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State Govts Slam Commercial Banks Over Tax Evation

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Tosin Olatokunbo

State governments in the country are clamping down on commercial bank in the country over their refusal to pay tax. Deposit banks, sources say, are owing state government several billions of naira which they have refused to pay up.

Last month, Kaduna state sealed some commercial banks after they cumulatively owe the state over N300 million. The state said then that it had to take the decision in order to force the recalcitrant banks to meet their tax obligations.

In spite of this, according to checks by the magazine the banks are yet to clear the tax arrears, and are still discussing with the state on how to get a soft landing, even as other states have started taking similar measure against the banks.

The latest is Niger state which have also wielded the big stick on eight banks for failure to perform their tax obligations.

The state listed Polaris Bank Limited, Stambic IBTC and six others as perpetual tax defaulters who have refused to pay what they owe despite several pleadings for them to do so. The state has therefore shut down the commercial banks branches in the state until they pay up a cumulative N446 million.

Other banks who have entered the black book of the state are  UBA, N68.9 million; Union Bank, N47.1 million; First Bank, N45.7 million; Heritage Bank, N31.5 million; Unity Bank and GTB were charged for owing N14 million and N8.2 million respectively. Also, Stanbic IBTC Bank, is owing the state N113.2 million AND Polaris Bank, N74.8 million, tax arrears.

Speaking on the issue, the chairman of the state revenue Board, Mohammed Madami Etsu, said the state government had no other option.  According to her “the exercise was carried out in line with the provisions of the relevant tax laws.”

Recall that the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, KSIRS sealed the head offices and other branches of four banks in Kaduna in August over N300.5 million unpaid taxes.

KADIRS Executive Chairman, Zaid Abubakar, listed the debtor banks as First Bank, Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Sterling Bank.

Abubakar told journalists after the exercise in Kaduna that the money was arrears of taxes payable on masts, towers, and Very Small Aperture Terminals from 1999 to 2020.

He said that the tax liability of First Bank was N132.6 million; Access Bank N84.1 million; GTB N23.5 million and Sterling Bank of N60.3 million.

He explained that the state government took the action based on the power vested on KADIRS by Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act.

“We have sent demand notices several times as required by law, but the banks refused to come forward to pay taxes due to the state. For example, we have sent six notices to First Bank, four each to GTB, Access Bank and Sterling Bank.

“KADIRS is left with no choice than to seal up the banks’ branches. There is, however, a positive response from the affected banks. They have made part payment and signed commitments to settle the outstanding,’’ Abubakar said.

Meanwhile, close sources in some commercial banks informed the magazine that the banks are facing hard times and are just recovering from the COVID 19 headwind. The problems, some banks complained, is also worsened due to multiple taxations from all levels of governments.

“We pay tax to Federal Government, State Governments apart from other informal peoples who collect taxes from us. I think these taxes needed to be streamlined so as not to be too burdensome to the business owners,” an Executive Director in one of the tier one banks, told the magazine even though he pleaded anonymity because he dosent what his bank to be ‘profiled’ by the authorities.

 

 

 

We Are Incharge of Rivers State; Won’t Take Nonsense From You

By
The Source
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0

By Nyesom Wike

Full text of a State Broadcast By Governor, Nyesom Wike, to the people of Rivers State after a Federal High Court refused to stop the State from collecting VAT, in a suit instituted against it by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, on Monday September 6, 2021

As we all know, following the recent judgement of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, which upheld the constitutional right and authority of State Governments to impose, collect and utilize value added taxes (VAT) within their respective territorial jurisdictions, the Rivers State Government enacted the Rivers State Value Added Tax Law 2021 to regulate the effective administration of VAT in Rivers State.

  1. As expected, the Federal Government, through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), disagreed and filed an appeal coupled with a request for stay-of-execution of the judgment before the Federal High Court.
  2. While the appeal was pending and without any stay-of-execution of the subsisting judgement, the FIRS went about to bully corporate bodies and business entities from paying the VAT to the Rivers State Government even when they knew that an appeal does not serve as a stay neither was there anything to stay in a declaratory judgement.
  3. As a mere agency of the Federal Government without any political authority the effrontery and impunity exhibited by the FIRS against the Rivers State Government was ill-advised and highly provocative.
  4. However, being a government that believes in the rule of law we decided on our own to suspend the enforcement of the Rivers State VAT Law 2021 pending the outcome of the FIRS’s application for stay-of-execution.

 

  1. Today, the FIRS has failed in its attempt to frustrate the enforcement of the State’s Law on VAT with the Federal High Court’s dismissal of its application for stay-of-execution of the judgement.
  2. It is important to reiterate the fact that we did no wrong in exercising our legal right under our constitutional democracy to stop the continuing breach, denial and curtailment of the constitutional right of States to lawfully impose and collect value added and other related taxes within jurisdiction to the exclusion of the Federal Government.
  3. And in doing so, our singular and progressive objective was to contribute to the advancement of fiscal federalism by enabling the federating States to explore and exploit their potential and capacity for generating greater internal revenues with which to fund their development goals and reduce the outdated over-reliance on pitiable Federal allocation and other handouts.
  4. Naturally, some States with presently low economic activities and ethically restrictive social policies with economic implications may be adversely affected for now.
  5. But, this is not our own making. Like the right to derivation, this is also a constitutional prescription, which we all swore as political leaders to respect and defend as the supreme law of the land.
  6. Above all, fiscal federalism remains the right path to economic self-reliance and sustainability for all our States and the benefits derivable from this case by all the States in the long run far outweigh the immediate revenue loss that some States may presently suffer.
  7. All that is required is for all of us to wear our thinking caps as elected Governors to collectively fight for the greater devolution of resources, responsibilities and powers to the federating States.
  8. It is therefore very unfortunate that some State Governors led by that of Katsina State are vainly conspiring to truncate this progressive reality in favour of the inequitable status quo so that the Federal Government can continue to rob Peter to pay Paul as the nation’s self-imposed tax master-general.
  9. For us in Rivers State, we will continue to ensure and project our constitutional rights to access all possible resources we can take hold both within and outside our geographical boundaries to advance the progress of our State.
  10. And with today’s judgement the way is now clear for the administration and enforcement of the Rivers State Value Added Tax Law 2021 across the entire State until otherwise decided and set aside by the Superior Courts.
  11. Consequently, I hereby direct the Rivers State Revenue Service (RSRS) to ensure the full and total implementation and enforcement of this law against all corporate bodies, business entities and individuals with immediate effect.
  12. All corporate bodies, business entities and individuals are advised to willingly, truthfully and promptly comply with their tax obligations under this law to avoid the full weight of the stipulated sanctions, including having their business premises sealed-up.
  13. Let me warn that the Rivers State Government is fully in charge of the State and will not tolerate any further attempt by the FIRS to sabotage or undermine our authority to freely administer our tax and other related laws in our own State. Those who play with fire risks having their fingers burnt. Enough of the shenanigans.
  14. I wish to further assure every resident that we shall as usual make effective use of the expected proceeds from this tax to accelerate the development of our State and improve the wellbeing of everyone.
  15. Fellow citizens, let me also draw your attention to the alarming rate of transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic in our State.
  16. The daily figures released form the NCDC show that both the transmission and death rates in the last two weeks have consistently been on a rising spiral because residents and visitors to the State have largely abandoned their responsibility to comply with the existing COVID-19 Protocols.
  17. Clearly, we are headed for a serious health disaster of profound consequences if residents and visitors continue to behave as if the pandemic no longer exists or impotent in Rivers State.
  18. This is a big lie and we cannot afford to continue to close our eyes to the dangers such irresponsible behaviour poses to the health, lives and livelihood of everyone.
  19. Accordingly, I wish to remind residents of the subsisting protocols on regular washing of hands and use of alcohol-based sanitizer; maintaining social distancing; wearing of face masks at all public places, including transport vehicles and going for immediate testing and treatment whenever you notice any of the symptoms.
  20. Furthermore, it has been proven that vaccinations are saving lives here and across the world and those refusing to take the vaccines for no certified medical reasons should know that they are endangering the rest of the citizens.
  21. I, therefore, appeal to all residents to help protect yourself, your loved ones and the rest of the citizens by getting your jab at the designated health centres in the 23 Local Government Areas of the State as they become available.
  22. I also appeal to religious leaders and Churches to convince and encourage their followers and members to please go out and take the vaccines and comply with the covid-19 protocols in addition.
  23. Although it remains our desire to keep the State open and allow citizens to go about their social, religious and economic activities unimpeded.
  24. But we may be constrained to re-imposed the suspended COVID-19 lockdown measures across the State if the transmission of the disease continues to increase beyond tolerable limits.
  25. Finally, we wish to reiterate that the ongoing demolition of shanties was borne out of the compelling need to safeguard lives and property across the State.
  26. Our objective, which is gradually achieving is to deny the criminals these sanctuaries and hideouts from which they embark on their criminal activities and safely return to.
  27. We, therefore, refuse to be blackmailed by those unpatriotic elements who are trying to stir false ethnic, religious or tribal sentiments around our patriotic commitment to advance the safety and security of residents.
  28. Furthermore, we refuse to be intimidated by such baseless pranks. Rather, we will not rest until we clear the State of all shanties wherever they are located and restore sanity to our environment and achieve a better sense of comfort and security for everyone.
  29. Once again, thank you all for your support, prayer and understanding as we continue to work together to advance our collective security, peace and progress.

President Buhari Appoints Adetifa New NCDC DG

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa

By Akinwale Kasali

Dr. Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa had been appointed  the new Director General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The appointment of Adetifa as the DG of the NCDC came few days after Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, the incumbent DG, was snapped from Nigeria by the World Heealth Organisation, WHO, for an International appointment.

Garba Shehu, President Buhari’s Special Assistant on Media & Publicity, confirmed the appointment of Adetifa in a statement.

Before the appointment of Adetifa, Ihekweazu had been NCDC DG since 2016 when Buhari appointed him, but his appointment by the WHO last week, as Assistant Director-General, changed the narrative, with Adefila filling the vacuum.

In an official letter addressed to Ihekweazu, WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said the Nigerian is the Feputy in charge of Health Emergency Intelligence at the Global Health Organisation

He is to assume the office on November 1, 2021, and will be in charge of WHO’s Pandemic and Epidemic Response hub in Berlin, Germany.

Gumi To FG: Treat Bandits Like Niger Delta Militants Or Insecurity Persists; Says You Can’t Defeat Them

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Self appointed Bandits-negotiator with the Federal and State Governments, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has told the President Muhammadu Buhari Government to grant amnesty to Bandits, just the way Niger Delta Militants were granted amnesty during the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

The Kaduna-based Islamic Cleric reiterated the need for the Federal Government to give amnesty to Bandits, saying that bandits will never cease to exist in Nigeria unless granted amnesty like the Niger Delta militants.

Gumi stated this in a Facebook epistle titled: ‘Zamfara: The Flaring Of Crisis,’ warning that any military action aimed at the armed herders would worsen the insecurity situation rather than solve it.

Calling to mind the situation with the Taliban in Afghanistan, Gumi insisted that no military, particularly of a poor economy like Nigeria, can win a guerrilla warfare.

“By 2015, banditry has replaced cattle rearing that is becoming nearly impossible. Drugs were introduced into the herdsmen that are known to be illiterates or semi-illiterates.

“Just as we had the Niger Delta conflict resolved with an amnesty which comes with reconciliation, reparation, and rehabilitation packages, so will the herdsmen crisis be resolved. In fact, there is a need for a Marshal plan to educate the nomadic pastoralist so that no citizen is left behind.

“No military, especially of a poor economy, can win guerrilla warfare. The recent victory of the Taliban in Afghanistan is a factual warning for those that contemplate.”

Gumi who has been called out for his affinity with bandits, recently called on the Nigerian Government to grant bandits blanket Amnesty.

Anti-Open Grazing, VAT Bills Scale Second Reading At Lagos Assembly

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lagos State House of Assembly

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday committed the Bill on Open Grazing to the Committee on Agriculture after it scaled second reading.

The House also read for the first and second time the State’s Value Added Tax bill, and asked the Committee on Finance which is handling it to report back on Thursday.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, described the ‘Prohibition of Open Cattle Grazing Bill’ as timely and one that would ensure harmonious relationships between Herders and Farmers and protect the environment of the State and the Southwest Zone.

The Speaker also suggested that the Bill should make provision for the registration of Herders and prepare them for ranching.

“Allocating percel of land is not enough, but there should be training of those who would go into ranching,” he said, noting that ranching is expensive and required adequate preparation.

Concerning the Bill on VAT, Speaker Obasa said it would lead to “increase in revenue and increase in infrastructural development. This is in line with fiscal Federalism that we have been talking about.”

Obasa said the VAT law when passed, would help the State meet challenges in its various sectors. He also urged the Lagos State Government to do everything legally possible to ensure the judgement of a Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, is sustained even up to the Supreme Court.

He lamented a situation where about 500 billion is generated from Lagos State while 300 billion is generated from other southwest states and paltry amounts are disbursed to them in return.

“It is an opportunity for us to emphasise again on the need for the consideration of true federalism,” he said.

Speaking earlier on the Bill on open grazing, Hon. Bisi Yusuff (Alimosho 1), lamented the havoc that Herdsmen had caused in the south’west zone.

According to him, farmers have continuously become afraid to visit their farms, thus causing shortage of food. He also said many farmers had become indebted as they now find it difficult to pay back loans they secured.

He said it was lamentable that cattle roam the streets causing accidents and embarrassing people.

He advocated for stiffer penalties for herders caught carrying firearms.

His position was supported by Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 2) who said open grazing in the 21st century is an aberration.

Joseph said the Bill would ensure peaceful coexistence, reduce crime and help to guide the activities of herders.

On his part, Hon. Olumoh Saad Lukeman (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1), suggested that the high court should be made to handle cases from the enforcement of the bill when passed or that the State should establish special courts for such purpose.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, in his contribution, described Lagos as a cosmopolitan State and, as such, having to see cattle in the streets is worrisome.

He expressed support for the bill because, according to him, it would give a level of security to the state and help reduce economic losses. He added that Lagos has 250 hectares of land in Ikorodu and another 750 hectares on Epe for ranching.

Hon. Tobun Abiodun (Epe 1) said it was common to see cattle going to school as if they want to learn while Hon. David Setonji (Badagry 2), recalled “a time we went on oversight function in a school here in Lagos. We were embarrassed by cattle. We had to wait for the Herder to move the cattle before we embarked on our oversight function.”

Setonji suggested a collaboration between men of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the police in the implementation of the law when passed and assented to.

Court Throws Out FIRS Stay of Execution Order on State VAT Collection

By
Uche Mbah
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Nyesom Wike

By Uche Mbah

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state is dancing in the sun. A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has thrown out a suit by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, which sought to stop the Rivers State Government from collecting and utilizing Value-Added Tax, VAT.

The taxman had approached the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt Court seeking a stay of execution on an earlier judgment which gave the power of VAT revenue collection to State governments, effectively taking it  away from the FIRS.

But the Presiding Judge, Stephen Pam, ruled Monday that granting the prayer will negate the Principle of Equity.

According to him, the Rivers State Government and the State Assembly enacted Rivers State Value Added Tax No. 4, 2021, thereby legitimizing state collection of VAT. Such a law must remain valid until it is set aside by a Court of competent jurisdiction.

He dismissed the plea, equating it to murder.

The Counsel for Rivers State Government, Mark Agu,  was full of commendation for the court. He said:

“The first Defendant, FIRS, sent their appeal against the judgment of the Honourable Court delivered wherein the Court allowed the Rivers State Government to collect their VAT”.

“Subsequently, after the judgment, Rivers State has its law on that, the Rivers State Law on VAT No. 4, 2021. Having appealed, they were asking for an injunction, and secondly asking for a stay on the judgment.

“Today, the Court has delivered its ruling dismissing the said application for stay, though, without cost.

“The Court reasons that if it should grant stay it is more or less like overruling itself and the court is empowered to recognize all laws enacted by the National Assembly or the State House of Assembly, therefore, the law stands as substantive.

“Therefore, the issues of collection of VAT as it stands today, Rivers State is still entitled to still collect.”

But, counsel for FIRS, Reuben Wanogho, reportedly expressed angst with the stand of the Court.

According to him, FIRS would appeal the ruling.

“The court has delivered its ruling based on how it saw the facts of the case. We do not agree with the ruling and we will take all necessary steps to challenge it. That is why the appellate System is there.

“The Appellate System is there to enable us to ventilate out grievances if for any reasons the Court makes a pronouncement we we do not agree with it.

“For sure, we feel that the ruling should have gone in our favor but, the Court has taken a position against us, so we will do the needful by taking it up immediately before the Court of Appeal.

“We will challenge it. And we are hopeful that at the Court of Appeal we should be able to find our way. The Appeal system is there to correct errors.

“The natural consequences of the ruling is that the Rivers State Government will be collecting the VAT, but we will take steps to ensure that we amelioration situation as quickly as possible.”

Qatar 2022: Super Eagles Arrive Cape Verde To Face Blue Sharks

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria and officials of the National team have landed in Cape Verde bubbling with enthusiasm, ahead of Tuesday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde.  The Sharks sit second on the “Group C” log with a point. Super Eagles are on the first position.

The Super Eagles players and officials arrived at the Amilcar Cabral International Airport at about 10.30 a.m –   1:30pm Nigeria Time.

Their arrival yo the Island Country was announced on the team’s official Facebook page.

“We have landed in Sao Vincente, Cape Verde! GAME On…” a statement on the Super Eagles official Facebook page read.

The team was, however, unable to arrive at their earlier designated airport at Sao Vincente, venue of the match, as the airport was closed down.

“We have arrived Cape Verde! However, we are currently at the Amilcar Cabral International Airport as we couldn’t land in Sao Vincente where the match will be played because the Cesária Évora Airport had closed.

“We’re still here and will take off from here soon. It’s just an hour flight. Thanks for your support always!” an earlier statement read.

The Super Eagles began their 2022 World Cup race on a winning note after defeating visiting Lone Stars of Liberia 2-0 in Lagos on Friday.

 

The Gernot Rohr-led team currently lead the Group C table with three points, two points above hosts Cape Verde who played out a 1-1 draw against Central Africa Republic (CAR) on Thursday.

The Nigerian team is, however, depleted ahead of playing away to Cape Verde due to COVID-19 red-alert UK restrictions on the Island country.

Rohr will not have the services of all the Britain-based players, including Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho.

The former Manchester City forward was “Man of the Match” against Liberia and scored the match’s two goals.

Others who would not be available for Tuesday’s tie include defenders Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers) and William Ekong (Watford FC).

The rest are midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers), and striker Alex Iwobi (Everton FC).

The team had their final training session on Sunday morning before taking off to Cape Verde for Tuesday’s match set to hold at the 5,000-capacity Estádio Municipal Adérito Sena in Mindelo, from 2 p.m. Nigerian time.

Gov Oyetola Differs On Nigeria’s Breakup

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Like his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has said that Nigeria would benefit more from economic restructuring as against the persistent call for a total breakup of the nation.

Speaking during an interview forum, in Abuja, organized by the New Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), Governor Oyetola condemned those calling for the breakup of the country, describing them as “unserious’’ and called for more economic and political powers for state governments.

There have been agitations and demonstrations in support of the break up of Nigeria in the South west and South East areas of the country, in particular, to address what the Agitators describe as the glaring lopsidedness, in appointments, distribution of amenities, and to ensure equity, justice and fair play.

But according to Governor Oyetola, every State in the Federation has both human and natural endowments that can be used by each to sustain itself if the country is restructured well.

The Governor said that Nigerians had come a long way and should not allow current challenges to tear them apart.

“People give different interpretations to the word ‘restructuring’. What I believe  is that for us to live together as a people, every unit of the enclave should have rights and responsibilities clearly defined.

“To me, restructuring does not mean that people should separate. Whoever is thinking along that line is not serious.

“We have come a long way and it is togetherness that can make us get to where we are supposed to be within the space in the world.

“We have all the resources to be great and so what should happen is let’s not emphasise what divides us, rather let’s look at what binds us together.

“Let us look at issues that could create unnecessary problems and get them solved.

“I believe in devolution of power to the States, let the States have more power to do most of the things they have been doing.

“Give the States more support and I believe we should look at the issue of revenue allocation. We should allow the states to have more funds to develop some of the things they have.

“Yes, you can look at all these areas but not in terms of separation. I’m not for separation.”

Why Gunmen Killed Sowore’s Brother, Olajide – Police

By
The Source
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0
Olajide Sowore

By Charles Igbo

The Police Command in Edo State has revealed why alleged kidnappers killed Olajide Sowore, younger brother to Omoyele Sowore, Social activist, Politician and  Publisher of SaharaReporters.

Olajide was killed Saturday morning, about 6:45am along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

In its first comment on the sad incident, the Police had said aside from killing Olajide, five other people were kidnapped. The impression created was that it was the same incident, and that Olajide was a passenger in same bus.

It turns out not to be true as the Police has clarified the circumstances surrounding Olajide’s killing. They were two separate incidents.

According to the Edo State Police Spokesman, Olajide, who was driving his own vehicle was killed because he refused to stop when the devils flagged him down.

They shot at his car and, fatally, hit target.

The Command said he was driving towards Benin from Okada when he met his death.

The Command, also, explained that the five kidnapped people were passengers in a commercial bus. They were travelling at an uncivilised hour (in insecurity-ridden Nigeria) when their bus developed a problem along the road Time was 2.00am.

They became easy targets for the kidnappers who pounced on them.

The Federal Road Safety Commission had, on several occasions, canvassed against night journeys.

The killing of Olajide Sowore,  a Pharmacy student of the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, sparked outrage across the country.

His more known elder brother, Omoyele, has put the responsibility on President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government. He said that since his arrest, and restriction in Abuja, Olajide had taken over, from him, the responsibilities of catering for 19 members of the family. It was the pressure of that responsibility, he said, that put pressure on Olajide to be on the road that early in the morning.

The Police say on the trail of the devils.

Former Military Governor Of Rivers State, Anthony Ukpo, Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Brigadier-General Anthony Ukpo

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than a week after losing two of his elder siblings, a former Military Governor of Rivers State, Brigadier-General Anthony Ukpo, has been confirmed dead.

Ukpo, also, a former Information Minister during General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida’s regime, died in early hours of Monday, September 6, 2021.

Breaking the news of the demise of the former Military officer is Constitutional lawyer, Leonard Anyogu.

He said, “I can confirm that the former Military Governor died this morning as a result of lingering sickness. It is very sad. Cross River State has lost an asset.”

His two older siblings that were reported to have died last week are; Madam Lydia Ukpo, who died in the USA, and Archbishop Joseph Edra Ukpo.

Ukpo was the Military Governor of Rivers State, Nigeria from August 1986 until July 1988.

Born in Okpoma, Yala, Cross River State on 16 July 1947 he enlisted into the army, and was appointed Company Commander (1968), Battalion Commander (1969 and 1971 – 1973), Brigade Major (1970) and Instructor, Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna (1973–1974).

He was a member of the inner circle of army officers who arranged the bloodless coup on 27 August 1985, when General Muhammadu Buhari was succeeded by General Ibrahim Babangida. After the coup he was appointed a member of the AFRC.

He was appointed deputy director, Defence Intelligence Agency (1985). On 12, September 1985, he was sworn-in as Minister of Information and Culture.

He was appointed Military Governor of Rivers State on 26 August 1986. In this postion, he inaugurated the Provisional Council of the Rivers State Polytechnic.

He was reassigned to become Principal Staff officer to President Ibrahim Babangida in July 1988. In this role in April 1990 Ukpo told reporters that 10 officers and more than 150 soldiers from the lower ranks had been arrested in an attempted coup attempt against Babangida. He retired as a Brigadier-General.

After retirement, he became a member of the Board of Directors of Skye Bank.

When former Cross River state Governor, Donald Duke, put up the Metropolitan Hotel for sale, Ukpo was said to have made the highest bid of N600 Million. His offer was turned down, and the hotel later, allegedly, sold for N200 Million. He is, however, the main brain behind Ogie Meriden Hotel, PH.

In September 2008, he presented the results of a feasibility study for a mono-rail system of transportation in Port Harcourt. Ukpo was the leader of a partnership to construct the railway.

In October 2009 the Rivers State government signed an agreement with TSI Property and Investment Holdings to undertake the project at a cost of $318 million. Ukpo said that the mono-rail would be the first of its kind in Africa.

In an interview in July 2009, Ukpo protested strongly against the recent transfer of 76 oil wells from Cross River State to Akwa Ibom State, and expressed hope that a committee set up by President Umaru Yar’Adua would find a politically reasonable solution.

He was a vocal voice in politics from the grass root to the Federal level.

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