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Rivers Governor Wike Goes to Supreme Court Over VAT, Wants Stay of Execution Nullified

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The Rivers State government on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court of Nigeria to quash the ruling of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which ordered parties to maintain Status Quo in a suit seeking to determine, who has the right to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) in Rivers State.

Justice Stephen Pam of a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had in a judgment delivered on August 9, held that the Rivers State government and not the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), had the right to collect VAT and Personal Income Tax in the state.

Justice Pam, in the judgment subsequently restrained the Attorney General of the Federation and FIRS (1st and 2nd defendants) from collecting VAT in Rivers and directed the Rivers State government to take charge of the duty.

However, the appellate court in a ruling last Friday, ordered all parties that have submitted themselves before the court to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the hearing of an application seeking to stay the judgment of Justice Pam, which restrained FIRS from collecting VAT in Rivers State.

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FIRS had approached the appellate to set aside the judgment of the trial court, pending the hearing of the main suit. The appellant applied for an order for stay of the Federal High Court Judgment and another order of interlocutory injunction restraining Rivers from collecting VAT in the state.

In a short ruling, a three member panel of Justices of the appellate court presided by Justice Haruna Tsammani, ordered parties to maintain status quo ante bellum and not to give effect to the judgment of Justice Pam.

The order was to enable the court hear Lagos State joinder application before taking the motion for stay and interlocutory injunction.

But displeased with the decision, Rivers, on Tuesday approached the Supreme Court to set aside the ruling of the appellate court on grounds that the lower court erred in ordering status after it earlier held that the application for joinder by Lagos State must be heard first before the motion for stay and interlocutory injunction by the FIRS.
The appellant maintained that the appellate court lacks the powers to set aside its own judgment, which held that the Lagos application for joinder must be taken before any other application.

They further argued that ordering status quo ante bellum amounts to granting the reliefs being sought by the FIRS, when the main application has not been heard and determined.

Among the reliefs being sought was an order dismissing the oral application for interim injunction and another order excusing the panel, which granted the status quo from further hearing of the appeal.

Shortly after the court held that it would give priority to the Lagos motion and adjourned for its hearing, counsel to the FIRS, Mr Mahmud Magaji, SAN, made an oral application for interim injunction so as to preserve the res (revenue collection – the main issue).

Although this position was opposed by counsel to Rivers and Lagos States, who were yet to be joined as a party, the three member panel however in a unanimous decision, held that the parties must maintain status quo.

In the appeal filed by its lawyer, Mr Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, the Rivers State government argued that the appellate court erred in law, when it ordered maintenance of status quo on a case that was not perishable or has any evidence of being damaged or destroyed.

The appellant further argued that the appellate court erred in law when it went outside the reliefs sought by the respondent in its motion on notice filed August 27.

They further maintained that the court was wrong in ordering status quo ante bellum after the Rivers State House of Assembly had passed its VAT law, which was assented to by the governor, Nyesom Wike, on August 19.

They, therefore, want the court to set aside the ruling of the Justice Tsammani-led panel against the judgment of Justice Pam for being a nullity.
The appellate court had held that the right of Lagos State would be affected adversely if not heard since the appellant had already made allegations against it.

While adjourning to September 16 for the hearing of the joinder application by Lagos AG, Justice Tsammani, held that since the application for stay and interlocutory injunction could not be heard, it was only proper to preserve the ‘res’.
Invoking the powers of the court in line with section 6 of the Constitution, to preserve the res from being dissipated, the court ordered that all those that have submitted themselves before the court should maintain status quo ante bellum.

According to the ruling, all parties should refrain themselves from giving effect to the judgment of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt delivered on August 9, which restrained the FIRS from collecting VAT in Rivers State.

He subsequently adjourned to Thursday, September 16 for the hearing of the application for joinder by the Lagos AG.
Alex Enumah in Abuja


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Ned Nwoko Gives Reason for Clash with Regina Daniels

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Senator Ned Nwoko breaks silence on his reported marital crisis with Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, denying domestic violence allegations and alleging that drug abuse caused their dispute.
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Nigerian lawmaker and businessman, Senator Ned Nwoko, has addressed reports of a marital dispute involving him and his wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, which have dominated social media in recent days.

In a viral video, Regina Daniels accused her husband of domestic violence, claiming she had fled their home due to repeated abuse. The clip has since sparked widespread reactions online.

However, Senator Nwoko has now denied the allegations, alleging that Regina has been battling substance abuse, which he claims is the root cause of their problems.

In a lengthy statement posted on Sunday, titled “Regina’s Unprovoked Carnage and Rampage in My House and in My Absence,” the senator accused the actress of violent behavior, including damaging property and assaulting domestic staff.

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“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety,” he stated.

Nwoko further alleged that Regina had attacked three members of staff and destroyed cars and windows in the house, insisting that none of his other wives had ever accused him of violence.

“Regina is the violent one here,” he said. “I have set a clear condition for her to accept rehab in Asokoro or outside Nigeria, especially Jordan, where she will not have access to drugs.”

He also claimed that while he took their son, Moon, to the hospital, chaos erupted at home, allegedly involving two of Regina’s “drug suppliers,” whom he identified as “Sammy” and “Ann.”

As of press time, Regina Daniels has not publicly responded to Nwoko’s statement.

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Defence HQ Denies Coup Attempt, Says Independence Anniversary Cancellation Not Linked to Any Plot

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Defence Headquarters denies coup attempt report
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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading reports suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an alleged attempted military coup.

In a statement on Sunday, the DHQ clarified that there was no coup attempt or any plan to destabilize the country, describing the report as a fabrication aimed at causing unnecessary panic among citizens.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to state categorically that the report linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged attempted military coup is false and misleading,” the statement read in part.

The military urged members of the public to disregard the rumor and cautioned media organizations and social media users against spreading unverified information capable of undermining national security.

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The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as false reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations to an alleged coup attempt, reaffirming its loyalty to democratic governance.
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as false reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations to an alleged coup attempt, reaffirming its loyalty to democratic governance.

The statement reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and commitment to democratic governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge Empowers 578 Young Entrepreneurs, Awards ₦16 Million to 30 New Winners

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- The three winners of the Corpreneurship Challenge in Lagos pose with their cheques
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No fewer than 578 young entrepreneurs across Nigeria have benefitted from Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Challenge the Bank’s flagship entrepreneurial development initiative launched a few years ago.

Over this period, the Bank has invested in supporting budding entrepreneurs across multiple sectors to start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The ongoing initiative recently produced 30 new winners, who received a total grant of ₦16 million during the Batch B, Stream II edition of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation course, held across 10 states of the federation.

The winners, innovative young entrepreneurs developing solutions across various value chains such as fashion design, bag making, pastry and beverage production, event management, and vegetable farming, emerged after pitching their business ideas during the challenge at NYSC Orientation Camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Kogi, Rivers, and Plateau States.

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At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ipaja, Lagos State, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo, who pitched a soap-making enterprise, emerged the overall winner to clinch the ₦800,000 grand prize. Ndukwe Chiamaka Joan, with her innovative Small Chops business proposal, claimed ₦500,000 as first runner-up, while Barakat Modinat Olamide secured ₦300,000 to support her beverage-making venture.

A cross section of participants in the pitch competition

Expressing her excitement after emerging as the overall winner in Lagos, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo described the experience as life-changing, stating, “I’m truly grateful to Unity Bank for this opportunity. Winning the Corpreneurship Challenge has given me the push and confidence I needed to scale my soap-making business. Beyond the grant, the experience taught me how to structure my business better and believe in its potential. It’s amazing to see a bank that genuinely invests in young people’s dreams.”

Across the remaining nine states, 27 other winners also emerged after pitching diverse business ideas ranging from fish and poultry farming to printing, piggery, and cake production.

Over the past six years, the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has become an integral part of the NYSC programme, aligning with the Federal Government’s drive to upskill young graduates and promote entrepreneurship amid the scarcity of white-collar jobs. Each edition attracts thousands of entries from corps members whose business plans are evaluated for originality, marketability, job creation potential, and overall business acumen.

Speaking during the grand finale in Lagos, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail & SME, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through enterprise. She said:

“At Unity Bank, we believe that the energy and creativity of young Nigerians are vital to the nation’s economic transformation. The Corpreneurship Challenge is our way of nurturing this potential — by giving corps members the financial boost, mentorship, and confidence to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Seeing over 578 young entrepreneurs already impacted motivates us to keep expanding the initiative and deepening our support for the SME ecosystem.”

The Corpreneurship Challenge has earned Unity Bank national recognition for its role in youth empowerment and job creation, attracting over 2,000 applicants per edition.

In partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the initiative continues to serve as a launchpad for youth-owned enterprises, offering grants of up to ₦800,000 to help corps members turn their business dreams into reality.

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16 Nigerian Military Officers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot to Oust President Tinubu

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16 Nigerian Military Officers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot to Oust President Tinubu
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At least sixteen senior military officers have been arrested by the Nigerian Armed Forces over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, according to top security sources.

According to Sahara Reporters Although the military publicly described the arrests as disciplinary actions linked to “failure in promotion examinations” and “career stagnation,” insiders told reporters the detained officers were accused of planning a coup d’état.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, confirmed the arrests but said they followed a “routine military exercise,” citing “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

However, intelligence gathered by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) allegedly uncovered a plot led by a Brigadier General to “seize power from selfish politicians.” The officers, ranging from Captains to senior commanders, were reportedly picked up at various military formations across the country.

FIRS

Sources added that the October 1 Independence Day parade was abruptly cancelled after authorities discovered the conspirators planned to strike during the ceremony, allegedly targeting the President and other top officials.

The detained officers are currently being held at the DIA facility in Abuja pending further investigation.

Nigeria has witnessed five successful coups since gaining independence in 1960. Analysts warn that rising reports of corruption, low morale, and political interference within the armed forces have continued to fuel discontent among some military personnel.

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I will be receiving some notable figures from the ADC. – APC National Chair, Yilwatda.

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Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
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Next week, I will be receiving some notable figures from the ADC. – APC National Chairman, Yilwatda.

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has announced that several politicians from opposing parties are planning to join the ruling APC soon.

During a meeting with Plateau APC stakeholders held at Crest Hotel in Jos yesterday, Yilwatda shared this.

He said, “Next week, I will be receiving some notable figures from the ADC.

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“Some of those who had defected from PDP have reached out to ADC and are now returning to APC. Many of them have completed their ‘medicals’ and will be officially unveiled next week.

“In another two weeks, we will unveil yet another big figure who just finished his own ‘medicals.’

“He tried to unveil himself the day before yesterday, you probably saw it in the news. But officially, we’ll be receiving him soon. More people are coming. More senators are joining; more governors, more members of the National Assembly. The APC is the bride of the moment.

“Thank you so much for all you did—from the very beginning of my loss, through the burial, and even after.May God bless and reward you richly. I must also extend my deepest gratitude for how you stood your ground when we faced the setback at the Supreme Court.

“Many people thought that was the end of APC on the Plateau; that we had been buried politically. But what they didn’t see was the seed that had already been sown.
That seed germinated, and today, APC is stronger, more vibrant and growing bigger by the day.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome our new members.”


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