the continent, which represents only four per cent of global consumption.

    AfDB and ICCO agreed to seek ways to strengthen their cooperation in a series of domains, such as value addition and promotion of cocoa and chocolate consumption in Africa, access to credit, market access and commodity exchanges, adoption of profitable cocoa farming models and thriving cooperatives, logistics and transportation.

  • Kachikwu: Govt working to maximise oil output

    Kachikwu: Govt working to maximise oil output

    A long term plan to take advantage of higher oil prices is one of the Federal Government’s top priorities, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Dr Ibe Kachikwu has said.

    He said higher oil prices and a long-term plan for production are spearheading Nigeria’s efforts to get its hydrocarbons sector back on track. He spoke with Oxford Business Group (OBG) – a global research and consultancy firm yesterday.

    The minister stated that the agreement made in December by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC producers to cut production with a view to stabilising prices was already yielding results for the country.

    “The resurge in prices is a fundamental driver behind Nigeria’s push for investment as international oil companies are planning new projects in the country. Since the agreement was made, external confidence in the country is higher, while the business environment here is improving,” he said.

    On the challenges of militancy, coorpution and others facing  the government in attracting new investors, Kachikwu said: “We are focusing on all of these issues, with a view to solving them and proving that Nigeria is more commercially viable than in the past. Once we are able to do that and stabilise the situation we can achieve our long-term goal of boosting income.”

  • Buhari’s absence hasn’t affected running of govt, says Oyegun

    Buhari’s absence hasn’t affected running of govt, says Oyegun

    •Party’s non-elective convention holds April 29

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said yesterday the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari had not affected the running of government.

    Speaking at a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) with governors elected on the party’s  platform, Oyegun accused some Nigerians of using the social media to distabilise the polity with their unwholesome speculations about every move of the party.

    The meeting was attended by 12 of the 24 governors elected on the APC platform.

    Three others were represented by their deputies. The rest were absent.

    Governors at the meeting are: Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa), Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

    The governors of Lagos, Oyo and Niger were represented by their deputies.

    Governors who were absent and not represented are: Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Jibrilla Bindo (Adamawa), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Raul Aregbesola (Osun), Ibikunle Amosu (Ogun), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Kashim Shetima (Borno) and Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe).

    Oyegun said: “It is important to say that our meeting today has absolutely nothing to do with the health status of the President. Today, the papers were replete with all manner of speculations.

    “It has become the pastime of the social media to carry all manners of fake and totally out of line speculations as to any step that we take on virtually any issue. I think this is something that we have to talk about later.

    “What makes me happy, in spite of these negative speculations and attempt to destabilise the polity is that, thanks to his respect for due process and the constitution of this nation, the President has left a structure that is functioning very effectively in spite of his unfortunate absence.

    “One can say quite clearly that the wish of Mr. President is that the government will continue to function efficiently and effectively and that the party also should continue and proceed to execute its normal duties and functions.”

    Oyegun blamed what he called miscommunication for the absence of some of the governors, saying: “I am quite aware that due to miscommunication, a lot of you became aware of this meeting today and the fact that you are here is a matter of deep pride.

    “The purpose of the meeting is very clear. There are lots of things that must happen in preparation towards our non-elective convention, which the states must be actively involved. We are going to have state congresses, ward congresses and fill vacancies. We will take the opportunity to feel every single vacancy at all levels of the party arising from death, appointment and others. We are also required to elect three delegates that will participate in the forthcoming convention.”

    Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari said the meeting resolved that the governors and the leadership should meet monthly to discuss issues affecting the party.

    He said the meeting drew a time-table for the non-elective convention scheduled for April and also resolved to continuously support the party and the government.

    The communique issued at the end of the meeting said meeting reviewed the state of the party, x-raying the challenges facing the APC in relations to funding and financing.

    “It was agreed that the party is not effectively funded as it should be. A new funding mechanism was, therefore, devised based on a planned continuous membership registration exercise across the country. The meeting agreed that this is the only sustainable way to fund the party.

    “The meeting also discussed the situations in some of the state chapters of the party, and it was agreed that an effective conflict resolution mechanism will be put in place to stem the tide of internal dissension and resolve existing issues.

    “As we near the midterm, the meeting also resolved to launch a project to showcase the accomplishments of APC governors in all the 24 states controlled by the Party.

    “The upcoming non-elective convention was also discussed and it was agreed that the convention will take place on April 29th.

    “The meeting acknowledged that the President, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari has been away longer than was originally envisaged. The meeting however, commended the President for following the rule of law by allowing the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to assume proper leadership and by so doing saved the country the kind of trauma that was experienced in the past.

    “The meeting commended the Acting President, the leadership of the National Assembly and the APC governors for standing strong and ensuring that government continues to run smoothly, while praying to the Almighty God to bring the President back safe and sound.”