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Cybercrime Act: Reps Direct NSA, CBN To Carryout Further Enlightenment on Levy

Published

4 months ago

May 15, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has moved a motion directing the Central Bank of Nigeria and Office of National Security Adviser to cause further enlightenment on the Cyber Crimes Act and implementation of the 0.5% (0.005) levy, correct the wrong perception on the implementation of the Cybercrimes Act been circulated in the social media.

This was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda and seven (7) other lawmakers on the “Urgent Need To Correct The Wrong Perception Of The House Of Representatives Position On Implementation Of The Cybercrimes Act”, on Tuesday at plenary.

Debating the motion Rep. Chinda noted that on 9th May 2024, the House considered a joint motion on the implementation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024 and resolved to direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withdraw the ambiguous circular of 6th May 2024 and in its place issue an unambiguous and unequivocal circular in line with the letters and spirit of the law and directed the House Committees on Banking Regulations and Ancillary Institutions to guide the CBN properly.

But the Minority Leader stated that the media space was awash with the wrong impression that the House of Representatives was against a Law passed by Her, which impression painted the House in bad light.

He said: “Cognizant that the world is a global village and with the internet-of-things, crime is moving from meat space (real or physical world) to cyber space without the physical limitations of boundaries.

“Further cognizant that cybercrime is more devastating and can cripple a nation easier that the conventional crime in the physical space.

“Aware the humongous cost expanded on security and the very likely limitations of funding cyber space security by government.

“Further aware that some establishments carry out their businesses within the cyber space and make profits therefrom.

“Also aware that the Cybercrimes Act imposes a levy of 0.05% (0.005) on some establishments enumerated in the second schedule to the Act, that occupy the cyberspace; do business therein and make profit therefrom”.

Rep. Chinda stated that the letter and spirit of the Law as crafted by the Parliament is not only commendable but in tune with contemporary trend and supportive of the global fight against Cyber Crime.

He further noted that the levy does not apply to ordinary Nigerians but only to the establishments listed in the second schedule to the Act, which includes; GSM Service providers and all telecommunication companies; Internet Service Providers; Banks and other Financial Institutions; Insurance Companies; and Nigerian Stock Exchange.

“Order 20, Rule 93 (2) (b) of the House Rules provides that ‘in the event of joint oversight on issues relating to cybersecurity, the Committee on National Security and Intelligence shall work with the Committee on Digital and Information Technology. In such cases, the Committee on National Security and Intelligence shall be the lead Committee”, he added.

Explaining further he said: “Our role is to make Law and once there is an attempt to abuse the law that we made, it is necessary that we take a clear decision and that is what I have called on us to do today. Now, if in cause of implementation, we find out that the implementers, that is, the executive arm, are abusing it, we come back to amend it. But we can not at this stage amend by way of motion.

All we are doing is to caution the executive arm. This side, the content of the law we made, in cause of execution, does not task Nigerians directly or indirectly. If we find out that there are indirect taxes, it is justified for us to come back here and amend the law and see how we can improve on what we have done. Therefore, all we are doing today is to continue to enlighten Nigerians because a lot of them are still not aware that this law does not apply to you, but those who are making profit from the cyber space”.

“If the people feel otherwise, it is our duty to came back and amend that portion if possible remove it”.

In his ruling the presiding officer who is the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu stated: “Bybthis it means that the House of Representatives is standing bybthe law it made on the Cyber Security. We are standing in the government that is interested in ensuring that we are protected on what we can see with our physical eyes and what happens within the Cyber Space.

“That have shown the support that citizens of the country should not be taxed”.

The House through a voice vote unanimously adopted the motion and mandated the House Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Digital and Information Technology, Justice, Digital Economy, and Electronic Banking to superintend over the implementation of the House resolution of 9th May 2024 on the Cybersecurity Levy, with the committee on National Security and Intelligence as the lead the committee.

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President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request

Published

3 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.

Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.

He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.

In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.

He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.

In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.

Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.

“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.

“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.

“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.

“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”

News

Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag

Published

3 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.

There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.

Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.

The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.

Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.

It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.

“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation

News

Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)

Published

3 hours ago

September 7, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.

This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.

The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.

Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.