MAMUZEE TWINS WRITES POWERFUL MESSAGE TO P-SQUARE – MUST READ!

Tonto Dikeh Speaks: What My Husband Has Done For Me

My husband was the first man I didn't have to give my money to; Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh's first post baby interview is an interesting one. In the chat with Golden Icons, the new mum dished on why she kept her man a secret at the beginning tagging him as a Mr. X.

She said, "This is the only relationship I've actually respected so much, and I've always said I wanted to keep it secret. There was just something about him that just wanted me to protect him and him to protect me. I never knew he was gonna be my husband but I just knew he needed the respect.

He is different in all ramification, he is loving, caring.

I think he is one man I didn't have to give my money to, to be with me. He respects me so much, loves me so much and above all, someone who brought me close to God."

On August 29, 2015, Tonto's husband, Mr. Churchill paid the movie star's bride price in a private traditional ceremony held at the actress' family home in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The duo welcomed their first child few weeks ago on February 17, 2016, barely a year after her union was consummated traditionally.

Below are 9 things Tonto said during the interview:
1. Am now Mrs. Churchill, i preferr to be called that
2. My husband brought me close to God.
3. I never changed, there was nothing for me to change. I just became a better person.
4. I was never controversial, the media painted me as such.
5. My relationship with God is strengthned a lot.
6. I was the caretaker in most of my relationships.
7. I respect my husband so much, am not talking about my previous relationships.
8. We dated for 2 years before getting married.
9. My husband is former president Olusegun Obasanjo's son.

STORY OF A MUSIC,SONG WRITER AN INSPIRATIONAL ICON

T

wenty five year old Abia State native, Okoro Eme Jackson is a Nigerian R&B, Hip Hop singer/songwriter,  entrepreneur and model. The timeline of his rise to prominence began in 2008 following successful  competitions on (1)Star Quest: a television music reality show organized by Nigerian Brewers.   His popularity propelled him to the lead vocal of his group called BIXZ. Following 10 weeks of intense competition and elimination every weekend Emi Jackson’s group became second runner-up.  (2) 2010 FESTRUT AFRICAN HUNT  where he  was first runner-up after 8weeks of challenging music competition and it proved to be the event that brought him to abuja in 201 0. (3) 2012 Face Of Hope Have Got Talent organized by the Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and hosted by Nkiru Sylvanus.   He was yet again second runner-up after  12 weeks of a grueling  TV, radio and online competition. (4)In 2013 he was a contestant in MTN Project Fame West Africa and was among those shortlisted for lagos but couldn’t get to the Academy due to pecuniary responsibilities. The setback didn’t discourage the up and coming artist and in 2015 he became a semifinalist on the 10 episode TV reality show Star The Winner IS In South Africa hosted by Uti Nwachukwu.  Following several appearances and shows, Eme Jackson has had a loyal following, and is currently signed to USA based Durban Music, whose executives noticed his unique talent. With his newly signed record deal with Durban Music, Eme’s career is finally taking off. The success of his first singles comes from a blend of his strong vocals, the smooth percussions, harmonious flow, memorable chorus, and features Chidinma Aka Miss Kideke and Falz.

Instead of trying to assimilate with the flavors and styles of the moment, Eme developed a style of his own, appealing to certain genres with fusions of love songs with elements of dance, and Nigeria rhythm. In between piano and symphony orchestra sounds, the tracks move between vibrant verses, heavy but sensible percussion beats, soul stirring vocals

“My inspiration is God, and musical role models are  Dbanj,JayZ,Lil Wayne

“My writing and singing style is has soul, and I convey my life experiences into my singing. I was orphaned at ### and it was a difficult challenge for me but I channeled my energy into singing, and I try to have fun with music.”

Now Eme’s voice  is being clearly heard and felt, resonating with multiple genre as a singer/song writer who has got something to say. “ I try to sing positive messages with passion and realness. Music is what I want to leave in the world. Inspirational music with messages of love, hope, peace and unity”.

“I’m just coming up, but if you go anywhere in Delta and and East,” says Eme, “I get that love and respect like I have a collection of records already. My shows have encouraged me, and have had a great impact, which is simultaneously humbling and incredible.”

Eme is also a passionate advocate against Gender Based Violence/Violence Against Women.

“ Violence in general is a human rights violation, and an impediment to civic, economic, political, and social inclusion and development. It cuts across race, creed, religion and socioeconomic classes. My wish is that it is addressed in my lifetime in Nigeria.”

3 things you should know about me

·         I dislike violence against women and children

·         I am from Abia state, born in Delta State and grew up in Edo State.

·         My favorite food is yam flour, and melon soup

.I don’t know again

FG may cut car import tariff

Two years after the introduction of a new automotive policy, which imposed a higher tariff on imported vehicles, a review may be in the offing, RASHEED BISIRIYU writes

Reprieve appears underway for car dealers and buyers following plans by the Federal Government to review its import tariff on vehicles. This is expected to bring down the cost of new vehicles and increase the tempo of business in the nation’s automotive sector.

Sources at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment gave the indication on Sunday that the current 70 per cent tariff on imported cars could get a downward review as a way to force down the prices of vehicles.

Although the National Automotive Design and Development Council, an agency under the ministry, said on Friday that 14 out of the 25 registered automakers had started assembling vehicles in the country, Nigerians have yet to enjoy the expected benefits of the new policy as the prices of vehicles are still high.

Even car dealers have had to adopt different strategies to encourage buyers and boost sales.

The sources, however, said the planned review, which is in tandem with the change mantra of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, should not be interpreted as an outright cancellation of the auto policy, which was announced in September 2013.

“It is likely to come in the form of a review of the import tariff on vehicles so as make it easy for people to buy new cars. The decision on the entire auto policy is expected to be part of the economic policy of the government, which will be unveiled as soon as the new ministers settle down,” one of the sources said.

Car prices were increased last year by about 60 per cent shortly after the import tariff went up from 22 per cent to 70 per cent, a situation, which made it difficult for many to buy new cars, just as fleet buyers such as corporate firms have had to cut down on the number of vehicles purchased.

The imposition of the new import tariff, which also affects imported used vehicles, according to the government, is to encourage local assembling/production of vehicles, with the attendant benefits of creating more jobs and boosting the nation’s economy.

A zero per cent was announced as tariff on imported vehicle components (Completely Knocked Down units) and auto assemblers are also allowed to bring in fully built vehicles at very low import tariff.

But some stakeholders, including major dealers such as Toyota Nigeria Limited, had complained about the timing of the policy and the seeming poor state of the needed infrastructural facilities for the sustenance of local assembly plants.

The Chairman of the automotive group, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Oseme Oigiagbe, confirmed that the group had written to the Presidency and suggested a number of proposals on the implementation of the auto policy, and recently participated in some meeting sessions called by relevant government agencies/officials on the issue.

In an interview with our correspondent, he specifically called attention to the issue of unstable power supply and the commencement date for the new import tariff as contentious issues that needed to be urgently reviewed.

An auto expert and consultant, Dr. Oscar Odiboh, said the review of the tariff was expected, arguing that it was hurriedly put in place by the last regime and should, therefore, be suspended.

“The high tariff (on imported vehicles) should make itself necessary; it should not be forced down on the people. It should be suspended and introduced in phases – one to a five-year period,” he said.

Odiboh, who is the Managing Director, Newsletters Nigeria Limited, however, said the auto policy was a necessity for the development of the nation’s industry and the good of the economy.

“The project will take Nigeria from a lower stage to the next level and sit us among top economies of the world,” he stated.

But he warned that unless the implementation of the policy was made systemic and allowed to follow due process, it could derail the project.

He said, “Since this government says it has come to change things, it must change the policy. It is not a yam and beans policy. You must give people time.

“It requires certain basic things to be put in place. Power is necessary. There are other infrastructural facilities that will make the system run efficiently. Those things must be in place before enforcing the import tariff.”

Odiboh alleged that some firms had obtained the auto assembly plant licences to enable them to bring in fully built vehicles at low tariff and labelling those vehicles as being locally assembled.

But the Stallion Auto Group, currently assembling Nissan, Hyundai and Ashok Leyland brands of vehicles, and Dana Motors doing the Kia vehicles locally are optimistic that any review of the auto policy will not in any way affect their plants and business operations in Nigeria.

For instance, the Managing Director, Stallion NMN Limited, Mr. Parvir Sighn, said, “As far as the group is concerned, we have no doubt that the government will sustain the policy. Anywhere in the world, the automobile industry is a high contributor to the Gross Domestic Product. It is also a significant employer of labour. The state of the auto development of a nation is a reflection of the development of that country.

“The policy will be sustained. There is no shortcut to it. You need a robust industry to support the high demand for vehicles in the country. The demand is there.”

The spokesperson for Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr. Olawale Jimoh, said the company had in conjunction with its technical partners, Kia Motor Corporation, invested billions of naira in the local assembly plant and had in the process created jobs for Nigerians.

The government said the response of the automakers to the auto policy, particularly the call for the establishment of assembly plants in Nigeria, had been overwhelming.

Indeed, the NADDC said on Friday that the “response to the policy so far has exceeded our expectations.”

This must have prompted the Director-General of the NADDC, Mr. Aminu Jalal, to announce the suspension of licence issuance to new auto assembly plants.

He said the decision was taken to enable the council to set up some test centres that would “ensure that imported vehicles and components meet international safety and environmental standards.”

But the LCCI said the 70 per cent tariff on imported cars would bring about a higher transport cost.

The President, LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, said in a statement, “Vehicle ownership will be put further beyond the reach of the Nigerian middle class, especially in the face of poor credit access and high lending rates in the economy.”

He called for the development of ancillary industries for the production of batteries, glass, radiators, tyres and other vehicle components as well as affordable finance for the investors.

The LCCI president stated that the auto industry should be predicated on strong engineering infrastructure, including the production of flat sheets, foundries and fabrication of components needed in vehicle production.

When contacted, the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, said he had no information on the auto policy, while the Special Assistant on Media to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Mr. Laolu Akande, promised to get back to our correspondent on the matter but never did up till the time of filing this report.

New salaries for Buhari, govs, senators, others ready

THE Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission has put together a new remuneration package for President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ministers and members of the National Assembly, The PUNCH has learnt.

Our correspondent gathered in Abuja that commissioners at he RMAFC would spend most of next week to debate and ratify the new salaries and allowances for public officers as prepared by a committee set up by the commission.

The remuneration panel, which worked on the new remuneration package, was headed by Mr. Abdullahi Inde.

Also to be affected by the new remuneration regime for public office holders are governors, members of the states’ Houses of Assembly, local government chairmen and their councillors, judges, commissioners, special advisers, special assistants, chairmen of constitutional bodies and other political office holders.

Although the report of the committee is still a secret, Chairman of RMAFC, Mr. Elias Mbam, confirmed on the telephone that the commissioners would sit in plenary on the report between October 25 and 28.

Each state of the federation is represented by a commissioner at the revenue mobilisation agency, which has the responsibility for determining the remuneration of political and judicial office holders across the country.

Our correspondent learnt that while the committee concentrated more on the allowances of political and judicial office holders, the proposed salary package would not be significantly different from what it is currently.

The new package is also said to include a significant reduction in the number of aides and assistants that lawmakers are entitled to as well as a few other allowances that had attracted condemnation from Nigerians.

For the President, Vice President, governors and deputy governors, the committee is said not to have made any fundamental adjustments, our correspondent learnt.

This is because most of the allowances of key members of the executives at the federal and state levels were not monetised but provided for by the state.

The annualised salary and allowances of the President is N14, 058,820 while that of his deputy is N12, 126,290.

Apart from salary, the regular allowances that are monetised for the President are only the hardship allowance, put at N1, 757,350.50 per annum; and consistency allowance, N8, 786,762:50 per annum.

For the Vice President, the hardship allowance is N1, 515,786.25 per annum while the consistency allowance is N7, 578,931:25 per annum.

The irregular allowances for the President are the severance allowance – 300 per cent of the annual salary or 10,544,115; and leave allowance, 10 per cent of the annual salary or N351, 470:50.

The irregular allowances of the Vice President are the severance allowance, 300 per cent of the annual salary or N9, 094,717.50; and leave allowance, 10 per cent of the annual salary or N303, 157.25.

Other allowances that the President and the deputy are supposed to enjoy but which are not provided in monetary terms include motor vehicle fuelling and maintenance, special assistants, and personal assistants. Others are domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, security and newspapers/periodical allowances.

There are also accommodation, furniture, duty tour, estacode, medical, and severance/gratuity.

Buhari and Osinbajo had soon after assumption of office announced their decision to take only 50 per cent of the salary and allowances approved for them.

For a senator, the salaries and allowances add up to N20, 669,280 per annum. Those of a member of the House of Representatives add up to N17, 271,347.75.

For a minister, the salary and allowances add up to N14,705,164, while those of presidential aides add up to N14, 085,843.75.

Each minister is also entitled to a furniture allowance of N6, 079,200 as well as a motor vehicle loan of N7, 830,320.

Apart from these irregular allowances, there are other regular perks of office that are paid to lawmakers on a monthly basis. These include motor vehicle maintenance and fuelling. This is pegged at 75 per cent of their monthly salary.

Others are personal assistant, 25 per cent; domestic staff, 75 per cent; entertainment, 30 per cent; utilities, 30 per cent; newspapers/periodicals, 15 per cent; wardrobe, 25 per cent; house maintenance, five per cent; and constituency, 250 per cent, among other payments.

The RMAFC had in June this year set in motion the process for the downward review of the existing salaries and allowances of political, public and judicial office holders when it set up a committee chaired by Inde.

At the inaugurationof the committee, Mbam had urged the members to be conscious of the prevailing economic situation and the need to reduce cost of governance so as to free more funds for development.

After the final approval by plenary on October 28, the report would be presented to the Federal Executive Council, which has the responsibility to table it before the National Assembly for enactment as an Act of Parliament.

The current remuneration of public office holders is guided by the Remuneration Act of 2008.

A review became imperative following dwindling government revenues caused by falling prices of oil in the international oil market.

Suicide bombers kill 12 in Adamawa village

Twelve persons were on Saturday night killed when two female suicide bombers attacked Dar village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The two suicide bombers were suspected members of the Boko Haram sect.

In the incident, residents told newsmen that the two suicide bombers, who detonated Improvised Explosive Devices they had strapped on themselves killed 12 persons including three children.

The spokesperson for the Adamawa Police Command, DSP Othman Abubakar, confirmed the incident. He, however, said that eleven persons were killed in the attack, adding that three houses were burnt while many of the wounded were receiving treatment at a hospital in Yola.

But a former administrator of Madagali Local Government, Maina Ularamu, insisted that 12 people excluding the suicide bombers were killed.

He was quoted as saying that suspected Boko Haram fighters had invaded the village at about 8.30pm on Saturday night shooting at fleeing residents.

He explained that the villagers ran into the bush for safety.

But unknown to them, the two female suicide bombers, who disguised as members of the community, joined the fleeing residents in a crowded safe location in the bush where they detonated the IEDs.

“The suicide bombers were blown up while 12 villagers were killed and many others were injured.

“Residents had fled to the bush and after a moment, two women who disguised as fleeing locals blew themselves up at a crowded place in the bush while the gunmen shot at survivors. So far, 12 corpses have been found,” the former council boss said.

Boko Haram militants have been launching attacks on villages since Madagali was liberated from the grip of Boko Haram sect by Nigerian troops in February.

Consequently, residents had been calling for deployment of soldiers in surrounding villages and forest believed to be the hideouts of the terrorists.

Military authorities in Yola could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report.

Falae identifies kidnappers, 5 docked

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen on his 77th birthday and released after paying N5m ransom four days after, has identified his abductors who were paraded before him by the police.  Falae on Tuesday, identified three of the suspects as those who kidnapped him and threatened to kill him if he failed to pay the ransom. Chief Falae, according to a police source, also identified one of the kidnappers who was kind to him.

This came as the Police, Wednesday evening, recovered N137m from robbers who raided a new generation bank on Trans-Amadi Road in Port Harcourt.

Suspected kidnappers of Chief Falae with their leader Abubakar Auta holding N823,900 of the ransom in Akure

Falae’s abductors

Five of Falae’s kidnappers were arraigned, yesterday, before an Akure High Court, Ondo and Chief Falae will be a star witness when the trial commences November 10.

The suspects, who were docked for kidnapping, conspiracy and armed robbery 24 days after abduction were Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibrahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal.

Three of the kidnappers admitted that their share from the N5m ransom collected was N100,000 each. The accused persons could not speak English and were ordered to be remanded in prison custody by the high court judge, Justice Rotimi Olamide till November 10 when the case would be heard.

The service of an interpreter, Bassey Victor who is a security operative was sought by the court.

Another leader of the gang, Abubakar Auta was also arrested in Niger State with N823,900 cash, part  of the ransom money by Police Special Intelligence Response team put up by the Inspector-General of Police.

The cash with the wrappers of a commercial bank in Akure, the Ondo State capital paid as ransom for the release of the former Finance Minister was discovered in the booth of the vehicle being driven by the suspect before his arrest.

The accused person, who spoke with newsmen before his arraignment, confessed that they kidnapped the septuagenarian politician.

They were arraigned on a five-count charge of procuring or counseling another for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting, aiding and abetting, contrary to Section 2 of Anti-kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law of Ondo State, 2010.

The charges

However, when the charge was read to the suspects in court, they all pleaded not guilty.

The charge reads: “That you, Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed, Idris Lawal and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did give information for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did aid the kidnapping and abduction of Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did Kidnapped Chief Oluyemi Falae, the Former Secretary to the Government of  the Federation and did not release him until N5,000,000 ransom was paid.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did conspire to commit a felony to wit armed robbery.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did rob Chief Olu Falae of N15, 000 and his handset while armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons”.

The offence, according to the prosecution, is contrary to Section 2 of Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 5(1)(a) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Laws, Section3(11)(b) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Abduction Law, Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms(Special Provision) Act,Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act,Cap R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Vanguard was informed by a top police source that Abubakar Auta was arrested in Niger State; Idris Lawan, Masahudu Muhammed and Bello Jannu were arrested in Ekiti, while Umar Ibrahim was picked up in Ondo State.

Two other suspects, Usman Kato and Babawuro are already in the custody of the Directorate of State Service,DSS. Babawuro was arrested in Lokoja, while two other members of the kidnap gang are still on the run.

The exhibits

Exhibits recovered from the gang leader Abubakar Auta include  cash of N823,990:00, 12 SIM cards, a phone used for negotiating the ransom of Chief Falae and a Red Bajaj Motorcycle with Reg No; KER 385 QA which was used to convey Chief Olu Falae to their camp when he got tired of walking in the bush.

During interview, Umaru Ibrahim said they have a boss called Baba Uro who they have not met but who sent the N100,000 to them after the ransom was paid by Chief Falae’s family.

He said that their boss lives in Abuja and that he has only spoken with him once.

Ibrahim told newsmen that he paid a debt of N60,000 from his own share of the ransom.

Also, Idris Lawal confirmed that he received N100,000. He said that they spent five days in the bush and that they are eight in number. He confessed that he hails from Katsina State and he is a herdsman.

The fourth suspect, Masahudu Muhammed declined to tell newsmen how much his share of the ransom was.

It will be recalled that Chief Falae was abducted by Fulani herdsmen on Monday, September 21, 2015, the day he clocked 77 at his farm in Ilado, Akure North council area of Ondo State.

He was released four days later.

Police recover N137m from fleeing robbers in Rivers

A statement released Wednesday night by the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, DSP Ahmad Muhammad said the Police got a distress call at about 5.12pm on Wednesday that robbers were operating at the bank, and they immediately mobilised to the scene.

Part of the N137m recovered from fleeing robbers in Port Harcourt. Photos Jimitota Onoyume.

He said before the Police got to the bank, the robbers had driven out but they pursued and caught up with them.

DSP Muhammad said during an exchange of fire, two policemen sustained bullet wounds, adding that they were responding to treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.

Continuing, he said among items recovered from the robbers were N137 million, one AK-47 rifle, a rocket, a pistol and six magazines.

He said the items were found in a vehicle abandoned by the fleeing robbers who could not stand the fire power of the police.

He said: “At about 5.15 pm, we received a distress call that some criminals robbed a new generation bank at Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt. Instant action and hot chase by our men forced the armed robbers to abandon their operational vehicle, a Lexus SUV and escaped with gunshot wounds. Items recovered from the vehicles include the stolen money to the tune of N137m, one AK-47rifle, rocket, an English-made pistol and six magazines”.

The fleeing robbers, according to the Police, also abandoned another Lexus SUV at Rukpokwu area of the state capital.

The Police PRO said the Police will not sleep until those behind the robbery were brought to book.