₦airaland Forum

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday January 27, 2020 reinstated Eghe Ogbemudia, suspended Egor Local Government Council Chairman into office.

A statement obtained by Igbere TV issued by Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, said the suspension was lifted after she was cleared of the accusations that led to her suspension.

“Hon. Ogbemudia was suspended after several petitions were written against her by officials of the council, alleging financial misappropriation and abuse of power.

“The cases brought against her have been reviewed and she has been cleared of the allegations, thus her reinstatement. She is to resume office immediately,” Osagie stated.

But a top government official who spoke to Igbere TV on the development on the condition of anonymity, said the council chairman was reinstated after she pledged loyalty to the Governor.

Mrs. Ogbemudia had been accused of disloyalty to the Governor by belonging to the Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), a factional Edo APC-backed pressure group championing the removal of Obaseki.

She was said to have been suspended after she refused to openly castigate the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, allegedly on the orders of Governor Obaseki.

Just last week, Ogbemudia was sighted with Governor Obaseki in Lagos at a town hall meeting said to have been organized by Edo people living in the city of excellence.

“How can they claim she was cleared by an investigative panel? There was no panel to start with, no financial accusation whatsoever. We all know why she was suspended in the first place.

“Obaseki is only playing games. Ogbemudia was reinstated for denouncing Oshiomhole and EPM and pledging loyalty to Governor Obaseki”, the government official said.

“Same Governor who has been going about asking people if Ogbemudia should be reinstated is now claiming to have reinstated her for being cleared of nonexistent charges.”

Igbere TV recalls that a number of local council chairmen have either been suspended or replaced with the Governor’s loyalists since the beginning of the Edo APC crisis.

Edo people will be going to the poll in August this year to elect their new governor who would be sworn in November 12. Governor Obaseki is currently seeking re-election.

Hell was let loose on Monday morning in Eitiama-Nkporo, Ohafia local government area of Abia state following the killing of a middle aged woman by her husband, Mr. Kalu Ilum.

Igbere TV gathered that trouble started when the late Ilum invaded his wife’s shop at about 7am on Monday and shot her, killing her on the spot.

The couple were said to have had unresolved issues, leading the late wife identified as Chichi, a food vendor to seek for a divorce.

After the dastardly act, the killer husband fled into a well for fear of attack by the locals.

An eyewitness told Igbere TV that it took the intervention of a native doctor to make the fleeing husband uncomfortable in his hiding place, a situation that forced him out from the well.

He was, thereafter, lynched on the spot by angry mob and later set ablaze.

His residence was also set ablaze by the angry youths, causing panic in the area.

The Abia State police command could not be reached immediately for comments.

President of the United States, Donald Trump has reacted to the death of Basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, Igbere TV reports.

Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles Sunday, several sources reported, as five people were confirmed dead in the incident.

Kobe Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna alias Gigi, also died in the private helicopter crash that killed her father on Sunday.

Reacting in a tweet sighted by Igbere TV on his verified Twitter handle, President Trump, who is currently battling impeachment wrote;

“Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!”

http://igberetvnews.com/1297952/trump-reacts-kobe-bryants-death">https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1221535503868223488?s=19[/quote]http://igberetvnews.com/1297952/trump-reacts-kobe-bryants-death/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

The world’s basketball body, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has reacted to the death of its five-time champion, Kobe Byrant.

Igbere TV had reported that Byrant was killed in a helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gigi, on Sunday in Los Angeles.

He was aged 41.

In a statement sighted by Igbere TV on NBA’s verified Twitter handle, the body commiserated with family of the late basketball legend.

Describing Byrant as an extraordinary player in the history of basketball, the Basketball body said the late champion would be greatly missed.

The statement signed by NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, reads;
“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.

“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning.

“He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability.

“He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”

http://igberetvnews.com/1297928/nba-mourns-basketball-legend-kobe-byrant">https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1221559562974781442?s=19[/quote]http://igberetvnews.com/1297928/nba-mourns-basketball-legend-kobe-byrant/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

...as Gov promises prompt payment of salaries

By Ogochukwu Isioma, Owerri

Organized labour in Imo State, on Monday, pledged to support the new administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma, Igbere TV reports.

The labour unions made the pledge during a courtesy call on the Governor at the Imo State Government House, in Owerri.

In a statement made available to Igbere TV, the organized labour said they would support the government “in its quest to reposition the civil service and return it to its glorious days.”

Receiving representatives of the unions, Governor Uzodimma solicited partnership with Labour, assuring that he has come to “serve the people with utmost sincerity.”

He, thereafter, extended his hands of fellowship to the unions and promised that Labour issues will be taken seriously.

While expressing confidence that he will make payment of the new minimum wage a top priority, the Governor directed the committee set up for the new minimum wage to liaise with the Secretary to the State Government and come up with their report for quick implementation.

Governor Uzodinma also assured of prompt payment of salaries and pensions across the state.

He said: “I am not going to joke with payment of salaries and pensions, by 26th and 27th of every month, salaries must be paid complete. The era of unnecessary deductions is over, we must return the civil service to function and create the necessary checks and balances.”

The Governor however appealed for support from Labour, saying, “It is not about political party or where you come from, its all about having the capacity to deliver.

“If in the next one year, the narratives have not changed, people can now talk but you must give me a chance. I know I will not fail.”

Congratulating Uzodinma on his Supreme Court victory on behalf of his colleagues, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Austin Chilakpu expressed their readiness to partner with the administration to work for the progress and development of the civil service and the state at large.

The Labour leader requested for a smooth flow of information between Government and Labour and prayed that salaries and pensions be paid promptly and simultaneously as promised.

‘Gets the backing of 650 Traditional Rulers’

By Ogochukwu Isioma, Owerri

The newly sworn in Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, on Monday, said he plans to conduct fresh elections into the twenty-seven local government councils in the state, in line with the existing local government laws of Imo.

The Governor made the revelation when the chairmen of traditional rulers from the 27 local government areas of Imo State led by the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Agunwa Ohiri paid him a courtesy call in his office.

In a statement made available to Igbere TV by the Governor’s spokesman, he said Uzodinma reminded the monarchs that their role cannot be over emphasized in ensuring peace and tranquility.

“The governor assured them that his policies will meet the yearnings and aspirations of Imo people,” the statement added.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Eze Agunwa Ohiri noted that the purpose of the visit was to advise the governor to be steadfast and take Imo to a greater height.

Eze Ohiri explained that leadership comes from God and promised the governor the support of the traditional rulers in the state.

Eze Ohiri said God gives power to whoever he likes. “Be confident that Imo is behind you. You should not be afraid,” he was quoted as saying.

Igbere TV reports that highlight of the visit was a special prayer for Governor Hope Uzodinma and his Deputy, Professor Placid Njoku.

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, sacked Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party and declared All Progressive Congress’ Uzodinma winner of the March 9, 2019 governorship election in Imo state.

The Federal House of Representatives has congratulated Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State on his victory at the Supreme Court.

This felicitation is contained in a statement signed by the House Spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, sent to Igbere TV on Monday, in Abuja.

Kalu, while hailing the leadership qualities of Ganduje, described the judgment as an assurance of another tenure of good governance for the people of Kano State.

“The leadership of the 9th House of Representatives congratulates the people of Kano State on the affirmation of the victory of their Governor, His Excellency, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the 2019 general elections by the Supreme Court.

“It is recalled that in addition to a successful first tenure, Governor Ganduje's predilection for quality leadership was exhibited when he rallied the entire representatives from Kano State to vote for Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila in the last House leadership election.

“Indeed, the judgement of the Supreme Court assures Kano people of another tenure of good governance under the experienced hands of Governor Ganduje,” the statement said.

The House leadership, however, urged Governor Ganduje to be magnanimous in victory and to discharge the responsibilities of his mandate with utmost diligence.

The Supreme Court, on Monday, dismissed the application filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, challenging the re-election of Ganduje in the Kano State 2019 governorship election.

FG Excludes Sanitary Pads, Bread, Fish, Salt, Water From New VAT Regime

...Says Nigeria’s 7.5% VAT Rate Still The Lowest In Africa

...Agricultural Companies To Enjoy An Initial Tax-Free Period Of 5 Years

By Ogochukwu Isioma, Abuja

The Federal Government has excluded 20 basic food items, sanitary pads and other items from the new 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) regime, Igbere TV reports.

Some of the items include Additives (honey), bread, cereals, cooking oils, culinary herbs, fish, flour and starch, fruits (fresh or dried), live or raw meat and poultry, milk, nuts, pulses, roots, salt, vegetables, water (natural water and table water).

Others are locally manufactured sanitary towels, pads or tampons.

The development comes barely a week after President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Finance Bill, 2019 into law, which he said promotes fiscal equity and supports Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses.

A statement sent to Igbere TV on Sunday signed by Laolu Akande, in the office of the vice-president, said the move was to “ensure that the cost of living does not rise for Nigerians because of the changes in the VAT.”

According to him, several basic food items, locally manufactured sanitary towels, pads and tuition relating to nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education were added to the exemption list of goods and services under the new law.

“Amongst other benefits, the law will consolidate efforts already made in creating the enabling environment for improved private sector participation and contribution to the economy as well as boost states’ revenues”, he said.

“The Finance Bill will support the funding and implementation of the 2020 Budget. We shall sustain this tradition by ensuring that subsequent budgets are also accompanied by a Finance Bill,” the statement quoted Buhari as saying.

The Finance Bill, 2019 was submitted to the National Assembly by Buhari alongside the 2020 Appropriation Bill, and signed into law by the President on January 13, 2020.

The Bill, now an Act, has the following objectives: (1) Promoting fiscal equity by mitigating instances of regressive taxation; (2) Reforming domestic tax laws to align with global best practices; (3) Introducing tax incentives for investments in infrastructure and capital markets; (4) Supporting Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses in line with the administration’s Ease of Doing Business Reforms; (5) Raising Revenues for Federal, State and Local Governments.

Fact sheet on new Finance Act, 2019

The Finance Act, 2019 is the first legislation created to accompany an Appropriation Act since the return of democracy in 1999.

The new Act raises Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent.

To allay fears that low-income persons and companies will be marginalized by the new law, reduce the burden of taxation on vulnerable segments and promote equitable taxation, the federal government exempted more goods and services from the new tax regime.

The additional exemptions include the following: (1) Services rendered by microfinance banks; (2) Tuition relating to nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education.

“Nigeria’s increased new VAT rate of 7.5% is still the lowest in Africa, and one of the lowest anywhere in the world. (South Africa VAT: 15%; Ghana: 12.5%; Kenya: 16%; Egypt: 14%; Rwanda: 18%; Senegal: 18%).

“Under Nigeria’s revenue sharing formula, 85% of collected VAT goes to States and Local Governments. This means that the bulk of additional VAT revenues accruing from the increase will go towards enabling States and Local Governments meet their obligations to citizens, including the new minimum wage as already noted by State Governors. Before now, the Buhari administration had firmly resisted previous suggestions to raise VAT.”

Igbere TV reports that the new Finance Act exempts businesses with turnover below 25 million from VAT payments.”

Companies Income Tax (CIT)

Under the new law small companies – companies with less than N25 million in annual turnover are charged Zero CIT.

“CIT for Companies with revenues between N25 and N100m (described in the Act as “medium-sized” companies) has been reduced from 30% to 20%,” the statement said.

“Large companies – with annual turnover greater than N100m – will continue to pay the standard 30% CIT.”

“Nigeria’s increased new VAT rate of 7.5% is still the lowest in Africa, and one of the lowest anywhere in the world.

The new Act includes a provision that grants to all companies “engaged in agricultural production” in Nigeria “an initial tax-free period of five years”, renewable for an additional three years.

The new Act also provides incentives to promote tax compliance through bonus reductions in CIT for early remittance: (1) 2% bonus for medium-size companies; (2) 1% bonus for other companies.

Personal Income Tax Act

The new Act now includes “electronic mail” as an acceptable form of correspondence for persons disputing assessments by the Tax Authorities.

Contributions to Pension and Retirement Funds, Societies and Schemes are now unconditionally tax-deductible.

Stamp Duty Act

With the new Act, the N50 Stamp duty charge is now applicable only to transactions amounting to N10,000 and above, a significant increase on the former threshold of N1,000.

The new Act also expands the list of items exempted from stamp duty.

Customs and Excise Tariff

To reduce unfair advantages previously conferred on imported goods at the expense of locally manufactured ones, certain imported goods are now subject to excise duties similar to locally manufactured goods.

...Says Nigeria’s 7.5% VAT Rate Still The Lowest In Africa

...Agricultural Companies To Enjoy An Initial Tax-Free Period Of 5 Years

By Ogochukwu Isioma, Abuja

The Federal Government has excluded 20 basic food items, sanitary pads and other items from the new 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) regime, Igbere TV reports.

Some of the items include Additives (honey), bread, cereals, cooking oils, culinary herbs, fish, flour and starch, fruits (fresh or dried), live or raw meat and poultry, milk, nuts, pulses, roots, salt, vegetables, water (natural water and table water).

Others are locally manufactured sanitary towels, pads or tampons.

The development comes barely a week after President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Finance Bill, 2019 into law, which he said promotes fiscal equity and supports Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses.

A statement sent to Igbere TV on Sunday signed by Laolu Akande, in the office of the vice-president, said the move was to “ensure that the cost of living does not rise for Nigerians because of the changes in the VAT.”

According to him, several basic food items, locally manufactured sanitary towels, pads and tuition relating to nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education were added to the exemption list of goods and services under the new law.

“Amongst other benefits, the law will consolidate efforts already made in creating the enabling environment for improved private sector participation and contribution to the economy as well as boost states’ revenues”, he said.

“The Finance Bill will support the funding and implementation of the 2020 Budget. We shall sustain this tradition by ensuring that subsequent budgets are also accompanied by a Finance Bill,” the statement quoted Buhari as saying.

The Finance Bill, 2019 was submitted to the National Assembly by Buhari alongside the 2020 Appropriation Bill, and signed into law by the President on January 13, 2020.

The Bill, now an Act, has the following objectives: (1) Promoting fiscal equity by mitigating instances of regressive taxation; (2) Reforming domestic tax laws to align with global best practices; (3) Introducing tax incentives for investments in infrastructure and capital markets; (4) Supporting Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses in line with the administration’s Ease of Doing Business Reforms; (5) Raising Revenues for Federal, State and Local Governments.

Fact sheet on new Finance Act, 2019

The Finance Act, 2019 is the first legislation created to accompany an Appropriation Act since the return of democracy in 1999.

The new Act raises Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent.

To allay fears that low-income persons and companies will be marginalized by the new law, reduce the burden of taxation on vulnerable segments and promote equitable taxation, the federal government exempted more goods and services from the new tax regime.

The additional exemptions include the following: (1) Services rendered by microfinance banks; (2) Tuition relating to nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education.

“Nigeria’s increased new VAT rate of 7.5% is still the lowest in Africa, and one of the lowest anywhere in the world. (South Africa VAT: 15%; Ghana: 12.5%; Kenya: 16%; Egypt: 14%; Rwanda: 18%; Senegal: 18%).

“Under Nigeria’s revenue sharing formula, 85% of collected VAT goes to States and Local Governments. This means that the bulk of additional VAT revenues accruing from the increase will go towards enabling States and Local Governments meet their obligations to citizens, including the new minimum wage as already noted by State Governors. Before now, the Buhari administration had firmly resisted previous suggestions to raise VAT.”

Igbere TV reports that the new Finance Act exempts businesses with turnover below 25 million from VAT payments.”

Companies Income Tax (CIT)

Under the new law small companies – companies with less than N25 million in annual turnover are charged Zero CIT.

“CIT for Companies with revenues between N25 and N100m (described in the Act as “medium-sized” companies) has been reduced from 30% to 20%,” the statement said.

“Large companies – with annual turnover greater than N100m – will continue to pay the standard 30% CIT.”

“Nigeria’s increased new VAT rate of 7.5% is still the lowest in Africa, and one of the lowest anywhere in the world.

The new Act includes a provision that grants to all companies “engaged in agricultural production” in Nigeria “an initial tax-free period of five years”, renewable for an additional three years.

The new Act also provides incentives to promote tax compliance through bonus reductions in CIT for early remittance: (1) 2% bonus for medium-size companies; (2) 1% bonus for other companies.

Personal Income Tax Act

The new Act now includes “electronic mail” as an acceptable form of correspondence for persons disputing assessments by the Tax Authorities.

Contributions to Pension and Retirement Funds, Societies and Schemes are now unconditionally tax-deductible.

Stamp Duty Act

With the new Act, the N50 Stamp duty charge is now applicable only to transactions amounting to N10,000 and above, a significant increase on the former threshold of N1,000.

The new Act also expands the list of items exempted from stamp duty.

Customs and Excise Tariff

To reduce unfair advantages previously conferred on imported goods at the expense of locally manufactured ones, certain imported goods are now subject to excise duties similar to locally manufactured goods.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor-elect of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has issued an order freezing all bank accounts belonging to the state government.

According to a statement issued by Director-General, Hope Uzodinma’s Campaign Organisation, Chief Cosmas Iwu, to all financial institutions and the Accountant-General of Imo State, no bank is to honour any transaction from the government of Emeka Ihedioha or his officials.

The document sent to Igbere TV dated January 14, 2020, and titled ‘Order of Post No Debit on all accounts of Imo State Government Effective Immediately 14th January 2020’, reads:

“Following the Supreme Court judgment of 14th January 2020, I am directed by His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma to take this to your authority/instruction to place a Post No Debit (PND) order on all accounts of the Imo State Government maintained in your various institutions.

“You are by this letter, directed to comply and await further instructions from the office of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State.”

Senator Uzodinma was on Tuesday declared the dully-elected governor of Imo State following a Supreme Court judgment which sacked the administration of Chief Emeka Ihedioha.

Details shortly…

Popular shopping mall in Umuahia, Shoprite, has been sealed by security agencies in the state, Abia.

Igbere TV gathered that the development was in compliance with an existing court order/directives.

Management of Shoprite is said to have defaulted on a loan it took with the affected shopping mall.

Shoprite’s spokesman could not be reached for comment. But a staff, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the development.

“Yes, it's true... the building has been sealed. It was sealed earlier today. That's all I can tell you for now”, the staff said.

More details later...

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gwanara Ward, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Umaru Kotosi, is dead.

His death was announced in a statement sent to Igbere TV early Monday morning by the ruling party in Kwara State.

The statement which was signed by the Publicity Secretary, Alh. Folaranmi Tajudeen-Aro, said the chairman died in an auto crash while on an official assignment.

According to him, “The entire APC members in Kwara state has received the sudden news of the death of Alhaji Umaru Kotosi with great sadness.

“Until his death through a ghastly motor accident, Alhaji kotosi was the party chairman of Gwanara ward in Baruten Local Government of the state.

“He was a loyal, patriotic and dedicated member of the party whose death came to us as a rude shock. He died while attending a party function.

“We hereby console with his family, friends, associates and particularly The Honourable Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Danladi.

“We pray to Almighty Allah to grant him forgiveness and eternal rest.”

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gwanara Ward, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Umaru Kotosi, is dead.

His death was announced in a statement sent to Igbere TV early Monday morning by the ruling party in Kwara State.

The statement which was signed by the Publicity Secretary, Alh. Folaranmi Tajudeen-Aro, said the chairman died in an auto crash while on an official assignment.

According to him, “The entire APC members in Kwara state has received the sudden news of the death of Alhaji Umaru Kotosi with great sadness.

“Until his death through a ghastly motor accident, Alhaji kotosi was the party chairman of Gwanara ward in Baruten Local Government of the state.

“He was a loyal, patriotic and dedicated member of the party whose death came to us as a rude shock. He died while attending a party function.

“We hereby console with his family, friends, associates and particularly The Honourable Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Danladi.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday eulogised the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, who is marking his 61st birthday, Igbere TV reports.

Buhari said Lawan who had been in the National Assembly since 1999, starting from the House of Representatives, had contributed to Nigeria's development and the country’s legislature.

In a congratulatory message signed by his senior spokesman, Garba Shehu, sent to Igbere TV, Buhari extolled Lawan’s discipline, maturity and selflessness in decision making.

He said Lawan’s maturity had translated into many achievements of the ninth assembly within a short period, including the return to January-December budget cycle.

“On behalf the Federal Executive Council and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan on his 61st birthday.

“The President joins the National Assembly and all members of All Progressives Congress in celebrating the milestone, which has been lined with many years of contributions to Nigeria’s development, with fruitful years of lawmaking, starting from House of Representatives in 1999.

“President Buhari extols Dr Lawan’s discipline, maturity and selflessness in always looking at the broader picture in decision making.

“The President affirms that Lawan’s maturity has translated into the many achievements of the ninth assembly within a short period, including a harmonious relationship with the executive, which recently, and historically, saw a return to the right budget cycle.

“At 61, the President believes the Senate President’s rich experience as an administrator, educator and lawmaker will go a long way in shaping policies that will directly impact on the livelihood of Nigerians, while commending his responsive and inclusive leadership style.

“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will continue to guide Dr Lawan to provide strong leadership, and grant him longer life and good health”, the statement read.

Esseite:
I think the iranians are calling for impeachment of its leader.

...As Iranians call for resignation of supreme leader (president)

As protests continued in Iran over the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet, United States President Donald Trump, has warned the country’s leaders not to kill its protesters.

“To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people!”, Trump wrote in a tweet sighted by Igbere TV Sunday.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1216356280933273600?s=19

President Trump’s warning is coming hours after Iranian police were caught using tear gas on protesters who are angry at the government’s handling of the ‘plane crash’ incident.

The Iranian government had openly admitted to have “mistakenly” shot down the Ukrainian passenger jet killing all 176 people on board — days after initial denials, Igbere TV reports.

Dozens of protesters were seen on the streets with activists calling for mass mourning rallies, raising the possibility of fresh clashes between protesters and security forces.

The British ambassador to Iran, Robert Macaire was also briefly arrested on Saturday. He was, however, released shortly after he was identified, Iran's deputy foreign minister said on Sunday.

The Ukraine jet bound for Kyiv, Ukraine, crashed minutes after takeoff from the Airport on Wednesday. It happened hours after Iran launched missile attacks on US forces in Iraq in retaliation for the US assassination of top Iranian commander, Qassem Soleimani.

A leader of Iran’s opposition Green Movement, Mehdi Karroubi, on Sunday called on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to step down over the handling of the downed airliner.

“You, as the commander in chief of the armed forces, are directly responsible for this," he said in a statement obtained by Igbere TV.

"If you were aware and you let military and security authorities deceive people, then there is no doubt you lack the attributes of constitutional leadership.”

On his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran "lied intentionally" about the downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752.

“They knew from the start that they had downed it. They knew that it was an unintentional downing, but lied intentionally," Netanyahu said in a tweet sighted by Igbere TV.

National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday said Nigeria remains proud of Hon. Benjamin Kalu, spokesman of the House of Representatives.

Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state, stated this when he received Kalu representing Bende Federal Constituency on a courtesy visit to his Lagos home.

Igbere TV gathered that the Abia born federal lawmaker was in Lagos to thank the APC national leader for the role he played during his election last year 2019.

Our correspondent reports that Kalu specially thanked Tinubu over the role he played on his appointment as Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

Hon. Kalu specifically thanked "Jagaban" for supporting his nomination as member representing Southeast House of Representative members’ in the National Executive Council (NEC), the top decision-making body of the APC.

The meeting afforded Hon. Benjamin Kalu, popularly known as The Oracle of the House, the opportunity to discuss other pressing issues bothering members of the party in the state and most especially his constituency.

Speaking at the meeting, the APC national leader thanked Hon. Kalu for all he has been doing as Reps spokesman, while hailing his special bond with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

He said, “We thank the Almighty God for using us to assist in one way or the other, we are a family and therefore owe it to one another from time to time.

“We are proud of you for raising the bar for our party APC in a PDP dominated state of Abia State. It is not easy for an opposition party in any state to win elections the way you did.

“It shows one thing; the people are with you and you are with the people. Keep it up for at the end only the people matter in politics; therefore, always put them first the way you are doing and don’t relent.

“Make the party prouder with your representation. We will always be around to support good young leaders like you”, Bola Tinubu added.

The Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu led Abia state government has confirmed the outbreak of lassa fever in some parts of the state, Igbere TV reports.

A statement sent to Igbere TV signed by Chief Egbulefu Eze Sony, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, confirmed the development.

According to the statement, the index patient has been identified and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) drugs administered to direct contacts of the index patient.

“A Rapid Response Team is already on ground to ensure a 24 hours emergency operation for the next 21 days”, the statement added.

“To this end, Abians are advised to get rid of rodents within their environment, wash their hands regularly, keep their environment clean, avoid soaking and drinking of raw garri, warm their food before eating and report to the hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres in case of any emergency.”

The Commissioner, however, said the outbreak of the epidermic disease has so far been contained, adding that there was no cause for alarm.

He, therefore, thanked the Governor of the state, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu for his “timely support and intervention in ensuring that everything is under control.”