Transparency
FIRS generates N66 billion from stamp duties
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has generated the sum of N66 billion from stamp duties between January and May. The FIRS Director, Communications and Liaison Department, Abdullahi Ahmad, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday. Ahmad said the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Muhammad Nami, disclosed this at the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Audit and Recovery of Back Years Stamp Duties and the unveiling of the FIRS Adhesive Stamp in Abuja. Mr Nami said the money realised in the first five months of the year from stamp duties represented about 1,000 per cent increase. He stated that the increment was unprecedented when compared to six billion naira collected from January to May 2019. The FIRS boss attributed this increase to the dynamism triggered by Fin...
Probe demanded over Latino police shooting death in Los Angeles
Los Angeles officials Tuesday demanded an independent probe into the death of a young Latino security guard, whose shooting by police has fueled more protests against police brutality and racism. Andres Guardado, 18, was killed last week after a deputy fired multiple gunshots in Gardena, Los Angeles County. Police say Guardado was shot when he fled from an auto repair shop after he “produced a handgun.” Guardado’s death came during a period of nationwide demonstrations that began with the death in police custody of an African American man, George Floyd, in Minnesota last month. Los Angeles County’s board of supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved a motion for a “robust and independent investigation to ensure the truth is uncovered and justice is served.” A day earlier, Los Angeles Sheriff...
Senator: NNPC’s audit report underscores readiness for transparency
Sen. Bassey Akpan, Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream, says the published Audited Financial Statement of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is an indication of its readiness to ensure transparency in its operations. Akpan made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday. “The recently published audited financial statement of the NNPC, also goes a long way to underscore the readiness of the new management under the GMD, Malam Mele Kyari, toward pursuing transparency, good governance and also accountability in the industry. “Nobody used to know what happens in the NNPC; but I think we are beginning to see results, and we can actually attest to the fact that this is in line with the new spirit. “I must commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the trust an...
FRSC spokesman, others decorated with new ranks
File Photo The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has decorated spokesman Mr Bisi Kazeem and others with the new rank of Assistant Corps Marshal. The decoration ceremony followed the just concluded promotion of senior officers on 30 May by the FRSC board. According to Oyeyemi it has been the culture of the Corps since 2014, not to delay the seasons of reward or let go without due recognition of individuals. “These are for those who have continued to strive to make FRSC a best global practice sustainable corporate organisation,’’ he said. Oyeyemi congratulated the newly promoted officers for the deserved elevation and implored them to be happy and proud of their success. He said that the promotion was an indication of their hard work. Kazeem thanked th...
Official: ICPC investigating cases of coronavirus fraud
File Photo The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it is investigating alleged cases of corruption in the management of COVID-19 funds and palliatives. The commission’s Director of Operations, Mr Akeem Lawal, disclosed this during a virtual meeting of stakeholders on the topic, “COVID-19 Funds Management and Monitoring”, on Thursday. In a presentation titled, “ICPC Monitoring Obligation and Strategy Re: COVID-19 Emergency”, Lawal said the cases include alleged fraud by some participating public institution in the release and distribution of grains from strategic food reserve. Others, according to him, include alleged infractions in the procurement of COVID-19 palliatives and logistics and community enlightenment activities. The ICPC official, who...
Ondo Assembly probes N4.3 billion in ‘secret account’
The Ondo State House of Assembly says it has commenced an investigation into the N4.3 billion claimed to have been recovered from an alleged secret account in a commercial bank. The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Edamisan Ademola, told newsmen after plenary on Friday that the assembly had directed the committee to investigate the source of the secret account. Ademola said the committee had invited some government officials, including the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Wake Akinterinwa, as well as the Accountant-General and the state Auditor-General on the discovery. He said the committee was acting on the report of the Auditor-General which stated that over N4.3 billion deposited in a secret account for 10 years had been discovered. Ademola (APC-Irele) said, “The stat...
