Third Northern Dry Port Kicks Off As President Tinubu, Commissions Funtua Inland Dry Port

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May 8, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The third operational Inland Dry Port ,IDP in the Northern region of the country, the Funtua Inland Dry Port, will, on Thursday May 9, 2024, come on steam, as President Bola Tinubu is set to perform the official commissioning .

A statement issued on Wednesday May 8, by the Spokesperson for the progenitors of the landmark project, the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, Rebecca Adamu,noted that the NSC Executive Secretary Bar Pius Ukeyima Akutah has expressed the optimism that the Funtua Inland Dry port holds the potential to rijig the economy, create numerous job opportunities ,decongest activities at the country’s various seaports ,and improve considerably the revenue profile of Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary is also of the strong belief that the Funtua IDP will bring shipping,port and other related services closer to importers, exporters and others within the international trade chain .

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded plans to officially commission the much anticipated Funtua Inland Dry Port on Thursday 9^th, May 2024.

“The Funtua Inland Dry port will be Commissioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,at Funtua IDP project Site Katsina state at 11 am prompt.

“The Commissioning ceremony will feature key dignitaries ,Government officials ,and industry stakeholders .This significant milestone marks a pivotal moment of the Nigerian Shippers Council’s commitment towards facilitating trade in Nigeria .

“It is also in line with the performance bond signed by the Hon. Minister of Marine &Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

“It is worthy to note that this initiative is part of the Council’s performance Indicator KPI to deliver the Funtua Inland Dry Port project before the end of the 1st Quarter 2024,” Part of the statement reads.

The Source reports that former president Muhammadu Buhari had early last year ,declared the Funtua Inland Dry Port ,a port of Origin and Destination ,thus paving the way for importers and exporters alike to officially consign their cargo from the port to any part of the globe

Cybersecurity Tax: Planned Digital Robbery By Buhari, Executed By Bola & Co.

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James Orji

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May 8, 2024

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Mahdi Shehu, a prominent social critic has described the cybersecurity levy imposed by the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN, bank customers in the country as a robbery.

Shehu made the remark on his X handle on Wednesday, describing the levy as “pure sadism and “digital robbery” by the federal government.

The Source magazine reported that the CBN had directed commercial banks in the country to deduct 0.5 percent from any transactions made by customers.

The proceed, according to the apex bank would be domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, in line with the enabling Act the government-controlled bank said in a circular to financial institutions on Tuesday.

The implementation of the directive also takes effect from May 20, the Yemi Cardoso led ban k said.

The issue has generated a serious condemnation from not a few Nigerians, who said the decision should be reversed immediately.

Reacting Mahdi claimed that N3 trillion is expected to be realized from the cybersecurity fee, adding that more hardship are being imposed on Nigerians by the Tinubu’s administration.

Below A Full Text Of Mahdi’s Comment

FROM 20th May 2024, every person living in Nigeria who transacts electronic business transacti will pay 0.5% tax to BOLA TINUBU.

N3Trillion will be extorted annually.

This is pure Sadism, digital robbery, breach of social contract, an assault on Nigerian, and an indication that our prayers are being answered early enough.

So far, Tinubu has exposed all of us to fuel subsidy withdrawal, fertiliser subsidy withdrawal, electricity subsidy withdrawal, educational subsidy withdrawal, increased import and export duties, closed boarders and opened them when, maximum damage has veen done to the economy, collected over N30.Trillion loan sofar.

We are waiting for the introduction of taxes on atmospheric oxygen and carbodaoxide,on cemetries, on rural and urban roads, on all parties where Buga dance will not be performed, on all naming and marriage ceremonies, on all traditional and cultural ceremonies, on mosque, churches and shrines etc so that Bola &.Co can have enough for.2027 elections, carry the balance to the graves and use same to intimidate angels.

We await the withdrawal of taxes on tobacco, COCAINE, hard drugs, indeed on all intoxicants, on lottery & gambling, on prostitution houses.

With this visible greed and sadism, A DAY IS COMING AND FAST APPROACHING. AMEN

Lagos 2027: George Issues Quit Notice To APC

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James Orji

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May 8, 2024

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Bode George, chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has announced plans to take over Lagos state from the ruling All progressives Congress, APC .

The PDP leader said yesterday that his party is poised to take over the state from the APC.

George, a former PDP Vice National Chairman South disclosed this during an interview with AriseTV on Tuesday night.

He made the comment on the heels of the ongoing reconciliatory efforts by the party to appease aggrieved members and supporters who have left the party.

The PDP has never ruled the State of Excellence, as Lagos is widely known since the return to democratic rule in 1999. Past efforts to snatch Nigeria’s Economic capital from the ruling party had failed woefully.

George however stated that the problems that have bogged the party down from achieving its aim of wining elections positions are being addressed, noting that such challenges are normal with political parties.

He explained that the party is now working assiduously to ensure that loyal party members are brought together to win elections for the party.

He cited some reconciliatory efforts being led by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, as one of the pointers that the PDP is now serious about wining election in the country.

He noted, “How did we lose the elections, who were the people who were committed and loyal to the party, who were the other people who didn’t perform, who are the other people who are pretending that they are members of your party when they are working for your opposition?

“This is what we are going through now and I’m very happy that yesterday’s meeting in Ibadan that was chaired by the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and with all the other leaders from all the states of the Southwest came out to be a brilliant move.

“It shows that we still have leaders with the ability to rise above the pettiness, the inuendos of those who are struggling to get into positions in the party. You’ve got to work for it.”

Recall that Chief George supported the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivor in the 2023 election citing division in the PDP.

Presidency Announces Tinubu’s Arrival To The Country; President Yet To Be Seen

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James Orji

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May 8, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has returned to the country after close to two weeks absence. The president’s return was announced by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Onanuga made the revelation in a terse statement on his X handle on Wednesday, saying that the president arrived the country with his aides who travelled with him.

“Welcome Home Mr President!,” he wrote.

The magazine reported that President Tinubu has not been seen in public since he left the country for a business meeting in The Netherlands and Saudi Arabia on April 28.

His absence had caused serious apprehension in the country, leading to some speculations in some quarters that he’s not well and is receiving treatment in a European country. The magazine could not confirm this information.

For instance, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has criticized the president for leaving the country rudderless.

The PDP candidate described the president’s action as unprecedented, adding that Tinubu had abandoned the country at a very critical time that his presence is required.

He said, “I have been inundated by reports of the absence of the president and vice president from the country.

“It is unprecedented that the two leaders will be absent from the country at the same time, especially now that the nation is faced with daunting challenges.

“The question that readily comes to mind is: who is in charge of government at this point, or is it right to assume that we are on autopilot?”

Meanwhile, Nigerians are yet to see the president since Onanuga announced his return earlier today. The thinking is that the Presidency should make available photographs depicting his arrival in line with normal norm.

Veteran Actress, ‘Ovularia’ Of New Masquerade Dies At 81 Years

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 8, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Exactly Four and Half Years after her rumoured demise in November 5, 2019, veteran and iconic actress, Elizabeth Evoeme, popularly known as Ovularia for her role in popular Sitcom, The New Masquerade in the 1980s is dead.

The Actress was the onscreen wife of Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo alias 4.30 in the rested 1980s sitcom.

Ovularia played the character in the sitcom as a confident wife who never hesitates to challenge her husband, creating tension and friction within the household.

The Thespian was said to have died last weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Announcing her demise is her daughter, Justina Ngozi Evoeme, based in London, United Kingdom. She stated that the thespian was surrounded by loved ones before her death.

Justina described her mother’s demise as painful and shocking, adding, “I need to get my head around what has happened.”

Also confirming Ovularia’s death in a terse statement, Evoeme Emekalam’s family said, “Friends, fans, colleagues, the family of the legendary actress, Elizabeth Lizzy ‘Ovularia’ Evoeme, would like to notify the public, all those who loved her and her work in ‘The new Masquerade,’ of her passing. Elizabeth ‘Ovularia’ Evoeme will be dearly missed and was extremely loved by her family and also by you, her fans.

“We thank you all for your support and for respecting our privacy at this time. God bless you all and may our dear Elizabeth ‘Ovularia’ Evoeme rest in perfect peace, now and always.”

Ovularia’s career thrived from 1982 to 1993, preceding the rise of Nollywood.

Born on 1 December 1942 in Calabar, Cross River State, she hailed from a family associated with maritime endeavours.

In a curious revelation, she admitted to never fully comprehending the significance behind her stage name, “Ovularia.”

The actress starred in the 1993 Nollywood movie, ‘Circle of Doom’4.

Following her retreat from the television spotlight, she maintained a relatively subdued presence, occasionally grappling with unfounded rumours of her demise.

In March 2017, Veronica Njoku, popular for her role as Ramota in ‘The New Masquerade,’ passed away. The late Njoku played the role of Chief Jegede’s (played by Claude Eke) wife and a close ally of Ovularia.

‘Cyber Security Levy Is Milking Dying Economy’, Obi, Says Will Further Impoverish The People

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The Source

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May 8, 2024

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The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has described the newly introduced Cyber security LEVY by the Federal Government as taxes too many and aimed at milking a dying economy.

Obi said that instead of nurturing the recovery and growth of the economy, the government by its multiple taxation is more interested in heaping more burden on the people who are already suffering severe economic stress.

Writing on his X handle on Wednesday morning Obi said that “the introduction of yet another tax, in the form of Cybersecurity Levy, on Nigerians who are already suffering severe economic distress is further proof that the government is more interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth.

“This does not only amount to multiple taxation on banking transactions, which are already subject to various other taxes including stamp duties but negates the Government’s avowed commitment to reduce the number of taxes and streamline the tax system.

“The imposition of a Cybersecurity Levy on bank transactions is particularly sad given that the tax is on the trading capital of businesses and not on their profit hence will further erode whatever is left of their remaining capital, after the impact of the Naira devaluation high inflation rate. It is inconceivable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government.

“Policies such as this not only impoverish the citizens but make the country’s economic environment less competitive.

“At a time when the government should be reducing taxes to curb inflation, the government is instead introducing new taxes. And when did the office of the NSA become a revenue-collecting center?

“And why should that purely national security office receive returns on a specific tax as stated in the new cybersecurity law?”

Northern Coalition Berates Atiku Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highways, Lauds Sokoto-Badagary Road Project

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The Source

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May 8, 2024

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A coalition of Northern Stakeholders, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, not to allow his electoral defeat in the 2023 Presidential Elections to stop him from collaborating with the Present Federal Government and all other progressive forces to move the Country forward.

This is just as it has thumped up President Bola Tinubu’s foresight in muting coastal highways in the country, noting that the project has the huge potentials to grow the foreign investment portfolio of the country.

At a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kaduna State secretariat on Tuesday, May 7 2024 , Chairman of the Arewa Advocates For Good Governance, AAFGG, Alhaji Jamilu Mato, while cautioning Atiku over his scathing criticism of the planned Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project, applauded President Tinubu for giving the nod for the design of the planned 1000 km Sokoto- Badagry Coastal highway .

The AAFGG, while also appreciating the commitment, dedication and sincerity of purpose shown towards the realization of the coastal highway projects by the minister of works , Engr .Dave Umahi, noted that the landmark coastal highway routes when completed will potentially rijig connectivity, and trading activities across the various regions of Nigeria..

Alhaji Mato, asserted that so far the coastal highway project, remains the most audacious and signature project of the President Tinubu’s administration, as well as most eloquent statement to enhance the economic development of the country.

“It is also imperative to note that the coastal highways would. connect the Southwest , South south, Northeast ,Northwest, and North Central regions of Nigeria when completed.

“This is just as the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway project is ongoing among many other federal Government’s roads projects .

“Today, we can proudly thank President Tinubu for his renewed hope agenda, particularly its profound impact on transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructural landscape.

“The approval of the construction of Sokoto-Badagary road underscores president Tinubu’s commitment towards advancing infrastructural development across the nation ,bridging gaps, fostering unity and economic growth .

“We are also aware that the Tinubu’s led Government is planning to connect the six geo-political zones in the country with a network of roads that would foster a more secure ,safer, sustainable transportation system ..

“It is on this note that we are assuring Mr president and the minister of works of our support and solidarity in their efforts to advance Nigeria’s infrastructural development agenda and fulfill the aspirations of our people.” AAFGG stated.

“The Source reports that the decision of the federal government to give teeth to the #13 trillion Lagos- Calabar Highway project, has continued to elicit knocks from not a few Nigerians, including Atiku, and Peter Obi, who have come to perceived the project as not only misplaced, but unnecessary in the face of the realities of the country’s economic predicaments.”

Abia: Chinedu, Former Governor T.A. Orji’s Son, Dumps PDP For APC

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The Source

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May 8, 2024

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By Charles Igbo

The Rt. Hon Chinedu Orji, a son of Senator Theodore Orji, a former Governor of Abia State, has dumped his political party of many years, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The younger Orji, popular as Ikuku, in his years in the PDP, was a very powerful and influential member. When his father was the Governor, he was so powerful that not a few people referred to him as the de facto Governor of Abia State. The ante of his influence and power was raised higher than ever when he was elected to the State House of Assembly, and ultimately became the Speaker under the Administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

But his influence began to wane when he had a running battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged issues which took place during his father’s Governorship of the State. It waned further over the seemingly unpopularity of Ikpeazu as a Governor, and was worsened by the the popularity of the Labour Party in the State.

So, when in 2023, he contested for the Federal House of Representatives, neither his influence, his father’s influence, nor that of Ikpeazu who was the Governor at that time, helped him to win his election. He failed. Since then, he, the embattled Ikpeazu and the PDP, have had little or no influence in the affairs of Abia State.

However, two days ago, the younger Orji took his fate in his hands. The tsunami which has suddenly hit the PDP in the South-east recently, hit him. He dumped the PDP, according to him, after deep thoughts and consultations and considerations. Hours later, the former Speaker showed his hands as to where he is headed to. He declared for the APC, the ruling party at the Federal level.

He has since registered in his Ward for his new Party, and has been welcomed by the leadership of the APC in the State. It is not yet clear if his father, the former Governor, is still a member of the PDP or not. He was, until the 2023 Senatorial election, the Senator for his Abia Central District.

Cross River: Man Bags Life Imprisonment For Defiling Eight Year Old Girl

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The Source

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May 8, 2024

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Aniedi Mfon - Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

By Stanley Ekpenyong (South South Bureau Chief)

A 25-year-old man, Mr Aniedi Mfon is to spend the rest of his life behind bars for defiling an eight year old girl (name withheld) in Calabar, the Cross River state capital.

He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime by the Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar on Tuesday.

Delivering the judgment, the trial Judge, Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu lamented the high prevalence of the crime of rape in the state and awarded a fine of one million naira (N1,000,000) to the survivor.

Mfon’s conviction was secured by the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Grimah; the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ededem Ani; Principal Counsel of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), Barr. James Ibor; and the prosecutor Patient Emmanuel Akpama.

Abia Tricycle Operators Storm The Streets, As Govt/Operators Disagree Over New Toll Regime

By

The Source

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May 7, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State authorities have explained that its decision to reverse the daily toll collection regime for Tricycle operators and others to a weekly exercise is to block leakages in revenue collection, and boost the internally generated revenue profile of the State.

Chief Uche Wogu, the Coordinator of Abia State Harmonized Task Force ASHTF ,Aba Division, noted that the reversal policy was jointly consented to by state Government officials and the leadership of the Tricycle Operators in the state

The State Government’s position, comes on the heels of a spate protest marches by tricycle operators resisting the decision of the authorities to be tolling them weekly, instead of the subsisting daily payments.

The protest marches which began in Umuahia and Aba last week ,continued early Tuesday ,May 7 2024 ,with irate tricyclists blocking the Aba South Council Headquarters and Bata axis of the ever busy Aba/Owerri Road in Aba .

“Look, the problem is that ,before now ,we Keke ( tricycle operators) used to pay a toll of #350 daily to the Government of Abia state .

But now they have changed it from daily payments to weekly. They are telling us that we should be paying #2,100 weekly, instead of the daily payments of N350 .

The position of majority of us ,is that the weekly payments arrangement is putting to much pressure on us because of the situation in the country. It is to easier for us paying that N350 daily, than this weekly exercise.

All we are saying is that it is more convenient for us to be paying daily than to be paying weekly .But the Government does not want to listen to us .” one of the tricycle operators told the Source.

But speaking with the Source in an interview with this Newsmagazine on Tuesday in Aba , Chief Wogu ,who is also the Mayor of Aba South ,insisted that all relevant stakeholders ,including the leadership of the tricycle operators were carried along in arriving at the weekly payments arrangement.

“Yes, tricycle operators used to pay daily. But the problem has been the tendency for most of them to evade payments through some sharp practices,and the situation has been impacting negatively on the internally generated revenue profile of the state.

What most of them used to do is to come out early in the morning, before Government revenue collectors will commence activities, operate for some hours and disappear.

They will then re appear in the evening ,when they believe that the revenue collectors would have closed for the day. Through this means, and other unwholesome ways , most of the tricyclists continued to cause huge revenue losses to the state Government .

It was at this juncture that we decided to call for meetings with the leadership of the tricycle (keke) operators ,to discuss on the way forward. After series of meetings ,we agreed to migrate from daily to weekly payment for tricycle operators.

The decision was arrived at ,together with their leadership and we have even issued them with identity cards as stakeholders in the collection process of the new toll/rent regime.

And for emphasis ,we are driven in this new policy thrust by our sincere quest to block leakages and shore up the internally generated revenue IGR of the state in the interest of all Abians . And we are optimistic ,that all not,just the tricycle operators would appreciate ,and support the Government in its determination to change the narrative of the state.” the ASHTF Coordinator noted.