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Wike Floors FIRS Again, Directs Revenue Agency to Enforce VAT Law

Published

3 years ago

September 7, 2021

Eric

Governor Nyesom Wike has directed the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS) to ensure the full implementation and enforcement of the state’s Value Added Tax (VAT) law.

The governor’s directive followed the dismissal by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt of an application by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for a stay of execution over the court’s judgment that declared Rivers State constitutionally empowered to collect VAT within its jurisdiction.

Wike, in a state wide broadcast, asserted that with Monday’s judgement, the way was now clear for his administration to enforce the Rivers State Value Added Tax Law 2021 until otherwise set aside by a superior court.

“Consequently, I hereby direct the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS) to ensure the full and total implementation and enforcement of this law against all corporate bodies, business entities and individuals with immediate effect,” Wike said.

“I wish to further assure every resident that we shall as usual make effective use of the expected proceeds from this tax to accelerate the development of our state and improve the wellbeing of everyone.”

Read the full statement:

STATE WIDE BROADCAST BY
GOVERNOR NYESOM EZENWO WIKE
ON 6th SEPTEMBER 2021

My dear people of Rivers State

As we all know, following the recent judgement of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, which upheld the constitutional right and authority of State Governments to impose, collect and utilize value added taxes (VAT) within their respective territorial jurisdictions, the Rivers State Government enacted the Rivers State Value Added Tax Law 2021 to regulate the effective administration of VAT in Rivers State.

2. As expected, the Federal Government, through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), disagreed and filed an appeal coupled with a request for stay-of-execution of the judgment before the Federal High Court.

3. While the appeal was pending and without any stay-of-execution of the subsisting judgement, the FIRS went about to bully corporate bodies and business entities from paying the VAT to the Rivers State Government even when they knew that an appeal does not serve as a stay neither was there anything to stay in a declaratory judgement.

4. As a mere agency of the Federal Government without any political authority the effrontery and impunity exhibited by the FIRS against the Rivers State Government was ill-advised and highly provocative.

5. However, being a government that believes in the rule of law we decided on our own to suspend the enforcement of the Rivers State VAT Law 2021 pending the outcome of the FIRS’s application for stay-of-execution.

6. Today, the FIRS has failed in its attempt to frustrate the enforcement of the State’s Law on VAT with the Federal High Court’s dismissal of its application for stay-of-execution of the judgement.

7. It is important to reiterate the fact that we did no wrong in exercising our legal right under our constitutional democracy to stop the continuing breach, denial and curtailment of the constitutional right of States to lawfully impose and collect value added and other related taxes within jurisdiction to the exclusion of the Federal Government.

8. And in doing so our singular and progressive objective was to contribute to the advancement of fiscal federalism by enabling the federating States to explore and exploit their potential and capacity for generating greater internal revenues with which to fund their development goals and reduce the outdated over-reliance on pitiable Federal allocation and other handouts.

9. Naturally, some States with presently low economic activities and ethically restrictive social policies with economic implications may be adversely affected for now.

10. But, this is not our own making. Like the right to derivation, this is also a constitutional prescription, which we all swore as political leaders to respect and defend as the supreme law of the land.

11. Above all, fiscal federalism remains the right path to economic self-reliance and sustainability for all our States and the benefits derivable from this case by all the States in the long run far outweigh the immediate revenue loss that some States may presently suffer.

12. All that is required is for all of us to wear our thinking caps as elected Governors to collectively fight for the greater devolution of resources, responsibilities and powers to the federating States.

12. It is therefore very unfortunate that some State Governors led by that of Katsina State are vainly conspiring to truncate this progressive reality in favour of the inequitable status quo so that the Federal Government can continue to rob Peter to pay Paul as the nation’s self-imposed tax master-general.

13. For us in Rivers State, we will continue to ensure and project our constitutional rights to access all possible resources we can take hold both within and outside our geographical boundaries to advance the progress of our State.

14. And with today’s judgement the way is now clear for the administration and enforcement of the Rivers State Value Added Tax Law 2021 across the entire State until otherwise decided and set aside by the Superior Courts.

15. Consequently, I hereby direct the Rivers State Revenue Service (RSRS) to ensure the full and total implementation and enforcement of this law against all corporate bodies, business entities and individuals with immediate effect.

16. All corporate bodies, business entities and individuals are advised to willingly, truthfully and promptly comply with their tax obligations under this law to avoid the full weight of the stipulated sanctions, including having their business premises sealed-up.

17. Let me warn that the Rivers State Government is fully in charge of the State and will not tolerate any further attempt by the FIRS to sabotage or undermine our authority to freely administer our tax and other related laws in our own State. Those who play with fire risks having their fingers burnt. Enough of the shenanigans.

18. I wish to further assure every resident that we shall as usual make effective use of the expected proceeds from this tax to accelerate the development of our State and improve the wellbeing of everyone.

19. Fellow citizens, let me also draw your attention to the alarming rate of transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic in our State.

20. The daily figures released form the NCDC show that both the transmission and death rates in the last two weeks have consistently been on a rising spiral because residents and visitors to the State have largely abandoned their responsibility to comply with the existing COVID-19 Protocols.

21. Clearly, we are headed for a serious health disaster of profound consequences if residents and visitors continue to behave as if the pandemic no longer exists or impotent in Rivers State.

22. This is a big lie and we cannot afford to continue to close our eyes to the dangers such irresponsible behaviour poses to the health, lives and livelihood of everyone.

23. Accordingly, I wish to remind residents of the subsisting protocols on regular washing of hands and use of alcohol-based sanitizer; maintaining social distancing; wearing of face masks at all public places, including transport vehicles and going for immediate testing and treatment whenever you notice any of the symptoms.

24. Furthermore, it has been proven that vaccinations are saving lives here and across the world and those refusing to take the vaccines for no certified medical reasons should know that they are endangering the rest of the citizens.

25. I therefore appeal to all residents to help protect yourself, your loved ones and the rest of the citizens by getting your jab at the designated health centres in the 23 Local Government Areas of the State as they become available.

26. I also appeal to religious leaders and churches to convince and encourage their followers and members to please go out and take the vaccines and comply with the covid-19 protocols in addition.

27. Although it remains our desire to keep the State open and allow citizens to go about their social, religious and economic activities unimpeded.

28. But we may be constrained to re-imposed the suspended COVID-19 lockdown measures across the State if the transmission of the disease continues to increase beyond tolerable limits.

29. Finally, we wish to reiterate that the ongoing demolition of shanties was borne out of the compelling need to safeguard lives and property across the State.

30. Our objective, which is gradually achieving is to deny the criminals these sanctuaries and hideouts from which they embark on their criminal activities and safely return to.

31. We therefore refuse to be blackmailed by those unpatriotic elements who are trying to stir false ethnic, religious or tribal sentiments around our patriotic commitment to advance the safety and security of residents.

32. Furthermore, we refuse to be intimidated by such baseless pranks. Rather, we will not rest until we clear the State of all shanties wherever they are located and restore sanity to our environment and achieve a better sense of comfort and security for everyone.

33. Once again, thank you all for your support, prayer and understanding as we continue to work together to advance our collective security, peace and progress.

34. Thank you and may God bless Rivers State.

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Gov Adeleke Presents Staff of Office to Oba Haastrup, New Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2024

Eric

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has on Sunday presented Staff of Office to the new Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.

While presenting the Staff of Office in Ilesa, the Governor admonished the new Deputy Chairman of Osun State Council of Obas that the time of competition is over and he should assume the position of father of all.

He thereafter rolled up his achievement in Ijeshaland in the last two years of his administration while calling for further support from all and sundry for his administration.

“It is with a sense of immense pride and responsibility that I stand before the good people of Ijeshaland this afternoon. In this great hall and in this historic city, we are set for the presentation of the staff of office and instrument of appointment to the new Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.

“I congratulate all distinguished sons and daughters of Ijeshaland both at home and abroad who are witnessing this historic moment.

“Such an event took place over forty years ago when our revered departed father, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was presented his instrument of appointment and staff of office. His reign was long, eventful, peaceful and full of massive developments in Ijeshaland.

“I pray the same for our new Owa, Ade a pe lori, Bata a pe lese. E o pe lori ite awon baba yin.

“Kabiyesi, now that the time of competition is over and you have become the father of all, I urge you to rally round all citizens of Ijeshaland for the development of the area and the State at large.

“I urge you to deploy your wealth of experience garnered over the years and your contacts within and outside the country for the development of Ijeshaland. There is much work to be done and the Government alone cannot be saddled with the responsibility. It calls for the concerted efforts of all and sundry.

“I want to seize this opportunity to call on all Ijesha sons and daughters to continue the development of the fatherland. Our administration is intensifying developmental efforts across the state including Ijeshaland. We need your continued cooperation and collaboration to further speed up the growth process.

“In the last two years of my administration, we have made tremendous impact in the massive infrastructural development of the State, Ijeshaland inclusive. For the first time in the history of Ilesa, my administration is constructing a dual carriageway in the ancient town. This is in addition to several other infrastructural developments in Ilesa and Ijeshaland in general.

“I therefore urge all and sundry to continue to support this administration as we take developments to every corner of the state. I promise not to relent on our efforts to transform our dear State. We have been doing this and we will continue to do more in the new year”, the Governor noted.

Responding, the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Hastrup accepted to serve as the 41st Owa Obokun Adimula and the paramount ruler of Ijeshaland, while promising to rule with wisdom, justice, divine guidance and compassion.

“I accept this noble position of Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland with gratitude and reverence, knowing that it is not by might, but divine arrangement. I am humbled, privileged and honoured by the trust you have collectively placed in me.

“I make a solemn promise to rule with wisdom, justice, divine guidance and compassion. I vow to protect our land, to defend our traditions and values, and to promote peace, prosperity, and happiness for all. I shall leverage on my healthy interpersonal relationships, wide social networks and global business interests cultivated over the years to bring enviable development to Ijeshaland.

“I recognize that the progress of our land is built on the strength, harmony and empowerment of our people. I pledge to listen to your voices, to hear your concerns, and by the grace of Almighty God, work tirelessly to address them”, Oba Haastrup pledged.

Meanwhile, the new Owa Obokun has appointed industrialist, Lateef Bakare as the new Ajiroba of Ijeshaland while Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd.) was appointed the new Gbobaniyi of Ijeshaland.

The new monarch made the announcements at his installation and presentation of staff of office.

Lateef Bakare is an alumnus of Yaba College of Technology and Brookes University, United Kingdom. He is a member of Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) UK and a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), member Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria

Top royal fathers and dignitaries at the event were Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I; the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji; The Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; Hon. Sunday Busy, Osun PDP Chairman; members of the state executive council and other illustrious sons and daughters of Ijesaland and other well meaning Nigerians.

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Fubara Shuns Amaewhuele, Presents N1.1trn Budget to Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2024

Eric

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Monday, presented a N1.1 trillion 2025 budget proposal to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers House of Assembly.

He announced that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rose to over ₦250 billion naira, and it’s expected to close at ₦300 billion by the end of the year, marking a record 100% increase over the previous year.

This, alongside ₦300 billion received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), enabled the state to execute transformative projects across sectors.

Building on this success, the governor unveiled one trillion, one hundred and eighty-eight billion, nine hundred and sixty-two million, seven hundred and thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred and thirty-two, thirty-six Kobo (₦1, 188, 962, 739, 932. 36) for 2025 fiscal year.

The proposed budget comprises Recurrent Expenditure of ₦462 billion and Capital Expenditure ₦678 billion, reflecting a 44% to 56% ratio.

Governor Fubara outlined the expected revenue streams to fund the budget, including ₦264.3 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), ₦18.2 billion from Statutory Allocation, ₦132.1 billion from Mineral Funds, ₦204.2 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT) and ₦32.2 billion from Refunds Escrow, Paris/ECA, ₦27.5 from Refands from Bank Charges and ₦20.6Bn from Excess Crude Account.

The projections are based on economic indicators such as an oil price of $80 per barrel, a production target of 1.8 million barrels per day, an exchange rate of ₦1,500 per dollar, and a 22% inflation rate.

Governor Fubara emphasised that the 2025 budget prioritises key sectors critical to the state’s development, including Agriculture to ensure food security; Education for improved access, infrastructure, and quality of learning; Healthcare; Social Investment to empower vulnerable groups and foster equity and Infrastructure Development to enhance connectivity and economic activities.

In his remarks, Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo commended the governor for his vision and commitment to the state’s progress.

The 2025 budget presentation marks Governor Fubara’s second since assuming office in May 2023, amidst ongoing legislative challenges.

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Midoil Celebrates Staff, Signs MOU with Contractors, Host Community

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Company Limited, has pulled all stops to give its staff a befitting Yuletide present as the year 2024 winds down.

The event coincided with the signing of the relevant documents with communities filing agreement with the State Government to ensure peace in the local community as well awarding wall fencing to three reputable contractors.

The event was held at the entrance of Serenecity Estate site, and drew together notable individuals connected with the Midoil Refinery projects including traditional rulers, members of the communities, contractors and stakeholders in the project.

Chief Elizabeth Akintonde with the Baales of host communities

In her welcome address, the Midoil Executive Chairman, Chief Elizabeth Omolara Akintonde, lauded every effort so far made by the communities, contractors, staff and stakeholders to see to the Midoil Reality.

She went down memorylane to tell the stories behind the successes, saying that ‘in all things, God’s name has been glorified as we all are still on our feet, and marching on stronger and better’.

Kickstarting the avalanche of activities at the event was the signing Memorandum of Understanding and payment of compensation between the company and the Mogo-Olowu community, who happened to be additional community compensated, and supervised by their lawyer, Barrister T. A. Ogunlaja.

The Executive Chairman with SereneCity investors

Midoil/SereneCity wall fencing contract was signed by three reputable contractors to solidify the contract award for continuous fencing of the sprawling estate.

They include RIOA Investment Limited, Indepth Nigeria Limited and CYFA Contractors Limited.

Speaking on the MOU signed, Barrister Ogunlaja, who represented the community of Mogo-Olowu maintained that the event marked “the end of crises between Midoil and the host communities and the birthing of a new and smooth relationship.”

He observed that development slowed down as a result of the unresolved issues between the parties, and also because there was no community head to sign on behalf of the Mogo-Olowu community.

He also revealed that the MOU addressed a 30% allocation of workforce to the community.

“Everything is a win win affair,” he concluded.

Also lending his views on the new found camaderie between the company and the community, the Ererufu Community secretary, Mr. Omotola Adeboye Odubote, simply summarized the event as ‘development just happened’.

He reiterated settlement of all involved, adding indigenes of the community would be absolved in the project so long as they are qualified.

Chief Akintonde thereafter, took it upon herself to announce and reward five distinguished staff with a plot of land within the Serenecity Mixed Development Zone, certificate of appreciation for their hard work, diligence was also given.

Among those rewarded with portions of the SereneCity land are Dr (Mrs) Iyabode Obasa, Arch Jane Adaku-Udoukpo, Mrs. Blessing Fuham Matthew, Mr. Michael Folorunsho Sotome and Mr. Adekunle Folurunsho Bada.

Expressing her delight at the process, Mrs. Obasa, who had earlier received encomiums from the Chairman for her dexterity, noted that the day marks a turning point in the development of the Midoil Reality as communities linked to the property under development has pledged to maintain peace while sticking to their own part of the agreement which involves monetary gains at stipulated and agreed times.

“The signing today settles all encumbrances, and makes for a smooth take off and sailing of the Construction operations,” she said stressing that in a couple of months, the site would have taken a different shape for the better.

Corroborating her stand, the Project Coordinator, Architect Udoukpo, said that challenges in whatever guise have been cleared, noting that the signed contract ensured that each party is adequately taken care of.

It would be recalled that earlier in the year, a similar Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Midoil and the host communities, including Ererufu and Sekungba.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Akintonde further expressed her gratitude to all the stakeholders, reiterating that there was no room for failure, as everything planned will be carried out to the latter.

Distinguished personalities like Brigadier General Olubunmi Akintola (Retd), Serenecity Investors, Mr Buchi Okoye and Abiola Kokumo both of Moart Company Limited, community leaders, artisans, representatives of women and youth attended the colourful event.