News
Even The Dead Can’t Rest In Peace’ – Shehu Sani, Laments , Decries Enugu Mortuary Tax
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Ex-Senator, Shehu Sani, has expressed outrage over the recent decision by the Enugu State government to impose a mortuary tax on corpses stating that the move “finally means people can no longer rest in peace.”
Sani stated this in a short post on the X platform, using @ShehuSani handle on Sunday.
The State revenue agency had announced the sum of N40 as mortuary tax to be paid by owners of a corpse once it was not buried within 24 hours.
The X post read, “Taxing Dead bodies in Enugu finally means people can no longer rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government had clarified the controversial mortuary tax imposed on corpses in the state, stating that it was not intended as a revenue-generating measure but rather to discourage excessive storage of deceased bodies in mortuaries.
The Executive Chairman of Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Emmanuel Nnamani, said this on Saturday while reacting to the Mortuary Tax circular addressed to all mortuary attendants.
According to the circular, ESIRS in line with the provisions of Section 34 of the Birth, Deaths and Burials Law Cap 15 Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, approved the implementation of the mortuary tax.
“The sum of N40 only is to be paid by owners of a corpse once it was not buried within 24 hours. The amount continues to count daily.
“Kindly ensure that owners of corpses make the payments before collection of the corpses for burial and then remit same to the ESIRS in any commercial bank under the mortuary tax in Enugu State IGR Account,” the circular read.
Info Daily
News
Just in: Final knockout for Fubara as Supreme Court refuses to grant stay of execution request
It is final blow as he Supreme Court today, denied Fubara Stay of Execution asking the counsels to the Rivers state Government to obey the Apoeal Court judgment while their Appeal are been heard.
Fubara and his 3 Lawmakers may have to kiss the dust with this latest development.
Information reaching me Sat’s INEC will this week announce dates for Bye election into the vacant seats.
More details shortly…
News
University Don Tells FG To Sanction NUPENG President, General Secretary Over Failure To Curtail Tanker Fire Fatalities*
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Victims of Wednesday’s inferno in Jigawa State where over 100 people were burnt to death have received sympathy from an American based Professor of Humanity who called on the Federal government to sanction the leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over failure to curtail incessant deaths arising from tanker-related accidents across the country.
Professor Josephine T. Abubakar from University of Maryland, United States also commiserated with the families who lost loved ones in the tragic incident and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
In a statement she made available to newsmen on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 she said Nigerian ministry of petroleum resources in collaboration with the National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) need to activate Safe-To-Load Initiative to mitigate incessant petroleum products tanker accidents and ensuing fire outbreaks in Nigeria.
The University don said, “It is highly irresponsible of an oil Union like NUPENG, especially its General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale for not reacting officially to a national tragedy caused by one of the branches of its union, PTD in particular. This is horrible and unbelievable, over 100 lives met their untimely death. NUPENG should not only be seen collecting multiple levies and dues from Tanker Drivers, but should be seen putting adequate safety measures in place to avoid fatalities like the one the country witnessed on Wednesday.
“The deaths was a colossal loss for Nigeria, and what made it more worrisome and heart-rending was that it could be avoided but NUPENG and PTD have failed in their responsibilities, rather they concentrate on bickering over leadership tussle, legal fireworks and other ventures that can bring pecuniary gains for them at the expense of their defenseless members. It’s a shame that Augustine Egbon, a stooge in PTD who was hand-picked to be the National Chairman has also been silent about this recent calamity. NUPENG has outrightly failed Nigeria to say the least.
“However, this is the best time for the Nigerian government to look into the activities of NUPENG and PTD so that public safety and security will no longer be put into jeopardy. Nigeria has lost many lives as a result of negligence, weak and incompetent leadership in NUPENG and PTD who cannot even fix its internal crisis but disgracing themselves on the pages of newspapers and the internet on a daily basis.
“The call also goes to Nigerian ministry of petroleum resources to collaborate with the National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) so as to activate Safe-To-Load Initiative to mitigate incessant petroleum products tanker accidents and ensuing fire outbreaks in Nigeria.
“PTD used to be known for operational excellence and robust safety checklist for loading of petroleum products at terminals, retail outlets and depots but since Afolabi came to the saddle as General Secretary, the Union has been in tatters. Government must overhaul NUPENG and PTD, if need be, Afolabi and the President should be sacked while the DSS can take over the affairs of the union, until a proper election is conducted. There is nothing new, this has happened in NUPENG before”, she said.
The professor further appealed to Tinubu led government to be committed in ensuring safe roads for petroleum products distribution in the country and as well continue to create laudable interventions that can cushion the hardships faced by tanker drivers in their task of distributing products across the country, while also stressing that law enforcement agencies must as well show cooperation, support and provide security/succor for the hardworking tanker drivers.
News
Impeachment Plot: Akpabio Cautions Nigerians To Disregard Media Report
By Gloria Ikibah
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has admonished Nigerians to disregard stories of his planned impeachment, even as he described it as an illusion.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that an online publication, (Name withheld on Wednesday, published a story titled “DSS Takes Over National Assembly Amid Impeachment Speculations Against Senate President Akpabio”, which has since been republished by other media outlets.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President of Senate, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh in a statement on Wednesday said the report was a figment of the reporters imagination.
He said: “Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wishes to state without equivocation that the speculation and misinformation circulating about an alleged impeachment plot against him is the handiwork of fifth columnists who are perpetual merchants of misinformation and purveyors of mischief.
“As a Head of one of the Arms of government, the President of the Senate categorically denies these baseless claims and reaffirms his commitment to transformational leadership of the Senate particularly and effectively collaborates with the other arms of government. There is no crack in the Upper Chamber and no Senator or Caucus is plotting any impeachment against the President of the Senate. Every Senator is focused on raising the bar of Legislative Agenda and Nation building.
“The allegations are nothing but a desperate attempt to create division and discord among the esteemed senators. It’s unfortunate that some individuals would resort to spreading falsehoods to promote the invidious reins of their blackmail enterprise.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio remains focused on the implementation of the 10th Senate’s Legislative Agenda and working tirelessly to address the pressing National issues of growth and prosperity.
“The Senate President will not be distracted by these unfounded rumours and wants to assure the public that his commitment to Nigeria’s progress remains unwavering.
“We therefore urge the public to disregard these baseless claims and instead focus on the meaningful work being done by the Senate to improve the lives of all Nigerians”.
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