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I’ll Seal FIRS Offices If They Continue to ‘Bully’ Rivers over VAT Collection – Wike Warns

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The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has threatened to seal off Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) offices if they continue to “bully” organisations within the state over value-added tax (VAT) payment.

Wike made this known during an interactive session with corporate organisations in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

In August, the court had issued an order restraining FIRS from collecting VAT in Rivers and directed the state government to take charge of the collection.

After the judgment, Wike signed a bill on value-added tax (VAT) collection into law.

On Monday, the court also dismissed an application by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) seeking to stay of execution on the VAT controversy.

Despite this, FIRS asked taxpayers to continue to honour their tax obligations under the VAT Act until the court of appeal or supreme court gives a final verdict on the matter.

The governor had said the judgment of the federal high court had sufficiently addressed the illegality perpetrated by the FIRS.

“An agency of government cannot dictate to a state government. If they will ever dictate but not to a state like Rivers because certainly, we will not allow it, Wike said.

“People say that ‘let heaven not fall’, sometimes I believe that it is important that heaven should come down so everybody will rest.

“We have challenged it (VAT collection in court), and we have no apologies to anybody. And the problem in this country is that no one wants to come out.

“And all these bullyings by FIRS…they should mind the state they are bullying, they should be very careful. You don’t bully states like us.

“I have the political will to do a lot of things. I am not one of those governors that will shy away from this or that. If they continue to bully us… all their offices in the state, I will take them. You should know those that you bully, not states like us… don’t try it.

“I will not be a party to injustice, but let history be that some of us stood up and challenged the illegality. Until we leave May 29, 2023, I will continue to challenge what I think is not right.”

The governor also said that shares allocated to states from VAT collection are inequitable and unjust.

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Gov Adeleke Mourns Late Erelu Ayeni, Says She Was Exceptional

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The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Erelu (Mrs.) Anthonia Abiodun Ayeni, fondly known as “Mama Yemi” or “Madam YEMKEM.”

Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of the late Erelu Ayeni, Governor Adeleke described her as a pillar of strength and an embodiment of grace and hospitality. He fondly recalled her warmth and kindness, particularly during his visits to Oye-Ekiti, where she consistently made him feel at home.

“Erelu was an exceptional woman who treated me with the utmost care and respect. Her kindness and thoughtfulness were unparalleled,” Adeleke remarked.

The Governor recounted how Erelu Ayeni and her husband played a significant role in supporting his political journey. “When I shared my intention to run for governor, they not only prayed for me but also stood by me as pillars of encouragement. Even during the challenging aftermath of my first gubernatorial election, their unwavering support remained a source of strength,” he said.

Governor Adeleke further extolled Erelu Ayeni’s virtues as a loving wife, devoted mother, and a beacon of hope and support to her community. He emphasized that her exemplary character and selfless commitment to others had left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

“Mama Yemi’s generosity and steadfast faith will be deeply missed. While we mourn her departure, we take solace in the fact that she is now resting in the bosom of the Lord,” Adeleke concluded.

The Governor’s tribute was a testament to the profound impact Erelu Ayeni had on those around her, as family, friends, and well-wishers continue to mourn her loss.

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Again, Kemi Badenoch Lashes Out at Nigeria Says Country’s ‘Dream Killer’

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The leader of UK’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has said she doesn’t want Britain to be like Nigeria that is plagued by “terrible governments.”

Speaking on Thursday at an event organised by Onward, a British think tank producing research on economic and social issues, Badenoch expressed fears that Britain may become like Nigeria if the system is not reformed.

“And why does this matter so much to me? It’s because I know what it is like to have something and then to lose it,” Badenoch told the audience.

“I don’t want Britain to lose what it has.

“I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer, despite working harder and harder as their money disappeared with inflation.

“I came back to the UK aged 16 with my father’s last £100 in the hope of a better life.

“So I have lived with the consequences of terrible governments that destroy lives, and I never, ever want it to happen here.”

Badenoch has been in the news of late after she dissociated herself from Nigeria, saying she has nothing to do with the Islamic northern region.

She also accused the Nigeria Police of robbing citizens instead of protecting them.

She said: “My experience with the Nigeria Police was very negative. Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive.

“The police in Nigeria will rob us (laughter). When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well…I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”

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Glo Festival of Joy Promo Draw Holds in Abuja 

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In furtherance of its ongoing scheme to excite and reward its subscribers across the country, Globacom, on Friday, in Abuja, held another draw to select winners in its Festival of Joy consumer promotion.

The draw, held at the Gloworld, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse, had the presence of several observers including Glo subscribers, members of the media and Martin Oteh who led officials of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to witness the process.

The company had before now presented prizes to winners in several cities since the promo started in October 2024, enabling hundreds of Nigerians who won various prizes to end the year 2024 on a joyful note.

As is the tradition since the start of the promo, the draw precedes the prize presentation exercise, which is to be done on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the same Glo office at Wuse, Abuja. The lucky subscribers include the winner of a brand new Toyota Prado and winners of tricycle, sewing machines, generators and grinding machines.

Globacom encouraged new and existing subscribers to dial *611# to opt into the promo and to also keep recharging (voice and data) during the promo period, in order to be eligible to win the prizes on offer. New subscribers can participate immediately by purchasing a new SIM, registering it and dialing *611#.

“New and existing customers are to recharge up to N100, 000 cumulatively during the promo period to qualify for the draw for the Prado Jeep, N50, 000 cumulative recharge for Kia Picanto, N10, 000 in a month for tricycle and N5, 000 total recharge in a month to win a generator. For the sewing machine, a total recharge of N2, 500 in a month is required, while for the grinding machine, a recharge of N1,000 in a week will be eligible for the draw”, the company noted.

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