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CBN Donates 500 Textbooks To Public Secondary Schools In Delta

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CBN Donates 500 Textbooks To Public Secondary Schools In Delta

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s part of efforts to complement Delta State Government’s determination to improve the education sector as well as enhance academic performance among students in public secondary schools in the state, the management of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has donated 500 copies of a textbook, “Common Errors in English”, published by Allan Woods Ltd, to public secondary schools in Delta State.

Receiving the books, on behalf of the state government in Asaba yesterday (10/02/2020), the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary, Chief Patrick Ukah, lauded the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and his management team for the initiative.

Chief Ukah, who said the books would go a long way in addressing common grammatical errors among students especially now that most of them would be writing Senior School Certificate Examinations(SSCE) and other external examinations, stated that the books would be judiciously distributed to Libraries in the various public secondary schools in the state.

Presenting the books to the commissioner, the Asaba Branch Controller of the CBN, Mrs. Patricia Ukwu, said that the initiative was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility in a bid to tackle certain prevalent common errors in English Language and encourage reading culture among students.

While disclosing that the book had passed through the Nigeria Research Council for approval, Mrs. Ukwu urged the commissioner to ensure that the books were distributed to public secondary schools in the state for the benefit of the students.

 

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Escapee Convicted Nigeria Army Officer Arrested In Benin Republic

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Escapee Convicted Nigeria Army Officer Arrested In Benin Republic

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n officer in the Nigerian Army, Major Akeem Oseni, who was convicted by a General Court Martial in Abuja and escaped from court premises, has been arrested in Benin Republic.

Oseni, who is one of three army personnel jailed on Friday for 10 years over the death of a Lance Corporal, Benjamin Collins, was arrested on Monday at the Cotonou International Airport around 2pm.

Our correspondent also learnt that some soldiers had been detained and were being quizzed by the Army Headquarters Garrison, in relation to how Oseni escaped in the first instance.

PUNCH Metro had reported on Monday that Oseni, whose judgment was delivered by the General Court Martial in Command Mess, Asokoro, told court officials he was going to use the toilet before he escaped.

It had also been reported that the Nigerian Army launched a manhunt for the officer and sent a signal to all its units and formations to arrest him.

The army signal had noted that the police and the Department of State Services had been informed and they had joined the search party.

The other two army personnel who were jailed 10 years alongside Oseni were Major Ogbemudia Osawe and Second Lieutenant Nuhu Dogary.

An official statement on Monday obtained by our correspondent confirmed that the army major was arrested in Benin Republic.

The statement said, “The escapee officer has been arrested in the Cotonou International Airport around 2pm while waiting to board a Cote D’Ivoire airline by 5pm to the United States; same is currently in the custody of the Benin Republican Force and awaiting international protocols for repatriation back to Nigeria.”

An authoritative source also told our correspondent on Monday that one Captain Chime and a lieutenant had been detained for allegedly allowing Oseni to escape.

He said, “The fugitive major was arrested in Benin Republic. Two officers were immediately detained after his escape from the court on Friday.

“A board of inquiry has also been set up by the army to investigate the circumstances surrounding Oseni’s escape. The board is expected to commence sitting immediately.”

Punch

Delta Police Recovers Indian Hemp, Codeine,Cocaine Worth Millions of Naira

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Delta Police Recovers Indian Hemp, Codeine,Cocaine Worth Millions of Naira

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State Police Command nabs Five suspects in possession of substances confirmed to be Cocaine, Indian hemp, Codeine and other liquid contents worth millions . The suspects arrested  with the prohibited substances were on Tuesday, February 11, paraded alongside over 80 suspected criminals at the headquarters of the State Police Command in Asaba.

Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa in charge of the command at his maiden press briefing and parade of suspects arrested in the state since assumption of duty in Delta on January 2, 2020, credited his achievements within the period under review to the confidence reposed on him and his officers through collaborative efforts.

While recounting that the journey hasn’t been easy, especially the ultimate sacrifice paid by some officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, CP Inuwa flanked by top management team of the command said, “this has not deterred us but has rather strengthened the personnel of the command by putting extra efforts to achieve these remarkable achievements”.

On the recovery of Indian Hemp (weed), packs of Codeine, liquid mixtures and Cocaine, the CP informed that the cases were still under investigations to enable the Police seamlessly transfer the suspects to court.

He narrated that, “On the 09/01/2020 at about 1310hrs, based on information, the house and premises of one Lawrence Owoh ‘m’ indigene of Ebonyi State, resident at GRA, phase 5 behind Ibori Golf Course Area, Asaba was raided by personnel of Crack Squad, Asaba and one Lawrence Owoh ‘m’ was arrested. Exhibits recovered- two (2) cartons of treated weeds, three (3) bags of wrapped Indian hemp, five (5) and half bags of Indian hemp, two (2) cartons of codeine, one (1) bag containing liquid substance suspected to be soaked Indian hemp with spirit drink, fifteen (15) liters of liquid substance suspected to be soaked Indian hemp, one (1) carton of rizzler and cash sum of four hundred and sixty four thousand, two hundred and seventy naira only.”

Continuing, “On the 17/01/2020 at about 0630hrs, based on Information, the house and premises of one Arinze Ibenezim ‘m’ indigene of Rivers State, resident at Flat 2, Chief Odogwu close behind Central Bank of Nigeria, Asaba was raided by personnel of Crack Squad, Asaba and one Chiamaka Ibenezim ‘f’ 25yrs, Uchenna Azubuike 28yrs, Innocent Chiweke ‘m’ 30yrs and Ibe Nwosu ‘m’ 29yrs were arrested. Exhibits recovered- Eighteen (18) wraps of substances confirmed to be cocaine, other items tied in three nylons confirmed to be crack cocaine, sixty (60) pens used for sniffing cocaine and cash sum of N194, 500”.

The command on the watch of CP Hafiz Inuwa since January 2, 2020, has apprehended 41 armed robbery suspects, 8 kidnappers, 16 cultists, 8 internet fraudsters, 4 murder culprits and 8 for stealing with a total recovery of 35 firearms, 266 live/ expended cartridges and 62 live ammunition.

Other recoveries are, 2 stolen vehicles, 16 motorcycles, 1 tricycles, One bundle of candle wire, 16 mobile phones, 10 machetes, 2 jack knife, POS Machine, Bank ATM Cards, Sim Cards, voters card, cult regalia, candles, rings and wristwatches.

NAFDAC has arrested five persons and confiscated three vehicles With Fake Drugs In Delta

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NAFDAC has arrested five persons and confiscated three vehicles With Fake Drugs In Delta

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested five persons and confiscated three vehicles found with counterfeit and substandard drugs in Asaba, Delta State capital.

Dr Christiana Esenwah, Deputy Director, Head, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement and Federal Task Force Office on counterfeit and Fake Drug, South East and South South Zone, told newsmen in Asaba, that the suspects were arrested with the drivers of the vehicles at Abraka Market along Onitsha-Asaba Highway last Friday.

She said those involved in the haulage of the fake and substandard products would be taken to Court in due course.

According to the NAFDAC South-South and South-East zones, the team was ready to work with the general public to curb the menace of fake, counterfeits and substandard drugs in the zone and indeed to save the lives of Nigerians.

She lamented the huge cost to the general public, should these substandard products filter into the market unnoticed, saying that fake and substandard drugs accounts for the many deaths recorded daily which could have been prevented using genuine products.

Esenwah said that the team on full examination of the trucks, discovered that there were violation,  with included, Tramadol, Panadol Extra, Depo-Provera injection, Insulin, Dano vaccine, Talita Super, and Tetanus Antitoxin.

“We intercepted three vehicles which were loaded with counterfeits, fake, adulterated, unregistered and improperly stored medication.

“In fact inside the trucks, we got some ban and control products which were loaded and enroute Kano and other places; with privilege information by concern citizens we were able to intersect the trucks.

“The products were loaded at the bridge head market, Onitsha, so with the available information, we were able with the aid of police to intercept two DAF Trucks and a J5 bus at Abraka Market, along Onitsha-Asaba Highway in Asaba.

“Tramadol is a controls product that is not to be handled by just anybody because of the adverse effect of taking the product, besides these (200mg) products here in the trucks were not allowed to be registered by NAFDAC.

“Again, the Depo- Provera Injection, here have scratch pin which a consumer should scratch to get information about the product, but this particular product  is fake because the scratch pin cannot be scratched.

“We also have the Analgin Injection in the vehicles and this has been ban in Nigeria because of its adverse effect; we have  Dano vaccines and other vaccines in the trucks without cold chain and the insulin also without cold chain storage, making these drugs impotent and harmful.

“The Panadol Extra here are fake and we have veterinary products here that are also fake, they are not registered with NAFDAC,” she said.

Esenwah, said that the costs of fake drugs to the general public could not really be quantified in monetary terms.

EFCC: How Theodore Orji Withdrew N500m Every Month For Eight Years From State Funds

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EFCC: How Theodore Orji Withdrew N500m Every Month For Eight Years From State Funds

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria Anti-graft agency ,The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC)  has revealed how Theodore Orji, a former governor of Abia State, withdrew N500m from the state’s account for eight years. The commission said the former governor started the monthly withdrawal when he was Chief of Staff to convicted former governor of the state, Orji Uzor Kalu.

EFCC has been looking into various financial malfeasance of Orji following a petition by an anti-graft group, Fight Corruption: Save Nigeria Group.

It was alleged that the various withdrawals were diverted to personal use.

The amount, the investigation revealed, was aside from the security funds expended on the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Navy etc, purchase of security equipment and vehicles for agencies.

The investigation, according to sources, was extended to his family members to ascertain their link and culpability.

Theodore Orji’s first son, Chinendum, who is currently Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and his brother are now frequent guests at the EFCC headquarters where they are explaining what they know about the fraudulent withdrawals.

The agency has traced 100 slush accounts to Chinedum.

Over 145 accounts used to coordinate the transfer of N150bn have been linked to Orji’s family.

Some of the funds illegally transferred by the family alleged in the petition include: N383bn revenue from federal accounts; N55bn Excess Crude Revenue; N2.3bn Sure-P; N1.8bn Ecological funds; N10.5bn loan from First Bank of Nigeria through the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs.

Others are N12bn Paris Club refund; N2bn Agricultural loan for farmers and N55bn ASOPADEC funds.

“Fotoworld Industry Limited, with GTB account number 2022025805 was traced to Chinedum. The company received deposit of $20, 849, 044.21

“Same company with another account number 2022025764 in First Bank of Nigeria received a cumulative deposit of N362, 573, 056.50.

“Fotoworld has several other accounts with FBN. The accounts and deposits are: 2026144229, $84, 000 cash deposit between 2014 and 2015; between 2012 and 2015, account number 2022025764 housed N342, 573, 056.50; Account number 2022025939between November 2012 and July 2015 received a deposit of £1, 689, 320.89.

“The GTB account 0039060117 of the same company housed N88, 300, 000 between February 2009 and July 2014.

“Exact Construction Limited, traced to Chinedum, is believed to have no record of any construction work in the country; also received humongous deposits in Keystone Bank where account was opened.

“Between October 2008 and February 2015, the company account number 005374800 had deposits of N1, 188, 924, 190.41,” the petition added.

Acting spokesperson for the EFCC, Tony Orilade, also confirmed that the anti-graft agency was conducting an investigation on financial crimes involving Theodore Orji.

Coronavirus: We are ready to contain disease if it breaks out in Nigeria – Health minister

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Coronavirus: We are ready to contain disease if it breaks out in Nigeria – Health minister

[dropcap]H[/dropcap]on. Osagie Ehanire, the minister of health, assures Nigerians that the health ministry in collaboration with the Lagos state government is well ready to contain the novel coronavirus if eventually the disease eventually breaks out in Nigeria – Ehanire notes that Lagos state is ready to combat the virus as there are high readiness and awareness in the state – The minister commends the Lagos state government for taking proactive steps to contain against the outbreak of any infectious disease in the state Osagie Ehanire, the minister of health, has said the health ministry in collaboration with Lagos state, is well prepared and ready to contain the novel coronavirus disease if eventually, it breaks out in Nigeria. The minister gave the assurance on Sunday, February 9, shortly after he inspected a health facility at the Mainland Hospital, Yaba in Lagos designated for the coronavirus victims .

Ehanire says Lagos state is ready to combat the Coronavirus as there are high readiness and awareness in the state Source: UGC He said Lagos state was ready to combat the virus, as there was high readiness and awareness in the state. “I can say that Lagos State is well prepared; there is a high level of readiness here, and also the awareness is there,” he said. Enahire also commended the Lagos state government for taking proactive steps to contain against the outbreak of any infectious disease in the state.

He said the level of preparedness put in place showed that the state had learnt lessons from the Ebola episode of 2014. Meanwhile, the federal government said it plans to spend about N620m to prevent the outbreak of the viral coronavirus in Nigeria. Osagie Ehanire, the minister of health made the disclosure when he addressed the Senate committee on health about what the ministry was doing to prevent an outbreak of coronavirus in Nigeria .

The minister said the ministry of health had already submitted a memo for the release of the sum of N620m to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Ehanire noted the ministry has already held a meeting to deploy port health services to screen all passengers coming into Nigeria. In another report, the lawmaker representing Anambra South senatorial district at the ninth Senate, Ifeanyi Ubah, has said the illegal exportation of facial masks to China from Nigeria is currently booming.

The Cable reports that Ubah said over 100 million face masks have been illegally exported to China since the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease. Speaking on Thursday, February 6, while moving a motion entitled “Urgent need to checkmate unpatriotic profiteering and illegal exportation of face masks to Asia”, the senator said the exportation of these masks have led to the hike in the price of the item.

Still on health, the Kogi state Ministry of Health has confirmed nine cases of Lassa fever with four deaths recorded since the outbreak of the deadly disease in the state about a month ago. Dr Austin Ojotule, the State Epidemiologist, disclosed this in statement in Lokoja on Sunday. According to Ojotule, the state’s statistics on Lassa fever outbreak update as at Febuary 8, 2020, has a total of 31 suspected cases. He said out of the 31 suspected cases of Lassa fever, one was probable, 17 negative, nine confirmed, while five had pending laboratory results.

Panic At Issele-Azagba, Five Days After Invasion

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Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]ension is still palpably high in Issele- Asagba, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, following the alleged shooting of two herders in the early hours of Sat­urday, hours after the invasion of the community last week and the kidnap of 13-year old girl and a middle-aged man, by suspected herdsmen. The pall of fear which has enveloped the community came against the break of a somewhat cheery news of the safe return of the abductees, yester­day and the assurance of the state government that it would do all in its power to encourage the conventional security forces and local vigilance groups to enhance security in the affected com­munity. The fear of the community is hinged on the fear of the prospect of reprisal attack by some herders who were said to have been hurt by gunfire in a skirmish with locals.

While the herders are currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital, the com­munity is experiencing the relocation of some residents for fear of a reprisal attack, leaving the community almost deserted.

This, incidentally, is coming on the heels of the release of the 13-year old girl and a middle-aged man, Engr, Sebas­tine, reportedly kidnapped alongside the teenager by suspected herdsmen at Issele-Azagba.

The two were released four days after they were taken captive by their abduc­tors. It could not be confirmed, at press time, last night, whether ransom was paid by relations or not.

According to our sources, the sus­pected kidnappers, directed the girl’s father to buy food and meet them at Abu-Isi, Otulu village in Aniocha South Local Government Area by 10:00pm on Saturday. It was learnt that one of the suspected kidnappers came on a bike and took the man to their den, where they released his daughter to him, “after counting the ransom money to ensure it was correct”.

All effort to reach the girl and her father proved abortive, as it was learnt her parents had taken her out of town for medical examination. The release of the girl and the man came as the state government assured that it would not relent in its support for security formations in the state to enhance the security of lives and property in the state. Information Commissioner, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, whoo spoke in reaction to the latest incident in Issele-Azagba, said the priority of the state government was the all-round security of the citizens. Aniagwu said that, in pursuit of that goal of a potent security architecture in the state, the administration of Senator Ifeany Okowa woud not relent in its support for all security agencies in the state.

Meanwhile, speaking to The Pointer, the National Adviser to Issele-Azagba Development Union (IADU), Sir. Paul Offor, said that the people were confused and ‘do not know what to do and who was responsible for the attack of the said Fulani herdsmen, adding that they heard gunshots in the morning of the fateful day but could not ascertain where they came from. He said that the police team was earlier seen, parading the community in the morning, stressing that they had resolved to investigate the shooting, after a meeting between the Fulani leaders, community chiefs and the traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Obi Jideuwa Ijei, the Obi of Issele-Azagba.

In a chat the Youth Chairman of Issele-Azagba community, Comrade Edozie Ogegbu, confirmed the release of Deborah and appealed for a Police station to be established in the community to help check the menace of kidnappers and other criminal activities in the area.

Comrade Ogegbu decried a situation where all the promises made by government when Azagba Mixed Secondary School was attacked last year October, were yet to be fulfilled. He specifically mentioned the non-fencing of the school, which still makes the place porous and the inability of the govern­ment to complete the tarring of the about two kilometers stretch between the community and Otulu. He revealed that since after the school attacked, the community had been pay­ing stipend to the Vigilante to watch over the school to give a sense of security to teachers and students.

On the two herdsmen that were allegedly shot and were currently receiving treatment, he absolved the community of responsibility, saying that they were peace-loving people.

When contacted on phone yesterday, the Police Public Rela­tions Officer (PPRO), DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the release of the two victims by their abductors. She also confirmed that the two herdsmen wounded with gun shots were receiving treatment in the hospital.Culled from Pointer

 

Exposed: Inside Story Of Delta APC Crisis

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Exposed: Inside Story Of Delta APC Crisis

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he war of acrimony in the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress( APC) between the once united pair of Chief Great Ogboru and the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege has worsend after more associates of Ogboru were sanctioned by a faction allegedly loyal to Omo- Agege.

In the latest suspensions, two local government chairmen of the party from Ukwuani and Uvwie, who are loyal to Ogboru, were removed from office after absenting themselves from a reception organized for the state chairman of the party, Prophet Jones Erue in Warri.

Besides the two that were recently removed, seven other allies of Ogboru’s were earlier suspended this week for allegedly being involved in a failed plot to remove Erue as state chairman.

Among those suspended were the deputy chairman of the party, Elvis Ayomanor, Delta South Senatorial chairman, Tosan Awani and the state woman leader, Mrs. Janet Oyubu.

All those suspended or removed were alleged to have been privy to the plot allegedly orchestrated by the Ogboru camp to remove Erue from office.

Ogboru, was the candidate of the party in the 2019 governorship election in the state. His strong presence in Delta Central, complemented by the doggedness of Senator Omo- Agege, helped to oust the former leader of the party in the state, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, out of reckoning.

Ahead of the 2019 elections, it was learned that the trio of Erue, Omo-Agege, and Ogboru with other stakeholders had agreed on how party positions would be dispensed with Erue being promised the position of NDDC chairman which was due to Delta State.

However, that became impossible after the National Chairman; Comrade Adams Oshiomhole showed interest in having the position for his camp in Edo State ahead of the faceoff with Governor Godwin Obaseki. “That was how Erue lost out for the position of chairman.”

Other party figures, especially those aligned to Ogboru, however, felt that it was beneath the dignity of the chairman of the party to take the position of state representative.

Erue was said to have been urged to reject the position, but he was said to have resisted the pressure on the argument that it would have sent strong signals of arrogance to the party leadership and the Federal Government.

The nomination it was learnt became an issue for those aligned with Ogboru. It was in the midst of the pressure that a petition campaign was initiated. Sources in the Erue/Omo- Agege camps alleged that various sums of money ranging from N250,000 to N500,000 were given to members of the state working committee and local government chairmen to sign in order to remove Erue as chairman.

“They were not shown the content of the paper, but only told to sign and collect their money,” a source close to Erue said.

However, the Ogboru camp debunked the claims saying that no petition was ever written against Erue.

“What was being proposed was for a meeting of the state working committee. How can you have a party where things revolve only around the chairman,” the source embedded in the Ogboru camp asked?

“Can you imagine that for almost one year, no meeting of the state exco has been conducted? When people were asking for a meeting for the state exco, they now branded it as a petition for somebody’s removal,” the pro-Ogboru source said as he challenged the Erue camp to produce any evidence of a coup.

Meanwhile, suspicions continue to shadow the relationship between Omo-Agege and Ogboru.

It was alleged that the ex-convict case that was brought against Omo-Agege according to some sources was brought by Ogboru’s camp as a way of smearing the ascendancy of Omo- Agege in the party.

However, sources close to the DSP say that they may have cleared Ogboru or his associates of culpability in the ex-convict case.

During the week, senior party chieftains affirmed that the party in Delta State is now completely in comatose on account of the increasing suspicions between the Ogboru and Omo- Agege camps. Senior party chieftains who could otherwise effect healing such as Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the immediate past governor of the state have largely been unable to act.

The pair of Ogboru and Omo-Agege took the pre-eminence in the party over the rival tendency led by multi billionaire Olorogun Otega Emerhor ahead of the 2019 elections and put all those associated with the former insurance tycoon to the cold.

Emerhor was left home and dry as his associates, including Speaker emeritus of the Delta State House of Assembly, Engr. Victor Ochei, among others, were left out reckoning.

“Emerhor has told his supporters not to comment on it, not to talk to anybody and not to even post anything on social media about it,” a source said.

Reflective of the position those contacted yesterday refused to speak on it on record.

The Erue/Omo-Agege camp had also pushed forward with a petition to Oshiomhole, accusing Ogboru of plots to distabilise the party.

That petition was, however, dismissed in a counter last Wednesday by the state secretary of the party Comrade Chidi Okonji and his assistant, Barr. Ese Agiri, who in a joint statement, dismissed the suspension of seven officers of the executive as ordered by the Erue faction as they affirmed that they had not held a meeting of the state executive in the last one year.

“The attention of APC Delta State has been drawn to two press releases signed by one Barr. Oghenelueme Sylvester Imonina (a self-acclaimed APC Delta State Publicity Secretary) titled, ‘Constitution of vacant Senatorial Positions in APC Delta State’ and ‘APC suspends Delta State Deputy Chairman, seven others for alleged misconduct. Culled from Urhobotoday.com

Onyeme To Speak At 2020 Maris Annual Public Lecture

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Onyeme To Speak At 2020 Maris Annual Public Lecture

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State Board of Internal Revenue, Chairman, Chief (Sir) Monday Onyeme has been chosen to deliver the 2020 edition of Maris annual public service lecture series.

In a press statement jointly signed by Chief (Dr.) Kenneth Olise and Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, Chairman and Secretary of Maris Trust Council, organisers of the annual lecture series, Chief Onyeme will speak on the topic, “Effective Tax Administration In The Delivery Of Democratic Dividends.”

They said Maris annual lecture was designed to proffer solutions to the challenges of the society and set new agenda for humanity.

“From the local government areas, the state and federal governments, one issue that cannot be toyed with is tax.

“Tax comes in different forms and in our desire to always enlighten the public, proffer solutions to challenges and set agenda for the people, Chief Monday Onyeme, a recognised tax administrator who has bagged two terms as Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) has been chosen to deliver the lecture.

“Apart from the fact that Chief Onyeme is the Chairman of DBIR, his choice was also borne out of the fact that he has a wonderful track records as Accountant in reputable organisations such as the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba and served meritoriously as the Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

“Chief Onyeme also has series of businesses which distinguished him as a tax administrator who is knowledgeable about what it takes to embark on projects and also pay tax.

“Bearing in mind our calendar of having the lecture on the Wednesday preceding Easter celebration, this year’s edition will hold on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 12 noon prompt.

“As one of the most attended events in the state, the lecture will take place at Orchid Hotel, DBS Road, Asaba and for the convenience of those who be flying in through the Asaba International Airport from different parts of the world on that day, the lecture will commence at exactly 12 noon.

“Experts in different fields that are related to tax have been carefully chosen to be discussants at the lecture

“Recall that last year, the immediate past Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Williams Makinde delivered the lecture where he spoke on the topic, “MANAGING POST-ELECTION CHALLENGES: Nigeria As Case Study”.

“The 2019 edition has been judged to be a huge success as it met its objectives of calming frayed nerves and engendering a peaceful environment ahead of the inauguration of a new government in Delta State and Nigeria in general on May 29, 2019.

“It is worthy to state that the lecture series instituted by Maris Trust Council in memory of late Miss Stellamaris Chukwufunimnenya Egugbo had the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa who was represented at the occasion by the present Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije in attendance at that 2019 edition of the lecture.

“The Oshimili Atata of Asaba, Chief Nicholas Chizea, was the Chairman of the occasion and Senator Stella Omu, a renowned politician, Barr. Fred Majemite, Dr. David Oba of the National Open University of Nigeria and Ms. Faith Nwadishi of the Civil Society were there as discussants while Dr. Kemi Emina was the Moderator.

“Rev. Fr. John Konyeke, Barr. (Mrs) Josephine Ada Kachikwu, the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ochor Christopher Ochor, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Hon. Joyce Overah, security agencies and people from different walks of life were also present at that lecture.

“We appreciate Governor Okowa for providing the enabling environment for such discuss to take place in the state annually; we are also grateful to all of you out there who are playing different roles, including physical presence at the lectures as we believe that by God’s grace, this year’s edition will be better.

“The lecture is free and there is no discrimination in terms of attendance to enable it meet with the set goals of engendering an egalitarian society; partnership from individuals and corporate organisations will also be welcomed,” they said.

AT LAST SENATE INVITES NDDC INTERIM MNGT. COMMITTEE TO DEFEND COMMISSION’S BUDGET

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AT LAST SENATE INVITES NDDC INTERIM MNGT. COMMITTEE TO DEFEND COMMISSION’S BUDGET

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Senate has finally invited the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to defend the budget proposals and estimates of the Commission, scheduled for Wednesday, 12th February, 2020.

A statement by the Ag. Managing Director/CEO of the Board, Gbene Dr. Joi Nunieh reads thus: “The Senate has invited the NDDC to defend its budget on Wednesday, next week. I am happy to say that the people of the Niger Delta will begin to see the activities of the NDDC. Hopefully, we will make a good case in defending the budget.

“I thank the leadership of the Senate for showing commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region. I assure them that we will use every Kobo budgeted prudently and wisely.

It would be recalled that a crisis of identity over who would defend the NDDC Budget, between the then NDDC reconstituted but not inaugurated Board, by President Muhammadu Buhari and confirmed by the Senate and the three-member Interim Management Committee, inaugurated by Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio and endorsed by President Buhari to act as the NDDC Board and conduct a forensic audit of the Commissions operations, before a substantive Board would be inaugurated.

The Senate and House of Representatives had differed over which body would be invited to he National Assembly to defend the Budget, after President Buhari had forwarded the 2019 and 2020 budgets of the Commission to the two chambers of the National Assembly for their consideration and approval, in November 2019.

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, referred the budget estimates to the Senate Committee on Niger Delta with a standing instruction to relate strictly with the nominees on the board of the agency screened and confirmed by the Senate since November 5, 2019.

The House of Representatives however had, through the Chairman, House Committee on the NDDC, Olubunmi Tunji – Ojo, differed with the Senate by stating categorically that the House would not have anything to do with the confirmed board.

According to Tunji – Ojo, the House would only have interactions with the Interim Management Committee of the commission as the acting Managing Director, Dr. Gbene Nunieh, would lead her team to defend the budgets.

He had said: “The board doesn’t defend the budget, it is the management that defends the budget. As far as there is no other directive from the leadership of the House of Representatives, our committee will go ahead with the budget defence with the interim management team.

“The budget has been referred to our committee and the management would defend it. Unless the board is inaugurated, we won’t allow them to come and defend the budget’” he said.

A stalemate had ensued and the NDDC Budget had been in abeyance until January 2020, when President Buhari had written another letter to the Senate where it was stated that the earlier board members confirmed by the Senate should be put on hold, pending the conclusion of work by the Interim Management Committee that is carrying out a forensic audit of the commission.

The letter from the President, dated December 27, 2019 and received January 11, 2020, reads thus: “I write to intimate the Senate of the development concerning the appointment of the board of NDDC. The Senate may wish to note that after the dissolution of the board of NDDC, an interim management team was set up to manage the affairs of the commission before a new board was composed and sent for Senate confirmation.

“The Senate is invited to note that while the process of composition and senate confirmation of the appointment of the board was on-going, I had directed that the forensic audit of the commission be carried out which is being overseen by the constituted interim management team.

“This is to allow the interim team continue to manage the commission pending the outcome of the forensic audit.

“Thereafter, a new board of the commission will be re-composed for the confirmation by the Senate.”

The official suspension, by Presidential directive, of inaugurating a new substantive board for the NDDC, has thus, finally cleared the dust of controversy and granted the Dr. Joi Nunieh led Interim Management Committee of the Commission, full clearance and authority to defend the NDDC Budget before the Senate and National Assembly, without further delay.

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