FG BANS IMPORT, EXPORT OF ALL GOODS AT LAND BORDERS

The federal Government has announced a total ban on the import and export of goods at the land borders nationwide in the ongoing joint border operation, tagged: “Exercise Swift Response”. The Daily Trust reports that the operation began on August 20, 2019, involving Customs and immigration with support from Army and other security agencies.

The joint border security is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and covers the four geopolitical zones, including South-south, Southwest, North-central and the North-west. Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) said: “The issue of movement of goods is not the same thing with movement of persons. “Let’s understand that all perishable items are on prohibition whether on export or import.

Therefore, nobody can carry tomato to the border to import or export. So it makes it easier for us to close and ensure that all goods for now are banned from being exported or imported through our land borders. “That is to ensure that we have total control over what comes in and what we do. We are strategizing on how best the goods can be handled when we get to when this operation will relax,” he noted. Ali however, advised local dealers, who want to export or to import items, to use the seaports is the only access at present.

On when the operations, which is nearly two months will end, Ali said, “It is as long as it will take our neighbours to come to the table and agree to execute exactly what was agreed upon during former Olusegun Obasanjo’s time which is simple adherence to ECOWAS transit procedure. That has not happened.” In a response on how the operation is impinging on the fundamental rights of persons to movement, the Customs boss said, “When it comes to security, all other laws take a backseat. Nigeria must survive first then we can begin to consider your rights.”

AISHA BUHARI’S RETURN TO NIGERIA ENDS FAKE NEWS

The Enugu State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the return of First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, back to the country, saying her return has put an end to fake news.

Mrs. Buhari has been away from the country for two months until she returned to the country at the weekend.

Prior to her return, the social media were agog with news of a plan by President Muhammadu Buhari to marry his Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiyya Saddiya Farouk, but the Presidency, however, denied any plans by the President to marry the Minister.

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the Enugu State Publicity Secretary of APC, Mrs. Kate Ofor, welcomed the return of Mrs Aisha Buhari back to Nigeria, saying her return has put full stop to fake news.

Ofor said she believed a legitimate means should be used to stop fake news and make people realise that the social media has no gatekeeper.

“I wholeheartedly welcome our dear First Lady back to the country, for her elegant return has put full stop to fake news, which dominated our public domain. I think we have to, not only find legitimate means to curb fake news, but also to come to terms that social media has no gatekeeper. Therefore, we must cultivate the culture of sieving the genuine from the fake news,” she said.

On why the citizens should not believe any news, Ofor quipped, “Is it rational for people to jump into conclusions when Mr, President has not circulated any wedding invitation? Why should they drag the name of innocent Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouk into the mud?

“Can you imagine that even when President Buhari safely returned from medical vacation, which many adjudged a rare miracle, some fake news purveyors still went to town that he wasn’t cloned? It is my considered opinion that we must discern the genuine from fake news, especially the mainstream media,” she said.

Ofor Mrs. Buhari to utilise her membership of the United Kingdom Vocational Training and Charitable Trust and the International Health and Beauty Council to continue her Future Assured humane programme of improving the prosperity of women and youths.

PRESIDENT BUHARI ILLEGALLY EXTENDED SERVICE OF NEPHEW, ABDULKARIM DAUDA, IN POLICE FORCE BY 3 YEARS - SAHARA REPORTERS

A leaked memo has revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved and ordered the Nigeria Police Force to extend the stay of his nephew, Abdulkarim Dauda, in the force by three years.

Dauda is currently serving as the Personal Chief Security Officer (PCSO) of Buhari.

Dauda, who is directly related to Mamman Daura, removed the name Daura from his public documents to avoid public suspicion.

Dauda joined the force in 1985 and he is due for retirement from active service in January 2020 but his stay was extended by three years.

It was gathered that Dauda was illegally promoted twice in three years and his promotion was influenced by President Buhari. 

Dauda also gained rapid promotion from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police in 2015 to become the Commissioner of Police in just four years.

The leaked memo, approving his extension in service, which was signed by the Secretary of the Nigeria Police Force, AIG Usman Alkali, with reference number DTO:041500/10/2019, noted that Dauda, a Commissioner of Police, would remain in service till 2023.

The memo reads in part, “Extension of Service P.No 23853 COMPOL Abdulkarim Dauda (CP) X. The President X Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces X Chairman Police Council X has graciously approved the extension of service of CP Abdulkarim Dauda to May 13, 2023, X When he would have attained sixty (60) years of age X COMPOL Info-Tech only X Amend your records X please.”

The extension of Buhari’s nephew has added to the existing spat between the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission.

Leaked Memo (SaharaReporters Media)

The PSC had ordered that no recruitment should be done to the force but the inspector general of police continued boasting he has the backing of Buhari.

This spat has stalled the promotion of officers in the force and has affected the administrative duties of the force.

DIG in charge of Training and Development, Yakubu Jubrin, was queried for misconduct by the PSC for the recruitment process.

He has had approached the National Industrial Court seeking an order to restrain the commission from sacking or demoting him.

The PSC also accused the DIG of making disparaging remarks against the commission’s Chairman, Alhaji  Musiliu Smith, and a member of the board in charge of recruitment, Austin Braimoh.

The plaintiff in suit no. NICN/ABJ/294/2019, also sought a declaration of the court that the  PSC could not subject him to further disciplinary measures or dismissal.

The suit filed by his lawyer, Alex Izinyon (SAN), stated that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), had informed the police that they had the mandate to handle the recruitment of 10,000 constables as directed by  Buhari.

EKITI STATE TO BEGIN PAYMENT OF N30,000 NEW MINIMUM WAGE OCTOBER ― FAYEMI

Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has announced his readiness to begin the payment of N30, 000 new minimum wages to workers in the state from October 2019.

Fayemi said the measure was to stimulate workers, especially teachers,  to be able to deliver the best to the state and reclaim the lost glory and pride of being the education nerve centre of the country.

The Governor spoke at Oluyemi Kayode stadium in Ado Ekiti during the 2019 Teachers’ Day celebration,  with the  theme: “Young Teachers, the Future of the Profession.”

At the event, Mr Henry Olaoluwa Asubiojo of Amoye Grammar School and Tajudeen Olaoye of Anglican Primary School, Esun Ekiti and Mrs Mojisola Ehinafe of Technical School, Ado Ekiti, were awarded cash price of N500,000 each,  for emerging as the best teachers in the state.

Gov. Fayemi said he decided to inject breeds of teachers into the state’s public schools,  by recruiting 2,000 new teachers to safeguard the future of the state.

“We will commence payment of N30,000 to workers in Ekiti with effect from this month. We are determined to reward diligence because the workers, particularly our teachers have done the state proud.

“In this year’s WAEC, Ekiti was ranked 12th. I want to salute our teachers but that is not where Ekiti belonged, we must continually do more to rise to number one.”

He said he was highly determined to protect and preserve the core values of making Ekiti the education capital of the nation.

Fayemi said he decided to establish more schools in Ado Ekiti, the capital city, to depopulate the overpopulated ones and make learning more conducive.

“The only way we can reclaim our lost glory in education is to encourage our teachers in and outside service. I will promote functional and technical education in this state.

“I have also ensured that all students of school age are in schools in line with education law which makes basic education compulsory and in line with global best practice.

In his lecture at the forum, the Provost, College of Education,  Prof. Isaac Adeoluwa, said for Nigeria to move to its pride of place, teachers must be made to be ICT compliant and embrace modern techniques of teaching.

The Chairman of the Ekiti State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Com. Samuel Odugbesan praised Fayemi for recruiting teachers into public schools across the state, saying this would help in strengthening the future of education.

I NEVER SAID I WILL GIVE TACHA N30M – DINO MELAYE

Controversial Senator, Dino Melaye has disowned a twitter account in his name which quoted him as saying he will give Tacha N30 million for being disqualified from Big Brother Nigeria.

According to Melaye, the account being created in his name was fake.

Below is the fake account

RCCG PASTOR IN PH STABBED TO DEATH DURING VIGIL

An unidentified pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has stabbed to death during a church vigil in Rivers State.

The in incident took place around 3 am on Saturday at the church located on Danjuma Street, off Odili Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

A source in the neighbourhood was quoted as saying “The man came through the gates at that ungodly time, stabbed the gateman with a knife he was holding, brushed through the congregation to the altar, stabbed the pastor and walked out with impunity.”

Rivers police spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed that “the command is aware” of the incident.

He added that investigation has begun to arrest and prosecute the suspected killer.

LABOUR, FED. GOVT TO MEET AGAIN ON NEW MINIMUM WAGE

Labour leaders and Federal Government officials will meet between tomorrow and Friday to unlock the stalemate over the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage.

Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige said the government had commenced payment of the new wage from Levels 1 to 6 workers.

But Labour leaders accused the government of insincerity. A source described the payments of the new wage to junior workers as “divide and rule tactics”.

The President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Quadri Olaleye, chided the Federal Government for insincerity, adding that its representatives in the negotiation had not shifted ground.

Olaleye said:  ”Up till now , we are still waiting for the representatives of the Federal Government. They promised to consult with the Presidency and get back to us. But we have not heard anything from them. It shows insincerity on their part and we can’t wait further.”

Olaleye said Labour will meet with the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC) on Friday, adding that, if nothing is done by then, labour will take a decision.

He said:  ”You all know the body language already. So, by Friday, we will meet with the JPSNC and a decision will be taken. I want to assure you that, once a decision is taken, there is no going back.”

The JPSNC warned that workers could go on strike over the delayed implementation of the new wage as the meeting between the Federal Government and the council was stalled.

Both parties failed to reach an agreement, despite minor adjustments in their separate positions.

During the meeting, which was chaired by the thenHead of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, government shifted from its earlier position of 9.5 per cent to 11 per cent for grade levels seven to 14 and 6.5 per cent from 5.5 per cent for levels 15 to 17.

But, workers have insisted that government should adjust the salaries of workers on grade levels 07 to 14 by 30 per cent and those on levels 15 to 17 by 25 per cent, having stepped down to 29 per cent from 30 per cent for grade levels 7 to 14 and 24 to 25 per cent for levels 15 to 17.

Expressing dismay over the failed negotiation, the chairman of JPSNC and National Auditor of the NLC, Simon Anchaver,  accused the government team of toying with workers’ interest.

He said the JPSNC had resolved to write to the NLC,  and the TUC for their advice on a possible industrial action.

A member of the JNPSNC, who confirmed the proposed Friday meeting said that the labour team would be led by the NLC President Ayuba Wabba.

He said labour would use the opportunity to discuss the need for the Federal Government to fast track action on the new minimum wage.

The source kicked against the payment of N30, 000 minimum wage to junior workers on levels 1- 6 employed by the Federal Government, describing it as a “divide and rule tactics”.

The source said: “We are meeting the minister on Thursday. The issue of minimum wage will definitely come up. Even the minister will talk about it.

“We want the government to fast track the process. We are not happy over the decision of the government to pay workers on levels 01-6. It is divide and rule tactics by the government.

“We will mobilise against it. In fact, we have already started mobilising our members but we have not fixed a date yet for it.”

CASHLESS TRANSACTIONS: CUSTOMERS TO PAY MORE FOR POS TRANSACTIONS

BANK customers are to pay more for Point of Sale (PoS) transactions. This follows a Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive to banks to charge N50 Stamp Duty on individual transactions.

The directive on the Unbundling of Merchant Settlement Amounts was contained in the CBN circular to banks, processors and switches, titled: “Review of Process for Merchants Collections on Electronic Transactions”.

The new policy stipulates Stamp Duties Payment on individual transactions that occur on PoS, rather than previous plans where charges occurred on aggregate transactions.

The circular signed by CBN Director, Payments System Management Department, Sam Okojere,  authorised banks to unbundle merchant settlement amounts and charge applicable taxes and duties on individual transactions as stipulated by regulators.

Merchant Service Charge was also reviewed downward from 0.75 per cent (capped at N1, 200) to 0.50 per cent (capped at N1, 000).

The CBN and Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) are working closely, including setting emittance processes that ensure the stamp duty charges for PoS is collected.

In a NIBSS report titled: “Returns on Stamp Duty Collection for Merchant Transactions”, the payment agency said the new stamp duty payment plan is in line with the provision of the Stamp Duties Act and Federal Government Financial Regulation 2009.

The policy, it added, was aimed at ensuring strict adherence to the CBN guideline communication on the subject, collection and Remittance of Statutory Charges on receipts to Nigeria postal Service under the Stamp Duties Act dated 15th January 2016.

The procedural processing guide for stamp duty Charges for PoS, web merchant and all deposit money banks (DMBs) should download daily PoS/Web settlement report from their respective processors settlement file transfer portal.

Also, the PoS and web settlement processing officer shall ensure that stamp duties are correctly processed daily by downloading daily PoS/web transactions valued at N1,000 and above, noting the count of these transactions; multiply the count of these transactions by N50 and pass the corresponding debit/charge to the respective merchant accounts.

“The debit should be passed to the merchant accounts account at the point of PoS/ Web merchant Credit/Settlement to mitigate against the inability of the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to successfully secure these daily stamp duties charges and remit as expected. These charges are expected to be deposited into the already opened stamp duty collections account at the various DMBs and should form part of the weekly Stamp Duty rendition by the DMBs to NIBSS,” it added.

The NIBSS data showed the total volumes of PoS transactions for 2017 stood at 146.3 million which was worth N1.4 trillion; 285.9 million transactions in 2018 worth N2.3 trillion and 187.7 million for six months- January to June 2019 worth N1.4 trillion.

MIDDLE BELT YOUTHS BERATE GOV WIKE, SAY HE HAS CROSSED ‘THE RED LINE’

Middle Belt PDP Progressive Youth Forum, a socio-political pressure group made of PDP youths in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, has lambasted Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State over his recent statement, accusing the panel set up by the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) of Corruption.

Wike The Panel which has prominent leaders of the Party from the Middle Belt region of Nigeria was set up to resolve the Minority Leadership crisis in the House of Representatives.

The group in a strongly worded statement titled, “INSULT ON AYU, MARK, MANTU: WIKE HAS CROSS THE RED LINE, signed by the Chairman, Gabriel Mudgat, Secretary, Alh. Ibrahim Nadama and Women Coordinator, Hon. Liatu Daniel condemned the statement in its entirety and said that it was an unwarranted abuse on the highly regarded leaders of their region and Political party.

The youths in the statement made available to journalists on Friday 13th September 2019 in Abuja, described Governor Wike as not a uniting factor in party politics, saying he who cannot thrive without “crisis’’.

“But let it be known to him that the Middle Belt is not part of his political fiefdom. He has certainly crossed the red line by insulting the cream of Middle Belt political leaders and statesmen,” the group stated, warning and demanding, that Governor Wike “must immediately withdraw the defamatory statement against Senators Ayu, Mark, Mantu and others with an unreserved public apology”.

The Statement Reads in full:

[i] INSULT ON AYU, MARK, MANTU: WIKE HAS CROSSED THE READ LINE

As a group with a clear mandate to protect and promote the principles of democracy, justice, equity, and the political and socio-economic emancipation of the people of Middle Belt Region of Nigeria as enunciated by the founding fathers of the Region led by the Great Joseph Sarwuan Tarka of blessed memory, we express our utmost displeasure over recent reports wherein the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, abused our foremost leaders.

In the reports, Governor Wike allegedly described Distinguished Senator (Prof) Iyorchia Ayu, a former President of the Senate; Distinguished Senator David Mark, a former President of the Senate; and Distinguished Senator Ibrahim Mantu, a former Deputy President of the Senate as well as other respected National leaders from other regions, including the Distinguished Senator Adolphus Wabara, another former Senate President, etc. appointed into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) to investigate the Minority leadership crisis in the House of Representatives as allegedly most corrupt.

As if that was not enough, he not only congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the APC, on his victory over the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, even when the party had just indicated that it would appeal to the Supreme Court, but also thoroughly insulted brother PDP Governors.

Wike boasted and threatened to deal with the PDP, which built him from the scratch, politically. Much as we find these statements very distasteful, disrespectful, embarrassing, arrogant, and bombastic, they only go further to affirm our claims on Governor Wike.

To characterise Middle Belt leaders, including elder statesmen, whose political exposure dwarf his, shows that he needs some housekeeping in his political manners. Now, we are further convinced that Wike is a man, who cannot thrive without crisis.

Governor Wike’s alleged threat to deal with the PDP and PDP Governors further confirm that the evils of impunity of one man dictating the tune and everyone else dancing sheepishly to it, which dethroned the PDP from power, has inadvertently mutated to Rivers State Government House.

Wike’s alleged threats are part of his annoying and erroneous assumption that one state is equal or above the other 35 states and Abuja. Such impressions are sufficient notice that power should not be concentrated in one hand, for power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Indeed Wike’s reckless statements, excesses, and brigandage are clear pointers to what awaits the nation and the PDP if he finds himself in higher corridors of power and influence, for no nation or party can survive his combined effects of Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, and Buhari constituted in one man. By threatening to allegedly fight the PDP to a standstill, Wike is putting everyone on notice of intention to disrupt the party again and move on.

If he has the self-proclaimed political Midas touch as he claims, how come it did not come to play in the 2019 general election? Wike was the last governorship candidate to be declared winner despite having no challenger in the real sense of it.

But his fellow PDP governors he insults today won their elections or reelection at a go, with some unseating APC incumbents or their anointed ones even without the economic leverage that Wike enjoys.

Lastly, Wike’s uncanny congratulatory message to Buhari when the PDP is still going to court is quite remarkable and speaks volumes when viewed alongside his threat to deal with the PDP in 2018 over efforts to shift the venue of the National Convention and Presidential Primary from Port Harcourt.

If his congratulation of Buhari is not anti-party, what else is, especially when he has sabotaged the intention of the party to go to the Supreme Court because his congratulatory message is persuasive authority for the Supreme Court to rule against the PDP? Wike, the cricket is roasting in the fire but claims he is emitting oil.

But let it be known to him that the Middle Belt is not part of his political fiefdom. He has certainly crossed the red line by insulting the cream of Middle Belt political leaders and statesmen.

He must immediately withdraw the defamatory statement against Senators Ayu, Mark, Mantu and others with an unreserved public apology. Those, whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits, should learn to show humility.

POLICE ARREST ANOTHER WOMEN KILLER SUSPECT IN RIVERS HOTEL, RESCUE WOMAN

Personnel of the Rivers State Police Command on Wednesday rescued a young woman, who was almost strangled in a hotel in Mile 4 axis of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The woman, whose name could not be immediately ascertained, was said to have struggled with the man, who attempted to choke her with a pillow while she was asleep.

State Police Commissioner, Mr. Mustapha Dandaura, disclosed this while speaking with scores of women protesting the serial killing of young females in hotels in some parts of the state.

Our correspondent gathered that the woman had slept off, but woke up coincidentally around 2:00 a.m. to notice that the man had carried a pillow to choke her to death.

A source from Mile 4 said the woman began to raise the alarm when the man became violent and struggled with her as she tried to approach the door.

“The woman went into the hotel on the man’s invitation and when she slept off, the man tried to kill her with a pillow. She was lucky to have woken up as the man tried to press her down.

“The woman immediately began to shout and the people in the hotel called the police, who raced to the place and forced the door open. They (police) eventually rescued the woman and arrested the man,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the State CP said the suspected killer was arrested by his men when they got to the hotel, adding that a thorough investigation had commenced on the matter.

Speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, said the suspect had been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Police Command.

Omoni explained that preliminary investigation indicated that the suspected killer was an indigene of Akwa Ibom State.

He said, “The young woman escaped because she was able to raise the alarm around 2:00 a.m. She was sleeping when she suddenly woke up and saw the man who brought her to the hotel charging at her.

“He is from Akwa Ibom and a builder. He told us he is a school dropout.

“The people in the hotel called the police, who rushed to the place, rescued the young woman and arrested the man."