Enugu Assembly Passes Bill On Harmonisation Of Taxes

Enugu assembly passes bill on harmonisation of taxes. The assembly’s majority leader, Iloabuchi Aniagu, said the bill would make the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) be in charge of collecting taxes.

Enugu House of Assembly
The Enugu House of Assembly on Thursday passed the State Harmonised Taxes and Levies Bill aimed at streamlining taxes and levies collected in the state.

Leading a debate before its passage in Enugu, the assembly’s majority leader, Iloabuchi Aniagu, said the bill would make the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) be in charge of collecting taxes.

Mr Aniagu noted that the current administration was doing everything possible to give the state a facelift, hinting that this could only be achieved through tax collection.

While noting that no society can develop without taxation, the lawmaker added that the bill would curb the menace of roadblocks by touts, which he described as a serious issue in the state.

Another lawmaker, Malachy Onyechi, revealed that the bill, when implemented, would stop people from evading taxes.

Mr Onyechi regretted that many people evade taxes but want the government to provide basic amenities in their communities.

Also, Obiajulu Ugwu pointed out that the bill was an indication that the state government had not only heard the cries of the masses but was also determined to find a solution.

She argued that the issue of multiple taxation was affecting the state government’s image and also providing the opposition with an avenue to criticise and attack the current administration.

The lawmaker stressed that the bill would end needless extortion by different ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Enugu Lawmaker

Speaking shortly after the passage of the bill, the House speaker, Uche Ugwu, reiterated that the eight assembly was determined to sanitise the state’s tax system.

Mr Ugwu maintained that the assembly would not fold its hands and watch greedy individuals impose hardship on the people or allow their constituents to suffer under the guise of tax collection.

The speaker stressed that the passed bill was not targeted at a group or individual but was to restore sanity in the collection of taxes and levies in the state.

High Court Acquits DCP Abba Kyari In NDLEA Asset Declaration Case

High Court acquits DCP Abba Kyari in NDLEA asset declaration case. A federal high court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted Abba Kyari, suspended deputy commissioner of police, of a 23-count charge of alleged non-declaration of assets filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, James Omotosho, presiding judge, held that the prosecution failed to establish its case against Kyari and the other defendants.

Kyari was charged alongside his two brothers, who were accused of swearing false affidavits to conceal the origin of some property allegedly linked to the police officer.

Delivering the verdict, Omotosho said the NDLEA did not present sufficient evidence to prove that the property cited in the charge belonged to Kyari.

The judge explained that ownership of landed property can be proven through traditional history, title documents, acts of possession, or possession connected to ownership.

He said none of these forms of proof was presented by the prosecution to show that the property located in Fountain Estate, Kasana (said to belong to Ramatu Kyari), was owned by the suspended police officer.

Omotosho also held that the prosecution failed to produce evidence linking Kyari to other property referenced in the charge, including those located on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, and in Maiduguri, Borno state.

In his defence, Kyari had told the court that the property in Borno belonged to his late father and was inherited by him and his siblings.

The judge said the prosecution did not disprove the claim.

Omotosho also faulted the charge of conspiracy against Kyari’s brothers — Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari — holding that the allegation was not substantiated by evidence.

Abba Kyari

He described the prosecution’s case as weak and lacking in credible proof.

The judge added that Kyari had served the country and should not be subjected to persecution in the absence of convincing evidence.

Meanwhile, Kyari and four other suspended police officers are also facing a separate trial before Emeka Nwite over alleged involvement in a cocaine deal.

Two drug traffickers arrested in the case, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne, were convicted and sentenced to two years in prison in 2022.

Akpabio Commends Governor Umo Eno On Peaceful Conduct Of APC State Congress

Akpabio commends Governor Umo Eno on peaceful conduct of APC state congress. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno for the peaceful conduct of the State congress of All Progressives Congress.

Akpabio who participated in the Congress held at Uyo Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State, observed the peaceful ambience that trailed the party event. He noted that in the past such events were always rancourous and marked by factionalization and acrimony.

The Senate President commended Pastor Eno for broad consultation and inclusive governance which led to the emergence of a new executive committee for the party in the state through consensus as prescribed by the constitution of the party.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio as saying: “Somebody alluded to the fact that it was not always like this. Congresses in the State were always characterized by factions.

“While some gathered here at the Stadium, others would gather at a hotel to do their own parallel congress. But you will be shocked that before you get to Abuja it is the rag-tag congress that would be recognized by the Party.

“Just recently when the team came from Abuja to conduct the congress here, they had to be led to the State Office of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their safety. Let me tell you that even Ward and Local Government Congresses in some States, people lost their lives.

“But here we are in Akwa Ibom State conducting the congress as if we are in a church to take communion. Today I give glory to God for the peace in Akwa Ibom State. And this is because we are led by a true man of God who practices godliness in his heart.

“This is uncommon, this is unprecedented and it will go down in history as the first most peaceful congress in Nigeria. We will continue to support Governor Umo Eno. I can predict that even the coming elections in Akwa Ibom State, will be as peaceful as this congress.

“Akwa Ibom has continued to show leadership, Akwa Ibom has continued to show unity totally unprecedented. There is no single untowards incident throughout the Ward, Local Government and State congresses. Even old political foes have been reconciled today with this congress.”

Akpabio Commends Governor Umo Eno

In a voice vote, the party faithful pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.

In his remarks the Governor thanked the President of the Senate for his presence which he said had dignified the Congress. He thanked God for the peaceful conduct of the Ward, Local Government and State Congresses and pledged the support of the State for the administration of President Tinubu.

The Congress re-elected Obong Stephen Ntukekpo as the State Chairman to lead the State Executive Committee of the Party with a focus on unity and grassroots mobilization.