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Tax Reforms: Group hails Fed Govt’s efforts, says current tax regime oppressive

An NGO, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), has commended the Federal Government’s efforts at harmonising tax collection system, saying the current system is punitive and oppressive.

Executive Director of PLAC, Mr Clement Nwankwo, said this on Monday in Abuja at the presentation of a report on Nigeria’s human rights situation for 2024.

Nwankwo said that the multiple taxation and the outsourcing of tax collection to private consultants had worsened the challenges facing small businesses.

“There is the politics of it, but ours is not to look at the politics of it but at how it impacts on the citizens, such that you do not have low income earners being taxed unduly.

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“So a tax system must address a situation where taxation appears punitive. The concern is also quite clear that nobody should pay tax in two different jurisdictions.

“However, today you have a situation where a person pays tax in one state for a business and pays in another state where an agency of government comes across the business again.

“So the effort to harmonise taxation is what is key for us and it is a step in the right direction.

“Nigeria’s taxation system is killing initiative. It is killing businesses and investments. There’s no way this country can develop with the nature of taxation at this time,” he said.

On the report of human rights abuses in the country, the executive director described the findings as a troubling reflection of systemic weaknesses in governance and law enforcement.

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He said that PLAC was issuing its human rights report for 2024 in commemoration of the Human Rights Day celebrated on Dec. 10.

According to him, the report highlights issues, such as delays in prosecuting offenders, lack of transparency in investigations and an entrenched culture of impunity.

“Victims of human rights abuses face serious hurdles in accessing justice.These actions undermine Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and international commitments,” he said.

Nwankwo, therefore, called for holistic reforms, including the establishment of independent oversight units to monitor law enforcement agencies and ensure accountability.

He also urged the government to prioritise the protection of vulnerable groups, including women, children and internally-displaced persons by implementing robust social safety nets and supporting survivors of abuse and exploitation.

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On the Independent National Electoral Commission’s capability to conduct the 2027 general elections, Nwankwo said that many Nigerians had lost confidence in INEC and called for the constitution of a new body.

“A credible election requires a new commission, free from the controversies that plagued the 2023 elections,” he said.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to study the recommendations from previous elections and ensure a credible electoral process in the future.

Also speaking, the Senior Programme Officer of PLAC, Akwu Ogbadu, said that Nigeria should take a cue from the just-concluded Ghanaian general elections by strengthening its institutions.

He described Ghana’s electoral process as transparent and efficient such that votes could be recounted if there was controversy over any result.

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He said that Nigeria must learn from the country’s electoral process “so that we too can have credible elections that citizens will be proud of in the future.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PLAC is a non-governmental organisation committed to strengthening democracy, good governance and citizens’ participation in Nigeria.(NAN)

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Fake Medical Doctor sent to jail for allegedly removing womb causing woman’s death

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Fake Medical Doctor sent to jail for allegedly removing womb causing Woman’s death

An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Wednesday ordered the remand of a 55-year-old fake doctor, Moyosore Johnson, in a correctional centre for allegedly causing the death of a woman.

Johnson, whose address was not provided, was arraigned on a four-count charge bothering on conspiracy and accelerating cause of death.

Magistrate Kausarat Ayofe did not take the plea of the defendant for lack of jurisdiction.

She directed the police to return the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.

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Ayofe adjourned the case until March 27, for mention.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Segun Adegboye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 5, 2024, at about 10.00 a.m, at Apata Igbala Hospital Iseyin, Oyo State.

Adegboye alleged that the defendant unlawfully accelerated the cause of the death of one Badirat Adebayo, 26, by carrying out surgery on her.

He alleged that the defendant removed Adebayo’s womb, which led to her death.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 516 and 319 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.(NAN)

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Group seeks support for military to capture Bello Turji, other Terrorists

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Group seeks support for military to capture Bello Turji, other Terrorists

The North-West Youths for Peace and Development (NWYPD), a non-governmental organisation, has called for the suppprt of the people in the region for the military in its renewed onslaught against Bello Turji and other terrorists in the region.

The Coordinator of the group, Salihu Bello, made the call while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Bello also urged the people to show appreciation to the Armed Forces of Nigeria for its relentless efforts to tackle the activities of Bello and other bandits.

‘The military needs our to restore peace and order in the North West.

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“While our region is seeking ways to advance economically, here we are dealing with forces of retrogression, people who don’t want our region to make progress.

“Unfortunately they are our people. How did we get here? Who are the people directly or indirectly supporting them?

“The North-West Youths for Peace and Development commend the Gen. Christopher Musa led Armed Forces of Nigeria for what is been done to restore peace in our region.

“We once more appeal to our people to support the military,” he said. (NAN)

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Police operatives arrest 5 suspects for alleged murder of 7-year-old boy, Vigilante Commander

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Police operatives arrest 5 suspects for alleged murder of 7-year-old boy, Vigilante Commander

The Police Command in Edo says it has arrested five suspects in connection with two different killings in the state.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Benin, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in charge of the command, CSP Moses Yamu.

Yamu said that the killings include an alleged gruesome murder of a 7-year-old boy, and the assassination of a local vigilante commander.

He said that one Mr John Okojabhole, a resident of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua, reported the murder of his son, Evans Okojabhole, on Feb. 22.

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According to him, the boy, who had been declared missing 24 hours earlier, was later found dead with his stomach ripped open, his ankles severed, and some fingers cut off.

”His mutilated body was dumped in a bush near their home.

”Following preliminary investigations, two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

“The police transferred the suspects to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) in Benin for further investigation.”

The PPRO said that in another incident, the command was investigating the killing of one Victor Ogedengbe, 50, the Vigilante Commander of Erah Camp in Owan East Local Government Area of the state.

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”Ogedengbe was reportedly attacked and killed in his farm on Feb. 25 by suspected herdsmen.

”The Chairman of Owan East LGA reported the incident at Afuze Police Division, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects.

”The suspects are all residents of Erah community, and they have also been transferred to the SCID for further interrogation,” he said.

Yamu, disclosed that the police had also increased security in Uzanu and Okpekpe communities following the recent killing of two farmers by suspected herdsmen.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in the state.

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He quoted the commissioner as urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agents by reporting suspicious activities.

“We appreciate the support from the general public and appeal for continued cooperation. If you see something, say something,” the police boss was quoted as saying. (NAN)

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