Updated: Reps condemn assault on Nasarawa female doctor by patient family
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North central zone stakeholders propose 35% revenue allocation to states
- Want FG to have 39%, LGs 26%
Majority of the states in the North central zone have proposed a 39: 35: 26 per cent revenue sharing formula for the federal, state and local governments respectively.
The states made their positions known at a one-day North Central Zonal public hearing on the review of the current Revenue Allocation Formula (RAF), organised on Thursday by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), at Government House, Lokoja.
In his remarks, Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, advocated a sharing formula of 39, 35 and 26 per cent between the Federal, States and Local Governments, respectively, in order to effect the desired development of the country.
Bello, who was represented by his Deputy, Edward Onoja, stated that the main objectives of revenue allocation was to promote national unity and accelerate the economic growth of all tiers of government.
He lamented that the current formula in use had failed to achieve the desired aspirations of the citizens for development.
“We can no longer deny that a comprehensive review of RAF currently in use in Nigeria had become overdue.
”Currently, the Federal Government takes 52.68 per cent, the 36 states and the FCT split 26.72 percent and the local government councils make do with 20.60 per cent.
“The nine oil producing states receive an additional 13 per cent as derivation revenue which is distributed among them depending on the actual contribution of each to crude oil receipts.
“Existential realities between the three tiers of government today necessitate a more equitable sharing plan for all revenues accruing into the federation account,” Bello said.
He, therefore, urged the review committee to take a critical look at the revenue allocation formula currently in use with a view to do the needful in the interest of Nigerians.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the representative of Plateau state proposed a 40, 35 and 25 per cent formula, while Nasarawa state advocated 44, 35 and 21 for the three tiers of government, respectively.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Land, Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr Bernard Unenge, who made the presentation on behalf of the Benue state government, advocated 30, 45, and 25 per cent for federal, states and local governments, respectively.
On her part, the Kwara State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Florence Oyeyemi, in a virtual presentation, advocated a 33, 30 and 27 per cent sharing formula, respectively.
Dr Joel Akowe, on behalf of the Academia, proposed 30, 35 and 20 per cent respectively, while proposing a 15 per cent allocation to a Special Fund.
The Representative of the Network of Kogi state Non Governmental Organisations (KONGONET), Mr Muraina Idris, proposed 40, 27 and 33 per cent respectively, as he argued that this formula would enable the federating units and constituents to receive more attention in terms of development.
He added that over the years, the state governments had not really shown the need for increased resources as the community of civil society feels that a huge gap had existed between resource allocation and development, across majority of the federating units.
Idris further said that their proposed allocation of 33 per cent to local governments, would reduce rural-urban migration, create employment, promote development in rural areas and improve security.
For the Vice President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Kogi branch, representing women, the three tiers of government should receive allocations in the ratio of 30, 34 and 23 respectively, but that the 13 per cent derivation for oil producing states be retained.
Mr Victor Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of the Kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KOCCIMA), proposed 36, 33 and 26 per cent revenue formula, but on the condition Nigeria would practice true federalism.
Ibrahim said this had become necessary because the nation had been engaged in a unitary system of government, which had hindered development at the grassroots.
Mr Yahaya Ibrahim, the National Chairman, Persons Leaving With Disabilities (PLWDs), proposed 39, 29 and 32 per cent for the three tiers of government, respectively.
He specifically appealed to the Federal Government to however support the Kogi government, in its bid to empower the PLWD in the state.
The chairman cited Gov. Yahaya Bello for commendation, for according PLWDs in the state priority in terms of inclusiveness in governance, empowerment, among others.
Earlier, in his address of welcome, the Chairman of RMAFC, Elias Mbam, said the commission had been empowered by the Constitution to review, from time to time, the RAF and principles in operation to ensure conformity with changing realities.
This was by virtue of Paragraph 32(b), Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), he said.
The chairman disclosed that for the review, additional relevant data had been collected from relevant government agencies, and studies on fiscal matters relating to revenue allocation had also been undertaken.
He said that the public hearing was the fourth in the series, as the commission had earlier undertaken similar exercises in the South-West, South-South and South-East Zones.
Mban said plans had also been concluded to conduct the hearing in the remaining two geo-political zones of the North-West and North-East.
He said, “I wish to use this opportunity to invite all Nigerians to please participate and make contributions to this review process.
“It is our belief that your contributions will certainty enrich the process and ensure that the new revenue allocation formula reflects the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.”
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Updated: Reps condemn assault on Nasarawa female doctor by patient family
Chairman of the Committee, Amos Magaji, spoke on behalf of the committee shortly after members carried out an oversight visit at the FMC on Wednesday.
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Nigerians attack Reno Omokri for calling Fubara ‘bushman’
Nigerians attack Reno Omokri for calling Fubara ‘bushman’
A former presidential aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has been described as a man who cannot “win a position in history church prayer meeting group not to talk about a government position.”
These were the remarks of a cross-section of Nigerians who criticized Omokri for describing the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a “bushman.”
Omokro, in a statement on Wednesday, described Fubara as a classless politician who acts like a “militant in the creek.”
The social media influencer remarked while commenting on the ongoing feud between the Rivers state governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Omokri mentioned that the governor of Rivers State is a ‘tactless’ politician who is “not refined and does not project much intellectual prowess.”
The self-acclaimed table shaker raised concerns that the political tension in the state may spread across the country, having negative effects.
He therefore urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ameliorate the feud in the state.
“If their blustering will start and end in Rivers, okay. But it will not end there. The contagious effect may have seismic consequences for our country. Rivers needs an outside force to act as Big Brother. Rivers needs presidential intervention,” Omokri stated.
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Reacting to Omokri’s statement, Ovih Williams said, “It seems you know a lot about Nigerian politics, but what’s stopping you from getting a ticket and running for public office? Oh, let’s guess, you can’t even win a position in your church prayer meeting group not to talk about a government position.”
He adds, “No one can and will trust you with power; your forked tongue will not allow anyone to entrust you with a ticket or an appointment because you will surely betray them in the end, like you did Atiku Abubakar.
“What’s funny is you now doing everything humanly possible to wow the same @officialABAT you called “thief!, ole!!, drug dealer!!!, etc.” just months ago.”
Osadolo Osazeme, in his reaction, mentioned that “Reno is taking trash. If Reno were in Fubara’s shoes, I guess he would do worse to sustain his seat. Imagine Reno selling his soul for Tinubu after campaigning for Atiku in the 2023 presidential election.”
Abdulrahman Abdulrajid berated Omokri, saying, “You never stand for truth. You were defending the action of Ododo for interfering with the EFCC by arresting Yahaya Bello. Now You are taking sides against Fubara.”
He adds, “You talking rubbish! Are you encouraging God-fatherism or what? You didn’t see those videos of how the local government chairman insulted him! Did you know how many people’s properties were demolished in River State?”
“I disagree with you. Gov. Fubara is not a Bushman,” Agba Nwagbegbe noted.
“He represents the interests of the Rivers people. And he didn’t allow the bombing of the HOA. You don’t know what happened there. Rivers State will not be controlled by foreign players; the people of Rivers decide,” he adds.
Amb Mike Damisa, wrote, “I’m disappointed at Reno Omokri; I never saw your write-up condemning Wike’s boys trying to remove a sitting governor for no crime committed just 6 months after he assumed power as Governor of Rivers State, and you never make reference to the status of the defected assembly members, but the same you brag daily on how your father saved Peter Obi during his time as Governor of Anambra State.
“The same you that wants a better Nigeria! Wike shouldn’t be in existence politically if Nigeria needs a fresh air.”
Malam Lukman stated, “Sir, you are taking sides here. After calling Fubara all sorts of names, call Wike with the names he deserves too.
“Wike isn’t perfect, and in this matter, he’s at fault too. He initiated this in the first place. Why are you scapegoating Fubara all of a sudden? No, I don’t agree with you here.”
Tamuno Nengi also commented, “I’ve never expected anything reasonable from you, and you never even try to prove me wrong. You keep jumping from pillar to post. We are waiting for you to grow the naira with caps from Katangwa and walking sticks from Panya.”
Nigerians attack Reno Omokri for calling Fubara ‘bushman’
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Medical activities paralysed in A’Ibom as doctors begin strike over abducted colleague
Medical activities paralysed in A’Ibom as doctors begin strike over abducted colleague
The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Akwa Ibom has embarked on an industrial action over the abduction of one of its members two weeks ago.
The association suspended medical services across all government and private hospitals in the State due to the continued incarceration of the kidnapped member.
Recall that gunmen had on April 30, 2024, abducted a senior member of the doctors’ association, Dr John Esu at Oron local government area.
Dr Esu’s prolonged captivity has compelled the furious medics to stop work, attributing the development to the insensitivity of government and security agencies towards the safety of lives and properties of the people, including medical workers.
READ ALSO:
- Convicted notorious kidnapper Evans opts for plea bargain
- Updated: We’ll resume Lagos-Dubai flights on October 1, says Emirates
- Wike, Fubara are ego-driven, crude – Reno Omokri
NMA State Chairman, Prof. Emem Abraham said the strike became imperative to draw the attention of the government and security agencies to the plights of medical workers.
Abraham ordered all members including consultants to the state government and privately owned hospitals to withdraw their services saying the action would be reviewed after 72 hours.
“The NMA, Akwa Ibom State has resolved to withdraw services from all government and private hospitals in sympathy with our member who had been in captivity for over 15 days. The withdrawal of services takes immediate effect and shall be reviewed after 72 hours.
“The entire members of our association have been psychologically traumatised by this unfortunate situation, and are not in any good frame of mind to continue serving the public, while Dr. John Esu remains in the kidnappers’ den.”
Medical activities paralysed in A’Ibom as doctors begin strike over abducted colleague
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