Ghana passes anti-gay law.

Ghana passes anti-gay law.

The Ghana Parliament, on Wednesday, passed the bill on human sexual rights and family values, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

The bill, called the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was introduced by Sam Nartey George, the MP for Ningo-Prampram.

GhanaWeb reports that the bill was a Private Members Bill led by Sam Nartey George, the MP for Ningo-Prampram.

The bill prohibits LGBTQ activities and makes it illegal to promote, advocate, or fund them, as reported by Citi Newsroom.

Local media also reports that individuals caught engaging in the activity could face a jail sentence ranging from six months to three years, while those who support or promote the activity may be sentenced to three to five years in prison.

This is coming after years of the bill being in parliament and going through various stages, facing backlash and efforts by opponents to block it or make changes.

In Ghana, homosexuality is currently prohibited by law and can result in a prison sentence of up to three years.

According to the new legislation, the maximum sentence will be extended to five years.

This proposal will also criminalise the distribution of materials that are considered supportive of LGBTQ rights.

According to Citi Newsroom, Parliament approved the bill one day after Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, the Board Chair of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to reject it.

Takyiwaa Manuh, a senior fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, mentioned to CBS News that Akufo-Addo has not approved any previous privately sponsored bills for legal reasons related to the country’s constitution.

According to Manuh, the speaker of the parliament did not conduct the necessary analysis of the bill.

She believes that if the bill becomes law, it will significantly impact the judiciary, police, and other areas of society.

“I am sad, disappointed and surprised that our commitment and democratic principles in this country appear to be so shallow.

“This bill represents a real danger to our country, and we are looking to the president to uphold the values of our country and constitution,” she said.

The bill will need the President’s approval to take effect.

It remains uncertain whether President Akufo-Addo will approve the bill.

In 2021, the United Nations expressed concerns about the potential impacts of the proposed law, Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, warning that it could lead to state-sponsored discrimination and violence against sexual minorities.

In May 2023, Uganda implemented strict anti-LGBT legislation, which includes severe penalties such as the death penalty for certain homosexual acts.

Reps to probe Multichoice of alleged N1.8tn, $342m tax fraud.

Reps to probe Multichoice of alleged N1.8tn, $342m tax fraud.

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Finance to investigate the alleged non-remittance of tax revenue by a South African entertainment company, Multichoice Group.

The resolution of the House was a sequel to the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to investigate the alleged unremitted N1.8tn and $342m tax revenues owed the Federation by Multichoice Group.”

Invited to lead the debate on the general principles of the motion, the sponsor and member representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, Niger State, Saidu Abdullahi, said the power of the House to probe Multichoice is derived from Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitutions (as amended).

Abdullahi noted that Multichoice, “A prominent multinational corporation operating in Nigeria, has been accused of non-remittance of tax revenues due to the Federation, as evidenced by the suppression of information discovered from the submissions in their home country.”

Cognizant that the Federal Inland Revenue Service had engaged a consultant in 2021 under a Whistleblowing contract to carry out an audit of the tax obligations of Multichoice Nigeria and MultiChoice Africa to ascertain the company’s tax indebtedness to the country, the lawmaker said that their findings led to a back audit and investigation carried out by the FIRS from 2011 to 2020.

The House, “Cognizant of the previous attempts by FIRS to recover the unpaid taxes through legal means; including court proceedings and the subsequent resolution to settle out of the court by both parties has not yielded the desired result,

“Observes that the systems audit and investigation revealed enormous indebtedness to the tune of over N1.8 tn in back total taxes for MultiChoice Nigeria, and $342m in Value-added tax, for MultiChoice Africa that had never paid any taxes since they started business operations in Nigeria. Both amounts were levied upon the Multichoice Group by the FIRS,” he added.

That said, Abdullahi alleged that “there are ongoing arrangements to sell Multichoice Nigeria and Multichoice Group subsidiaries in Nigeria to a foreign interest, while tax indebtedness is outstanding.”

According to Abdullahi, “If urgent actions are not taken to recover the tax revenues from the Multichoice Group, Nigeria may lose huge revenue that can inject life into the economy.”

This is just as the House agreed that there is a need to thoroughly investigate the allegations and take appropriate action to safeguard the interests of Nigerians.

Consequently, the House mandated its Committee on Finance to investigate the non-remittance of tax revenues by the company “with a focus on the suppression of information discovered from their submissions in their home country and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.”

The House further cautions potential buyers of Multichoice Nigeria, Multichoice Africa and other subsidiaries of Multichoice Group operating in Nigeria “to be aware of the alleged outstanding indebtedness which may have been covered in their papers.”

Release Nnamdi Kanu, Sunday Igboho Begs FG.

Release Nnamdi Kanu, Sunday Igboho Begs FG

Renowned Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, passionately urged the Federal Government to immediately release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 

Igboho's plea, conveyed through a viral video on Tuesday, coincided with Kanu's ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu, who appeared in court on Monday, February 26, 2024, for the first time following a Supreme Court ruling on December 15, 2023, has been in custody since June 2021.

Igboho emphasised Kanu's innocence and called for an end to political maneuvers, noting that Kanu should be released to reunite with his family. 

In the video, Igboho said, “Release Nnamdi Kanu. Stop politics. This guy didn’t do anything. Today is February 27, 2024. Release him, let him go and stay with his family. 

“This guy just fights for his people in the Southeast like me that I’m fighting for my people in Yorubaland. 

"Release him, let him go. Stop these political games. Release Kanu, let him go home, please release him.”

Oyebanji presents Deji Fasuan brand new SUV.

Oyebanji presents Deji Fasuan brand new SUV.

….Our Govt 'll continue to celebrate hardworking, patriotic citizens, he says.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has restated his pledge to continue to recognize and celebrate any citizen who displays unparalleled passion for the growth and development of the state.

Governor Oyebanji described loyalty, dedication, hardwork and sacrifice, as potent ingredients of nation building, stressing that whoever exhibits such traits towards making Ekiti great currently or in the past shall be honoured and rewarded.

The Governor stated these on Wednesday, while presenting a brand new Toyota Prado (SUV) to Chairman of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Chief Deji Fasuan, at his residence in Ado Ekiti.

The car gift is in furtherance of previous recognition given to Chief Fasuan by the immediate past administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi, which in 2021 named a newly built secondary school in his honour in addition to bestowing on him the state’s “Oni Uyi” honour. 

Governor Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described Chief Fasuan as a leader who worked assiduously with other committed Ekiti leaders for the creation of the State in 1996, under the military junta headed by Gen Sanni Abacha.

Explaining the rationale for the honour, Oyebanji added that Fasuan's astuteness as a seasoned administrator who rose to the pinnacle of his career as a Permanent Secretary, his strong academic prowess, and knack for scholarship as a writer, had attracted honour and respect to Ekiti. 

"Today's occasion was specifically conceived as a way of rewarding excellence, hardwork, honesty, dedication, sacrifice and loyalty, which Chief Deji Fasuan had demonstrated at different times to our dear state.

"We could all remember how Chief Fasuan and other Ekiti leaders worked tirelessly for the creation of Ekiti State, which came into reality on October 1, 1996. He served meritoriously as the Chairman for the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State. 

"Apart from this, he had done Ekiti proud as a retired civil servant , journalist, academic, writer and publisher. Baba, we salute your industry and sense of loyalty to Ekiti State. We are really proud of you.

"What we are doing today is a testimonial to the fact that the current government is committed to rewarding any excellence and sacrifice displayed by our citizens towards making Ekiti grow and develop",

In his response, Chief Fasuan, who commended the gesture, appealed to every Ekiti citizen to continually back Governor Oyebanji in his quests to make Ekiti the cynosure of all eyes politically and economically.

Particularly, the elderstatesman commended Oyebanji's commitment to the values of hardwork and loyalty to Ekiti, which he said the Governor had demonstrated during the scramble for the state's creation, where Oyebanji, then a young University lecturer, served as secretary to the committee. 

Justifying the creation of Ekiti out of the Old Ondo State , Fasuan denounced the widespread view that it was a conspiracy against the sister state- Ondo, saying the battle was taken up upon realising that Ekiti had what it takes to stand and operate independently . 

"Coming to my personal house to make this donation is very symbolic, because this is where the first meeting was held for the creation of our dear state. We had many daunting competitors in the Western Region then, but Ekiti had two things which others don't have- total integrity and total commitment.  

"That was why six of us were competing for one state in the Western Region, but Ekiti got it. integrity and total commitment, and not money landed us here. We thank God that we got it. 

"Everybody knew the role played by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in that epic battle . He was the Secretary when I needed a Secretary most. No regret whatsoever for spearheading that battle. I wish that you young ones will be able to achieve greatness for this state with total integrity and commitment", the nonegenarian said.

Ekiti commences work on 1,000 km rural roads to enhance agric development.

Ekiti commences work on 1,000 km rural roads to enhance agric development.

.…tender bid for first 65.10km of backlog/ rehabilitation intervention published.

 

Ekiti State Government has commenced work on its proposed 1,000 kilometre rural road project across the state, with the advertisement of bid for the first  of 65.10 kilometers of backlog/ rehabilitation intervention, covering several communities and farmsteads.

The road project is being carried out under the World Bank-assisted Rural Access and Agriculture Marketing Project (RAAMP) with counterpart funding from the state government. 

Under the project, a total 1,000 kilometres of rural roads would be fixed to enhance easy transportation of farm produce to the markets.

The rural road construction is in line with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s plan to ensure that rural roads receive similar attention as roads in the urban areas in order to enhance infrastructure upgrade in the rural areas and promote agricultural development and food security by linking farms to markets through good roads.

According to the advertised bid for the first 65.10 kilometres backlog/ rehabilitation, the roads for constructions are: Enu Odi-Itenu –Igirigiri Road (8.41km); Omisanjana-Ben Folarin- Oke Aso Road (5.70km); Ara-Oye Road (8.77km); Afolu-Odofin Road (1.95km); Ise-Imola Road (5.30km); Owode Anaye Road (2.8km).

Others are Erinmope-Irare-Ikosun Road (6.68km); Iye-Isapa- Olopomeji- Ikun Road (5.10km); Ara-Ekameta Schol Road (2.05km); Igbole/Osin- Iropora Road (4.60km); Ilupeju-Igbo Egan Road (3.1km); FMS- Oke Ako Road (3.40km); and Ikosi-Aba Osun- Aba Oriokuta- Ikogosi Road (7.19km).

Other interventions coming up before the middle of the year include 128 kilometres spot improvement intervention and the design of another 100 kilometre backlog/rehabilitation with another 40 kilometre upgrade intervention.

Governor Oyebanji who hails the commencement of the project as timely, urges communities and farmsteads that are not covered under the first phase of the project to exercise patience as they would be covered in subsequent phases in line with the agriculture and rural development agenda of his administration.

Ekiti Cargo Airport: Governor Oyebanji's Remarkable Continuity Efforts.

Ekiti Cargo Airport: Governor Oyebanji's Remarkable Continuity Efforts.

By Olamide Akinwumi

In what can only be described as a testament to effective governance and visionary leadership, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State is setting new standards with the development of the Ekiti Cargo Airport, building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The cargo airport, initially conceived during Governor Fayemi's tenure to enhance the state's agriculture, investment, and economy, is now witnessing unprecedented progress under Governor Oyebanji's stewardship.

On Tuesday, the 27th of February, the Office of Community Communications team, led by the Director General Mrs. Mary Omotosho, made a visitation to the airport. The developments observed were nothing short of jaw-dropping. The ongoing construction work is exceeding expectations and positioning Ekiti State for remarkable growth and development.

Among the notable developments at the airport are the construction of essential facilities such as the control tower, emergency operations office, fire service station, car parks, weather station, and power house equipped with a brand new 500KVA generator, among others.

One of the most impressive aspects of the airport is the runway, which, although not yet completed, spans an impressive 3.3 kilometers in length. This length surpasses the standard size for commercial runways, positioning the Ekiti Cargo Airport as a hub for large passenger aircraft and potential investors.

Despite the magnitude of the project, Governor Oyebanji's commitment to its timely completion is evident through the continuous presence of workers on-site, including Sundays. Once completed, the airport is poised to transform Ekiti State into a prime destination for investors and foster notable development across various sectors.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's dedication to advancing the Ekiti Cargo Airport project will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, and history will indeed be kind to him for his remarkable contributions to the development of Ekiti State.

Tinubu Re-Tooling Nigeria, However on a Slow and Steady Pace: Omoluabi Group Appeal to Nigerians for More Patience.

Tinubu Re-Tooling Nigeria, However on a Slow and Steady Pace: Omoluabi Group Appeal to Nigerians for More Patience.

The atmosphere in Nigeria is highly over pressured. It is no longer at ease as the people are bittered with the high rising cost of living that has caused serious economic hardship. This is absolutely contrary to expectations of Nigerians who accepted to vote for the renewed hope agenda that was the slogan for the ruling APC party and Mr. President during the 2023 presidential election 

Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully in-charge while the people have their hopes high and expectant of the benefits of democracy under a civilized, experiences, highly exposed and a finance expert who is adjudged to have seen it all. Omoluabi Group will not deny playing a part in the emergence of PBAT and the dired interest we showed in the making of the unprecented history of canvassing for a man whom we believed and still believe in his capacity, competence and leadership prowress. 

However slow it may look, we still hold on to our convictions that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on a mission to re- tool and re- jig the decades of economic wreck that have faced this country in ages or years past. Bola Ahmed Tinubu' s policies are of a medium to long term benefits which will be advantageous at the long run. 

The immediate benefits have become the worries of Nigerians. Devoid of ethnic bigotry and discrimination, every nigerians now expects that a better Nigeria should be at sight as we collectively pay the price for a Nigeria where the poor should be allowed to breathe. The many expectations  of Nigerians from the President  are not too big a yearning to demand from the man seen to be emblem of hope. 

Omoluabi Group appeal to Nigerians to exercise more patience to give the present Federal Government under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more times to deliver the dividends of democracy as promised. He is at least less than a year in office and still have two more years timeline to showcase his competence and proper understanding of government runnings. As a group, we shall not shy away from speaking hard truth to government at all levels. We passionately appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expedite actions in improving on the socio- economic development and advancement of the nation. Most importantly is the general well-being of nigerians which include promulgating policies that will help nigerians get a better life worthy of living. Some of the immediate expectations of nigerians include, price control for all commodities in the market through compulsory regulations at government  own prices, reduced pump price of petrol by speeding up the completion and take off of  refurbished refineries, empowering small and medium scale enterprises, restructuring the entire nigerian system which requires to be re-tooled and re-engineered. 

Granting Local Government autonomy is also a step in the right direction which will further bring government closer to the people. Governors in the 36 states of the federation should be made to allow local government administrators to function effectively like the state government. These and many more are the numerous expectations of Nigerians from Mr. President.

Omoluabi group cautions that Mr. President should develop listening ears and put on the right thinking cap that is required to reposition the country in all spheres. 

Nigerians are in high hope and deserve to get a better treatment for their votes.

Time and tide waits for no man as the clock ticks by the day.

Think Omoluabi !

Act Omoluabi !!

E- Signed:

Alex Akinfolarin

National Secretary

27/2/2024