NEWS RELEASE

Local Government Election Holds Tomorrow – Governor Adeleke

OSOGBO – 21/02/2025 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke has affirmed that local government election scheduled for tommorow is holding unfailingly under the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).

The Governor made the assertion this morning while receiving a delegation of civil society coalition who are in the state to monitor the local government elections.

According to the Governor, Osun voters are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday even as he expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the electoral body.

“I welcome you all to Osun state. Our people are prepared for elections tommorow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors.

“OSSIEC has also done marvelous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses”, the Governor told the visiting activists.

On controversy over the election, the Governor asserted that democracy is governed by rule of law and that nobody can assume the authority of the courts.

“My advice to all parties including local and national stakeholders is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illega self- help.

“Election is going to hold and the outcome will be a fast tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state”, Governor Adeleke noted.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

Fresh 180 Nigerians have been repatriated back home on Wednesday via a chartered flight from Libya.

Alexander Oturu, Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), said in a statement on Thursday that the repatriation was done in a coordinated and all-of-government approach.

Oturu said there were 76 males, 92 females, eight children and four infants on board the IOM chartered flight.

“The federal government facilitated the reception of 180 Nigerian migrants who were stranded in Libya. Their humanitarian return was facilitated by the Nigerian mission in Tripoli and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM),” the statement said in part.

Oturu stated that in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the returnees would be integrated into various government programmes, as well as the reintegration programmes of the UN Migration Agency, IOM.

The migrants were conveyed to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency camp where the NCFRMI and IOM have a tripartite agreement to provide temporary shelter for the returnees before they are provided with onward transportation allowance to enable them to get to their final destination.

The Federal Government has dragged Finance Holdings Limited to the Federal High Court, seeking compensation of $79.51 billion and N231 million for alleged economic losses caused by the operations of the cryptocurrency exchange company.

In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1444/2024, the third against Binance, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is also asking the court to compel the company to pay $2.001 billion in income taxes for 2022 and 2023.

The FIRS also claimed that Binance and two of its executives, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, caused Nigeria economic losses by failing to register with the service.

The *Guardian* also learned that Binance has been charged with tax evasion, money laundering, and foreign exchange violations.

The charge was brought before Justice Emeka Nwite of the FHC in Abuja by the FIRS and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The suit places a 10 per cent penalty for non-payment of taxes for 2022 and 2023, a 26.75 per cent interest rate (the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria lending rate) per annum from January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024, respectively, among other penalties.

Binance is also accused of breaching Nigeria’s Companies Income Tax Act, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2007, the CBN Regulatory Framework for Mobile Money Services, and the CIT Significant Economic Presence (SEP) Order, which covers any foreign company deriving at least ₦25 million annually from digital services in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Senate has summoned National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, alongside the heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), over allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is involved in terror financing.

The decision follows a motion by Senator Ali Ndume, who called for an urgent investigation into USAID’s alleged funding of terrorist groups, including Boko Haram. Lawmakers expressed concerns over a viral video in which U.S. Congressman Scott Perry accused USAID of providing financial support to terrorist organizations worldwide.

Concerns Over Humanitarian Aid Cuts

Adding to the controversy, humanitarian organizations that rely on USAID funding are now facing budget cuts due to the incoming U.S. administration’s decision to freeze foreign aid. Reports indicate that four days after Donald Trump’s return to office, on January 24, NGOs affiliated with USAID received letters instructing them to halt all programs funded by the agency.

Aid workers fear that this move will severely impact millions of vulnerable people as essential programs are discontinued. The Senate has vowed to thoroughly investigate the claims and ensure that foreign aid does not end up in the hands of terrorists.

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has said there is no evidence that the United States Agency for International Development is funding Boko Haram or any terrorist group.

Mills stated after meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja late Wednesday night that no nation condemns Boko Haram’s violence more strongly than the US.

He assured all that if any evidence is found, the US government will work with the Nigerian government to investigate it.

Recall that on February 13, Congressman Scott Perry accused USAID of funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.

Boko Haram is a terrorist group founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf. The group’s objectives included promoting Sunni Islam and eliminating Shia Islam in Nigeria.

Over the years, thousands of Nigerians have lost their lives, billions of Naira worth of property has been destroyed, and many families have been displaced.

Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made this statement during the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency.

The session, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” focused on alleged misappropriations of taxpayer funds.

“Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money, your money, $697 million annually, plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding,” he said.

As a result, the Senate has called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, along with the heads of the National Intelligence Agency and the Defence Intelligence Agency, to address allegations of terrorist funding involving USAID.

In response to a question, the US Ambassador stated that the US has strict policies to prevent USAID or any other US assistance from being diverted to terrorist groups like Boko Haram.

He stated, “Let me be clear—there is no friend of Nigeria stronger in condemning Boko Haram’s violence and disregard for human life than the United States. We have designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation since 2013, blocking the group from transferring assets to the US and allowing us to arrest and seize its members.

We cooperate in investigations with the Nigerian government. I can assure you that we have strict policies and procedures to ensure that USAID funding or any other US assistance, whether from USAID, the Department of Defence, or the State Department, is not diverted to terrorist groups like Boko Haram.

“There is absolutely no evidence of such diversion, and if we ever had evidence that any programme funding was being misused by Boko Haram, we would immediately investigate it with our Nigerian partners.

“So, when it comes to Boko Haram, the United States stands with Nigeria in wanting to rid this country of the scourge that this organisation represents.”

He clarified that President Donald Trump’s administration did not cut assistance but implemented a 90-day pause to develop ways to make it more effective.

Mills explained, “No assistance has been cut yet, and no decisions have been made about the future of our assistance. In fact, US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has said that this is not about ending foreign assistance to our partners like Nigeria. It’s about making our assistance more effective and aligning it with US government policies and interests.

“That’s what this 90-day pause is for. However, there are waivers for life-saving assistance, such as support for HIV patients, maternal and child nutrition, and internally displaced people. So that continues. In 90 days, we will know where we stand.”

Regarding other issues discussed with the 36 state governors, the US Ambassador mentioned that he outlined the embassy’s vision for the future of the US-Nigerian relationship.

He stated, “I explained to them that we are going to focus on four key priorities in the coming years. The first is improving the business environment to increase trade and investment between the United States and Nigeria.

“Second, a renewed focus on improving transparency and accountability in Nigeria, fighting corruption, and empowering Nigerian voices advocating for more transparency.
“Third, we want to be more engaged at the subnational level, at the state level, and with local governing authorities. I believe the embassy needs to engage more in this area as we develop our programs and assistance.

“Lastly, we discussed our health care programmes, which are a large part of US assistance to Nigeria. As these programmes succeed—such as reducing HIV cases and eradicating polio—we want to ensure their sustainability and transition them to the Nigerian government at the federal and state levels.”

Mills stated that the aim is to ensure the sustainability of these health programmes and transfer them to the Nigerian government for effective management, helping to create a stronger healthcare future.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has reacted to the release of Bashir Saidu, his longtime ally and former commissioner, after 50 days in custody.

El-Rufai, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), described Saidu’s detention as an “abduction and unjustified incarceration”, alleging that it was politically motivated.

“Bashir has been my friend for over 53 years, a Barewa College classmate, former Commissioner of Local Government, and of Finance, and former Chief of Staff,” he wrote.

He accused security operatives and elements within the judiciary of obstructing justice and delaying Saidu’s bail. According to him, the incident was an act of political persecution because of Saidu’s dominance in Kaduna North and Central politics.

El-Rufai further warned that those responsible would face consequences in the 2027 elections.

“The payback to those behind it will be known on or before the 2027 elections, In sha Allah,” he declared.

He also promised to reveal more details on the alleged role of certain police officers and judges in the ordeal, urging Nigerians to “stand by for some interesting insights.”

In its continuous effort to promote confidence in Nigeria’s Tax System, the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun on Wednesday 19 February 2025 swore in the newly appointed Commissioners for the Tax Appeal Tribunal in accordance with the provision contained in the FIRS Act. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Federal Ministry of Finance Building, Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

The Tax Appeal Tribunal was established pursuant to Section 59 of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act of 2007 and its proceedings are guided by the Tax Appeal Tribunal Procedure Rules and the 5th Schedule of the FIRS Act which gives the Tribunal the power to adjudicate over all matters arising from and pertaining to the Taxes contained in the 1st Schedule of the FIRS Establishment Act.

It would be recalled that the tenure of the last set of Hon. Commissioners expired in July 2024 and the Tribunal did not have the opportunity to adjudicate on Tax matters as mandated by the law; an act the Hon. Minister has fulfilled today with this inauguration.

While administering the Oaths of office to the 50 newly appointed Commissioners, Mr Wale Edun urged the Hon. Commissioners to discharge their duties with a high level of integrity, professionalism, diligence and fairness to all parties.

In the same vein, the Hon. Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite CFA also highlighted the key objectives of the Tribunal, which include reducing the incidence of tax evasion, ensuring fairness and transparency in tax administration and minimizing delays and bottlenecks in the adjudication of tax disputes.

Hon. Minister of State for Finance further urged the new commissioners to be upright, not to falter and toe the path of infamy but must adjudicate Tax disputes according to the constitution.

In her remark, the Coordinating Secretary of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, Anita Erinne expressed profound appreciation to the Hon. Minister for Finance, Mr. Wale Edun and his deputy- Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite for their unflinching support which has encouraged the Tribunal to achieve its set goals, and assured of the Tribunal mandate to promote confidence in Nigeria’s Tax System.

The new Commissioners are SOYINKA-ONIJALA Moremi, AMOMAN Anthony Oyedele, FALANA Gbenga, EZEUDEKA Chukwudi, IBRAHIM Amina, Aderibigbe Adedeji SAN, OHAGWA Innocent Chinyere, OLATUNDE Odanye, AKINOLA Akindele, AKWIWU Anne, ADIMULA Ruth, OLAMIDE Obajimi, AGBELUYI Olushola, OBIDEGWU Chukwuma, OGUNNIYI Iyabode, LADAPO Abimbola, AJILA Balelayo, YUSSUF Mojirola and OYENUGA Adesola.

Others are UMMAHANI Amin, GARBA James, YERIMA Adamu, KABIR Albakariyu, AJAEGBU Idowu, OKPE Ochanya, NASIRU Muhammad, ADAMU Kish, AMADI Ladidi, BELLO-ISMAIL Bintah, AGBU Andrew, MEDAIYEDU Stephen, ALI Inna, ADEBISI Femi, LWAHASMANG Setshak Gongle, OBAYOMI Wole, OBAYEMI Kolawole, SANNI Sheriff, FATUTU Omotayo, BALOGUN Yetunde and NWALA Chukwudi.

The rest are EGBO Jude, OKIDE Ezigbo, EROMOSELE Ailenoghionmhan, SUNSUWA Audu, UNIMNA Ungwugwaye, EIYA Ofiafoh, ABORISADE Adeola, ASORO Osariuyimen and OLAYINKA Adewale.

In his response, Hon. Aderibigbe Adedeji SAN expressed appreciation on behalf of his colleagues to the Hon. Minister for finding them worthy and assured that the Tribunal will live up to its constitutional mandates and expectations.

With the swearing-in of the new Tax Appeal Commissioners, the Coordinating Secretary, Anita Erinne enjoined the Commissioners to kick the ground running and urged the taxpayers and the general public to advantage of the Tribunal for speedy resolution of tax disputes.

The Tax Appeal Tribunal had tribunals across the six geopolitical zones as well as Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Visit www.tat.gov.ng for more details