News From Nigeria
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
Youths in Kogi Central on Friday pounced on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo.
‘’The comments made by Kingsley Fanwo are offensive, bigoted and disgusting’’
They also described Governor Ododo as ‘’a man who can’t stand on his own feet without crutches.
‘‘Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Yahaya Adoza Bello ought to know that in a contest at the grassroots level, they have not the ghost of a chance to win in Kogi Central’’
The youths in a statement in Okene advised Fanwo to tame his appetite for falsehood against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
‘’Kogi Central constituents represent a variety of viewpoints and temperaments. The home coming of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shows how faithful the Kogi Central people are to the true spirit of democracy and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’’.
The statement issued by Kogi Central Youth Forum Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Jato scolded Fanwo for penciling a chit to the public, insulting civilization and presenting a shrouded and remote figure at the peak of an unintelligent bureaucracy as a responsible person.
‘’Nothing is more important for a politician than to command the necessary abundance of understanding and loyalty on the part of the people’’
They described the Ododo government as a model of poor administration.
‘’Kingsley Fanwo’s comments on Akpoti-Uduaghan are distasteful and provocative. The APC leaders in Kogi State are officious people. They need to imbibe the values and ideals of civilization and democracy’’.
Specifically, the youths applauded the Kogi Central senator for her patriotism, leadership style and tactful politesse.
‘’The senate president is not a person. It is an institution. Senator Godswill Akpabio should not jeopardize the institution’’
They denounced the absurd idea that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s home coming was to create crisis in the state.
The youths added that the future of Nigeria, particularly Kogi State lay with politicians who realized that the people are more interested in government than politics.
‘’We urge the public not to pay attention to what the Commissioner for Information and Communication is saying’’
The statement stressed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s simplicity, personal charm, courage and bubbling nature.
‘’Our task is to prevent those behind Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and recall from committing suicide’’
Business mogul, Chief Linus Obi, on Monday paid glowing tributes to President Bola Tinubu, who he described as “a man of integrity and principles”
Obi in a statement in Lagos expressed satisfaction with the level of transformation taking place in the country.
‘’President Bola Tinubu deserves commendation for promoting good governance, strengthening Nigeria’s economy, improving fiscal capacity and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
The Igbo entrepreneur commended Tinubu for the investment in infrastructure, security, education and health in the country
‘’Even the blind can see the impressive achievements of President Bola Tinubu’’.
In the statement entitled 73 cheers to a pragmatic and purposeful leader, Obi applauded Tinubu for creating a conducive environment for businesses to flourish.
‘’President Bola Tinubu is working in the best interests of the country’’.
He lauded Mr. President for raising the bar of governance in Nigeria to enviable height, providing important political guidance on the development of the country and working selflessly for the prosperity of Nigeria.
The statement emphasized President Tinubu’s moral leadership, concern for the people, zeal for excellence and diversification of the economy.
‘’President Bola Tinubu is a true leader, bridge builder and stabilizer. He has shown excellence in governance’’
It also underscored Tinubu’s long trail of legacies in Lagos State, foreign exchange stability, oil and gas investment boom, electricity sector reforms, regional development and agriculture.
Ending the statement, Obi said ‘’Congratulations on this very important occasion, His Excellency, and may God bless you with good health, unlimited strength and long life’’
Business mogul, Chief Linus Obi, on Monday paid glowing tributes to President Bola Tinubu, who he described as “a man of integrity and principles”
Obi in a statement in Lagos expressed satisfaction with the level of transformation taking place in the country.
‘’President Bola Tinubu deserves commendation for promoting good governance, strengthening Nigeria’s economy, improving fiscal capacity and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
The Igbo entrepreneur commended Tinubu for the investment in infrastructure, security, education and health in the country
‘’Even the blind can see the impressive achievements of President Bola Tinubu’’.
In the statement entitled 73 cheers to a pragmatic and purposeful leader, Obi applauded Tinubu for creating a conducive environment for businesses to flourish.
‘’President Bola Tinubu is working in the best interests of the country’’.
He lauded Mr. President for raising the bar of governance in Nigeria to enviable height, providing important political guidance on the development of the country and working selflessly for the prosperity of Nigeria.
The statement emphasized President Tinubu’s moral leadership, concern for the people, zeal for excellence and diversification of the economy.
‘’President Bola Tinubu is a true leader, bridge builder and stabilizer. He has shown excellence in governance’’
It also underscored Tinubu’s long trail of legacies in Lagos State, foreign exchange stability, oil and gas investment boom, electricity sector reforms, regional development and agriculture.
Ending the statement, Obi said ‘’Congratulations on this very important occasion, His Excellency, and may God bless you with good health, unlimited strength and long life’’
The Joint Congress of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) and the Amalgamated Union Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) on Thursday expressed deep concerns over the troubling state of affairs at the National Theatre Complex.
‘’At the inception of the renovation of the National Theatre, the then Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, assured all stakeholders, including organized labour that the renovation would be completed within eighteen months and that no single job would be lost as a result of the process. These assurances were meant to inspire confidence, safeguard institutional integrity and protect workers’ rights during the transformational phase of this iconic national asset. However, five years after the commencement of the said renovation project, we regret to inform you that these promises have remained largely unfulfilled and the realities on the ground are now completely at variance with the assurance given’’
They also condemned the denial of access to designated offices within the National Theatre complex.
‘’This continued restriction has not only affected administrative productivity but has also subjected our members to psychological discomfort, professional displacement and operational stagnation. The absence of access to official workspaces is in direct contradiction to earlier commitments and undermines the fundamental principles of fairness and workplace inclusion’’
At a world press conference in Lagos, the Labour Unions lamented the sidelining of the management of the National Theatre, particularly the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer.
‘’The General Manager is often not informed about high-level visits and official tours within the complex. A recent example is the visit of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the delegation recently. Such visits occurring without the knowledge of the substantive management, represents a serious breakdown in institutional protocol, coordination and transparency. This anomaly has become recurrent and portends a threat to the autonomy and operational integrity of the management structure of the National Theatre’’.
The stance of the unions was presented to journalists in Lagos by Comrade Ishola Adejumo, RATTAWU Chairman, Lagos State, Comrade Bimbola Oluyeye, RATTAWU Secretary, Lagos State, Comrade Olatunji Omodolapo, AUPCTRE Chairperson and Comrade Omotola Babatunde, AUPCTRE Secretary.
‘’The National Theatre is the nation’s heritage and it will be not be ceded to any person or groups as some have chosen to frame it. That the renovation is to restore the National Theatre back to its former glory and it will cost N25, billion to do that. That no single job will be loss as more jobs will be created’’ the unions recollected the words of Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
They said workers were abandoned in the course of the memorandum of understanding signed by Lai Mohammed and the then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele.
Particularly, the unions decried the inhibition of internally organized programmes despite official payments.
‘’Equally troubling is the recurring refusal to allow National Theatre Staff and departments to organize internal programmes within the complex, even when such programmes have been duly approved and paid for through the Treasury Single Account (TSA). This deliberate suppression of legitimate institutional programing not only affect revenue generation but also contradict the very essence of the National Theatre as a hub for cultural expression and creativity’’
Niger Delta women on Wednesday decried human rights abuses and disrespect for women in the country.
They also called the suspension of the senator Representing Kogi Central, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ‘’silly and callous’’.
“This is the height of wickedness. We cannot agree with the Senate Ethics Committee.”
The women in a statement in Calabar denounced the Senate leadership and demanded that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan be lifted immediately.
“The presiding officer is difficult and dictatorial. He is well known for his contemptuous, dismissive and sarcastic ways. His leadership style is causing dissention and distress.”
The statement issued in Calabar by the Chairperson of Niger Delta Women Forum (NDWF), Mrs. Comfort Bassey, accused the Senate President of undermining family ties and resisting the voice of honour and reason.
“We conjure you to look into your heart and to hearken to the secret voice of conscience.”
The highly respected women applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for taking significant steps to improve the quality of life for the people of Kogi Central.
“Your courage is an inspiration to all of us.”
Principally, the women accused some male political office holders of abusing the human rights of women and harming national, ethnic and religious groups in the country.
The statement denounced arbitrary rules, culture of betrayal and ferocious spirit of despotism.
“The Senate is not a place in which leaders get away with being mean and nasty.
It also condemned trace of bitterness, vicious, crude and inhuman punishments.
Two respected families in the South-South geo-political zone on Monday highlighted the humble background, personality and contributions of Chief Veronica Ekpera Ebireri to the country.
‘’It is no gain-saying that Chief Veronica Ekpera was an epitome of kindness’’
The prominent Agbon and Okpe families in a statement entitled ‘’ The life and works of a pragmatic woman, transporter, saw miller, fish and rice dealer ’’ highlighted Veronica Ebireri’s extraordinary life, pleasant upbringing of many and all she did to instill self-respect in her children.
‘’Throughout her sojourn, Mrs. Veronica Ebireri led an exemplary and worthy life. She gave her life serving others’’
The statement delivered on behalf of the families of Ebireri and Umukoro by Media and Political Consultant, Henry Ovie Ebireri applauded Chief Veronica Ekpera Ebireri for performing her duties as daughter, wife, mother and sister excellently.
The statement recalled her words and the few times she raised her voice.
‘’When the Chief Executive Officer of Oghene-Ochuko Motors died, many people dropped tears. They felt the deep vacuum that her unfortunate death created’’
The modest and humble daughter of a proud Agbon parents, Chief Veronica Ebireri married a highly respected Niger Delta business tycoon, Chief Festus Omajemite Ebireri.
The statement applauded Chief Veronica Ekpera Ebireri for displaying great energy and zeal as a businesswoman.
‘’Mrs. Veronica Ebireri was ambitious, her eyes on the big chance for economic advancement’’
The statement praised her for shouldering the responsibilities of the Ebireri, Umukoro, Diegholo, Ochu and Erove families.
The statement emphasized moral integrity, her sense of responsibility towards the husband, sisters, brothers, children and grandchildren.
The statement highlighted her contributions to her native Agbon Kingdom, problems and the tragedies after her demise.
The families also expressed shock at the recent legal action of cousins and grandchildren over the possessions of Veronica Ebireri and Oyavbewe Diegholo, describing the action of these people as another aspect of greed and madness.
Abuja, the capital city of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is now aglow.
The smart leaf solar streetlight was installed in the Federal Capital Territory last week.
‘’The smart leaf solar streetlight has changed outdoor lighting in Abuja, particularly the Airport roundabout’’ a statement Friday said.
The statement issued by the Managing Director of Akogate Group, Mr. Felix Aganbi, stressed the efforts of the company to brighten Nigeria through high quality customized solar solutions.
Aganbi said the company got franchise from the SunMaster Solar Lighting Company Limited, the most professional and reliable solar LED lights manufacturer in the global market in 2025.
‘’Jinhua SunMaster Solar Lighting Company Limited is a Zhejiang based enterprise specialized in supplying solar streetlights, solar garden lights, wind & solar hybrid lights, small & medium solar generating system, solar home lighting system and solar pump system’’.
He emphasized the gains of alternative sources of electricity supply, the features, benefits, and applications of Smart Leaf solar streetlights as well as the desire of Akogate Engineers to light all the streets in the country.
He explained that streetlight was one of the priorities of the current administration.
‘’We supply high quality solar streetlights, solar garden lights, wind and solar hybrid lights, mobile solar lights towers and solar pump system’’
He also stressed on facilities for catching the rays of the sun and converting their energy to electrical power.
‘’Smart Leaf solar streetlights integrate advanced technology with sustainable design to offer superior performance and reliability in urban and rural settings.
Aganbi explained how these innovative lights leverage smart technology to optimize energy usage, enhance illumination, and improve overall functionality.
Youths in Kogi State on Sunday described the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as crude and peremptory.
‘’The 10th Senate is heading in the wrong direction’’
They also reminded the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio of the dignity of his office.
In a statement to the press, the youths asked supporters of the Senate President not to drag down the reputation of the country.
They applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for refusing to do things which galled her sense of decency, marital status and political height.
The statement issued by the Chairman of Kogi Central Youth Movement, Alhaji Mustapha Jato in Abuja tasked President Bola Tinubu on gender reforms in Nigeria.
It praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for touching and galvanizing the good people of Nigeria, especially Kogi Central.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a woman of charm and faith. She is also a hardworking, energetic woman and well respected by the people because of her genuine interest in their progress’’
The youths spoke well of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initiative, thoroughness and seriousness of purpose.
They scolded a former aide to Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Reno Omokri and his co-travellers for deviating from the truth.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an upright woman’’
The youths said those behind the campaign of calumny against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were lily-livered politicians out to cause disaffection in the country.
They lauded decent Nigerians for supporting Akpoti-Uduaghan and speaking out against an absurd action.
The youths urged political office holders in the country to maintain certain standards of behavior, character and morality.
They advised hired hoodlums, sly and shifty individuals not to mislead Akpabio about troubling feud with Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The statement emphasized truth, justice, poise and endurance.
It also denounced philandering, trivialization of allegations, back-biting and breaking of ranks.
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) reminds all individual taxpayers, including self-employed individuals, those in the informal sector, and employees under the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) scheme, to submit their Annual Tax Returns on or before March 31, 2025. This directive is in accordance with the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2004 as amended.
Mr. Ayodele Subair, Executive Chairman of LIRS, emphasized that under Section 41 of the Act, all taxable persons must submit a comprehensive return detailing their total income from all sources for the previous fiscal year (January 1st to December 31st 2024, in this case) to the relevant state tax authority within 90 days of the commencement of the new assessment year.
Mr. Subair reiterated the importance of adhering to the deadline, urging taxpayers to fulfill their statutory obligations promptly to avoid penalties and other legal consequences. He also highlighted that tax returns must be submitted exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal, accessible at https://etax.lirs.net. The portal is designed to offer taxpayers convenience, security, and ease of compliance.
“In line with our commitment to simplifying the tax filing process, dedicated tax officers are available at our various tax offices to assist individuals with online registration and tax return submissions via the eTax portal,” stated Mr. Subair.
For further assistance and tax-related inquiries, taxpayers can contact the LIRS Customer Service Center at 0700 CALL LIRS (0700 2255 5477) or email etaxinfo@lirs.net.Additionally, individuals can connect with LIRS through its official social media channels or visit www.lirs.gov.ng for more information.
Signed
Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude
Head, Corporate Communications
Direct CBN to suspend ATM fee hike pending court verdict, SERAP tells Tinubu
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to “direct Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the implementation of the increase in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees, pending the hearing and determination of the lawsuit before the Federal High Court, Lagos challenging the legality of the increase.”
SERAP also urged him to “seek legal advice from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN on whether the CBN has the legal responsibilities to uphold the rule of law its operations by suspending the ATM fee hike, pending the determination of lawsuit on the matter.”
SERAP had last month filed a lawsuit against the CBN “over the failure to reverse the “patently unlawful, unfair, and unjust increase in ATM transaction fees.”
The lawsuit followed the announcement by the CBN that ATM withdrawals made at a machine owned by a bank but outside its branch premises will now attract a charge of N100 per N20,000 withdrawn. ATM withdrawals at shopping centres, airports or standalone cash points, will incur a N100 fee plus a surcharge of up to N500.
In the open letter dated 1 March 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Directing the CBN to suspend the ATM fee hike would allow the Federal High Court to hear and determine the case on its merit.”
SERAP said, “It would also be entirely consistent with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], your oath of office and oft-repeated promises to uphold the rule of law.”
According to SERAP, “Implementing the ATM fee hike while the lawsuit on the matter is pending before the Federal High Court would make a mockery of the judicial process and the rule of law.”
SERAP also said, “The CBN is bound to suspend the increase in ATM transaction fees, and await the outcome of the lawsuit.”
The letter, read in part: “The CBN has the responsibilities to uphold the due process of law, protect the integrity of the judicial process, and ensure that its practices and operations do not make nonsense of the rule of law or the Court.”
“The CBN has the duty to maintain the status quo as of 26 February 2025 when the court processes were duly served on it, and during the pendency of the lawsuit filed by SERAP on the ATM fee hike before the Federal High Court, Lagos.”
“Once the CBN has been duly served with the court processes on the ATM fee hike, the bank cannot resort to self-help.”
“The CBN is not permitted to do or take any action or omission that would overreach the public interest or foist a situation of complete helplessness or ‘fait accompli’ on the Federal High Court.”
“Nigerian courts frown upon any act of self-help and are always swift in repelling such conduct by sending strong signal that they are not being used as mere subterfuge to tie the hands of one party while the other helps himself extra-judicially.”
“Implementing the increase in ATM transaction fees while the duly served and acknowledged interlocutory application and the substantive lawsuit on the matter are pending before the court would pose a direct threat to the integrity of the country’s judicial system and the rule of law.”
“The credibility and relevance of the judicial system risk being undermined, potentially encouraging other ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs] to adopt dismissive attitudes toward pending cases in court.”
“The CBN ought to uphold its general duty to act in good faith, and to refrain from taking any action that may undermine the integrity of the country’s judicial process by immediately suspending the implementation of the increase in ATM transaction fees pending the hearing and determination of the lawsuit on the matter.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken urgently to ensure respect for the integrity of the judicial process and the rule of law.”
“It is in the public interest to keep the streams of justice clear and pure, and to maintain the authority and integrity of the court in the case.”
“SERAP had on 21 February 2025 filed the lawsuit with number FHC/L/CS/344/2025 against the CBN over the failure to reverse the patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust increase in ATM transaction fees.”
“The court processes were duly served on 26 February 2025 on the CBN in Abuja. The CBN has acknowledged receipt of the processes.”
“In the lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to determine ‘whether the decision by the CBN to increase ATM transaction fees is not arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable, and contrary to the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.’”
“It is in the public interest to keep the streams of justice clear and pure, and to maintain the authority and integrity of the court in the case.”
“SERAP notes that since assumption of office in May 2023 you have repeatedly promised, including in your inaugural speech, that ‘Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the Constitution and the rule of law.’”
“Protecting the right to a judicial recourse and due administration of justice is of utmost importance, being the cornerstone of an ordered society. The only way in which SERAP can have a fair and effective access to justice in this matter is to allow the court to decide, one way or the other, on the merits of the case before it.”
“The core of the principle of judicial independence is the complete liberty of the judge to hear and decide the cases before them on the basis of facts and in accordance with the law, without any improper interference, direct or indirect.”
“Section of 8(1) of Central Bank of Nigeria Act provides that, ‘The Governor and Deputy-Governors shall be persons of recognized financial experience and shall be appointed by the President subject to confirmation by the Senate on such terms and conditions as may be set out in their respective letters of appointment.’”
“Section 6(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that ‘judicial powers of the Federation shall be vested in the courts to which this section relates, being courts established for the Federation.’”
“Section 6 provides that, ‘the judicial powers vested in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section –(a) shall extend, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this constitution, to all inherent powers and sanctions of a court of law.’”
“The provisions also provide: ‘(b) the judicial powers shall extend to all matters between persons, or between government or authority and to any person in Nigeria, and to all actions and proceedings relating thereto, for the determination of any question as to the civil rights and obligations of that person.’”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
2/03/2025
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
I had initially resolved to refrain from commenting on the ongoing dispute between my beloved wife, Senator Natasha-Akpoti Uduaghan, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
However, recent developments have compelled me to issue the statement.
It is clear that certain sentiments are being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values.
Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasize that my wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect and confidence they have in her and she is committed to delivering quality representation to her district and the Nation at large. She is a devoted wife and the bond we share is deep and unwavering. She has always remained truthful, even in the face of adversity.
My wife has confided in me about her interactions with the Senate President, whom I considered a family friend. In response, I approached the matter with the utmost maturity and responsibility, as it is my duty as a traditional leader who has immense respect for constituted authority and upholds core family values, foster peace and harmony. I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honouring the friendship between us. We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably.
However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President.
I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and I am fully committed to our marriage, which is grounded in love, compassion and mutual respect. I would never trade her for anything as she is the greatest joy of my life.
I now respectfully urge the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate President to treat my beloved wife with the respect and dignity she truly deserves while the relevant authorities and the court determine the underlying issues.
HIGH CHIEF EMMANUEL ORITSEJOLOMI UDUAGHAN
ALEMA OF WARRI