Headlines
Gov Inuwa Inaugurates Revenue Recovery Tribunal for Tax System
By Ibrahim Abubakar
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has inaugurated the Gombe State Revenue Recovery Tribunal to curb evasion, guarantee fairness and transparency of the tax system.
Previously, both the revenue authorities and tax payers patronised the tribunal in far away Bauchi to settle disputes on tax matters.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said described the setting up of the tribunal as another milestone in the resolve of his administration to change the old narrative, saying “it was his firm belief that revenue generation must be taken seriously if the people must continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
He expressed optimism that the tribunal will serve as a catalyst and a leading vehicle for the rejuvenation of revenue generation towards the socio-economic development of the State.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya explained that he was convinced that the Tribunal is a necessary body charged with the mandate to expeditiously adjudicate on revenue matters such as levies, taxes, charges, penalties and fines due to the State and Local Governments.
The Governor hoped that the establishment of the tribunal will curb the rate of tax evasion, guarantee fairness and transparency of the tax system, enhance tax payers’ confidence and provide speedy determination of matters and curtail delays and bottlenecks in adjudication of tax matters in conventional courts.
This, Governor Inuwa observed, will facilitate the ease of doing business and cement the State reputation as the commercial nerve centre of the north east sub-region.
“At this juncture, I will like to assure members of the tribunal of the commitment of Government to provide them with all the necessary support in order to succeed in their assignment, especially with regards to office facilities, equipment, capacity building and other required resources”.
The Governor noted with dismay the attitude of some revenue collectors wherein revenues are being lost due to their nonchalant attitude and corruption tendencies.
He called on the citizens of the State to adhere to the decisions of the tribunal and to keep up with the noble civic responsibility to enable government provide basic amenities, invest in education and health care for an expansion on the existing infrastructure, jobs creation for the teeming youths, unlock opportunities for businesses, provide security and ensure effective service delivery in all aspects of human endeavours.
He called on stakeholders to give the tribunal the maximum support and cooperation in the course of carrying out its assignment.
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Barrister Mohammed Tukur Jungudo assured the Governor and the entire citizens of the State that the tribunal shall discharge its assignments without fear or favour on any issue arising from tax matters.
“Any aggrieved person can now simply come and initiate a process before the Tribunal here in Gombe State without taking the risk of going to Bauchi as it was before. A person who is aggrieved by an assessment or demand notice made upon him by the service or aggrieved by any action or decision or the service under the provisions may come to the Tribunal to file an action against such action, decision, assessment, or demand notice within 30 days of such action, decision, assessment, or demand notice.
“On the other hand, the Service, if aggrieved in relation to any person in respect of any provisions of the Tax Laws, can also file an action before the Tribunal in order to recover any revenue that is due to the State or Local Government.”.
The Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Abubakar Inuwa Tata said the establishment of the tribunal is another bold step by the Inuwa Yahaya- led administration to bolster the revenue base of the State in view of the fact that statutory allocation from the centre is seemingly reducing by the day.
There were goodwill messages from the Chief judge of Gombe State, Justice Joseph Ahmed Awak, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar and the Gombe State branch chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Barr. Ahmed Tukur.
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday ordered the remand of a 52-year-old man, Taiwo Olaniyan, in Agodi correctional facility for allegedly causing the death of his unborn child.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who did not take the defendant’s plea for lack of jurisdiction, ordered his remand in Agodi correctional facility, Ibadan.
Ogunkanmi held that the defendant would remain in custody pending receipt of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
She, thereafter, adjourned the matter till Dec. 12 for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, had arraigned the defendant, who resides at Apata area of Ibadan, on a three-count charge bordering on assault and causing death of an unborn child.
Akinloye told the court that the defendant had, on May 2018, assaulted his wife, Rukayat Babajide, by inflicting injury on her.
He said that the defendant caused the death of the foetus due to his assault on his wife during pregnancy.
The prosecutor said that the couple had been married for 14 years, with two children.
According to him, the offences contravene Section 316 and punishable under Sections 319, 328 and 355 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
NAN reports that if found guilty of the charges, the defendant maybe sentenced to three years imprisonment under section 355, while section 328 stipulates life imprisonment and section 319 death sentence for any convicted offender.
The Nigerian Army has inaugurated a remodelled Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) and staff quarters in Olugbo, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun.
Speaking during the inauguration on Thursday, the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen.
Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to collaborating with communities to promote infrastructural development.
He explained that the scheme introduced to provide support to communities of serving senior officers was a way of giving back to society.
Oluyede, represented by the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Maj. – Gen. Baba Yahaya, emphasised that the project’s goal was to support government’s efforts.
“I must say that the projects executed by the Nigerian Army are not intended to compete with or subdue the responsibilities of government but to complement their efforts.
“It will also enhance the quality of life of the people,” he said.
Earlier, Maj. – Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka, Commander Corps of Supply and Transportation,
Disclosed that the restored facility would effectively provide primary health care service to over 62 communities and more than 8,000 persons.
Adeyinka noted that the selection was based on necessity and its expected impacts.
He urged the people of Olugbo community to make the most out of it by ensuring it was adequately protected and maintained.
He appealed to the state’s Ministry of Health to increase the centre’s workforce by adding a doctor, two midwives, two pharmacists, two laboratory technicians and a health attendant, to optimise the delivery of healthcare service.
In his remarks, the Speaker,Ogun Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, praised the Army’s kind gesture, saying that it was important to always give back to communities.
In a similar vein, the Chairman, Odeda Local Government, Folashade Adeyemo, noted that
Access to quality health was not a necessity but a right.
Adeyemo added that the facility was a significant step toward providing affordable healthcare to all.
She urged all well-meaning individuals to contribute and support the state government, saying “the government alone can’t provide facilities to all”.
A 38-year-old driver, Farouq Babanle, was arraigned on Thursday before a Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing charcoal worth N730, 000.
The defendant, whose address was not provided, is facing two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Nov 12, at Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to Leo, the defendant was given charcoal worth N730, 000 to transport from Kachia to customers in Kawo Kaduna.
The prosecutor stated that the defendant stole the charcoal, sold it and diverted the proceeds to his personal use.
He added that after stealing the charcoal, the defendant ran to an unknown destination until he was seen and arrested on Nov. 20, at Rigasa Kaduna.
He said the offence contravened the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Emmanuel said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must furnish the court with proof of tax payment to the Kaduna State Government.
He adjourned the case until Dec. 19, for hearing.
Court remands man for allegedly causing death of his unborn child
Army inaugurates remodelled healthcare centre in Ogun
Driver in court for allegedly stealing charcoal worth N730, 000
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Business3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Technology2 months agoZero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment2 years agoPhyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Business6 months agoNigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Business8 months agoWe generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines5 months agoPhilippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet
