NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of making a “big mistake” by invading Ukraine, as leaders gathered to discuss overhauling the alliance’s Eastern defenses.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
“President Putin has made a big mistake and that is to launch a war against an independent sovereign nation. He has underestimated the strength of the Ukrainian people, the bravery of the Ukrainian people and their armed forces,” Stoltenberg said ahead of a NATO summit in Brussels.
He further said the leaders of the US-led military alliance would “address the need for a reset of our deterrence and defence in the longer term”, starting with agreeing new deployments to Eastern members – Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria.
NATO has already rushed tens of thousands of troops to its Eastern flank in the wake of Russia’s invasion to counter the threat of any spillover from the conflict into allied countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose country is not in NATO, is set to appeal for more weapons and greater intervention in a video address to leaders as he seeks to cajole the West into a tougher response.
“We are waiting for meaningful steps. From NATO, the EU and the G7,” Zelensky said ahead of the day of summits of all three organisations in Brussels.
“At these three summits, we will see: who is a friend, who is a partner, and who betrayed us for money. Life can be defended only when united,” he added.
NATO leaders are vowing to bolster weapons deliveries to non-member Ukraine and supply protection against chemical and nuclear threats from Russia.
But the alliance has rebuffed pleas from Kyiv to impose a no-fly zone to help halt Russia’s onslaught for fear of getting dragged into a “full-fledged” conflict with Moscow.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that this conflict does not escalate beyond Ukraine that will cause even more sufferings, even more deaths, even more destructions,” Stoltenberg said.
US President Joe Biden warned before heading to Europe of a “real threat” that the Kremlin could use chemical weapons in Ukraine.
Stoltenberg told journalists that “any use of chemical weapons would fundamentally change the nature of the conflict”.
“It will be a blatant violation of international law, and it will have widespread and severe consequences,” the NATO boss stressed.
Super Eagles winger, Ahmed Musa has disclosed that Austine Eguavoen will decide whether Ademola Lookman or Akinkunmi Amoo would start Friday’s 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs against Ghana ahead of him.
Amed Musa
Nigeria will travel to Kumasi to face Ghana in a 2022 World Cup playoff on Friday evening.
Lookman and Amoo are in the Super Eagles camp for the first time ever after they were handed their maiden call-ups to the Super Eagles for the doubleheader against the Black Stars.
Musa, who spoke to the press during Wednesday’s press conference, said, “Nigeria has a lot of talents, so no matter who is called up to the national team, he knows what he’s going to do.
“The new players Amoo and Lookman, the coach will decide who is going to start or they are going to come from the bench.
“Everyone is ready, there is nothing new, but when you come into a new team, you have to understand what and what not, the Nigerian spirit.”
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday granted second reading to the establishment of National Tax Crimes Commission (NTCC) Bill sponsored by the Chief Whip and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial district, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
The Bill seeks to enhance the nation’s revenue generation system, combat tax crimes, protect taxpayers rights, amongst others.
It passed first reading when it was initially introduced to the Senate on Tuesday 8th March.
The Bill came under the first order of the day during the consideration of bills at Wednesday’s Senate plenary when it received an unanimous voice vote in its favour to scale through its second reading.
The Tax bill titled “An Act to establish the National Inspector General for Tax Crimes Commission, 2022 (SB. 951)” is designed to address irregularities in Tax remittances , non-payment , under payment of taxes and to establish an NTCC to protect taxpayers rights by serving as the Tax Ombudsman.
According to the former Abia governor, the Bill if eventually passed into law will protect Taxpayer rights as the NTCC will address the lacunas in the Tax administration system in the country by making the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) accountable and also create avenues for Taxpayers to make complaints over tax related matters.
Leading the debate on the Bill, Kalu disclosed that with the establishment of a National Tax crimes commission asides being the first of its kind in the country will also address taxpayers’ grievances and complaints promptly and without any hassle, and provide an effective redressal system.
Urging his colleagues to back the bill , The Abia North Senator said that through the creation of the National Tax Crimes Commission, criminal Tax investigators will be empowered with their unique forensic accounting skill sets, to be well positioned to combat national security threats and pursue illicit financial flows that were either derived from tax evasion, international tax schemes, cybercrime, or terrorist financing.
Providing additional justification on the essence of the bill Kalu stated that with an increased globalized economy and technological advancements, the country is witnessing transnational organized crime groups and other perpetrators abuse the vulnerabilities in the country’s financial systems.
He elucidated that the bill seeks to complement the Federal Inland Revenue Service in ensuring compliance with payment of tax; develop and implement national policy for tracking down tax defaulters and develop tax compliance strategies.
He said ; “Taxation is the key to unlocking the resources required for public investment and infrastructural growth. Therefore a fair, just, efficient and simple tax administration system is crucial to induce confidence amongst the citizens to pay their taxes as their national and patriotic obligations.”
“The Bill seeks to provide for an efficient and effective mechanism in administering the Nigerian tax system; and to protect taxpayers rights by serving as the Tax Ombudsman; educate the citizenry on tax matters; collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure payment of taxes and proper remittance to the Federation Account; provide a transparent platform on all matters relating to tax; provide sustainable finance and revenue for the government; review and address any complaint by a taxpayer regarding a service matter or a procedural or administrative matter arising from the application of a tax Act”.
Drawing the attention of his colleagues to the Tax Administration system of other countries, the Lawmaker revealed that in regard, countries such as United States, United Kingdom, Netherland and Australia, have an Auditing and Investigative Independent Agency such as the TIGTA and FATCA of United States, the House of Common Treasurer Committee (HCTC) and Tax Ombudsman of the United Kingdom and the Inspector General of Taxation (IGT) and Tax Ombudsman of Australia.
He said in Africa this is also obtainable in countries such as Ghana, Kenya, South Africa etc. And when this commission is created, it will be reporting to the National Assembly and not the Minister of Finance like the FIRST.Kalu added that the essence of the bill is for the establishment of an external examiner, a scrutiniser for checks and balances in Tax administration in Nigeria.
Arguing further, Kalu presented the content structure of the bill to his colleagues, disclosing that is contained 33 clauses which is divided into 7 parts namely; establishment of the National Tax Crimes Commission, functions of the commission, structure of the commission , membership and Zonal operation of the commission, state of the commission, staff of the commission, financial provisions and miscellaneous provisions.
Concluding his lead debate , Kalu provided the financial implications of the establishment of the Tax Crimes Commission in the twelve first months.
In his contribution, Senator Isah Jubrin ( Kogi East) commended Orji Kalu for initiating the bill and moved for the adoption of the bill for second reading. The Senate in a voice vote presided over by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan voted in favour of the bill to be read for a second time.
Following the 2nd reading of the bill was taken by the Senate clerk , subsequently the Senate President Ahmed Lawan referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Finance to report back within four weeks.
Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi has said that he is not worried over a recent court decision that sacked his administration.
Dave Umahi
The governor said this Wednesday while fielding questions from State House reporters after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
A Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, on Monday, struck out the motion filed by Umahi, seeking a stay of execution of the March 8 judgment.
Justice Inyang Ekwo struck out the motion after Chukwuma Ma-Chukwu Ume, SAN, counsel for Umahi and his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, prayed the court for the withdrawal of the motion, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, did not oppose the application.
Justice Inyang Ekwo had, on March 8, in a judgment, ordered Umahi; his deputy, Igwe, and 16 lawmakers to vacate their office and seats, following their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the development, Umahi said “there is no constitutional provision that says that a governor can be sued in this first place.”
Asked whether he was worried over the court decision, he said: “Do I look worried? Am I still not David? You see, God has plans for everything.
“Nobody sacked my administration and I think that God allowed one court to give judgment that I go nowhere, allowed another court to say because we defected, vote belongs to the party.
“Because the highest court has said that votes belong to the candidates. And that’s why even though APC won the election in Bayelsa state, but the deputy governor’s credentials were defective.
“And even a day to his swearing-in, the Supreme Court ruled disqualifying the candidate of APC that won the election because of his deputy.
“And so if votes belonged to the party, it would have been that the Supreme Court in their wisdom would have just asked for the man that won the election, for the party to bring a substitute to do that.
“So, I’m not worried. Because in the first place, there is no constitutional provision that says that a governor can be sued.
“So I’m not to sueable, you know, but a court judgment is a court judgment. I’m not to interpret it, but the Constitution we swore to uphold, I can speak to the Constitution.
“And the Constitution says that when once you’re elected, you enjoy immunity, and Supreme Court says votes cast in an election belong to the candidate. And that’s why you have qualifications of a candidate and not qualifications of a political party. So, I am not worried.”
The governor said God allowed the development to manifest and provide him with an opportunity to further consult on his presidential ambition.
“God allowed it so that where I couldn’t reach in terms of my consultation, this situation has made it possible for me to reach those places,” he said.
Governor Umahi also dismissed the insinuation that he had dropped his presidential ambition, calling it a figment of the imagination of the originators.
“It could be just your own imagination because there is no such thing.
“You can see us in the various media houses, you know, social media. And you can see my supporters everywhere, you can see my consultation, I even consult those who are also aspiring, and that shows you how committed I am to this course,” he said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Wednesday evening released a former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano on an administrative bail.
Willie Obiano
An official at the commission, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, disclosed that Obiano’s “passport was seized by the anti-graft agency as part of his bail conditions.”
The spokesman for the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.
Obiano, was nabbed on Thursday at about 8:30pm by the anti-graft agency at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, hours after he left office and handed over to the new Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo.
He was reportedly on his way to the United States of America when he was apprehended.
He was subsequently transferred to the headquarters of the commission, where he was quizzed for days over alleged mismanagement of N5 billion Sure-P money, N37 billion security vote, withdrawn in cash, as well as some inflated contracts.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has maintained that he has entertained fewer worries since the counter pronouncement by a Federal High Court in Abuja, ordering that he and his deputy, Eric Igwe, vacate their seats as governor and deputy respectively.
Dave Umahi
He argued that asides from the immutable fact that he enjoys immunity as an elected governor, votes secured during an election legally belong to the candidate and not a political party.
Umahi further stressed that the difference between himself and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, whom he thanked for carrying out the hatchet job and likened to Judas Iscariot in the Bible, is their faith.
According to Ebonyi Governor, he serves only the living God while that of his Rivers counterpart (whose name he refused to out-rightly mention) might be based on alcohol.
The governor’s comments are in reaction to the judgement of a Federal High Court in Abuja, ordering his sack and that of his deputy, following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In its judgment, the court maintained that the PDP won the election in March 2019 and not the candidates. It further held that having defected to the APC, Governor Umahi, and his deputy cannot transfer the mandate of the PDP to the opposition party.
Citing section 221 of the constitution, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the PDP to immediately send names of replacements to INEC so that fresh elections can be conducted, an order which the party has swiftly obeyed.
While Umahi has called on his supporters to remain calm after the Federal High Court order, PDP’s nominee for Governor of Ebonyi State, Iduma Igariwey, has asked incumbent Dave Umahi to vacate office without delay.
Mr Igariwey, a member of the House of Representatives, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply immediately with the court order and issue a certificate of return to him and his proposed deputy, Mr Fred Udeogu.
He said he was concerned that a few days after the court order, Governor Umahi was still parading himself as governor when there is no stay of execution order.
In a similar vein, the PDP has charged the INEC to immediately and without any further delay, issue certificates of return to Igariwe and Udogwu.
According to the PDP, INEC, pursuant to the provision of Section 287(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which provides that “the decisions of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, a High Court and of all other courts established by this Constitution shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by other courts of law with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, a High Court, and those other courts, respectively” is bound to issue certificates of return immediately to Hon. Iduma Igariwe and Fred Udogwu as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively”.
In this regard, the PDP also demanded that the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, upon the issuance of the certificates, proceed to swear in the duo.
Party spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Monday argued that this is absolutely necessary to prevent the existence of vacuum in the government and governance of Ebonyi State as “Messers Umahi and Igwe can no longer exercise the functions of the office of Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State pursuant to the Order of the Federal High Court which removed them from office on March 8, 2022, and the subsequent Order of the Federal High Court today, which refused their application for Stay of Execution”.
The PDP commended the judiciary for its courage in defending the Constitution as well as the will of the people of Ebonyi State as expressed in their votes for the PDP in the 2019 governorship election.
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the multiple fees being imposed on candidates of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
At the plenary on Wednesday, the House mandated its Committee on Basic Education to “investigate the multiple processing and/or administrative fees imposed by JAMB and its accredited agents on JAMB candidates.”
The committee is to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The probe was based on a motion titled ‘Call to Investigate the Imposition of Multiple Processing and/or Administration Fees by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and its Accredited Agents on JAMB Examination Candidates,’ which the lawmakers unanimously adopted.
A member of the House, Sergius Ogun, who moved the motion, said in recent times, in addition to the registration fees for the examination, “all sorts of processing and/or administrative fees are imposed on JAMB examination candidates.”
He said, “For every other service, apart from the JAMB registration provided in relation to the examination, an administrative fee is imposed by JAMB, which does not include the CBT Centre Service Charge collected by JAMB accredited CBT Centers and some of the charges.”
The lawmaker listed the charges to include Application for Transfer, N7,000; Change of Admission Letter with Registration Number, N5,000; application for correction of data (like date of birth, etc.), N2,500; printing of JAMB result slip, N1,000; printing of JAMB admission letter, N1,000; change of institution/course, N2,500; and retrieving of JAMB registration number, N1,000.
Ogun said, “The House is cognisant that by the provisions of the Act, JAMB is an examination conducting body and not primarily a revenue-generating organ of the Federal Government.
“The House is worried that JAMB candidates who are not privileged to afford the charges/fees suffer undue hardships and ultimately lose out from taking the examination;
“The House is also worried that a majority of the candidates dwell in villages, often without CBT accredited centres, and as such would have to travel long distances and incur additional transportation costs in order to register for the examination or carry out a JAMB related service offered only in a CBT Centre.”
Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has showered words of praises on his wife, Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin Kalu at the occasion of her birthday, describing her as a pure gift sent to complete him.
He said God saw the need to give him a helper when He caused his wife to be born on March 23 in far away Paddington Sydney Australia to the late Prof. and Dr (Mrs) Nkemdirim Onuoha.
In a felicitation message on his social media pages, Hon. Kalu who is spokesperson of the House of Representatives further remarked that his life would have been empty in the absence of his wife.
He said, “2303, my life’s lucky number. The day God saw I needed a helper and sent one Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin Kalu to be born in far away Paddington Sydney Australia to the late Prof. and Dr (Mrs) Nkemdirim Onuoha for a Bende boy.
“I celebrate God when I celebrate you, because you remain a pure gift sent to complete a life that would have been empty without you . Thanks for all the support .
“Nothing replaces your value in my eyes and that of our children, our noble Matriarch of the Benkalu Clan, the Queen in the heart of her King. Omalicha Nwanyioma, my Pride.
“Our life walk is just commencing and am glad it is your hand am holding all through the journey .
“Feels so good celebrating you on this your special day, themed a birthday of fulfilment and accomplishment.
“Happy birthday from Stephanie, Benjamin, Angelique, Gabriella, David and I, may your children rise up to call you blessed , live long and prosper more Nwuye Ben.”
Russia have declared an interest in rivalling the UK and Ireland for the right to host Euro 2028 despite their current ban from international football.
Russian clubs and national teams are currently suspended by FIFA and UEFA over the country’s invasion of Ukraine, pending the outcome of an appeal by the Football Union of Russia to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
However, that has not stopped the union’s executive committee giving its backing for a bid for 2028 and 2032, with the deadline for expressions of interest set for Wednesday.
A post on the union’s official website outlined a number of results from Wednesday’s executive committee meeting which included to ‘support the decision to declare interest in hosting the European Championship 2028 or 2032 in Russia’.
Reports from Russia had earlier quoted an executive committee member, Sergey Anokhin, indicating an interest in bidding for the tournaments.
Sport Express said that along with the UK and Ireland, there was also a bid from Turkey and a joint one from Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia.
Russia successfully hosted the 2018 World Cup but has been exiled from the international sports community since its invasion of Ukraine a month ago, with UEFA having already stripped St Petersburg of hosting rights for this season’s men’s Champions League final.
The team have also been banished from the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar, handing play-off opponents Poland a bye into the final.
The five associations leading the UK and Ireland bid submitted a formal expression of interest to UEFA on Wednesday.
England, Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland have all confirmed their interest in joint-hosting the tournament.
Sportsmail reported last week how the home bid was expected to be unchallenged – with Turkey not expected to enter the running and Russia’s own hopes looking scuppered amid the Ukraine invasion.
However, even if Russia’s bid is rejected out of hand by UEFA, England will definitely face a challenge for the Euros after Turkey performed a U-turn on their intentions.
That country’s football federation issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon which read: ‘The Turkish Football Federation has made an official candidacy application to UEFA for the 2028 European Football Championship finals to be held in Turkey.
‘UEFA will make its decision on hosting Euro 2028 after evaluating the files of the candidate countries in the upcoming period.’
The home nations’ intention to bid for Euro 2028 was announced on February 7, after a feasibility study concluded that targeting the continental finals carried greater certainty than a bid for the 2030 World Cup, which had been under consideration.
A joint statement from the five associations read: ‘With this unique partnership, we are taking the appropriate next steps and our ambition is to stage a successful UEFA Euro which will be a wonderful celebration of football for fans and teams.
‘We believe Euro 2028 would be one of the greatest sporting events ever held in the UK and Ireland.
‘This unprecedented partnership of five associations offers something special to European football, including the potential for an expanded tournament, and we are passionate about maximising the sustainability and legacy benefits for communities across the UK and Ireland.
‘Over the coming months, we will develop our proposals further, subject to the publication by UEFA of the full technical specification. This includes engaging in discussions with possible host cities and stadia to define the optimum tournament model and conducting a full costs and benefits analysis.
‘The UK and Ireland will offer an unrivalled tournament from a technical perspective – with modern, well-connected stadia and excellent infrastructure – that makes our partnership ideal to host Euro 2028.’
England had initially been readying a bid for the 2030 World Cup, before turning their attentions to the Euros after it became clear that UEFA was angling toward’s Spain’s joint bid with Portugal.
Instead, Euro 2020 was mooted as a possible sweetener – with officials fearing their World Cup hopes may have been wrecked following violence by supporters prior to the Euro final between England and Italy.
Supporters barged their way through barriers in chaotic and shameful scenes, and some made their way inside illegally before England were handed a stadium ban as a punishment.
However, UEFA view this as a one-off event caused by England’s first major final appearance for 55 years and a mass release of frustration following the emergence from lockdown — as well as placing much of the blame at the door of the Metropolitan Police for their poor security operation.
Some Christian leaders under the auspices of Network of Clergy Men In Nigeria have thrown their weights behind the former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that he right the wrongs of Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
A statement jointly signed by leaders of the South-South Zone of the network including the Regional Coordinator, Pst. Pastor Joseph Francis, Coordinator-General from Delta state, Apostle Chris Odion Ebhodaghe, (Deputy Co-ordinator, Edo state) Pst. Osas Franco, (Secretary), and Pst. Ikechuchu Okorie, (PRO) urged other admirers of Tinubu to back him based on his Socio-political and economic achievements in the past years
They said Tinubu has influence across all the geo-political zones of Nigeria and should be given the opportunity to pilot the affairs of the country.
Part of the statement read “He will strengthen the economy.
“He stood tall amongst other opposition parties from 1999-2015. His ability to remain in government as a governor of LAGOS state during the collapse of AD across the southwest in 2003, Is worthy of note.
“Bola Tinubu was quite instrumental in bringing about the modern-day nigeria progressives. His influence and that of many others led to the emergence of APC as the current ruling political party in Nigeria.
“As regards 2023 presidential election contention, some of us have decided to stick with him and give our support. He is entirely our choice to make.
2023 is for one man, one vote. The best choice should be made to move our great Nation forward. Our choice is and will remain Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is where we are, and that is where we want to belong. It’s our choice, as any group is free to make their choices.”
The network which they said has over 10,000 members admonished Christians to take a bold step and stand at this critical time of the nation to support Ahmed Tinubu who is a visionary leader.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to around ₦835...
