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Nigeria: Kaduna Uncovers Activities Of Fraudsters Issuing Fake Tax Clearance Certificates,… Alerts Security Operatives To Checkmate

News

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14/09/2024

Kaduna State Government has raised alarm over the activities of criminal elements and fraudsters issuing fake Government tax certificates, receipts and licences to defraud the citizens.

It therefore urged the public to report those engaged in such illegal activities to security operatives for immediate apprehension and prosecution of the criminals.

In a statement by the Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Jerry Adams on Friday, “the attention of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has been drawn to the activities of some unscrupulous individuals and groups operating in various strategic locations across the state, falsely claiming to be empowered by the Service to collect levies.”

He said that “these individuals, who can best be described as criminals, have formed a coordinated cartel, deceiving unsuspecting members of the public and engaging in criminal activities that undermine the integrity of the state’s revenue collection process”, adding, “we wish to categorically state that these individuals are not affiliated with KADIRS, and we have not authorized any person or group outside of our official channels to collect any form of levies or taxes on behalf of the Service.”

Adams said: ” We strongly advise all residents to be vigilant and refrain from engaging with these impostors. KADIRS is fully committed to ending this menace and has already begun

apprehending some of those involved and we are committed to fish out the rest and their sponsors.”

” We urge the public to report any suspicious activities or persons claiming to represent KADIRS without proper identification and authorization. It is crucial to note that all payments are made through the official KADIRS channels to avoid falling victim to these fraudsters.”

Besides, Adams remarked, “furthermore, it has come to our notice that fake Tax Clearance Certificates, vehicle licenses and number plates are being floated across the State. This criminal activity not only defrauds the state but also undermines the trust placed in our institution by the good people of Kaduna State. We are taking stringent measures to identify and deal with anyone involved in these illegal activities and

their cohorts.”

“We assure the public that any staff or any other persons for that matter, who are found aiding these criminals or participating in fraudulent practices will face the full weight of the law.

To our esteemed taxpayers, we urge you to ensure that all tax clearance applications and payments are done through proper channels. Under no circumstances should payments be made to any private accounts or individuals.”

All official payments are to be made only through approved KADIRS channels, such as designated banks or our official digital platforms.”

We want to reassure all residents that KADIRS is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and accountability in all our operations. Together, we can end this criminality and ensure that the revenue collection process in Kaduna State remains fair, transparent, and effective”.

Source: The guardian

Nigeria: Customs Boss Tasks New Management Officers On Mentorship

Economy

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14/09/2024

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Nigeria: Customs Boss Tasks New Management Officers On Mentorship

By Martha Agas

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has tasked the newly confirmed Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCG) and Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACG) on mentoring the service’s personnel.

Adeniyi made the call during the investiture of the officers at the service headquarters on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCS’s Board, during its 60th regular meeting on Tuesday, confirmed the appointment of two DCGs and five ACGs to join the management team.

The appointments were made in response to the statutory retirement of senior officers and are fully aligned with the Federal Character Policy, as outlined in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The C-G said that the newly decorated officers have shown competence, diligence, and commitment in the discharge of their duties and other responsibilities assigned to them.

According to Adeniyi, the qualities demonstrate their exceptional ability to mentor younger officers in the service.

“So there is going to be a rich depth of people that can give you (NCS personnel) inspiration for what you do.

“They will provide mentorship and guidance for the younger generation of officers that are coming.

“We are in a period when we should begin to identify, nurture, and cultivate those that will form the future leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service, and we must therefore put our emphasis on merit,” he said.

He urged the newly promoted officers not to relent in their efforts to perform their constitutional duties, as their new positions come with higher obligations and responsibilities.

He expressed confidence that, due to their pedigrees and selection on merit, they will effectively carry out the critical roles of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling.

“It is expected that they will justify the confidence that we have reposed in them.

“Therefore, the virtues of commitment, of dedication, of discipline, and, most importantly, exemplary conduct, are expected from all of you.

“I want you to continue to use merit or to depend on merit to drive your operations,” he said.

The C-G thanked the spouses of the officers for their support in enabling the officers to accomplish great feats in the service.

He urged them to offer more support and understanding, as the new responsibilities would require greater commitment.

He congratulated the officers on their new appointments and wished them success in their new responsibilities.

Responding on behalf of the newly decorated officers, DCG Olaniyi Alajogun assured the C-G of their commitment to duties.

He acknowledged his fairness and equity in the various appointments, particularly adhering to seniority cadre and reflecting the provisions of federal character for appointments.

NAN reports that the senior officers decorated were Olaniyi Alajogun, DCG in charge of Enforcement, Investigation, and Inspection; and Kikelomo Adeola, DCG to head the new Information Communication Technology Modernisation unit.

Timi Bomodi, ACG to oversee Enforcement Investigation and Inspection; Babatunde Makinde, ACG in charge of Human Resources and Development.

Others are Odaudu Salefu, ACG, in charge of Doctrine and Coordination at the Training and Doctrine Command, and Isah Umar, ACG, in charge of Headquarters.

Nigeria: Jigawa Community Expels Cleric For Preaching Against Western Education

Education

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13/09/2024

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Nigeria: Jigawa Community Expels Cleric For Preaching Against Western Education

By Mohammed Suleiman, Dutse

Zandam Community in Gwaram local Government Area of Jigawa State, North West Nigeria, has expelled an Islamic cleric, Malam Shehu Ladan for preaching against Western education as well as the enrollment of children into conventional schools,

An action which was rebuffed by a Member representing Gwaram Constituency in the Jigawa state House of Assembly, Hon. Ado Yakubu Zandam.

The lawmaker who disclosed this , said the Cleric was expelled just in less than a week to his State of origin, Bauchi.

Mr Yakubu said this action is coming at a time when the Community leaders in the area were working assiduously to address the problems of out-of-school children in the area.

The lawmaker spoke to reporters at an event organised by the Jigawa State Basic Education Board (SUBED) in collaboration with UNICEF in Dutse, on the theme;” Out of School Children in Jigawa, Implications and Way Forward” .

Mr Yakubu said addressing the menace of out-of-school children requires a collaborative efforts. As a lawmaker, he said he has introduced programmes and policies to identify the challenges, including lnfluences of clerics on local communities preventing them from enrolling their children in conventional schools.

“A cleric was influencing locals not to enrol their children to acquire Western education, and we engaged him in discussion with the traditional leaders, thereby found that the cleric’s perspective on Western education was discouraging and misleading. Therefore, we decided to expel him because he was not a partner in progress, saying after all he is not an indigene of Jigawa state.

“Such kind of obstacles are being witnessed in various areas, and we are working on them”

He said they have identified other challenges hindering the enrollment of children in schools.

“We have identified 43 villages with high burdens of out-of-school children (in Gwaram LGA), and we were able to trace some of the problems. There are inter-community rivalry stopping the children of community ” A” from going to Community “B ” for schooling.

“Others are protesting lack of presence of schools in their community and they cannot go to nearby communities for schooling.
“Some parents will not allow their children to be enrolled under a particular village heads due to personal grudges.
“Some pupils walk a long distance to get water for their households, which prevents them from going to school. We have provided a borehole for them for immediate solutions”, Mr Yakubu said.

He said the problem of out-of-school children was being addressed from the grassroots by sharing ideas and identifying and providing solutions to the problems.

“The nomadic community has been neglected for a long time, and we are currently engaging them and enrolling the children back to schools, the lawmaker said.

On his part, the SUBEB Chairman, Professor Haruna Musa, said the state initiated other measures, such as engaging mothers’ associations, to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve learning in the state.

Professor Musa said many mothers are monitoring the learning outcomes of their children, going from class to class to ensure that teachers are teaching.

However, he lamented some parents lackadaisical attitude toward their children, which is compounding the problems.

“Others are protesting the lack of presence of schools in their community and they cannot go to nearby communities for schooling.

“Some parents will not allow their children to be enrolled under particular village heads due to personal grudges.

He said the problem of out-of-school children was being addressed from the grassroots by sharing ideas and identifying and providing solutions to the problems.

The meeting was aimed at seeing a reduction in the number of out-of-school children in Jigawa, said UNICEF’s education specialist, Muntaka Mohammed.

“Jigawa is number eight on the list of out-of-school children; however, gladly, the Jigawa State Government is investing huge resources to see that children enjoy their rights to education,” Mr Mohammed said.

The event, supported by the European Union (EU), was designed to underline most of the impetus associated with the remote cause, to proffer solutions to problems confronting out of schools on children, increase public awareness , for a way forward.

AMDF 6TH ANNUAL BAGUADA KALTHO LECTURE – Zhiro Jatau

Labour

News Editor

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12/09/2024

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For some time now, press freedom and media growth in Africa have been stifled, especially by politicians and overzealous law enforcement agents, who are bent on having things go their way. Their intensions have been carried out through various means, including harassment to imprisonment, and equipment seizure to demolition of media houses.

In line with that, the 6th Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture which holds on 19th September, 2024, will x-ray the negative impact of censorship on the media, and examine the relationship between the media and state actors.

The topic “Censorship and State Control: Analysis of African Countries where Press Freedom is Severely Restricted” is timely considering the strong desire of Africans to demand good governance and transparency from their leaders. Dr. Samson Omotosomhe of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria, who will present the paper intends to focus on African countries worst hit by this while analysing the effect on democracy.

His paper will be followed by a panel featuring journalists from Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan who will discuss the paper, drawing examples from what is happening in their respective countries, including personal experiences.

As usual, AMDF will use the opportunity provided by the Media Lecture to present the 2024 Courage in Journalism Awards to two deserving individuals, Nigerian Journalist Gabriel Idibia of Daily Times Newspapers, and Somalian journalist Alinur Salad, founder of Dawan Media. These two have demonstrated resilience and adherence to the rules of the profession while under fire.

They have also displayed courage by returning to their journalism work despite the oppressive experiences in the hands of authorities and hoodlums in their respective countries.

Bagauda Kaltho in whose memory the lecture is being held, was a courageous Nigerian journalist who went missing in a mysterious circumstance in 1996.

Zhiroh Jatau
AMDF Press Freedom Manager
zjatau@amdf-centre.org
12th September, 2024

Flooding: Relocate Vulnerable Populations From Floodplains- FG Tells States, LGs

Enivironment

News Editor

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12/09/2024

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Flooding: Relocate Vulnerable Populations From Floodplains- FG Tells States, LGs

The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a public advisory following the threat of increased flooding in some parts of the country.

It therefore urged States, Local Governments, Stakeholders and all citizens to among others:-
– Relocate vulnerable populations from floodplains, Avoid traveling to flood-prone areas, Follow evacuation orders, Desilt drainage systems while motorists and pedestrians are cautioned to avoid crossing heavy run-off flow as well as cut-off highways.

They are also advised to stay informed through official channels and adhere to flood forecasts/alerts, and that all incidences of flooding should be adequately reported.

The Minister,Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal handed down the Advisory at a news briefing following the severe flooding in Maiduguri, with many states across the country experiencing unprecedented levels of flooding.

He said the Ministry was working closely with State Governments, NEMA, and International Development Partners to minimize the impact of flooding as well as support affected communities assuring that their commitment to mitigating flood disasters remains unwavering.

Describing the Alau Dam flooding in Borno State, as a heartbreaking tragedy, the Minister said the unfortunate overflow of the dam has severely affected several communities, causing displacement and property damage.

“We are working closely with the Borno State Government and relevant agencies to provide support and bring succor to affected communities’, he assured.

Mallam Lawal said the Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Systems Center recently issued a flood alert on September 4, identifying 21 states as high-risk zones for flooding between September 4-8, 2024. In response to this alert, the Ministry promptly notified the affected states and stakeholders, urging them to take necessary precautions. Additionally, residents living in floodplains along the River Niger and River Benue were advised to evacuate immediately due to the imminent risk of flooding caused by rising river levels.

“The 2024 flood season has been particularly severe, with many states across the country experiencing unprecedented levels of flooding. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that over 1 million people have been affected, with thousands displaced and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed. “The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the humanitarian
Our hearts goes out to the families of the fatalities recorded. Together, we can reduce the effects of flooding and ensure a safer Nigeria. “We urge everyone to take necessary precautions and follow safety guidelines during this period”,

Gov. Ododo To The Living: Learn From Immaculate Brilliance, Honesty, Hardworking Attributes Of Late SAN. Yunus

News Editor

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12/09/2024

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Gov. Ododo To The Living: Learn From Immaculate Brilliance, Honesty, Hardworking Attributes Of Late SAN. Yunus

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has urged young Kogi indigenes to learn from the immaculate brilliance, honesty and hardworking attributes of the Late legal luminary, Yunus Ustaz Usman.

The advice is contained in a government statement to mourn the passing of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria who took a bow to death Wednesday Sept’ 11, 2024

“The Kogi State Government has received with deep shock and sadness, the passing of a distinguished Kogite, a legal luminary and one of the brightest stars in the legal profession until the star was dimmed by death, Mr Yunus Ustaz Usman, SAN.

“Until his death, Mr Yunus Ustaz Usman, SAN displayed exceptional professionalism and helped in building the body of legal knowledge. He was a shining example of the Kogi spirit that embodies excellence, industry and greatness.

“The Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo described the late Senior Advocate of Nigeria as a brilliant gentleman whose works spoke more than his words , urging young Kogites to learn from the immaculate brilliance, honesty and hardworking attributes of the late SAN.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to the good people of Dekina Local Government Area, the immediate and extended families of the late legal icon; the Nigerian Bar Association over the irreparable loss.

“The death of Mr Yunus Ustaz Usman is a loss to Dekina LGA, Kogi State, the legal profession and Nigeria as a whole. His charming legal mien and excellence will be greatly missed. May Allah repose his gentle soul, the statement concludes.

Nigeria: Kanwan Katsina Lauds Establishment Of Zakkat, Waqaf Board By Radda Administration

News

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12/09/2024

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Nigeria: Kanwan Katsina Lauds Establishment Of Zakkat, Waqaf Board By Radda Administration

...5000 To Receive Zakkat In Each Of The 34 LGAs

The Kanwan Katsina, District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara has commended the Katsina State Government for the establishment of Zakkat and Waqaf Board.

The commendation is contained in statement signed by the media aide and Sarkin Labarun Kanwa Jamilu Hashimu Gora and made available to newsmen in Katsina.

The Kanwan Katsina, according to the statement, was speaking to newsmen shortly after the Katsina State Governor,Malam Dikko Umar Radda inaugu
rated the District Head Level Committee of the 34 local government of the state at Government House chamber.

The Kanwan Katsina stated that the Katsina State Governor needed
to be commended for establishing the Board and appointing Malam Ahmad Musa Katsina as Chairman and other qualified and prominent people as board members.

Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara explained that Zakkat is one of the five pillars of Islam which entails the well to do, given some part of their wealth to the needy and the less privileged in the society which is a sure way of alleviating poverty.

The Kanwan Katsina assured the state governor of his full support and co operation to all government policies and programs at all times and to work with the Zakkat and Waqaf committee in fulfilling One of the pillars of Islam and promoting Islamic values.

The traditional ruler also pledged to mobilize all the village and wards heads as well as the well to do in Ketare District to ensure the Success of the zakkat administration in his domain and the state in general.

The traditional ruler said the chairman of the board, Malam Ahmad Musa Filin Samji had announced that over 5000 vulnerable people have been identified in each local government area of the state to receive the zakat.

He also added that the global chairman of the coalition of Zakka and Waqap in Nigeria, who is also the Sadaukin Sokkoto Muhammad Lawal Mai Doki pledged to train traditional rulers on collection and administration of Zakkat in other to enhance their capability.

Tenure Elongation: Nigeria Union of Journalists Dragged To Court

Labour

News Editor

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11/09/2024

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has been dragged before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division over alleged violations of some provisions of its constitution 2023 (as amended).

The claimant who is a bona fide member of the Union, Mr Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, averred that the NUJ National Executive Council meeting held on the 9th of August 2024, lacked the power to extend the tenure of the members of the Central Working Committee whose tenure is expected to terminate on October 6, 2024.

The claimant heavily relied on Article 5(a)(3) of NUJ Constitution which states: “The Triennial National Delegates’ Conference shall be held every three (3) years at venues to be decided by the NEC for the purposes of:

(a). Receiving and reviewing reports and accounts;

(b). Revising the Constitution if and when necessary;

(c). Deciding on questions of general policy raised upon notice by any member, Chapel or Council to the National Executive

Council through the National Secretariat of the Union;

(d). Electing National Officers of the Union.

The Chris Isiguzo-led Central Working Committee members were elected on the 7th October, 2021 with the mandate of a three year tenure which lapses on 6th October, 2024.

The claimant affirmed that the tenure elongation orchestrated by Chris Isiguzo, who is also a respondent in the matter was a gross abuse of the Constitution of the NUJ.

In the averments filed by the counsel to the claimant, Mr Ibrahim Bawa, SAN, posited that tenure elongation was strange to the NUJ Constitution and a self induced constitutional crisis by Chris Isiguzo led CWC members to perpetuate themselves in office.

The claimant who is also a practicing journalist based in Kaduna, is praying the court to dissolve the CWC of the NUJ in the overall interest of the Union.

The tenure of the members of the Central Working Committee of the NUJ according to the extant Constitution of the Union ends on the 6th of October, 2024.

In the court processes filed on 10th of September, 2024 and made available to newsmen in Abuja, the claimant argued that the leadership of the Union deliberately violated the NUJ Constitution by not putting in place the Credentials Committee three months before the expiration of its tenure as provided for in the Constitution.

On this averment, the claimant is relying on Article 5(9) (a) of the

NUJ Constitution which states: “There shall be a Credentials Committee, which shall be put in place three months before the expiration of the tenure of the subsisting Central Working Committee (CWC) to examine the good financial standing of each registered delegate before the conference and the name of any delegate not in good financial standing shall be withdrawn from the list of delegates.”

Whereas, the leadership of the Union was abreast of the provisions of the Constitution but, deliberately failed to put in place the Credentials Committee on the 6th July, 2024.

The claimant is praying the court to dissolve the Credentials Committee over non-compliance with the provisions of the NUJ Constitution for gross abuse of the Union’s body of laws.

The power of the Credentials Committee to impose humongous amount of three hundred and fifty thousand naira on nomination form for the office of the President and other intending CWC aspirants is also being challenged.

The claimant is also praying the court to allow Chairmen and Secretaries of Councils to take over the affairs of the Union as from the 6th of October, 2024 and put in place machinery for the conduct of the election within three months as provided for in the Constitution.

If this prayer is granted, the claimant believes strongly that a level plain field will be provided for all members of the Union who intend to aspire for elective positions in the Union.

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