₦airaland Forum

Saratu Umar was fired as the executive secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) on the suspicion that she leaked information on the granting of questionable tax waivers estimated to be worth $20 billion, TheCable can report.
Umar, who was appointed only last year, was sacked on Monday by President Goodluck Jonathan exactly eight days after a nine-month-old letter on the controversial waivers was leaked to the media — and six days after the NIPC staff union petitioned the president to ask for her removal.
No reason was given for her sack.
Nigeria is believed to have lost at least $20 billion to tax holidays granted to undeserving companies between 2010 and 2014, mostly on her recommendation.
But this was before Umar became its chief executive and embarked on a tax holiday reform for which she was recently commended by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC).
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the finance minister, had written to Umar in August 2014 to complain about the indiscriminate granting of waivers.
The letter, which was published in THISDAY on May 10, 2015, alleged that the federal government lost huge revenue to questionable tax holidays granted companies by NIPC.
TheCable learnt that Umar was accused of leaking Okonjo-Iweala’s letter to the media in order to embarrass Jonathan and curry the favour of President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.
The prolonged media war against Umar by NIPC senior staff was believed to have been instigated “from outside” in order to prepare grounds for her removal.
The biggest beneficiaries of the waivers are thought to be oil companies linked to top government officials.
‘Irresponsibility and immaturity’
After the leak of Okonjo-Iweala’s letter, NIPC staff petitioned Jonathan, asking for Umar’s removal.
“It appears the current Executive Secretary has taken the staff agitation for her removal to a desperate point of dragging the outgoing administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to the mud by whipping up sentiments in the media at this critical time when the Nation is undergoing transition. The leakage of the letter by the Minister of Finance sent directly to the Executive Secretary of NIPC on August 12, 2014 and which has been in her custody, smacks of an act of irresponsibility and immaturity,” Ahmad Ghondi, chairman of NIPC union, wrote in the petition.
Jonathan promptly fired Umar in a move reminiscent of the removal of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as central bank governor in February 2014 after his letter on “missing” oil money leaked.
Umar had been having a running battle with the senior staff of NIPC who went public with their opposition to her.
At a stage, they declared that 98% of the staff were against her “dictatorial” style of leadership and “incompetence”.
NIPC is saddled with promoting investment opportunities in Nigeria, and part of the incentives for investors is tax holiday for which the commission has to issue “pioneer status” certificates.
However, the waivers are to be applied within certain criteria, such as a company investing in a virgin area that needs incentives.
Although Okonjo-Iweala did not give the actual figures of revenue lost through the tax holidays, she said while oil companies were supposed to be taxed 65 per cent under the Petroleum Profit Tax Act, certain officials of NIPC listed such companies under the Industrial Development (Tax Relief) Act, thereby making them qualify for pioneer status.
She said the tax holidays were granted to companies “whose products do not meet the requirements of the list of industries or products specified in the schedule to the Act”.
Unfair advantage
The officials of NIPC further breached the rule by backdating the pioneer certificates, forcing the federal government to refund taxes that had already been paid into its coffers by these companies, she said.
A beneficiary of this, according to Okonjo-Iweala, is Seplat, an operator of one of the fields belonging to NNPC.
“While SDPC (Shell) disposed of its interest to Seplat, NNPC disposed of its interest to NPDC (Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, being the exploration arm of NNPC). Seplat, thereafter, was granted a tax holiday whereas NPDC continued to pay taxes from the operation of the same field. This confers an unfair advantage on Seplat,” she wrote.
As many as 15 oil companies are believed to have benefited from the tax holidays despite not being eligible but for the connivance of NIPC officials.
The union staged a protest that led to the paralysis of activities at the headquarters of the agency in Abuja on April 22.
During the protest, its members carried placards with inscriptions such as: ‘NIPC without management/Council’, ‘Saratu Umar must go today’, ‘Self-styled one-man management’, ‘No imprest to zonal office for eight months’.
But Umar denied the allegations, saying some directors of the agency who were indicted for misappropriating NIPC’s funds were behind the protest.
Chairman of RMFAC, Elias Mbam, recently commended Umar for “taking bold steps” that had sanitised the granting of the pioneer status incentives which had hitherto witnessed challenges in its administration that led to huge revenue loss to the federation.
Mbam said import duty waivers, concessions and exemptions “have direct bearing on the quantum of revenue accruals into the Federation Account which gets depleted and consequently affects the share of every tier of government”.


http://www.thecable.ng/exclusive-nipc-boss-fired-embarrassing-jonathan-20bn-tax-waivers

Matthew 4:1-10 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.]”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

It will be much easier to read the whole section relating to the 'temptation of Jesus Christ in the Wilderness and not just take a small passage out of it.
This temptation which Satan tempted Jesus with implies a vision instead of an actual event.

Nicely written article.

OP, i'm sorry to digress, it is always worth noting that apart from foreign embassies checking the internet, most organisations now check the internet to get information about potential candidates.

Seriously all this jungle barbaric justice must stop, there are other ways to punish criminals..

ooshinibos:
I know the issue here ..british papers are bad , there were unconfirmed rumors that he is gay ( am not homophobic ) ...and I think he knows this rumors going around ..so he came out with his girlfriend two weeks ago to dispel this rumors..but I think the media is not satisfied with this out show

Let's wait for the early editions of the UK Sunday Newspapers - the likes of 'The Sun', 'Sunday Mail', 'Sunday Express' who are known for their unpalatable exposures.

Congrats to the able governor...HML...

He hasn't got a well packed 'cojones' to handle the bull-fighting English media.

The English Media will dig anything 'diggable' to tarnish your image.

Why the sudden change of his intention - he was one of the first to declared running for the leadership post.

[quote author=cmon post=33758069]Hope all these trekkers will not reach Otuoke to an empty house.... Wish them well....[/quote


Exactly my thought - what's the purpose of their trekking adventure to Otuoke, when Oga Jona dey go on a well-deserved holiday with Mama Peace.

This has set a precedence whereby other Nigerian churches will be bidding to out-do one another with the donations in Israel, as a way to milk their congregation.

GMB have met more diplomats and heads of state within 6 weeks, compared to how many GEJ have met in his six years as the number one citizen.

All the three designs are on point, however I'd prefer the first one.

Popular American Evangelist, Paula White has found love again in the arms of a Rock musician, Jonathan Cain.

Paula White shared photos of her wedding which over the weekend on her Facebook page.

She posted the words: “Such a beautiful wedding! God is amazing! thank you Jensen Larson Photography and Johana Glaudi for the dress!!”

Her new hubby, Jonathan has been in the successful music groups Journey and Bad English.

Paula has been in the thick of a series of storms that have battered her since she and her husband, Randy White divorced in 2007 and even before.

She married her first husband, Dean Knight when she was just a teenager and they had a son together, Bradley while she was still in her teens. In 1984, she became drawn to the gospel and church and turned Christian; she divorced Dean, soon thereafter.

Paula White is currently pastoring at New Destiny Christian Center, Apopka Florida the church founded by its later pastor Zachery Tims.

http://expressng.com/2015/04/american-tv-evangelist-paula-white-remarries-photos/

http://www.joy105.com/pastor-paula-white-remarried-this-weekend-congratulations/

God’s Prophetess are coming…..

Oh yeah! God’s Prophetesses are showing us the Kingdom of the God of the King James Version Bible like never before. They are bringing it! You’ll get to see Breast Bumps. This is when WOMEN OF GOD use their breasts as weapons of warfare to bring down Satan’s strongholds.

You will also see *Blow Jobs! This is when WOMEN OF GOD BLOW on victims of satanic strongholds. As they BLOW, the invisible satanic imps scurry away. But don’t worry, these prophetesses have a unique ability and anointing to see these invisible enemies and fight with them toe to toe. If you want that anointing, watch the video and then get to one of their churches.

Truly, Devout Christians are exited with what their GOD is doing. Watch the video and you will see how the GOD of the King James Version Bible moves in these last days. Catch the excitement!!!

*See a WOMAN OF GOD give a “Mouth Action” in this anointed God ordained video at the 20 second. P.S. This is their language, not mine’s. If you are offended, you need to seek out these WOMEN OF GOD and address them directly.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PJ5d3I6x-Q

https://www.facebook.com/lifetime/videos/10152865415519087/?fref=nf

Going by the news in the article posted below, is it possible for an adult male to be raped by a female?

Also, have any woman being convicted in the law courts of statutory rape towards an adult man - 16 years and above.

Let us move away from discussing 'abuses' prepertrated by adult females on minors - young boys less than 16years.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Man-tells-of-shock-pain-after-women-raped-him-in-PE-20150512

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/575702/Police-three-women-accused-raping-man-stealing-SPERM-cool-box

Mr Silverbird has set himself up for public scrutinity after his media triads in the past few days.

I guess more will follow soon.

justwise:
Use this link to calculate it https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type

Hi Justwise,

https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/Joining

I just checked the above link with regards to the NHS surcharge, when applying, which 'visa route' do we have to choose in the section -

'About the person you are joining in the UK'.

The partner is a UK National, applicant based in Lagos but the link is asking for the 'expiration date of the visa' of the UK National.

Could you please check and advise which option to choose?

Thanks.

OBJ always likes to steal the limelight by standing next to GEJ.

All hail, the tallest president-elect GMB.

I don't think any politician will be bold enough to disclose such information.

However, it should be part of the requirement for any aspiring politician to disclose 'genuine and authentic' tax information when seeking election.

If PDP and the President had known that they may not make it in the 2015 presidential election, I am dead sure they would not have looted our treasury with reckless abandon. If they had known that the bubble will burst in the March 28, 2015 presidential election, I bet they would have been a little bit cautious and prudent in dealing with the nation’s finances. I am sure they would have been sensible enough not to deploy the quantum of money, in both local and foreign currencies, we saw a few days to the elections and even after the elections had been won and lost.
In a special farewell service for the President in Abuja by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, President Jonathan lamented that he fears persecution targeted at him and his Ministers from the APC-controlled Federal Government after May 29, 2015. President Jonathan had to swallow the bitter pill of letting the world know what has been troubling him since it became obvious that the game had been lost in reelection bid. The reports of the devastating state of Nigeria’s economy have not helped matters. The figures refuse to add up. Nigeria cannot pay salaries. Petrol is not flowing. Electricity is not available. The system is almost at stand still and has been mercilessly plundered.

But what worries me most is why the President is crying out loud about possible persecution if there is nothing to worry about. If there is no skeleton in the cupboard, the President needs not bother about anything except to prepare for a decent handover ceremony on May 29 2015. If the President had done his duty to fatherland in the way it should be done, I do not see the reason for this panic statement. But like I said above, the figures refuse to add up and these are no bed time stories.

Before 2011 when we sold crude oil at $38 US Dollars per barrel, we had 62 billion US Dollars in the external reserve. From 2011 when crude oil was sold at $110 USD per barrel, our external reserves dropped to $32 billion USD. Now, where did all the money go? In 1999, Nigeria had more than 3000 megawatts of electricity and sixteen years later, after spending billions of dollars supposedly on generating more energy, we are still at less than 3000 megawatts. Again, where did all the money go to? For over sixteen years, Nigerians do not know what is going on at NNPC. How much crude oil do we pump in a day? How much of it is sold outside and what quantity is for local consumption? Why are our four refineries not working? Has NNPC been accountable to anybody? Who are those behind the oil subsidy scam? Have they been brought to book? Are we not living witnesses of how those accused of oil subsidy scam found themselves back in government? How come all the terrible characters and bad boys in Nigeria found themselves in PDP for sixteen years?

Where did all the dollars and pounds sterling we saw in Lagos during the Presidential and the governorship elections come from? There are so many questions that demand urgent answers and whipping up sentiments to attract public sympathy will not help President Jonathan to get a soft landing on May 29, 2015. Those who aspire to hold public office must be man enough to admit failure and take responsibility.
The self-evident truth here is that President Jonathan and his fraudulent PDP never believed that an incumbent could lose power in Nigeria. They were not prepared for it. They did not look at the figures. They did not believe that they cannot buy or steal the presidency again. In their foolishness, PDP and the presidency did not realise that the North is aggrieved because Jonathan’s ambition to rule Nigeria till 2019 has devastated the Southern and Northern political equilibrium and understanding. They did not realise that it was impossible for 11 states in the South-East and South-South to defeat 25 States from North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-West. They were not smart enough to reason that immediately the whole North and the Yoruba nation came together, the business had been concluded. They did not see that Buhari of 2003, 2007, and 2011 was not the same Buhari in 2015.

Impunity and the arrogance of power did not let them realise that losing General Obasanjo would break the back of PDP. They did not realise that engaging characters and outlawed organisations like Buruji Kashamu, Bode George, Obanikoro, Fani-Kayode, Chris Ubah, Ifeanyi Ubah, Omisore, Fayose, Emeka Offor, Arthur Eze, Asari Dokubo, Tompolo, Boyloaf, Edwin Clark, OPC, MASSOB etc could backfire. The truth is that President Jonathan and his handlers took a lot of things for granted and the bubbles burst.

An empty treasury awaits General Buhari on May 29, 2015 and this is the hardest truth he has to face. But I know APC will overcome the foreseeable challenges with the power of ideas and brutal efficiency. With a disciplined and transparent leadership, the real money that will drive progress will come. At high levels of office, ideas are far better than dollars.

Joe Igbokwe is the Lagos APC Publicity Secretary.

http://blogs.premiumtimesng.com/?p=167563

He should rather use his funds to develop football firstly in Nigeria and then in Africa, why pumping money in the EPL?

Once GEJ vacates Aso Rock, PDP at the national level will surely leave Fayose to his fate in Ekiti state, the rule of law will take its course.
He will be sacked through the judiciary in the law courts.

KOWA - hopefully the party will still be in existence then with better candidates.

"I met my 'husband' while working as a sales girl in Idumota. He always frequented our shop because of me and each time he came he would always tell me how much he loves me and wants to marry me. I liked him too and we started dating. I got pregnant for him and moved in with him and he promised to marry me and pay my bride price.
He kept postponing the marriage and each time I ask him, he would say there is no money for that now and once money comes we would get married. We kept living together peaceful till he suddenly changed, abuses me any opportunity he gets, he told me he will never marry someone as ugly as me. He got married to another woman and brought her home and they made life unbearable for me and my kids, I kept enduring hoping things would get better but he just threw us out from his house. We've been sleeping outside since then. The only thing I was able to pack was the clothes I spread on the grass over there and the ones inside the white nylon.
Sometimes I start laughing at myself then I begin to cry. I'm so ashamed I never thought this was how my life would end up. I'm an NCE holder, I had plans and now I'm sitting here not knowing where the next meal will come from." #HumansOfLagos.


Hey wonderful people, let's see if there is something we can do for this woman and her kids. She needs 3 things, accommodation, a job and getting her kids back to school. Please if there is anyone that can accommodate them temporary or has a job for her. She said she can do any work she gets; domestic work, cleaner etc Please send an email to Thehumansoflagos@gmail.com and God bless you as you help change someone's life.

Such a sad stroy..i hope there's a way she can get her life back to normal

President Goodluck Jonathan has, for the first time, questioned the results of the March 28 presidential election, maintaining that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is still the dominant party in Nigeria.

Jonathan had congratulated Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), before the final result was announced but he said on Thursday that he only did it for the unity of Nigeria.

He said the PDP could not have recorded the low scores recorded for him in some areas.

The president was speaking at the submission of the report of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation (PPCO) at the new banquet hall of the presidential villa.

Jonathan said: “PDP is still the dominant party. If you look at the result, the difference is just over two million votes. And if you look at the areas where it is perceived that PDP scored so low, PDP couldn’t have gotten those kinds of scores.”

He said now that the elections are over, “I put the country first”.

http://www.thecable.ng/just-jonathan-questions-buharis-victory

'Pastor Chris is a Professor of Theology and holds a PhD in Pneumatology-a study of the Holy Spirit and other Celestial Beings'.


From which University ot Institute did Pastor Chris got this PhD from?

Ain't nothing wrong with the list - max N200,000 will be enough.
I love our igbo ladies - most beautiful and intelligent.

Well written article, nothing much to say.

NNPC needs to be broken into 3 parts and then be privatised...simples.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcT7cKr3hCw

Cliff Quotes:

-"...if they discover that there's life on Mars, they gon' need to hear the Gospel and I'm gon' have to believe God for a billion dollar space shuttle because we got to preach the Gospel on Mars."

"-I wouldn't say this except the Spirit of God led me to say it. Now you see why the devil tried so aggressively to discredit my voice. I'm on my sabbatical and the enemy is trying to discredit me.


-The enemy has got to discredit the voices of faith and grace and truth because he don't want you to know that you can walk on the water if you can look at Jesus. I've got to discredit that man before he starts showing people Jesus."

-"You understand what I'm saying? You cannot stop and you cannot curse what God has blessed. Are you listening to me? Half the people that are commenting on the Internet don't even know me. They don't know this ministry. They don't know what we do.

-"That's why they ask the question: 'What does a preacher need with an airplane? If you knew what we did then you wouldn't ask that question. But you don't know what we do..."

Please NO to tail docking, it makes the dogs look ugly.