Stop FIRS usurpation of our statutory function, NIPOST Chair cries out

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Chairman, Nigerian Postal Service Board, Barr. Maimuna Abubakar has appealed on President

Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the ongoing tussle between the Federal Inland Revenue, FIRS, and the Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, over which of the agencies should administer stamp duty.

Maimuna made the appeal in Abuja, while speaking at 1st Economic Confidential Public Lecture & Presentation of the Books entitle, “Pantami -

Trials & Triumphs of a Digital Economy Maestro” and “e-Naira Revolution – A peep into Nigeria’s Cashless Future.”

In her speech, the NIPOST Board Chairman, who described

Kebbi gov elect to improve agriculture

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Governorelect, Dr. Nasir Idris, has said that his administration will continue to promote agriculture and ensure more establishment of Rice

Mill in the State

He gave this assurance yesterday while addressing the management of WACOTT Rice Mill in Arugungu.

He added that as a labour leader, he was overwhelmed by the magnanimity of

WACOT to provide massive employment to indigenes of Kebbi state, thereby reducing unemployment and enhancing wealth creation.

Dr. Nasir Idris who was in WACOTT together with the Governor Abubakar Atiku

Bagudu on their facility tour round the second WACOT Rice Mill which was under construction commended Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for providing an enabling environment for WACOT.

2023 poll: US imposes visa ban on electoral offenders

By Ochiaka Ugwu

United States government said it had taken final step on its plans to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.

This was revealed in a statement by the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, on Monday, published on the website of the US government.

According to the statement, “Today, I am announcing that we have taken final step to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.”

While stating that, “the United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world,”

Secretary Blinken added that the visa restrictions “are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.”

Blinken added, “Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy.”

However, as of the time of filing this report, no name of any individual has been published.

“These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.” The statement noted.

The US government disclosed the decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.

Executive Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi (Centre) flanked by Sen. Julius Ali Ucha( Commissioner, South-East - right), Alh. Aliyu Auwalu Ohindase( Commissioner, North Central - left), Hon.Babagana Modu (Commissioner, North-East, - far right), and Ikharo, Lucky.U. ( Secretary to the Commission - far right) assisting the Executive Chairman of the commission to cut his 69th birthday cake on Friday in his office.

Niger Govt inaugurates Committee for seamless transition

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Niger State government has inaugurated its inauguration committee for seamless transfer of power from governor Abubakar Sani Bello to the incoming governor, Umar Mohammed Bago.

The State Secretary to the Government SSG Alhaji

Ahmed Ibrahim Matane while inaugurating various committees in his office, in Minna, said this will allay the concern, misconception and misrepresentation by the public.

He added that over 200 miscreants have been arrested in Minna and environs who have been disturbing the relative peace enjoyed to ensure smooth movement in the state capital.

Matane reiterated the commitment of the state government in ensuring a hitch free transition.

He explained that the collapse of the two committees in to one was aimed at working

FIRS’ action as a usurpation of NIPOST legal duties, emphasized the need for the President to call for the withdrawal of the ongoing legal tussle and have it settled out of court.

Also present, the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Isa Pantami, who delivered a lecture themed, “Economic Diversification in an Evolving Cashless Society”, spoke on his ministry’s efforts at promoting Nigeria’s digitisation.

He further harped on the importance of exploring the knowledge based economy option for Nigeria in the quest for economic diversification.

Earlier, the Chairman, Revenue Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Mohammed Shehu, who also chaired the event, clarified that diversification is vital for economic growth and development.

Provides family education center in rural areas, expert tells gov’t

By Abubakar Yunus, Abuja

In commemoration of the 2023 International Day of Family, proprietress of the Jewels Leading Lights Academy,Ms Oluwatoyin Oboh has called on government at all levels to establish family educational centers in the rural areas to sensitize parents on child upbringing.

Oboh stated this while speaking with journalists on the sideline of the International Day of Family with the Themes “Families and New Technology “in Abuja, yesterday.

She said the federal government can make use of the National Youth Service Corps, by training them in that area so that they can also educate parents in the villages.

together to ensure the success of the committees mandate of peace and tranquility process.

Responding, the chairman of the governor elect committee for inauguration, Dr Mohammed Kudu Santuraki stated that it’s a transition within same political party, hence the seamless transition of power.

“I would encourage the government to put up family education centers in the rural areas just like we have maternity centers, that can be in their loc languages. It must not be in English so that it will be accessible.

“We should remember that the value is embedded in the family,belief identity systems.“