EKSG set to introduce land use charges.

EKSG set to introduce land use charges.

...... As Oyebanji prepares to announce wage award to workers.

In the drive to boost the economy of the state through improved internally generated revenue, Ekiti state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has announced government’s intention to commence collection of  land use charges in the state.

Governor Oyebanji, who made this known on Monday during the 2023 Carols and Lessons service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado Ekiti said the property tax would not in any way be a serious burden to the residents of the state as it is going to be progressive.

The Governor called for cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders on the scheme in order for government to continue meeting its obligation to the citizens. He added  that the property tax is going to be progressive based on the type and cost of property of an individual.

“I just want to plead with Ekiti people that by next year, we are going to start with land use charges in Ekiti state, because, if government must meet our obligations, we must raise money which I am sure will not bring any burden to anyone. We are going to do it in a way and manner that it is going to be progressive and we are starting in January. There is going to be a stakeholders’ meeting next week, where we are going to sit down with everybody in Ekiti state to explain this. If we do this, it is going to increase our IGR, then we will be able to do more.

“Every time, I receive requests for transformer, for water, for road construction, for community days, all this money will come from somewhere. So, if there are areas, we have not explored, time has come to explore them, but one thing you can be sure of is that I will be accountable to you and to God.

Speaking on wage award and welfare of workers, Governor Oyebanji commended the understanding and cooperation he had been enjoying from organized labour and assured that he would soon announce a sustainable wage award that his government would be able to afford.

“To the labour leaders, I don’t have enough words to thank you, thank you for dealing with all the pressure, but I think we are coming to a closure on wage award. And like I told you, I said I am not going to agree to something we will not be able to sustain, because I want your applause. I don’t want to announce what we cannot pay. 

“We have come to a conclusion on what we can offer and we will communicate it to you, and I plead with labour accept it because if you push us further, we won’t be able to sustain it. If you push us further, pension will suffer, gratuity will suffer and deduction will suffer. So it is better we do this thing in a way and manner that everybody will be happy so that no section will feel neglected. But whatever we say we are going to do, with or without FAAC, we will pay you.

The Governor also called on wealthy people that in the spirit of Christmas to assist families around them who may not have something to celebrate this Christmas with to reach out to them to complement government efforts on the various platforms it had created to reach out to vulnerable residents during this yuletide.

The Governor, in his characteristic manner used the platform to reiterate that he was not expecting or going to appreciate any birthday gift or advertisement from any of his friends or allies as he clocks another year on 21st of December but called on them to divert such gifts to children in the special schools saying that was the only thing that could give him joy during his birthday.

While Governor Oyebanji with members of his cabinet and body of Permanent Secretaries gave a special rendition at the event, lessons were read by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye among others.

In his sermon, the Pastor in charge of region 25 of Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor Tunde Abdulahi spoke on wonderful attributes of Jesus Christ and stressed the need for people of God to come and enjoy Christ and enjoy his good tidings.

Other dignitaries who attended the event were traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants and the public.

Hon. Prince (Amb) Michael Ogungbemi fcpa, honored with the year 2023 Honorary Ambassador of Success _HAS_~Award of the Interweave Solutions Int'l, USA.

 Hon. Prince (Amb) Michael Ogungbemi fcpa, honored with the year 2023 Honorary Ambassador of Success _HAS_~Award of the Interweave Solutions Int'l, USA.

In acknowledgment of his outstanding leadership and commitment to good governance, Hon Prince Ambassador Michael Ogungbemi, the Executive Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area in Ekiti State, has been honored with the prestigious Interweave International Honorary Ambassador of Success Award by Interweaves Solutions International (ISI), USA, held in Abuja, Nigeria.

The award stems from Hon Prince Ambassador Michael Ogungbemi's remarkable dedication to leading Ajoni Local Council Development Area with passion, innovation, and creativity. His efforts align with the six-point agenda of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, of the APC-led administration at the grassroots level in Ekiti State.

In a letter dated 27th November 2023, Prince Amb Michael Ogungbemi received notification from Interweave International USA regarding his award for the prestigious Interweave International Honorary Ambassador of Success. The Interweave International Champions Awards, particularly the Honorary Ambassador of Success (HAS-Awards), recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to community development and the empowerment of youth.

The letter, addressed to Hon Prince Ambassador Michael Oluwadare Ogungbemi, expressed appreciation for his outstanding contributions to human capital development and empowerment. The award committee approved his nomination in the Gold Category, underscoring his impactful role in the community.

The year 2023 HAS-Awards aim to empower individuals in the informal economy through the application of Masters of Business in the Streets (MBS) training principles. As an Ambassador of Success, Hon Prince Ambassador Michael Ogungbemi is expected to support the work of Interweave and nominate beneficiaries for MBS training in any location in Nigeria.

In response to the award, Hon Prince Ambassador Michael Ogungbemi, represented by Engr Prince Mobolaji Ogungbemi at the HAS~Award ceremony expressed gratitude to the leadership of Interweave Solutions International Nigeria and emphasized his commitment to continue contributing to the betterment of society. The award recognizes not only his personal achievements but also the positive impact of his leadership on the community.

Congratulations poured in from the management of Interweave International Nigeria, with Dr. Exodus Esuku Ibor, the Country Director-Nigeria, extending best wishes on the new status as an international Ambassador of Success.

This recognition stands as a testament to Hon Prince (Amb) Michael Ogungbemi's dedication to community development and marks a significant milestone in his transformative leadership journey.

Kogi arrests 10 illegal miners, seizes 50 coal trucks.

Kogi arrests 10 illegal miners, seizes 50 coal trucks.

The Kogi State Government says it has arrested 10 illegal miners and seized 50 trucks loaded with coal in the Ankpa Local Government Area of the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashiru Gegu, disclosed this on Tuesday at the commencement of the enforcement of Governor Yahaya Bello’s directive to stop illegal mining across the state.

Gegu said, “We must implement the Federal Government policy and help in revenue generation. Over the years we have asked miners in the state approved by the Federal Government to register with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources.

This has fallen on deaf ears with people brazenly destroying our communities.”

He warned all illegal mining companies and individuals to stop forthwith as ‘’illegal mining is prohibited in Kogi State.”

The Director General, Kogi State Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Firearms and Other Related Crimes, Friday Makama, said the Bello administration would leave no stone unturned to stamp out illegal mining in Kogi.

He said, “Some set of individuals are milking the state of its natural resources. That is why Governor Bello who wants the best for the people of Kogi State said it was time to put a stop to illegal mining in Kogi.

“Our operation here is very simple. All miners in Kogi State must operate within the ambit of the law. And I am here to ensure the enforcement of the directive given by Governor Bello.”

Why Fed Govt is promoting pleabargain in criminal cases, by Fagbemi.

Why Fed Govt is promoting pleabargain in criminal cases, by Fagbemi.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi has explained why the Federal Government is encouraging the use of plea bargaining in resolving criminal cases.

The AGF said the option, provided for in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 and similar laws enacted by the various states, is intended to curb delays, reduce cost of prosecution and address congestion in prisons.

Fagbemi spoke yesterday in Abuja at the unveiling of Plea Bargaining Guidelines for Federal Prosecutors 2023 and a sensitisation workshop on the guidelines for judges, prosecutors and other stakeholders.

He said there were misgivings among Nigerians about the benefits of plea bargaining, arguing that its merits outweigh the presumed demerits.

The AGF noted that among the benefits of plea bargaining is that “it helps in the management of the caseload of prosecutors and enables the state to concentrate its limited resources on the cases considered more deserving of full prosecution”.

Fagbemi added: “When applied in compliance with stipulated guidelines, plea bargaining can enhance the quick recovery of stolen assets and proceeds of crime.

“It is also one of the mechanisms that can facilitate cost effective, timely and sustainable decongestion of custodial centres.”

The AGF explained that the negative perception often associated with the application of plea bargaining in serious and complex cases had made it imperative for the country to have a “standard guidelines for the implementation of plea bargaining provisions contained in our laws”.

He added that objective of the guidelines was to, among others, “guide the prosecution and the defence in reaching a plea bargain agreement that is in the interest of justice, the public interest, public policy, and the need to prevent abuse of legal process”.

Fagbemi added: “Our conviction is that the guidelines, which we are unveiling today, will promote standardisation, enhance the effective implementation of the plea bargaining provisions in the ACJA and significantly contribute and stimulate overall efficiency of the criminal justice system in Nigeria.”

National Assembly to pass 2024 budget before December 30, says Abbas.

National Assembly to pass 2024 budget before December 30, says Abbas.

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has said the National Assembly will pass the 2024 budget on Saturday, December 30.

Abbas spoke when the House resumed plenary yesterday in Abuja.

The Speaker passed a message from the Committee on Appropriation to various committees of the House that they must conclude and submit their reports of the budget defence by agencies of government by 8 p.m yesterday.

He said other budget-related activities like compilation, processing and harmonization would take place in between.

Abbas said: “Honourable colleagues, just for your records and information from Committee on Appropriation. It is an appeal to all committees that are unable to finish their budget defence and submit their reports. They have up to 8 p.m today to finish and submit their reports for defence at the Appropriation Committee office.

“I also want to inform you that the official day for the passage of the budget would be slated for Saturday, December 30, 2023. In between these two dates, all other activities, like harmonisation, compilation, and processing of the Bill, will take place.

“So, please take note. Those of you who may want to go for Christmas, try to take note that Saturday, December 30, would be the day that we officially pass the budget 2024.”

Prepare for fresh election, PDP tells defected Rivers lawmakers.

Prepare for fresh election, PDP tells defected Rivers lawmakers.

The Peoples Democratic Party has advised the 25 Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress not to be deceived but to prepare for a fresh election.

It was reported that the crisis rocking the state House of Assembly took a new turn on December 11, 2023 with 27 members defecting from the ruling PDP in the state to the APC.

On Monday, at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, signed an eight-point peace agreement with his predecessor and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to end the political crisis in the state.

Addressing a press conference after the PDP emergency National Working Committee meeting on Tuesday, the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, counseled the 25 lawmakers not to be deceived by anybody giving impracticable assurances in Abuja that they can return to the State House of Assembly without a fresh election.

Damagum said no respite for the lawmakers who by Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution vacated their seats because of defection from the PDP.

Section 109(1)(g) states “A member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if: being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected:

It continued “Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored; or (h) the Speaker of the House of Assembly receives a certificate under the hand of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission stating that the provisions of section 110 of this Constitution have been complied with in respect of the recall of the member.”

The PDP national chairman insisted that “having vacated their seats, the only option available for the former lawmakers, if they wish to return to the House of Assembly, is to seek fresh nomination and re-election on the platform of any political party of their choice in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022.

He said, “The former Rivers lawmakers freely and without any cause vacated their seats, being fully aware of the consequences of defection from the party upon which they were elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly without the conditions stipulated by the 1999 Constitution.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no division in the PDP at the national or any other level for that matter to justify the defection of the 25 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the party. They therefore vacated their seats for reasons best known to them and cannot return to the House of Assembly without passing through a fresh electoral process in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Moreover, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Ehie Edison, officially declared the seats of the defected now former members vacant in line with Section 109 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

“The Rivers State House of Assembly, having become functus officio on the matter cannot re-admit the former lawmakers unless through the channel of a fresh election.

“Our party, therefore, counsels the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly not to be deceived by anybody giving them the false hope and impracticable assurances in Abuja that they can return to the Rivers State House of Assembly without a fresh election or that the Independent National Electoral Commission can be stopped from conducting fresh election into the 25 Rivers State Constituencies where vacancies have occurred because of their defection.”

Damagum noted that Section 84 (15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 is clear in providing that no courts have powers to stop INEC from conducting elections wherever and whenever a vacancy occurs in any electoral constituency.

He demanded that INEC should, in line with Section 109 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 84 (15) of the Electoral Act, 2022, fix a date for the conduct of a fresh election into the 25 State Constituencies in Rivers State where vacancies have occurred because of the defection.

No allocation to my office in six months, says Shaibu.

No allocation to my office in six months, says Shaibu.

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has said that his office has not been paid a six-month allowance owing to the tension between him and his principal, Godwin Obaseki.

The deputy governor, who stated this at the opening of the Correspondents Office in Benin on Tuesday, said that he had been running the office and doing other activities through goodwill and contributions from friends.

Shaibu, who described himself as an ambassador of the chapel, noted that he would forever be grateful to journalists as a write-up by an investigative reporter saved him from the grip of the dictator when he was incarcerated alongside other activists during the regime of the late Head of State, Gen. Sanni Abacha.

He said, “You know there is tension between the governor and I. And for six months, there has been no allocation to my office. So, whatever I am doing is contributions from friends and my goodwill; and I am still standing very strong.

“I am your ambassador anywhere I am. This is not because of politics, but because of what you have done to save my life in the cause of doing your work.

“I wouldn’t have been deputy governor today if I am not alive. A journalist who did an investigation and wrote a report saved my life in the hands of the military.

“So, you can see the reason why I come anytime you invite me, even if it is difficult, I must show up because that is the only way I can appreciate and encourage you.”

Shaibu said his desire was to ensure that good governance is seen and felt by the people, noting that Edo is top on his agenda with a view of strengthening institutions in the state.

He added, “I am also determined to make sure that in all things, Edo must be first and I am determined to strengthen institutions. I came into politics because I felt that we should have an egalitarian society. I came into politics to make institutions strong because that is the only way you can have the society of your dreams.

“When institutions are strong, you are able to deal with those guys that thinks they are powerful, moderate their excesses, and also promote and help the weak in the society.

“Institution does not know the rich, strong or the poor, it takes care of all strata of life. That is what I stand for, that is why I joined politics.

“That is why I have sacrificed a lot of things to make sure that Edo works. I even sacrificed my personal entitlement to make sure this institution works and in the coming weeks, I will give a stewardship of what I have done as deputy governor from 2016 to date.

“Very soon, there is going to be a world press conference to give my stewardship as deputy governor. And by the time I am done, Edo would have seen the level of sacrifice that some of us have made as deputy governor of Edo State.”