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  • NITDA: IT adoption rate by govt institutions dismal

    The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr Ibrahim Pantami, has decried the low adoption of Information Technology (IT) platforms by government institutions to deliver services to the end users.

    According to Pantami, only 4.7 per cent of Federal Government institutions out of 106 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) adopt IT to deliver services despite that ICT contributes 13.63 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The NITDA chief spoke during the presentation of the draft Nigerian Government Enterprise Architecture (NGEA) to stakeholders in Abuja.

    Represented by Dr Vincent Olatunji, a Director in NITDA, Pantami said the NGEA is a framework for long-term IT strategy and plan as well as a roadmap for achieving Whole of Government and Government Digital Transformation for the development of the economy.

    “An enterprise architecture provides for an integrated and long-term view of the election strategic goals, structure, people, finance, data/information, business processes and services and their relationship with information technology and the external environment with the aim of deriving maximum benefits from the use and adoption of IT,” he said.

    Pantami said despite the low-level adoption of IT by government institutions, the country has made significant progress in ICT adoption which are evident in the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Integrated Personal Payroll Information System (IPPIS), Government Information Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), Bank Verification Number (BVN), e-Taxation, e-passport, e-Wallet for farmers, business registration, among others.

    He said it had, therefore, become necessary for public institutions to “form a big and critical enterprise that must be managed efficiently to ensure its resources, including IT are maximised to create value for stakeholders given the prevailing political, legal and managerial/administrative context.

    “This document provides a platform where government services can be accessed from one source that is to have one whole government where everything you need from government can be gotten from one source according to global standards.

    “The advantage of it is that it cuts down wastage, duplication of duties and gives value for money, quality and effective services delivery. Therefore, ICT is everybody’s business. This Enterprise Architecture will provide and strengthen ICT to drive government business.”

  • Court orders arrest of Nollywood star

    A Lagos High Court yesterday renewed a bench warrant for the arrest of actress-cum-producer Monalisa Chinda Coker for alleged tax evasion.

    Justice Adedayo Akintoye renewed the order following her failure to appear in court for her trial since 2017.

    She adjourned till June 5.

    When the case was called yesterday, neither Coker nor her lawyer was present.

    Prosecuting counsel Babatunde Sumonu told the judge that the bench warrant had yet to be effected.

    “The bench warrant is to continue,” Justice Akintoye said.

    The judge made the original order for Coker’s arrest on January 21, following an application by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

    The state alleged that Coker repeatedly failed to honour a court summons.

    The application for her arrest flowed from a two-count charge accusing her of failure to file annual tax returns and pay income tax in respect of her company, Monalisa Code Productions, for six years.

    Monalisa Code Productions operates from Lekki, Lagos.

    Count one of the charge, marked LD/5712c/2017, reads in part:

    “Failure to furnish and file annual tax returns for the purpose of personal income taxation with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), contrary to Section 94(1) of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 (as amended).”

    Count two reads: “Failure to pay income tax contrary to Section 56 of the Lagos State Revenue Administration Law of 2006.”

    On March 5, the actress, in a statement by her lawyers, Emeka Odikpo & Associates, refuted the allegations of tax evasion, saying all businesses from which she earns income are based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The statement said: “Mrs Coker further states that it is only her foundation known as Arise Monalisa Foundation that is based in Lekki, Lagos. The said body is a non-profit organisation and thus do not pay tax by law.

    “Mrs Coker states that sometime in 2016, when Lagos Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) officials were dropping tax assessments around the premises of Arise Monalisa Foundation at Lekki, Lagos, they visited the premises and were told by the workers that only a non-profit organisation was operational there.

    “They advised that although the business is non-profit, the head of the outfit should pay some tax based on self-assessment.

    “Based on the advice, she approached a bank and on self-assessment basis paid N100,000.00 for two years to the LIRS. She has also been issued a tax card.

    “Mrs Monalisa Coker hereby restates for emphasis that Rivers State Government is the appropriate body that she is compelled by law to make income tax returns to.”

     

  • Law firm gets new Managing Partner

    One of Nigeria’s leading law firms, CLP Legal (formerly Ukpong & Omotoso) has appointed Mr. Okey Egbuchu as its new Managing Partner.

    He takes  over from the pioneer managing partner and one of the founders, Mr. Edo Ukpong who still remains an active member of CLP Legal.

    Ukpong said the idea and philosophy of the firm is to provide a platform for lawyers to actualise their professional calling, dream and reach their peak irrespective of their state of origin, sex or religion.

    He noted that all the partners and staff relate as one family with mutual respect for each other and unfettered commitment to satisfying their clients.

    A founding partner Mr. Ayodeji Omotosho commended Egbuchu and urged him to to do his best in actualising the vision of the firm.

    He said: “Mr. Okey Egbuchu is a bridge between the millennials and the old analogue group.”

    Egbuchu began his career as a litigator.

    He practised briefly as a federal prosecutor between 1992 and 1993 and thereafter as a civil, commercial and maritime litigator in the then law firm of Ukpong & Omotoso (now CLP Legal) where he rose to partner in  2001.

    Energetic and versatile, Egbuchu expanded his expertise and advised many clients both Nigerian and multinationals on project finance, capital markets, corporate structuring and restructuring, infrastructure, oil and gas, data protection, labour, tourism and hospitality and international joint ventures.

    He was part of the nucleus of the team that developed the primary report for the Persons with Disability Bill, now an Act of the National Assembly.

    Egbuchu is a member of Council of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Business Law.

    He is the immediate past Chairman of its Travel Tourism and Hospitality Committee and a member of its Energy, Infrastructure, Banking and Finance Committees.

    Last year, he served as the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee of the 12th Annual Business Law Conference of the NBA Section on Business Law which held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

    Established in 1990, CLP  is widely acknowledged as one of Nigeria’s leading commercial law firms.

    Ukpong added: “The firm is well-resourced with highly capable lawyers operating from full-fledged offices in the major Nigerian cities of Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Uyo, and has fostered long term working relationships with prominent global law firms.

    “Our approach to rendering the best  service is through teams which are configured to ensure that each client across the various sectors enjoys the full benefit of our lawyers’ specialist knowledge and cognate experience.

    “Our clients have found in us a firm that is worthy of trust and we are fully committed to keeping this legacy of adherence to the highest standards of professionalism.

    “The firm’s practice areas cut across a range of litigation and dispute resolution procedures, strategic corporate/commercial transactions, and crucial compliance and regulatory matters.

    “We are focused on delivering excellent bespoke service to our Clients and, towards achieving this objective; we configure teams according to each Client’s needs in a system that ensures that personnel with specialist knowledge are always assigned to their areas of specialization.

    “A partner and at least one Associate will always have primary responsibility for any given instruction.

    “Our practice, therefore, affords the benefit of the knowledge and experience of every CLP Legal lawyer and resource to all our clients.”

  • ‘I will institute social security benefits for graduates’

    Musiliudeen Olaide Akinremi is the House of Representatives member-elect for Ibadan North Constituency. In this interview with reporters in Lagos, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain speaks on his agenda for his constituency. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE was there.

    How did you feel when you received the news of your victory at the poll?

    It was like a dream come true, because when people told me there was a specific way they do it, I told them that if it was rigging, I was not interested. I said if I lose that means God doesn’t want me to win. I said to myself that if I could abandon my work overseas to come here, I must show people the right way to do politics, not the do-or-die that our people are used to. I put in my best and I thank God for rewarding my efforts so far with this sweet victory.

    What specifically were told about winning elections in this clime?

    They told me that people cook on the day of election and share money, but I declined because I have told my people the truth during the campaigns and I believe they are reasonable people. They already knew who they wanted to vote for, even if they are offered N10 million to do otherwise. I told them to vote so as to be able to send their children to school; I told them to vote so that they can be employed. I want to also appreciate my neighbours. They really did well, despite the fact that some persons were trying to buy their votes with hard currencies. I was able to win my opponents with a wide margin at my polling unit. I want to appreciate the chairman of the estate, Mr. Yele Matthew, for the great job he did.

    As the only person elected on the platform of the APC from the Ibadan axis, how do you intend to cope?

    It is God who caters for people. The same God that gave me the ticket at the APC primary, the same God that made me contest and people voted for me because of my good will, that same God will also help me to face the task. The reason why I’m going there is to make things easier for my people in Ibadan North Federal Constituency. The God who sees my heart will make things easier for me.

    What are the things you plan to do at the National Assembly?

    My greatest concern is our tertiary institution graduates who are yet to be employed. There should be a law that supports giving them incentives every month, something like welfare fees that they give in some foreign countries. We are also blessed in Nigeria, if not that some people are embezzling the money. In the last four years, the Buhari administration has retrieved most of the money carted away by looters. This is the money Buhari’s government will use to achieve certain things in the second tenure, so as to make people happy. So, I will be able to introduce the bill that unemployed graduates should be getting incentives. This will give them the opportunity to take care of themselves until they are employed. With this, only few of them will engage in atrocities. This is the law I want to introduce. I have also talked about canvassing for the creation of Ibadan state. Ibadan is so big, it is bigger than a number of states. The allocation coming will now be double: The one for Oyo State and that of Ibadan state. Government will now have the opportunity to initiate various developmental programmes.

    When did you join politics and what informed your decision?

    I was inspired by what I observed among politicians. I believe that the politician is supposed to be a servant of the people. But, from what I saw, the reverse is the case. So, that was what inspired me. I became interested in politics when I was overseas, in Canada, the US and particularly when I worked in Liberia and visited Nigeria regularly. That was about nine to 10 years ago. So, about nine years ago, I started gathering people, I started empowering people; got a place for them, especially where they could learn hair dressing and shoe making. When they graduate, their bosses would call me to pay some money. I have been doing that for about eight years now. I appreciate all. Very many of them today have means of livelihood to raise their families and are contributing to the economy in a meaningful way. Those who elected me in, I assure you that I won’t fail you.

    How many people have you empowered?

    Before the election, that was about four weeks ago, the number of beneficiaries was 3,720. Thereafter, I decided that if I am holding a political office, I would be able to expand the empowerment programme. Again, I requested for people who have the intention of pursuing further studies or those who had dropped out because of financial limitations. They gave me a list of people; majority of them were total strangers. Once they give me their names, I would enlist them and pay their tuition. But one thing I do is that I don’t give the beneficiaries cash. I only ensure that the money is paid directly to the institution, so that the money will not be misappropriated. At the moment, we have 237 students from primary 3 to SSS 3 benefiting from our scholarship. Also, we have some people we support in tertiary institutions. The one we’ve established in Yemetu now inspires me, and I thought that if I become a public office holder, we will be able to expand it. They said there is something called constituency allowance which can go a long way in contributing to what I’ve been doing from my pocket. It will also bring about continuity, because I have been asking myself how I would continue what I’ve been doing for eight years now. That was why I entered politics and since I’ve started participating in politics, we’re still doing what we’ve been doing before. It was in 2017 that I decided to vie for the House of Representatives.

  • Nurse ‘overdosed’ baby on doctor’s instruction, panel told

    HJ CLAIROOWEN medical centre’s Head Nurse, Bayo Badmus, who was referred to Dr. Dayo by a pediatrician with Igando General Hospital identified as Dr. Joy gave late 15-month-old Taye Adetunji three 20 doses of analgesic injections, a panel heard on Monday.

    Badmus, it was gathered, told the Hospital Services Commission (HSC) investigating allegations of professional misconduct and negligence against the doctor that he acted on her instruction.

    The child’s parents, as well as the doctor in the heat of the controversy, were brought before the panel, which sat on Lagos Island for each to state their case.

    It was gathered that Dr. Joy had initially denied knowing the injections Badmus administered on the toddler.

    But when the latter was called on hands-free telephone, he maintained that all actions he took were based on the doctor’s instruction.

    Badmus, our correspondent gathered, told the panel that Dr. Joy, the owner of the unregistered private clinic, gave him instructions to administer 20 doses of analgesics three times on the kid, adding he also gave her another injection on her instruction.

    Dr. Joy, who had told the child’s mother, Taiwo, that her baby needed blood and oxygen but there was no space to admit her at the General Hospital Igando where she was taken to, denied referring the patient to her clinic.

    But she changed her position when the note she scribbled on a discarded duplicate teller was availed the panel.

    Giving details of what transpired at the panel, a source said: “When the meeting started the mother of the victim explained what happened and Dr. Joy was asked to react. She started by denying that she didn’t refer the woman anywhere.

    “The panel was told the family has evidence and the board requested for the evidence.

    “She was asked if that was her handwriting and she said yes. Then, she was warned about telling lies.

    “She then admitted that she referred them to her clinic and they asked her the relationship between her and Dayo Badmus she said she employed him to work for her

    “They asked her series of questions about what happened that day she explained and the board told her that from the beginning to the death of the child all what she did was wrong.

    “They asked her that if the case was an emergency as she stated, was she trying to her an auxiliary nurse was a better person to handle it than herself, a doctor?

    “She could not answer. She was asked many questions but she could not answer them.

    “Initially, she claimed she did not know the injections Dayo Badmus administered on the baby.

    “Badmus was called immediately and the phone put on speaker. Badmus said to everyone’s hearing that he carried out Dr Joy’s instructions from beginning to end.

    “After Badmus told them the drug he administered, they interpreted the drug as 20 doses that he gave three times.

    “The board was very angry with her and assured the family that justice will be served.

    “They assured the mother that they will do everything within their power to ensure such a thing does not happen again,” said the source.

    The Nation gathered that the nurses on duty at Igando General Hospital that Sunday were also invited and they confirmed they had seen the woman and her child.

    The nurses, it was gathered, told the panel they had asked the doctor where the woman went to and Dr. Joy told them she (Taiwo) said she would not stay there anymore.

    Meanwhile, the Public Advice Centre (PAC) and the Child Protection Network (CPN) have written petitions to relevant agencies, demanding justice.

    Contacted for update on the issue, Health Commissioner Dr. Jide Idris told our correspondent he was expecting the report of the panel on Tuesday.

    “The panel sat at the HSC board. I gave them till Tuesday to submit their recommendation to me,” he said.

  • Police team arrested over killing of youth in Lagos

    A police team under the Lagos State Police Command had been arrested over the alleged killing of a youth, Kolade Johnson on Sunday.

    The command’s spokesman, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had reported on Sunday that some residents of Mangoro/Onipetesi community in Lagos went on a rampage blocking the Oshodi/Abeokuta expressway in protest against the killing of a youth in the area.

    The angry residents blocked the major roads with tyres and woods after a youth was allegedly shot dead by policemen from Anti-Cultism Unit of Lagos State Command.

    NAN learnt that an unmarked commercial bus occupied by the policemen had visited the community on Sunday afternoon in search of youths dressed wildly and wore dreadlocks.

    It further gathered that one of the police operatives allegedly shot dead the youth from behind in an attempt to disperse a crowd which had gathered during the raid.

    According to Elkana, on March 31, at about 5.05p.m., the Command received a distress call that Lagos- Abeokuta Express Way has been blocked by some angry youths who were protesting the shooting of one Kolade Johnson of No.1 Beco street, Onipetesi, Mangoro Bus Stop.

    He said the shooting was done by a team of policemen from Anti Cultism unit, stressing that a team of policemen from the Rapid Response Squads and Metro Patrol were promptly drafted to the scene.
    Elkana said the account of eye witnesses helped in identifying the team which fled the scene immediately after the incident.

    READ ALSO: Police detain team behind soccer fan’s death

    “Members of the team suspected to be involved in the shooting have since been arrested and are currently in police custody undergoing interrogation.

    “They will be subjected to internal disciplinary procedures, and may be prosecuted in conventional court if implicated by ongoing investigation.

    “Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Zubairu Muazu calls for calm, assuring that justice will prevail in this case.

    “The CP also condoles with the family, friends and well wishers of Kolade Johnson,” he said.

    The spokesman said that the CP has promised to initiate far reaching reforms to help in repositioning the Anti Cultism Squad for effective service delivery, particularly in areas of respect for Human Rights and proficiency in the use of firearms.

    “Members of the public who have complaints on the activities of Anti Cultism Squad or any of our Police teams should call the following numbers 08063299264, 08065154338 and 08060357795,” he added

  • 2019 general elections was free, fair – CODER

    The Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) says the 2019 general elections in Nigeria was free and fair.

    The group stated this at a news briefing on Monday in Lagos that hinged on its observations of the Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and House of Assembly polls,

    Execute Director/Chair Transition Committee of CODER; Mr. Wunmi Bewaji argued that if the elections were influenced, President Muhammadu Buhari would not have lost in Aso Rock if the elections were to have been influenced.

    “ Similarly, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki also lost his re-election bid along with others who failed to win in their states and constituencies inspite of being current occupants of their seats.

    “The 2019 election may not have been 100 per cent free and fair but we can score it 80 per cent based on the results and expectations which were dashed as INEC allowed the votes to count.

    “In all countries of the world, including the US and others, elections are never 100 per cent right but are adjudged free and fair based on the general outcome and calculations.

    “In states where it is believed that the elections will be marred by violence or rigging, elections were concluded and no major violence recorded,” he said.

    Read Also: Sokoto loses peaceful conduct of elections record- INEC

    Bewaji said that the infractions recorded at the poll were not enough to discredit the process or nullify the results/ outcome except in specific areas that INEC considered for re-run hence the inclusive declaration in those areas.

    He said findings and observations however revealed that INEC needed to retrain, retool and reinvent itself to be able to meet the growing challenges posed by population explosion for it to perform its tasks as a 21st century electoral body.

    “INEC must move from its archaic operations culture to technology based operations, electronic voting is imperative to cope with growing population and challenges of future elections.

    “INEC also needs to make ease of voting a priority to prevent apathy and disenfranchisement,” he said.

    He said that the group was concerned about reckless and rampant use of fake news by political gladiators in the general elections, stating that there is need for persons and organisations involved in the creation of fake news to be punished.

    The CODER director called for an urgent review of the role of the judiciary pointing out the need for it to be clearly defined.

    He however urged Buhari to formally put in motion, arrangement for Nigeria to use the occasion of May 29 not just for swearing in of elected officials but for Nigeria to celebrate its uninterrupted 20 years of democracy.

     

     

     

  • Rivers Collation: Police to deploy personnel, shut Aba road

    Rivers Police Command on Monday said it has commenced the deployment of personnel to strategic areas and collation centres for election results collation scheduled to begin in the state on Tuesday.

    The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, made this known in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on March 21, announced the resumption of collation and announcement of results in the state between April 2 and April 5.

    According to Omoni, the decision to deploy personnel was reached following a meeting between the state Police Commissioner and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

    “ICCES agreed to put in place adequate security measures to ensure that the entire process is transparent and seamlessly carried out.

    “Part of the security measures that were agreed include massive deployment of police personnel and other sister security agencies to the venue and the outer perimeter of collation centres.

    Omoni said that Waterlines and GRA junction axis of Port Harcourt/Aba Express Road, would be shut to traffic during the duration of the exercise.

    READ ALSO: Rivers: Controversy over poll result collation

    He said that both lanes of the road would be closed to motorists, advising road users to divert to Olu Obansanjo and Polo Club Roads.

    “The police note with concern the temporary hardship the closure will cause. We appeal to the public to show understanding and bear with us.

    “The closure is done in the overall interest of the public, as well as to provide a conducive atmosphere for the collation.

    “Politicians, candidates and indeed unauthorised persons, are warned to stay clear from the collation centres,” he said.

    The police spokesperson warned that any individual or group seen undermining the process would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the Electoral Act.

    Omoni solicited for the cooperation and support of the public towards a successful conduct of the exercise.

  • Japan partners WFP on conflict-affected Nigerians

    The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of US$2 million from the Government of Japan that will provide life-changing support to people and communities affected by insecurity in northeastern Nigeria.

    As part of WFP’s efforts to build stability across communities in northeast Nigeria, Japan’s contribution will support more than 48,000 women and men to rebuild their livelihoods.

    WFP will provide food purchased with these funds to people growing crops, raising livestock and rehabilitating assets that may have been damaged during conflict in the region.

    “The government of Japan is committed to supporting Nigerian and international efforts to ensure that millions of people in need of food in northeast Nigeria do not go hungry,” said Shigeru Umetsu, Chargé d’affaires ad interim of Japan to Nigeria.’

    Read Also: Lagos trade fair: Visitors flood Japan pavilion

    “It’s expected that this funding will alleviate the suffering of people in the affected states.”

    Japan’s support for livelihoods complements WFP’s lifesaving efforts in Nigeria where some 700,000 people are provided cash or food assistance every month, and over 250,000 women and children receive supplementary nutritional support.

    “This funding from the Government of Japan is most welcome at this time,” said Myrta Kaulard, WFP Representative in Nigeria.

    “In partnership with Japan, WFP can maintain its focus on protecting people and making them self-reliant again because ultimately, we want to stop these people from becoming dependent on food assistance.”

    She hoped other donors will follow suit to support changing the lives of thousands of crisis-affected people, bringing back stability to northeast Nigeria.

    The United Nations World Food Programme – saving lives in emergencies and changing lives for millions through sustainable development. WFP works in more than 80 countries around the world, feeding people caught in conflict and disasters, and laying the foundations for a better future.

  • No rift between Oshiomhole, Amaechi on Rivers, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday lashed out at a section of media, accusing it of twisting the statement by National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to suit what it described as a jaundiced narrative.

    The party said there was no disagreement between the Oshiomhole and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi on the adoption of the governorship candidate of the AAC for the governorship election in Rivers state.

    National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Mallam Lanre Issa- Onilu, in a statement explained while the party has no formal alliance with the AAC, it has not foreclosed any local arrangement that may have been made by any local chapter of the party.

    READ ALSO: Oshiomhole’s statement on Rivers being twisted, says APC

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to some reports in the media purporting a disagreement between the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi over the alignment of the Rivers State APC with the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Awara Biokpomabo.

    “It is regrettable that the APC National Chairman’s statement is being twisted to suit a jaundiced narrative. This narrative is at best, mischievous, pedestrian and should be disregarded.

    “The APC Chairman’s statement is unambiguous as to the effect that the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) does not have any formal alliance with AAC. This is without prejudice to any local arrangement that may exist.

    “Oshiomhole and Ameachi are above the petty insinuations being orchestrated by a section of the media.

    “Like many leaders of the party, APC National Chairman, Comrade Oshiomhole and the Minister of Transport, Hon. Amaechi enjoy cordial relationship and do share mutual respect; therefore, deliberate misinterpretation of issues and statements from the party or between the two of them would continue to fail.”