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Senate Rejects FIRS N143bn Budget …Halts Works On Sovereign Wealth Act
The Senate, yesterday, rejected the report by the Committee on Finance in which the N143.7billion budget of the Federal Inland Revenue Service was approved.
The lawmakers, while debating the recommendation of the committee during the day’s plenary, criticised the report as lacking details.
While some senators who spoke on the report said it was fraught with ambiguities, others cited duplication of projects in the proposed budget.
The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, who presided over the plenary, asked the committee to work on the grey areas in its report and re-present it in one week.
On the proposed 2016 budget of the FIRS, the report said, “The Federal Inland Revenue Service projected to collect tax revenues to the tune of N4.082trillion in 2016.
“This comprises of N484billion oil and N3.597trillion non-oil revenues. The projected four per cent Cost of Collection on non-oil revenue is N143,904,640,000.
“The total projected available fund for the 2016 budget is N146,165,108,293, comprising of four per cent Cost of Collection and N2,260,468,293 or 20 per cent of 2015 operating surplus.”
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator John Enoh, while presenting the report to the chamber, recalled that the Senate on July 21, 2016, considered the request of President Muhammadu Buhari on the 2016 budget of the FIRS and referred same to the committee for further legislative action.
On the performance of the 2015 budget of the FIRS, the report said National Assembly’s joint Committees on Finance approved a revenue projection of N436trillion, comprising of N1.74trillion oil revenue and N262trillion non-oil revenue.
The joint committee also projected the four per cent Cost of Collection of non-oil revenue by the FIRS to be N104,723,880,000.
The committee stated the summary of the proposed 2016 expenditure of the service as follows: personnel, N64,491,130,526; overhead, N46,363,000,000; and capital, N32,868,300,000, bringing the total expenditure to N143,722,430,526.
The committee, according to the report, observed that the projected non-oil revenue collection had increased from the 2015 collection, thereby increasing the four per cent Cost of Collection to the service to N143,904,640,000bn from N104,723,880,000 in 2015.
The committee further observed that, “The total personnel costs are for salaries, wages, allowances, performance bonuses and social contributions. The 8,000 (members of) staff are proposed to be on the payroll during the 2016 financial year, which accounts for the increase of 19 per cent above actual staff strength of 6,748.
The projection presumes a recruitment of new staff in 2016.
It further observed that, “The overhead cost is very vital in driving the achievement of FIRS’ core objectives of tax revenue generation.
“The provisions in 2016 budget give more emphasis on availability of office materials, training, consulting and professional services and publicity.”
The committee added that, “The capital cost estimates proposed includes ongoing projects, which are to be completed during the 2016 financial year, as well as new projects to be carried out.
“These projects include new corporate headquarters and other prototype offices, construction of new offices nationwide and ICT projects.”
The committee, therefore, recommended that a total expenditure of N143,722,430,526 be approved for the FIRS in 2016, which the Senate rejected.
Meanwhile, the shadow of the past that prevented Nigeria from investing in the Sovereign Wealth Fund during the good days of Nigerian crude sale has again resurfaced as the Senate, yesterday, suspended the consideration of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (Establishment) Act 2011 (Amendment) Bill, following protests by some senators who insisted that further legislative action on the bill would be prejudicial since state governors are already contesting in court, the legality of deducting funds from the federation account by the Federal Government through the agency.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator John Eno, at plenary presented the report of the bill seeking to amend the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), for debate but just before commencement of debate, the Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, described any legislation on the bill as illegal, as he pointed out that there is need to await the judgment of the court on the matter.
Akpabio admitted, however, that it is proper for Nigeria to save for the rainy day, but insisted that there is need to strengthen the relevant laws relating to the agency to forestall possible abuse in the management of the agency.
According both him, the major reason why the governors had opposed the policy during the time of former President Goodluck Jonathan was because they wanted the major stakeholders to be involved in the regulation and administration of the agency.
According to him, since the funds will have a commencing seed of one billion dollars, to be deducted from the federation account, which constitutionally belong jointly to the local, states and federal governments, it is proper to have them well represented in the agency and its board.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, in his contribution noted that there is need to save for the scarce moments but emphasised that it is unconstitutional to consider and pass the report on the bill without first adjusting the Constitution to accommodate the controversial sections of the bill.
He, therefore, advice that the Senate to suspend the consideration of the bill until the Constitution Review Committee amends the Constitution in line with those sections that are unconstitutional in it.
President of the Senate, Senator Saraki, trying to save the bill and to ensure its passage, however advocated that only sections (10) of the bill be stepped down since it is the only section that is not in line with the Constitution.
He said the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, headed by the Deputy Senate President, can address the constitutional issues raised by some lawmakers while reviewing the constitution, before the bill will be passed eventually into law.
According to Saraki, since there is a unanimous agreement among the lawmakers that Nigeria should save for the future, the Senate should go ahead to consider the report.
However, mid into the consideration of the report, the controversial section 10 came up again, seeking to allocate $1billion from the federation account to the NSIA, and became a road block for the debate as it would only be prejudicial to debate on an issue in court already.
At that point, the debate was suspended and the bill withdrawn.
It would be recalled that the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (Establishment) Act 2011 (Amendment) Bill, seeking to save ( Sovereign Wealth Fund) for the rainy day during the hay days of oil price through cuts from the federation account (local , states and federal governments) but was vehemently opposed by state governors, especially governors of the opposition party.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
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