₦airaland Forum

AlexBells:
Nobody really cares if anybody is using anybody, as much as I'm concerned if you like be used by the devil the fact remains that the young man seem to be bereft of ideas and the canals is clueless if they are really in control and they can't even make life better for Northerners, he can share 10,000 trademoney but can't stimulate same amount to disburse to tech start ups owned by trusted youth so that we can build a Twitter and facebook alternative for a start.

Seriously I doubt if he can manage a local government not to talk of a state, because as a VP he has failed with the handling of the economy, remember he is the chairman of the economy management team

Chinkoalhaji34:
Link that you already clicked and know that you’re a liar.

You are a paid guy recruited to spoil Obi name.

Don't mind him, bagudu and the other one from osun state have clea fraudr case to answer but Obi is their problem, useless set of people

RuudVanNistroy:
It is a shell company. It if fake setup:fake address,fake paid nominee directors and does not engage in any business activity. Was simply a means of moving cash from Nigeria to tax havens in the Carribbean undetected and hiding ownership.

On paper the bank account is owned by European foreigners managing the fake shell company but is actually owned by Peter Obi that resides in Lagos and Onitsha.

Shell companies with fake european nominee directors is how thrillions has been looted from Africa undetected.

The Question people are asking is, is it illegal to own a shell company abroad?

And the answer is NO, meaning it's legal, beside it's his money he can save it anyhow, anywhere he like as far as he didn't steal the money.

RuudVanNistroy:
He setup the shell company Gabriella named after his 16 year old daughter in 2010 when he was governor. Read the report by Premium Times again.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/487997-pandora-papers-inside-peter-obis-secret-businesses-and-how-he-broke-the-law.html

So are you jealous of Obi's daughter because your miserable father didn't setup a company for you ?

Losers everywhere.

RuudVanNistroy:
Why didn’t he build the two malls while Chairman of Fidelity and while wait until he became Governor.He also set up the shell company and bank accounts in tax havens after he became a governor.

Are you this stu.pid? Who are you to tell when or time to expand his family business?

Cant you go online and read about Next International to know that it's a family business established since 1988 by his parents in Onitsha before moving to Lagos.

Poverty is a disease, you reason like a poor fellow, please leave Obi and his family business and face your own business that's if you have one.

Idokojimmy:
On 7th October, 2021, a renowned Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agwu was apprehended in Anambra state by the Military, adorned in IPOB/Biafra regalia. According to the Military, the Iconic figure in the entertainment industry was allegedly arrested after he was caught soliciting support for one proscribed group identified as IPOB, as well as inciting the public against the authority. It is noteworthy that the arrest is coming few days after the Military commenced an operation tagged “Golden Dawn” in the South East, following incessant attacks and killings of security operatives and innocent residents in the region. Apart from killing of operatives, cases of armed robbery, car snatching, attacks on POS operators, raiding of markets, setting up of illegal road blocks as well as extortion of motorists have been reported.

The question now is, did the nollywood actor commit any crime to warrant arrest? YES. In September, 2017, a federal high court proscribed IPOB and declared it a terrorist organization. The declaration followed an application by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. The following year, IPOB appealed the declaration/judgement. Fortunately or unfortunately, the appeal was not upheld. Rather the court affirmed its earlier declaration. Consequently, in the face of law, IPOB remains a terrorist group.

Some of the characteristics of terrorist organizations include coercion, targeted assassination, kidnapping, violent confrontation with government forces, violent agitation for secession, armed robbery, using instrumentality of fear to subjugate people and so on. A common test suggests that IPOB has met all these conditions. The group has killed hundreds of security operatives, established an army to confront the government, robbed innocent citizen, burnt government institutions and threatened to sustain killings.

Should public figures or opinion molders identify with such group? The choice is theirs. However, one thing is clear; the group is an enemy of the state. Its supporters, sponsors, sympathizers are also terrorists.

Section 1 of the 2013 Terrorism Prevention Act as Amended criminalizes persons that incite, promise or induce any other persons by any means whatsoever to commit any act of terrorism…The Act also criminalizes persons who omit to do anything that is reasonably necessary to prevent an act of terrorism. It also frowns at those that assist or facilitate the activities of persons engaged in the act of terrorism, and so on.

Suffice to say that Anambra is currently the epicenter of IPOB activities. In few days, several operatives have been killed. The terror elements have also vowed to frustrate the conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial poll. It is enforcing the illegal sit-at-home order. Yet, this is the time that AGWU elected to be adorned in IPOB/Biafra uniform. More renowned actors like KANAYO, PETE EDOCHIE, ZUBBY, NKEM OWOH, RITA and PATIENCE among others are still shooting movies in the South East and selling same in Onitsha without let or hindrance. They are not less Igbos neither are they more Nigerian. They understand the times and laws.

AGWU by his action, tacitly demonstrated support for the killings of security operatives, destruction of government properties, burning of Nigerian flags, non-conduct of the governorship election in the state, illegal sit-at-home order, killing of Akunyili’s husband, ongoing armed robbery and targeted killings of innocent Igbos. In plain terms, he supports terrorism. He may have been released, but the lessons cannot be forgotten. Influential persons in the society should learn to use their positions to better the society by clamoring for good governance not supporting terror.


*Yani writes from Abuja*

Oga, you still dey learn work, sense is far from you

Juliusmalema:
Make up story to save face.

His actions is totally condemnable.

He can share bread without wearing the terrorist regalia.

In period of insecurity unleashed by Ipobs unknown Gunmen, the highest he could wear is that terrorist cloth.

Nigeria military should check if that man is mentally okay because no sane human with embark on such stupidity this period of high insecurity..

Old age is no sign of Wisdom.

Are you ok? It that not Biafra flag? Where is it written in our law that you should not ware a perticular dress. Answer this, did Nigeria government proscribed Biafra or Ipob?

RuudVanNistroy:
The fact is that Peter Obi daughter was below 18 years old at the time, and under the tax law even though he registered the holding companies under her name-they still belonged to him because she was 16 years old in 2010.

He should be sent to Kirikiri maximum prison and have the keys thrown away.

You have nothing on him, he can decide to do anything with his money it's non of your business, at least Anambra is not looking for there money

Finnese001:

And we are here still talking about INEC and Network Connectivity to just transfer results of less than 1 megabit. It well with my country

Afamed:
You have just described Peter Obi with the words that fits him most.
What did he do special as a Gov in Anambra state?
Like I said,Obi can only use emotions to deceive people like una
The one that invested State money into family business. The one that kept medical doctors for 13 months strike while he enjoyed medical treatment abroad can not come here to preach to me how holy he's than other politicians. Obi can only deceive your time.Go to Oba new roads, down to teaching hospital at Nnewi millions were spent during his regime to construct that roads. Go there now, if the same roads are still motorable

Your stu.pidity knows no bounds, so for your mind you are wise, a bi? Please when next you want to talk about Obi, show some respect please

Captain8:
which oil well? hopeless uzodima should go to hell, we are not giving any well to imo....they should managed the little one they have

Na God Go puni.shi you and your entire generation. Stu.pid animal

Nigercity:
The boundaries of Rivers State if full of scam and fraud, imagine some communities that should be in ogbaru (greater onistha metro) was added in to river, same goes for etche (one part in Rivers another part in IMO state)
Are we going to talk about ASA/Ndoki communities that should rightfully belong to Abia shared between Abia and Rivers,
All becos of oil (and becos easterners loss they war)
The IMO river was used as a boundary btw IMO,Abia and Rivers whenever it favours Rivers State, and the same IMO river is ignored when it doesn't favour Rivers State,

So how can I explain to some one

River state itself is a scam, the war really took many things away from us, God will surely see us through this gang-up, for 20 good years, Rivers State have been cornering our God given resources, can you imagine that?

Okwyjesus:
If he achieve this fate. All his sins can be forgiven.

Wike will pay the hard way for pointing his finger at Buhari's face.

Imo state has already won the case, wike is just trying to exercise his right

RareDiamonds:
Oil Wells: Gov Uzodimma expresses confidence, says Imo’ll get justice
September 27, 2021

.Imo Oil Wells

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has expressed confidence that “Imo State will eventually get justice at the Supreme Court and get back what belongs to her”. He added that the State will also be receiving an additional N8 billion monthly from Federal Allocation.

The Governor during the Thanksgiving Church Service in commemoration of Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day Celebration at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, disclosed this as he explained the position of the State on the oil wells located in Imo State that were ceded to Rivers State for over 20 years now.

He stated that though the Committee on Boundary Adjustment through boundary demarcation had given back the oil wells to Imo State, the Rivers State Government had taken the matter to the Supreme Court, all in an effort to continue to deny Imo State what belongs to her.

In strong disapproval, Governor Uzodimma disclosed that despite the fact that some of the disputed oil wells are located in Local Government Areas like Ejemekwuru in Oguta LGA, Imo State, some selfish Imo indigenes, benefiting from the scam, are working against this recovery process. The Governor, therefore, expressed confidence that Imo State will get justice.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/oil-wells-gov-uzodimma-expresses-confidence-says-imoll-get-justice/

If that will be the only achievement as a governor, I will be grateful to him as an indigene

supportnija:
One of my friends was arguing with me in the office yesterday, north is not productive, and she was carrying JUMIA product in her hands, I asked her, you make Lagos productive, now you are in Abuja, this product is from Lagos, you paid this VAT in Lagos.. Lagos does nothing different from other. By the time this law start fully, if JUMIA don't have the office in Abuja, they will not allow them to operate in Abuja.. most of these governors and their cabinet are daft. What happen to tweeter is awaiting for some company, NAIRALAND may cease to exist because I can't pay money for advert from Abuja and you pay tax to SOWULU in Lagos.

That's how it suppose to be, if jumia can't have office in Abuja or ABA or Ibadan, at least they should stay put in Lagos and serve Lagos market or partner with locals if they want to remain a national brand

jesus19984:
Any discerning observer of what is happening with the VAT issue will recognise that there is a background to it. The facade of 'fiscal federalism' that protagonists are using is just a smokescreen for underlying causes.

Unfortunately, most people are unable to delve deeper into topical issues in Nigeria today because of a kaleidoscope of bigotry, tribalism, regionalism, sectionalism, religion and other divisive sentiments. The politicians who push these narratives understand so well that we suspend our thinking caps when these sentiments are thrown into the mix.

Furthermore, as a people, we are to shortsighted to even contemplate the medium and long term implications of some of the narratives we parrot.

Data is hard evidence, which cannot be controverted. Truth is a tyrant that doesn't campaign for votes. In the end, we shall be confronted with its brutality when reality stares us in the face.

Let's even start by examining what VAT means. VAT is an acronym for Value Added Tax. Operative word is 'Value Added'. So in a chain of operation in the production of a good or service when value is added, or form changes there is an incidence of taxation. However, the protagonists of the imposition of VAT by state governments want us to believe that VAT is wholly a consumption tax. This is very disingenuous, and far from the truth. I will follow up this with the definition of VAT after posting this.

Matter of fact, is that VAT is collected at the point of consumption of goods and services but doesn't make it wholly a consumption tax. In the chain of production, and for the purposes of taxation the point of consumption of a good or service is the end of the spectrum. In between, there are several levels of value addition and supply chain that must have taken place before the final end of the spectrum of consumption. So, for instance, a good consumed in Lagos that wasn't produced in Lagos doesn't mean that all the value and supply chains took place in Lagos. This is the fundamental principle underpinning value added taxation.

Why is VAT collected at the point of consumption? The reason is quite simple, and it is this fundamental principle that the protagonists want to destroy, which will have serious consequences for the economy and people of Nigeria. The reason for collecting VAT at the point of consumption is to prevent a situation of multiple taxation. If you consider a product or service with varying levels of value addition and supply chain, if taxed at every of these levels, the taxes will be unwieldy. Thus, every jurisdiction in the world where VAT is charged has an agreed formula for calculating value addition, which is then harmonised to come up with a single rate across board. Again, this is the principal reason why VAT in any jurisdiction is not imposed by Sub-Nationals or local authorities. I don't know of any jurisdiction in the world where VAT is imposed by Sub-Nationals or local authorities. I challenge anyone who knows to tell me.

The divisive issues thrown into the mix are simply laughable. So a serious issue has been reduced into just the issue of the restriction of the sales of alcohol in some states. I am a beer man, and I truly love my beer. In all my years of drinking beer, the only times I have recalled paying VAT for beer was when I go to some highbrow hotels or clubs. The vast majority of beer sold and consumed in Nigeria is done at roadside bars, 'abeigi', street corner shops and in-house bars. I can also tell you for free that the volume of alcohol consumed in Sabon Gari in Kano will dwarf that consumed Ado Ekiti or Ijebu Ode.

Governor Wike says that he received 2billion monthly from VAT. He failed to tell you how much the local governments in Rivers State receives from VAT allocation from the FGN. For teasers, in 2020, Rivers State contribution to VAT coffers was 42 billion. The Rivers State Government and local governments got a total of 39 billion. That's a difference of 3 billion.

Now to some data for us to have a better understanding of the issue. Proceeds of VAT is shared amongst the 3 tiers of Government after 4% collection charge in the following way:

Federal Government - 15%
State Governments - 50%
Local Governments - 35%

Of the proceeds of VAT the FG and the FCT generates about 61% via imports from the seaports and international airports while the States generate 39%

Of the 39% generated by the States, Lagos and Rivers State generates less than 70%

Now imagine a situation where the courts strikes VAT off the exclusive list. The Federal Government and FCT get to keep their 61% while the States will hussle for the remaining 39%. So, what now happens to the Local Governments where the transactions actually take place

So, in the not too distant future, the States that are enacting their own VAT laws will realise that they were chasing a mirage. The version of 'fiscal federalism', of 'food is ready' mentality obtained from the courts is just a phyric victory. They don't even have the structures the FIRS built over the last 20 years to even be able to collect the VAT.

What will be their reaction in the circumstance? Brace up for thuggish tax collectors. States will enact their own versions of the VAT law to include things like food that were exempt from the federal law. At the point of buying a goat VAT will be paid. At the point of slaughter VAT will be paid. At the point of eating it at a restaurant VAT will be paid. There will be multiple taxation, increased inflation, and the ease of doing business will be more difficult, as well as and cost of doing business will become higher.

Lagos and Rivers States pride themselves as the biggest contributors to VAT collection in Nigeria. This is another mirage. Lagos State for instance enjoys what you can term as 'headquarters effect'. What this means is that for tax reporting purposes companies with headquarters in Lagos file their VAT returns there. For instance, a company like MTN which sells airtime and internet services all across the country file their VAT returns in Lagos. In Rivers for instance, NDDC has its headquarters in Port Harcourt. If it goes to Innosson Motors in Enugu to buy vehicles, it files its VAT returns from Port Harcourt.

Let me end by going back to the background I alluded to in the beginning.

There are two basic things making the state governments to react the way they are now.

1). Local Government autonomy is bitting hard on them. They are finding it increasingly difficult to corner the resources of the LGAs especially with the NFIU breathing down their necks
2). The Governors are angry that the 3% of COPEX in the PIA is going directly to the oil bearing communities. They want it to come to the state governments just like the 13% derivation.

Interestingly, in the agenda there are sub agendas. Some are being blind sided by the sheninighans playing out. Ultimately, there will be many losers, including those cheering for the faux fiscal federalism carved in the image and likeness of the key players.

'Siddon look' mode activated�

Anthony Inaede

Your write up is educative, but my question is why would Lagos state collect VAT that is meant for other state like in the oil sector that have all their headquarters in Lagos but the their production or service are in the Niger Delta? So how are we going to balance this abnormality

MrStan11:
Whats is Anambra govt doing in this new VAT pronouncements.
We should be on the forefront of this because it will benefit is the most.
All these companies paying VAT to fed govt should redirect to Our State.
We need more money.

Am not from Anambra but it seems that most southern states are carefully watching because like you pointed out, it will seriously impact the states positively, a state like Anambra and Abia with huge number of SME's, I think the largest concentration of SME's in Africa or west-Africa,, should look for a way to collect VAT on finished goods.

Obdk:
You talk as if you don't have sense most times...

How do you expect the tiles to be wen obviously work is still going on.. You expect them to clean the tiles up so that it will be dirty again...

Have sense biko..

The more you type the more you expose your ignorance and lack of enlightenment


The tiles will be thoroughly cleaned up wen they finish work...

I think that what that are waiting for, you are correct

adefitim:
This writer is making sense or what do y’all think?

Making better sense, what Abia, Anambra, Enugu needs to do is to increase their own VAT on finished goods simple, remember Abia and Anambra have the largest SME's cluster in West Africa

isokomarine:
south east is a very minority tribe base on landmass

Oga face front please, I don't get your stu.pd talk

StCapital:
Anambra should stop marginalizing the south east whether they like it or not, I will write more things about south east but lets wait for more reactions.
Once again, happy new year.

Are sure you are ok? This guys is stu.pd, let me ask you, where was Abia state carved out from? Where was Ebonyi carved out from? where was Anambra and Eungu carved out from. You trying so hard to use political boundaries to divide great Ndi-Igbo will never work,

ThEGodFaThEr103:
The question is; does Ndokwa belong to Isoko or Igbos?

You guys are to be blame, why on earth will you be comparing One Local Government Tribe with Ndi-Igbo. Please let's stop this it's becoming irritating

ThEGodFaThEr103:
They are feeding you guys with nonsense. Tell me, Where in the world discrimination doesn't exist? My question is; if tomorrow Nigeria breaks up, where will you stand? Do you think Benin people will not discriminate against you people because you don't share the same culture with them. In Ukwuani today, some of them are suffering from identity crises and this is in major part due to the aftermath of the civil war but majority are waking up to reality to identify with their Igbo background because they can't continue living in denial. When they give birth their children don't even know where they come from. If you ask them, they will tell you Edo but their name, language, culture and tradition says otherwise.
Even you Kmcutez, you're also suffering from the same identity crises and the earlier you identify with your root, Edo, Igbo or Isoko the better for you.

He's confused, better use your time and data for another thing

forgiveness:
Lagos State alone has employed more than that not to talk of other states.

SWners are not controlling any company. Is that not what you want to hear?

You made it look like they do

loveth360:
Na head he used land that's why we yoruba have cone head....

Hahahaha

loveth360:
Don't mind them.



We yoruba have a good history that our ancestor, Oduduwa fall down from sky.

And him no break leg?

Please that rope is see for ile-ife, I mean the rope oduduwa use to fall down doesn't look like heavenly rope at all, it looks like the one they sell in supermarket

forgiveness:
That might be true but almost half or majority of these institutions are owned by SWners.

Oga stop talking trash, which South West own majority, which company? Dangote alone has employed over 40,000 for his refinery, a refinery that is even under construction, show us the companies they are controlling

Bizibi:
they are waiting for others to make moves before they act. Stupid set of idiots....

This VAT is exposing every idle scammers from some states in Nigeria,look at my state gov in Niger Delta,that one only know how to talk and it is the same with gov obaseki. Stupid idiots.

Am not trying to defend there incompetence but as a government you have to observe first because anything can happen at the appeal or supreme Court, but thumb Up to Rivers State Governor

Bizibi:
abeg se govs and the political leaders right now are just greedy lots.no excuse for them....

Well it's most.people reasoning, but they are actually taking there time

Bizibi:
South East political leaders are just as dormant as a dead fowl. All of them are just stupid.....

Oga if you don't know what to say, you ask questions, or keep quiet, Imo state was the first state to pass Anti-Open Grazing Law, in 2006 or so, in the tenure of governor Achike Udenwa. As for VAT issue, many state government are studying and waiting for the appeal court judgement, be rest assured that all the Southern State will swing to action when the coast is clear.

Obamaofusa:
I think he lived a fulfilled life more than most SEsterner leaders.He became a legend that is remembered positively more than any Nigerian political leader dead or alive.
He was not infallible.Not perfect but did his best.

He became a legend with his pic on the N100 but Azikiwe was given N500, Abuja Airport, University, Memorial Building, legend indeed

Tomek09:
I observed that Buhari's home state, Katsina received or still receiving 130B every month yet the state as a whole is nothing to write home about. Very dry place and most areas in Katsina are prone to desert encroachment not minding its proximity to Niger Republic.

Oga read the document very well be4 disgracing yourself, it says annual not monthly