Introduction
The tax system is an opportunity for the government to collect additional revenue needed in discharging its pressing obligations. The principal legislation governing petroleum operations in Nigeria is the PPTA and its fiscal instrument is the PPT. under the PPT tax is set at 67.5% for the first five years of operations by the oil company and 85% after the five years are up. Since petroleum has become the largest and the main generator of GDP Nigeria, since its discovery by the British in the 1950s, there has to be a tax system set up by the government to enable the effective mobilization of the nation’s internal resources. The circumstances are therefore such that the primary laws regulating the industry, the Petroleum Act, the Petroleum Profits Tax Act and the NNPC Act are 40, 50 and 32 years old respectively. The fact that these legislation are out-of-date means that sectors and aspects of the industry (such as natural gas utilization and environmental issues), which have gained prominence over the last forty (40) years have remained outside their purview and are therefore subject to the arbitrariness of regulatory authorities.

The purpose of the PPTA
The PPTA is applicable solely to upstream operations in the oil industry. It is particularly related to rents, royalties, margins and profit sharing elements associated with oil mining, prospecting and exploration leases. It is the most important tax in Nigeria in terms of its share of total revenue contributing 95% and 70% of foreign exchange earnings and government revenue respectively. The PPTA involves the charging of tax on the incomes accruing from petroleum operations.

The PPTA requires, under section 8, that every company engaged in petroleum operations is under an obligation to render returns, together with properly annually audited accounts and computations within a specified time after the end of its accounting period. The PPT is charged, assessed and payable upon the profits of each accounting period. The profits accrued from a company in relation to the accounting period is the aggregate of the following:

Proceeds of sale of all chargeable oil
Value of all chargeable oil disposed
Value of all chargeable natural gas
And all income of the company of that period incidental to and arising from any one or more of its petroleum operations
Under section 22 of the PPTA Individuals, either solely or in partnership jointly with another or others, is not allowed to engage in petroleum operations and is in fact guilty of an offence. It follows, therefore, that only companies either solely or in partnership with other companies under the terms of production sharing contracts, partnership, joint venture scheme or arrangement are chargeable to tax under the PPTA, either directly, through their managers or named persons resident in Nigeria (for foreign companies) or liquidators (for companies in liquidation). These companies must submit all accounts and computations within five months of the end of the accounting period.

The ascertainment of assessable tax and chargeable tax is administered under section 19 of the PPTA. Assessable tax for any accounting period of a company is an amount equal to 85% of its chargeable profits for that period. Conversely, chargeable tax is to be charges, assessed and paid by the company in cohesion to the assessable tax payable for that period. The chargeable tax of a company engaged in petroleum operations is the final amount in the computation process for petroleum profits for the relevant accounting period subject to any notice issued by the FIRS requesting the company or any other legal person to whom it may have transferred some assets, to complete and deliver to the board any returns specified in the notice, or any such information as the Board may require about the asset.

It has been made apparent that for the purpose of PPT crude oil sales are valued at prices actually realized by the oil producing company in the world oil market, nonetheless, this value has to be compared with the value at the posted price and if the posted price is higher tax is then based on the posted price.

It is necessary to note that the administration of the PPTA is by FIRS. Companies that only market petroleum products including companies engaged in petroleum operations are therefore taxable under CITA. Where a company is involved in both petroleum operations and the marketing of the product, the trading results from the petroleum operations would be subject to PPT while the results from the marketing activities would be taxed under the CITA.

The PPTA covers basically every area of petroleum operations. Covering imposition of tax and ascertainment of chargeable tax; persons chargeable; accounts and particulars; assessments; appeals; collection, recovery and repayment of tax; offences and penalties, the fourth schedule of the act goes as far as covering the operation of companies that produce liquefied natural gas.

The PPTA proves strict against any violation of its rules. The act construes as follows:

Any offence committed by a company under the Act and for which no specific penalty is prescribed makes the company liable to a fine of N10,000;
If the offence is that created under section 22(1), or where a company fails to make returns of estimated tax, or fails to deliver accounts, particulars, information or keep records under Part IV of the Act, then a fine of N2,000 for every day the offence or failure continues in addition to N10,000 standing fine are prescribed. Default of payment attracts six months imprisonment in spite of the eventual payment of the cash penalty;
Failure to comply with the requirements of a notice served under the Act; or to prepare and deliver accounts and particulars required by section; or failure to attend and answer questions in response to a notice or summons or failure to submit any returns required by either section 27 or section 32 of the Act attract an offence punishable same way as in the first two bullet points;
The making of incorrect accounts, such as understating profits or overstating losses; incorrect schedules overstating expenditure or royalties or other sums. (Understating amounts repaid, refunded, waived or released; or giving or causing to be given incorrect information relating to liability to pay tax makes the offending party liable to a fine of (a) N1,000.00 and twice the amount of tax undercharged in consequence of such incorrect accounts, schedules, statements or information, provided that the complaints concerning any such offence is made within six years after the end of the accounting period);
The making of or the aiding, abetting and counselling to make false statements and returns for the purpose of obtaining any deduction, rebate; reduction or repayment in respect of tax attracts a fine of N1,000.00, thrice the amount due for the accounting period, or imprisonment for six months or both.
Staffs of the FBIR and other unauthorized persons who are guilty of corruption are liable to a fine of N600 or three years imprisonment or both.
Significance and Changes Under the PIB

Under section 344 of the PIB the penalty for failure to pay tax is reduced to an insignificant amount. The PPTA put it that penalty for the failure to pay tax was 200% of that tax not paid plus interest under the PPTA. What the PIB proposes in now a significant decrease producing an insignificant figure amounting to 10% plus interest. This has an adverse effect on the purpose paying taxes, as it would be advantageous to avoid paying the tax since the rate of return on the tax amount not paid and retained may be higher than the penalty plus interest. Thus meaning, it pays not to pay tax.

The fourth schedule was retained with some improvements from the PPTA Act. Nevertheless, Table II was changed dramatically. Under the PPT Act companies were permitted allowances equal to 99% of the value of the capital assets, based on a 20% straight line for five years. This was a regular and normal procedure. Table II of the PIB 2012 extends the allowances indefinitely for year six and after. This means that i.e. the total allowances on an asset with a 20-year life would 346% of the initial value of the asset. With such enormous allowances it is likely that the NHT will in effect be reduced to zero. These allowances are not restricted by provision 6(2) of the fourth schedule, which requires retaining 1% of the asset in the books for accounting purposes (not for tax purposes). The specific mention of ‘year six and after’ clearly establishes this.

The Bill proposes a change in the tax regime for upstream operations and provides that upstream oil companies would pay both Companies Income Tax and Nigerian Hydrocarbon tax. The NHT would replace the Petroleum Profit Tax. The PIB will go further and repeal Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act, as well as a host of other laws that presently govern the petroleum industry.

Conclusively, the provision of the PPTA has revealed a legal framework for taxation of the petroleum profits by companies engaged in petroleum operations as distinct from the taxing of other companies under the general tax regime in Nigeria i.e. the punishment must match the crime. It is clear that the PPTA has made all encompassing provisos regarding its assessment and collection and its management by FIRS. Nonetheless, the mechanism of punishment for violation is in need of revamping. That aside, the act has a lot of potential as an effective tax law. The PIB also lacks the competence to enforcing a stringent (but fair) tax regime for operators and the government. A healthy balance is really needed to be struck for efficiency in the industry.

 

With an impressive background in law and a diverse range of experiences, Barrister Joshua Olomo emerges as a formidable force in the legal landscape of Nigeria. A graduate of City Law School and an alumnus of both the Nigerian Bar Association and the Honorable Society of Lincoln's Inn, Joshua has fortified his legal acumen with a stint at Harvard Business School's HBX CORE program. His professional journey encompasses various roles, from private practice to legal consultancy and in-house counsel, where he has navigated complex legal terrains spanning industries such as oil and gas, mining, and mergers and acquisitions. Notably, Joshua's expertise has been recognized through the publication and citation of his legal opinions, underscoring his influence and contribution to the field.


Introduction:
In recent years, the integration of technology into Nigeria's legal system has heralded both promise and peril. As the nation grapples with challenges of access to justice, the intersection of law and technology offers a glimmer of hope. Barrister Joshua Olomo, with his multifaceted expertise, is poised to navigate this evolving landscape and leverage technological innovations to address systemic gaps and foster equitable legal outcomes.

Positive Impacts:
The infusion of technology into Nigeria's legal ecosystem holds immense potential for democratizing access to justice. Digital platforms facilitate remote legal consultations, enabling marginalized communities to seek legal recourse without geographical constraints. Online dispute resolution mechanisms expedite case resolution, reducing backlog and enhancing judicial efficiency. Furthermore, legal research tools empower practitioners like Barrister Olomo to access a wealth of legal knowledge swiftly, fostering informed advocacy and decision-making.

Moreover, technology fosters transparency and accountability within the legal framework. Blockchain technology, for instance, can revolutionize land registry systems, mitigating disputes over property rights and enhancing land tenure security. Additionally, digital documentation and e-filing systems streamline administrative processes, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring the integrity of legal records.

Negative Impacts:
However, the proliferation of technology in the legal domain also presents challenges and exacerbates existing disparities. The digital divide persists, with marginalized populations lacking access to requisite technological infrastructure and digital literacy skills. Consequently, the promise of equal access to justice remains elusive for many, perpetuating socio-economic inequities.

Moreover, concerns surrounding data privacy and cybersecurity loom large in Nigeria's digital legal landscape. The vulnerability of online platforms to cyber threats raises apprehensions regarding the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive legal information. Without robust safeguards and regulatory frameworks, the erosion of privacy rights threatens to undermine trust in the legal system and impede technological adoption.

Future Outlook:
As Nigeria marches towards a digital future, the role of technology in advancing access to justice will undoubtedly evolve. Barrister Joshua Olomo's expertise positions him as a trailblazer in leveraging technology to navigate the complexities of the legal realm. Collaborative efforts between legal practitioners, policymakers, and technologists are imperative to harness the full potential of technology in promoting justice and upholding the rule of law.

In conclusion, the fusion of law and technology in Nigeria heralds a paradigm shift in the delivery of justice. With visionary leaders like Barrister Joshua Olomo at the helm, the legal fraternity is poised to harness technological innovations to surmount challenges, bridge gaps, and usher in an era of equitable legal empowerment for all citizens.

PREAMBLE
The fatal air crash has raised many questions, especially in regards to compensation and the reimbursement the families of the victims would receive. Further, it has been asked, can third parties to the crash receive compensation.The Bench Report will look critically into the issues pertaining compensation given to crash victims and the laws governing them in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION
The safety and security of operations, form the background of civil aviation. This is established in the availability of regulations, machineries and other resources for the prevention of accidents, including technical documents & laws both national and international, which constitute the bed-rock of aviation laws in Nigeria.However, despite all the careful regulatory rules put in place for the safety of aviation, accidents are inevitable to the extent that passenger casualties and deaths occur affecting, sometimes, the people on the ground (third party).Our concern is not the prevention of accidents but the availability of adequate compensation for third parties.

AIR ACCIDENT
Section 48(3) of the Civil Aviation Act uses the word accident but it does not go further to define it. However section 2(1) of the United kingdom regulation defines accident as Ò
an occurrence other than an accident,associated with the operation of an aircraft, which affects or could affect the safety of operation

LIABILITY
The liability in civil aviation accidents is regulated by the combined provisions of section 48 of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, which adopts the Montreal Convention of 1999;the Warsaw convention on carriage by air 1929 (colonies,protectorates and trust territories) order, 1953 and domesticated in the laws of the federation 1958. Despite the existence of the laws of the federation 2004, can we still say those laws are applicable in Nigeria? The answer was supplied by the supreme court in Ibidapo Lufthansa airlines (1997) 4 NWLR (pt498) 124.

Liability of carriers to the passengers on board is provided for under section 48(3) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, where the sum of $30,000.00 within 30 days, should be given as an advance payment to the family of the victim and then$100,000.00 subsequently. the latter fiscal amount stems from Nigeria's membership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) which was established by the Convention on International Civil Aviation also known as the Chicago Convention.The Warsaw Convention by its article 22, also limits the liability of the carrier to 125,000 francs where willful misconduct is not established. Willful misconduct is defined and explained by the supreme court in the case of Harka AirServices Nigerian ltd v Keazor (2011) All FWLR (pt591) 1402.Recourse was not had to this limitation by the Montreal Convention.

LIABILITY OF DANA AIRSERVICES TO THIRD PARTIES
Affected passengers of the plane crash are covered by the provisions of section 48(3) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006,However section 49(2)(a)&(b) increases the liability of air operators to cover victims on
land or water.
 Recently Mr. Yomi Oshikoya of Lloyds of London, DanaAirÕs Insurer, disclosed at the Lagos State UniversityT eaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja, that adequate compensation will be paid to the families of the June 3 rd  crash.

THE NATURE OF THECOMPENSATION
It is certain that a reasonable man would ponder on the nature of compensation and ask himself,
should compensation be paid with or without proper assessment of the lost properties and incurred injuries?
 the word compensation has been defined by Blackburn In Livingstone v Rawyard Coal Co (1880) 5 AC 25 at39  the sum of money which will put the person who has been injured or who has suffered in the same position as he would have been if he had not sustained the wrong for which he is now getting compensation for reparations this is referred to as
restitutio in integrum.
The law in operation in Lagos, that is, The Fatal Accident LawCapF1 volume III Laws of Lagos State Nigeria, in section 3provides for the victims family to get compensation, where death has occurred, from the air operators or whomever is responsible for the accident. However, this can only be done where there is enough evidence to prove negligence.

LIABILITY OF THENIGERIAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (N.C.A.A) is a body corporate and among other things is capable of suing and being sued by virtue of section 2 of the Civil Aviation Act(C.A.A), 2006 which created it.The Civil Aviation Act in its section (1) charges the Minister with the responsibility of formulating principles and strategies for efficient and safe services by air carriers.The Authority shall also issue Air operator certificates and all other certificates relating to the safety of air transport undertakings and shall by regulation review such certificates[section 34(1) & (2)]

Also the Authority may exercise its power to revoke suspend or vary a licence, permit or certification, if it is satisfied that the holder of the licence has contravened any of the provisions of the Act or provisions made thereunder especially as regards safety.The provisions of the Civil Aviation Act has made it clear that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority as an agency of thef ederal government owes a duty of care to its citizens andwhere in default may be liable in tort for negligence. The certificates required of them to issue to air operators is not a one time thing and is therefore subject to renewal.

The doctrine of strict liability will probably apply to make theN.C.A.A liable because the general though would be that if they had diligently pursued their duty to ensure that air operators donÕt violate the rules, they would have detected the fault in the plane and prevent its continuous use of theplane.Section 27 of the C.A.A also provides that the authority shall have the power to carry out investigations into complaintsa nd occurrences , after due notice has been given to the person concerned. Governor of Akwa-ibom on the record made a complaint about the plane and its unsafe state.Where it can be fully established that the N.C.A.A despite the complaints did nothing about it, or that they have beenr eluctant in their duties to renew issued certificates, or that they negligently issued or renewed certificates of defaulting air operators, they will be liable as a necessary party to pay compensation to the third party victims of the crash.

CONCLUSION
Although there is no real replacement for the lost lives in the crash. We cannot escape from DanaÕs duty to its customers. And the laws regulating aviation stipulates that Dana mustrecompense in fiscal dues. The Bench Report has been able to show that DanaÕs liabilities extend to that of the third parties(the people on the ground) through section 48 and 49 of the Civil Aviation Act. Therefore, if there was to be an issue of Dana denying or refusing to accept its third party liability, alaw suit can be brought successfully as the courts will rely heavily on the above sections.

Ndifreke Ukpong, the renowned author of "No Limitation To Success" shared his thoughts on the meaning of 2024 in his latest message. He challenged the common expectation that the year would be extraordinary and advised the youths to focus on continuous self-improvement instead.

The author's words were inspiring as he highlighted the eternal value of personal development. He explained that each year is not an isolated event but a part of a continuous process that requires constant effort and growth. He urged people to abandon the idea that a certain year would guarantee their success and, rather, stressed the importance of hard work and dedication.

A key point in Ukpong's message was the need to let go of relationships that do not enrich one's life. He claimed that this was an essential step in the path towards self-improvement. By eliminating ties that obstruct personal growth, individuals make room for positive influences and opportunities.

The author's message was a source of motivation, questioning the reliance on a specific year to achieve significant change. He suggested that the main factor was our capacity to adapt, learn, and persistently pursue improvement regardless of the calendar year. As readers assimilate Ukpong's wisdom, they are motivated to face 2024 with a mindset of resilience, hard work, and a dedication to cultivating positive, growth-oriented relationships.

Ukpong's insights transcend the temporal boundaries of a single year, promoting a mindset of continual progress. As youths reflect on his words, they are invited to think about the bigger picture of their lives, imagining a future driven by continuous personal and professional development. In summary, the author's message becomes a timeless manual for living, emphasizing the role of individual choice and the quest for improvement as constants in the ever-changing story of our existence.

A notorious kidnap kingpin, Yellow Jambros, has been eliminated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Niger state. The NAF Spokesman, Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja. He said the air component of Operation Whirl Punch killed Jambros and scores of terrorists on Wednesday in air strikes in the Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

Gabkwet said the terrorists met their waterloo while attempting to cross the Jikudna river in Galadima Kogo district, en route Wurukuvhi area of Chikun LGA of Kaduna state. The force spokesperson said Jambros and his associates were trailed from Zamfara into Niger state.

He said they were riding on 13 motorcycles along the Kaduna-Niger state border, precisely heading towards Kusasu in Shiroro LGA of Niger. The statement reads: “At Kusasu, 5 other motorcycle-riding terrorists joined Yellow Jambros’ convoy, bringing the total number of motorcycles to 18, which then headed to the bank of River Jikudna. “At the river bank, the terrorists and their 18 motorcycles boarded a large motor-powered canoe in an attempt to cross and link up with other terrorists across the river.

“It was at this point that the authorization to undertake a strike was given. The precision strike was adjudged effective as it neutralized Yellow Jambros and his colleagues, destroyed their motorcycles and sank the boat.”

The Air Force spokesperson said it was unusual for terrorists riding in a convoy of motorcycles to travel in broad daylight. He said Jambros and his cohorts may have assumed that air strikes were suspended following the accidental bombing of civilians in Tudun Biri in Kaduna state seven days ago and “wanted to exploit the perceived window of opportunity”.

Gabkwet said Jambros and his cohorts were responsible for “several kidnappings and killings” along the Abuja-Kaduna road, and several communities in Kaduna, Niger, Katsina and Zamfara. He said in October 2020, a kidnap kingpin known as Mohammed Sani, who was arrested by the police in Zamfara for murdering over 50 people due to their inability to raise ransom, claimed that he worked for Jambros. Gabkwet said Sani confessed that Jambros usually supplied him with fake military and police uniforms, guns and other weapons needed to execute his operations.

Ex-BBNaija housemate, Khloe Abiri has spoken up on why she decided to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift enlargement (BBL) surgery to enhance her physique. Khloe made some revealing statements as a guest on the Bahd and Boujee podcast hosted by fellow co-stars TolaniBaj and Moet Abebe. She stated that her profound love and obsession with her own body were the driving factors behind her choice to undergo the surgical procedure.

She expressed a desire to attain a body that would be visually appealing to herself, particularly emphasizing her goal of being segxwally attractive to her own standards as the motivation for the alteration.

She said: “I did my body because I actually love to want to fvck myself.” Khloe, formerly known for her slim physique, revealed that she experienced what she considered the best romantic moments during that period. This prompted her to reflect on her past and question a former partner about his attraction to her when she was slender, a physical state she now regards as unappealing.

She said: “I had the best man when I was skinny, I don’t know what they saw in that skinny me. I was talking to my ex the other day and I asked him, why do you like something that looks that annoying.”

The General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also called Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has said that running for presidency in Nigeria is like a demotion for him. Oyedepo made this know on Saturday, December 9, during the impartation service of the just concluded Shiloh 2023, themed ‘Redeemed to flourish in hard times’. While preaching on the spirit of faith, the clergyman disclosed that he already saw himself on top of nations, stressing that it would be a demotion for him if called to be Nigeria’s president.

He said, “When I said it would be like demotion if I am called to be Nigeria’s president because I see myself on top of nations from scripture. “The spirit of faith is action-driven, and its strength is your inner man. The day I saw God’s agenda for my life, I moved. “If I go to be with God today, you will be surprised that nations will converge here.” He also urged participants to keep feeding their faith in the word of God, saying, “If you don’t feed your spirit of faith with the word of God, it will turn to trash.”

Popular Nigerian actor, Femi Adebayo has sparked reactions online after a video of him exchanging pleasantries at an event surfaced online. The actor was seen happily greeting and hugging a woman at an event in a video on social media. The lady appeared to have slipped a note to Femi Adebayo after their pleasantries were over.
While some were unsure if anything was actually handed to the actor, others concluded that something particularly fishy was going on.

VIDEO
Reactions trailing trending video of Femi Adebayo exchanging pleasantries with a lady

A woman, Alec, has taken to 'X' platform to celebrate her 12-year-old goddaughter who was shot in the face by her father 11 years ago. According to Alec, the man also killed the girl's mother and the young girl survived the ordeal and has been living her life ever since.

“11 years ago, my babygirl was shot in the face by her father at 1 year old. She’s now 12 almost 13 dancing all over the country & the most beautiful girl ever,” she wrote in a post on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

A lady has taken to 'X' platform to narrate her encounter with her ex-boyfriend who never approved of her posting his photos on social media when they were still in a relationship. According to her, they had been dating for a while but he didn’t let her post him on social media, claiming not to like it. At first, she thought he was cheating because she found it weird that he didn’t want that. Eventually she discovered that he had borrowed debts and he was on the run from his debtors.

The lady recalled a time they went out together and she took a picture of his backview, threatening to post it but he begged profusely against her doing so.

In her words;

“Shebi na person I post wey no talk anything yi, my ex said he didn’t like his pictures posted on SM. I thought he was cheating but it was worse, baba was owing people money and he was running from them. We went out one time and I loved his kicks so I took a picture of his back view. I teased him about posting it, baba said no o please don’t. Ahnan I can’t even post back view? Maidear, can I know your offence? So gbegun elegun ni? Are you hiding from police?”

See post below;

The presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi and Afrobeats star, Davido were spotted at a birthday party. The two notable personalities who are big shots in their respective niches met up at the event. Peter Obi put his hands in a fatherly manner across Davido’s shoulder as they exchanged greetings. They took snapshots and continued to converse while paparazzi tried to get good camera shots of them.

See video below;

Controversial Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie has warned people not to insult President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.The actor said this when he appeared on White Pearl Studios TV. Yul stated that he cannot allow his father, Pete Edochie and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be insulted in his presence. The movie director had recently hit out at Arise TV presenter Rufai Oseni over his recent attitude towards guests, especially those leaning towards the Tinubu administration.

This was after Rufai and Jesutega Onokpasa, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, clashed during a show at the TV station. Oseni, who was interviewing Onokpasa during the show, disagreed with the guest’s view regarding the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu and the general economic situation of Nigeria. “Only two people must not be dragged in my presence: my father and President Bola Tinubu,” Yul said.

Popular Nigerian singer and songwriter, Simi has flaunted her teeth grills. The mother of one delighted her fans with the photo on her Instagram page. She disclosed that her friends are saying that it does not fit her but she has to continue with it so that her husband's money won't go to waste.

She wrote; ”I never posted this because 80% of those in my circle said that grill does not fit me (my new year resolution is to change my friends), but I love how goofy I look  and I don’t want my husband’s money to waste. I advise you to comment carefully. Actions have consequences ”

Vice President, Sen Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that the administration of his principal will deploy all resources to ensure a lasting solution to the crisis in the country. Shettima gave the assurance when he received the traditional ruler from Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau State, the Mishkahan Mwaghavul, HRH John Hirse, who led a team on a courtesy visit to his office in Aso Rock, Abuja. In a statement on Saturday by his spokesman, Stanley Nwocha, the vice president said the Tibubu government would ensure that no part of the country is left out in the quest for development.

Shettima asserted that development is the only way to foster peace, unity and development. He assured the delegation that peace would be restored in Mangu in the shortest possible time, noting that President Tinubu was on top of the situation to ensure the inevitable return of peace to all troubled parts of the country.

He said: “The crisis in Plateau State has nothing to do with religion. It is just for us to understand ourselves and coexist peacefully with one another. Plateau State is a blessed land with both Muslims and Christians. What binds us together supersedes what divides us. This administration will deploy all resources towards addressing all the political contradictions in the bid to restore peace and harmony in the State.

“We are going to address, by the grace of God, all the internal contradictions, the political connotations and even the ethnic undertones which are part of the conflict and ensure we find a lasting solution.

“Ours is a great nation chained by so-called social contradictions that we have in the system, and it is absolutely essential that for peace and development of our nation, we must restore the confidence of the people and the government.”

Earlier in his remarks, HRH Hirse said the delegation was in Aso Villa to show appreciation to the vice president for attending his coronation personally, showing that he is a father of all. He, therefore, pledged his support and that of his people to Tinubu’s administration

Popular Nigerian skitmaker, Abdulgafar Abiola, aka Cute Abiola, has dismissed reports that he is romantically linked to actress, Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omoborty. Rumours made the rounds online last year, alleging that Cute Abiola was having a romantic affair with Omoborty, which affected his marriage However, addressing the claim in an interview with Nollywood actress, Debbie Shokoya, Cute Abiola said they only made a skit together and were both surprised when the news of the alleged love affair made headlines on some blogs.

According to him, he failed to react to the report at the time to avoid intensifying the issue. He said, “We never had a date. Maybe because we just made content together. So, that content, the way we took pictures. I was holding her, holding her back, and her waist for the picture.

“The chat was not real. Her picture was not in the chat. The name was covered. For what? I did not know how that came up. That time, she felt so bad about it. I felt so bad too. Because I never wanted her to go through that stuff. And that time, she was so pained to the point that we stopped talking to each other. We have started talking now.

“The thing is that that never happened. I never dated her. We were just like she was my sister, and I was her brother. I even give her influencing jobs, saying, Ma, can you do this, someone wants to work with you. And the same as me. Nothing like that. “When I saw it, I was surprised. The thing is that when the blog posted it, she said ‘what is this happening’? I was like, even me, I do not know. “The more I talk, the more I put more fire. When they are dragging you, when you talk, then you do not want the matter to end. It is going to keep trending.”

Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Kogi state has distanced himself from a purported planned protest by supporters of his party in Lokoja and Abuja on Saturday. In a 41-second video released on Friday night, Ajaka, who is contesting the outcome of the Kogi State Governorship election in court, disclosed that those planning the protest in Lokoja and Abuja are agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The aggrieved SDP Governorship candidate appealed to security agencies to arrest anyone protesting in his name or party. His words: “I have just been informed of a planned protest by some people claiming to be members of Social Democratic Party, SDP, or acting on my instruction. I did not authorize any protest in Lokoja or Abuja tomorrow, (Saturday).

“Anybody protesting in my name should be arrested. They are all agents of Governor Yahaya Bello trying to cause confusion in the State and possibly in Abuja. “So please, the security agencies should take note and get these people arrested. Anybody seen with SDP vest tomorrow (Saturday) protesting, they should arrest them. They are agents of Yahaya Bello”.

A Nigerian lady has been gifted the sum of N100K from a stranger who found her beautiful.A user on the microblogging platform, X shared the heartwarming gesture from a user on her Instagram page who slid in her DM to appreciate her beauty. The young man had gone through her Instagram story, and mesmerized by her beauty, he asked to offer her a token for lunch.

He credited the lady with the whooping sum of N100K for simply looking beautiful and flawless. “You flawless with the face trust me. Send your account details, let me buy you lunch,” he stated in the chat. The post has since generated tons of reactions from social media users who wished they got the same treatment while others ridiculed the man for being a simp.





See reactions below;

A Nigerian man, Harbor Kenneth Onyeisi has taken to Facebook to celebrate as he finally graduated from university after 12 years. In an appreciation post, the man revealed that he spent 12 years before finally graduating.
 
He wrote:

"This one sweet me special, don't even know what I was thinking here again. Congratulations to me I am graduating after 12yrs from the National Open University Port Harcourt, Study Centre."

VIDEO

Popular actress, Iyabo Ojo has slammed influencer Laura Ikeji. Recall that Laura had called out Iyabo Ojo for attempting to fight her with a bottle during the RHOL series. Pregnant Laura Ikeji took to social media during the season two finale of the famous SHOWMAX series Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOL) to criticize Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, alleging that Ojo persistently tries to belittle and harass her.
 
In a rebuttal, Iyabo has taken to her page to drag Laura together with her sister Linda Ikeji. According to her, Laura is playing the victim even after threatening to slap another housewife in season 1. According to Iyabo, Laura took off his wig, slippers ready to beat up her fellow housewife.
 
“Laura I put it to you that your sister is the real-life Queen of bully. I guess I leanrt from her. Do you how many times my kids have read a lot of rubbish that was written about me by your sister way back even, before even social media, do you know how many lives your sister has builled in real life through her media platforms?”

“Where was this same write-up and energy then, you didn’t know then that people’s children will one day grow up and read all those rubbish, draggings, and insults written about their parents, do you know how many homes got destroyed through your sister, so it’s now you know no one should be bullied”.

DJ Cuppy has finally addressed reports that she was dumped by ex-fiancé, Ryan Taylor. Recall that he had some days ago disclosed the reason for ending their relationship. According to Taylor, he ended his relationship with DJ Cuppy because he's a bad driver. Reacting via her Snapchat, DJ Cuppy posted a photo of herself enjoying a dumpling at a restaurant and added that the only “dumping” she’s getting is from the dumpling.
 
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