A frontline Rivers State APC chieftain, Prince Tonye Princewill has reiterated his peace option as a veritable tool to move the state chapter of the party forward.

Princewill who reacted via a statement to the recent court judgments that declared Hon. Igo Aguma as the Chairman of the party in the interim, stated that, “I belong to the group of Amaechi supporters that believe peace is better than war. Since we are not afraid of wars, there is no way on this earth we can be afraid of peace. We do not operate out of fear. God wasn’t foolish when He said in Isaiah 1: 18, “Come let us reason together.” It was option 1. “

Continuing he said: “While we have our own reservations about the recent court judgments, we respect the rule of law and know that if we want a different result in the courts or at the polling booths; we must begin with different actions here within our party. We will need a new strategy; including a legal one. We can’t keep doing the same things and expect to get different results.”

Full text of the statement read: I belong to the group of Amaechi supporters that believes peace is better than war. Since we are not afraid of wars, there is no way on this earth we can be afraid of peace. We do not operate out of fear. God wasn’t foolish when He said in Isaiah 1: 18, “Come let us reason together.” It was option 1.

While we have our own reservations about the recent court judgments, we respect the rule of law and know that if we want a different result in the courts or at the polling booths; we must begin with different actions here within our party. We will need a new strategy; including a legal one. We can’t keep doing the same things and expect to get different results.

While I know from my consultations that there are some that agree with me, there are some who do not. As I respect their right to be skeptical and understand the views that they have expressed, I expect them to do likewise for me. There is more than one way to the market. My own path will be peace. Others may prefer the court. It’s their right and a matter of choice. The two options are not mutually exclusive. We still stand with Amaechi.

My appeal to Hon. Igo Aguma, is to conduct yourself with the wisdom this moment deserves. The tone of your inaugural press interaction as the Acting Chairman was markedly different from the previous letters and the majority in the party, who you know stand with Amaechi and his team, just want to be given a fair chance to express themselves in a congress. They feel betrayed by the system, and it is through no fault of their own. You now have the chance to show them, the leadership style that you preach.

A party that reflects only Magnus Abe or any other interest and their supporters is not going to take us to the promise land. Neither is one that will reflect only our former Governor, the Honourable Minister and his key team. Everyone should be given a chance to get involved now. This is precisely where I differ on the recent Dele & Ors judgment. Everyone in APC should have been allowed to contest any Congress. We’re now in 2020. Not just those members who purchased forms in 2018. A lot has happened since then. But it is what it is. The court has spoken.

Finally, nobody should be surprised at either side showing distrust. The history of “betrayal” is long and the nerves are still raw. People are very afraid, some even of their shadow. Those who are not will go ahead and look for peace outside a court. Boma Erekosinma said, “I dey there better pass dem say.” We have put too much into APC to be observers. If truly you believe that Wike plans to take over the APC, through Igo Aguma, Magnus Abe or anyone, complaining is not a strategy.

The Accountable Leadership for Better Nigeria Initiative (ALBNI) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the issue of violence in elections, vote buying, underage voting, compromised electoral officials, low voter turnout and many other still pose serious threats to growing our electoral culture and in recruiting genuine leaders across boards.

In a press release signed ALBNI President, Remi Adebayo, he called on Nigerians for continued faith in Nigeria’s democracy, supporting the Leaders to improve on noted weaknesses and being a channel through which generations can embrace our commitment to nation building.

Excerpt is the full text of the press release

Again, Today June 12, gives the Nigerian people another opportunity to reflect on the path the Nation’s Democracy has taken in the past years since returning to civil rule in 1999.

Although, we have not attained the best this can offer us, seeing some imperfections still being encountered along the way; issues of violence in elections, vote buying, underage voting, compromised electoral officials, low voter turnout and many other still pose serious threats to growing our electoral culture and in recruiting genuine leaders across boards.

But all hope is not lost! We can boldly say the journey since 1999 has similarly afforded us some leverage to participate individually and together in the process on raising the points of advocacy in boosting the people’s ownership of this democracy.

We therefore cannot relent, as more is still demanded from us in the years coming to transfer to our offsprings a nation and its democratic possession for which they can globally cherish and flaunt in pride.

It is on this task, that we call on us, for continued faith in our democracy, supporting our Leaders to improve on noted weaknesses, and being a channel through which generations can embrace our commitment to nation building.

Happy Democracy Day and May God bless our Dear nation – Nigeria.

Congratulations ALBNI for the progress made so far.

Chairman North Central Governors Forum, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for the giant stride achieved towards consolidating democracy and instituting good governance in the country.

Governor Sani Bello, in a congratulatory message made available by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Mrs. Mary Noel Berje, expressed optimism in the ability of Mr. President to continue to deliver service for the people and return the country on the trajectory of peace, progress and development.

He said the idea of changing Democracy Day from 29th May to 12th June by the President in honour of Chief MKO Abiola is not only an honour to the acclaimed winner of the 1991 elections but to all those who struggled for the return of democratic rule in Nigeria.

The Governor noted that the past five years of President Buhari has clearly demonstrated that Nigeria’s democracy has advanced through the respect of the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.

He urged Nigerians to support the President in his efforts to strengthen democracy and correct the institutional decay in the country by being law-abiding citizens and respect the constitution of the nation.

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has sworn-in Barrister Muhammad Ubandoma Aliyu, as the new Secretary to the State Government.

This is just as the Governor inaugurated Dr. Dominic Bako as the Director General, Nasarawa State Bureau for Public Procurement.

Both ceremonies took place simultaneously at the Government House, on Thursday.

Swearing-in the new SSG, Engineer Sule stated that since his assumption in office, the cardinal objective of his administration, has been to assemble a team of tested technocrats, resourceful experts and experienced personalities, that will assist in the implementation of government policies and programmes.

“Owing to the exigencies of governance, it has become imperative to re-strengthen the machinery of Government to enhance effective and efficient service delivery,” he added.

In this regards, the Governor pointed out that Barrister Ubandoma was appointed after wide consultations with a broad spectrum of the society and relevant stakeholders, mostly because he is known to be a political gladiator, grassroots mobilizer, a result-oriented individual and a goal getter.

Engineer Sule while noting that the office of the SSG is the fulcrum of government activities, requiring the occupant of the office to be a person with proven integrity, loyalty and outstanding antecedents, said he has no doubt, Barrister Ubandoma will continue to be an embodiment of sacrifice and service to the people of the state.

The Governor further charged the new SSG to quickly settle down to his new responsibility and to be innovative towards making valuable contributions to enable government achieve its development objectives.

He added that as part of the occasion, the inauguration of the Director General of the NSBPE, is to entrench due process and diligence in the execution of government policies and programmes.

While recalling his solemn declaration to imbibe the principles of transparency, accountability and prudence in the management of public funds, Engineer Sule assured that whatever project and programmes that will be implemented, will meet the requirements and imperatives of the Public Procurement Act.

Subsequently, the Governor called on the new DG to live aboard board and to ensure that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), comply with the provision of the Act.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Barrister Ubandoma, thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to occupy the two positions.

The new SSG assured Engineer Sule that they will live up to the true meaning of the content of the oath they took.

It will be recalled that the office of the SSG became vacant after Ahmed Tijjani Aliyu was relieved of his appointment last week.

Thanked the governor for finding them worthy to occupy the positions.

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has expressed concern over impending economic challenge during the post COVID-19 era, particularly with the country’s over reliance on crude oil.

Engineer Sule made this concern known during the commissioning ceremony of the Federal Fire Service fire fighting truck, at the Government House, on Thursday.

According to the Governor, with both oil price and production now a major challenge to an already fragile Nigerian economy, there is every need for Nasarawa State to look elsewhere in order to generate much desired revenue.

Engineer Sule said that explained the thrust of his administration towards harnessing the potentials of the state in the areas of agriculture, mining, trade and commerce.

“A lot of people are talking and worried about the health challenges, some of us are more worried about the economic challenges after the virus disappeared. For that reason, we have to be ready,” he stated.

The Governor further explained that everything his administration has been doing in terms of economic advancement, activities or development, agricultural activities, road construction, promotion of education and health, are mostly geared towards confronting economic challenges during post COVID-19 era.

Commenting on the commissioning of the state-of-the-art fire fighting truck, Engineer Sule thanked the Federal Fire Service for the partnership towards protecting lives and property not only in Nasarawa State but the country at large.

While recalling the series of fire incidents that engulfed the Keffi market, which at one point necessitated the Emir of Keffi, HRH Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, to seek recourse from the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Dr. Ibrahim Liman, the Governor equally thanked the agency for providing employment for indigenes of the state.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Dr. Liman, said the deployment of the fire fighting truck, which was a fulfilment of an earlier promise, will compliment the efforts of the state fire service while enhancing service delivery.

The Controller General who was represented at the event by the Deputy Controller General, Quintus Azogu, added that the fire fighting truck, which is the first to be commissioned across the country, will facilitate the protection of lives and property against wanton destruction by fire.

He commended the Nasarawa State Government for its policy of encouraging entrepreneurs both within and outside the country to invest in the state, especially in the manufacturing sector for the purpose of value addition in the production chain, in order to create employment for the youths and stimulate economic activities in the state.

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has celebrated with the 9th State House of Assembly on its first year anniversary under the leadership of Speaker Barrister Abdullahi Bawa.

Governor Sani Bello said the legislative arm of Government has continued to show commitment to work and delegence by being proactive, thorough and responsive in carrying out its duties of law making and oversight functions.

“The 9th Assembly has demonstrated that legislative arm has Honourable Members who have the interest of their constituents and the entire State at heart. This they have showcased by giving due attention to passing of bills that have direct impact on the citizens of the State in the last one year”. He said.

He wished the 9th Assembly a fruitful engagement and a more collaborative efforts ahead as they continue to carry out their legislative duties to consolidate on the gains of Democracy in the state.

In line with its inter-agency collaboration, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to ensure the tax agency ascertain accuracy and completeness of value added tax (VAT) elements and other taxes payable in the transactions of telecoms operators.

In a press release signed by the Director, Public Affairs Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Henry Nkemadu, he said that with the MoU, the FIRS will be able to integrate an application programming interface (API) technology solution with the systems of telecom Operators for independent verification of the amount of VAT that should be paid by mobile network operators (MNO) rather than relying entirely on the Operators’ books of accounts.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said that diligence and appropriate due processes were undertaken to conclude the MoU, as the Commission took its time to understand the import of the MoU.

According to him, “Our concern, as Regulator of the telecoms industry, is that we needed to be sure that it is not another way to tax telecoms Operators, who are already dealing with multiple taxation issues. We have also ensured that the integration of the solutions with telcos’ transactions systems will not, in any way, impact the cost and quality of service delivery by the Operators to telecoms consumers.”

Danbatta, therefore, assured telecoms consumers and stakeholders that the integration of FIRS solution with the Operators’ systems is entirely to ascertain the accuracy of the VAT elements being paid by the Operators on their transactions and will not, in any way, degrade the quality of service delivery or lead to high cost of service to the consumers.

In his comments, the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, FIRS, Muhammad Nami, who thanked the NCC for accepting to collaborate with the tax agency, said the MoU is mainly to ascertain completeness of tax transactions of mobile service providers to the Federal Government due to the shift of physical businesses to electronic-based business activities.

He said: “The API, which was developed in-house, is transaction-based and all we are trying to do is to ensure we have the basis for determining the completeness and accuracy of VAT elements in telecoms transactions.”