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THE MYTHS AND REALITY OF THE LAND USE CHARGE

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The recently introduced Land Use Charge in Lagos State has been generating a lot of hues and cries amongst residents of the state due to the over-exaggerated view that it would further significantly aggravate the worries spawned by the current economic depression and make life more brutish and shorter.

Like all new things, there is bound to be the initial furore. Generally, man’s initial response to change is that of resistance but the perception is bound to change if with emerging facts. This is why more concerted efforts are being made to enlighten the public on the features and characteristics of the new law which is being reviewed seventeen years after it was promulgated in 2001.

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Though the current incipient efforts at propagating the essence of the Land Use Charge speaks to the issue in a proactive manner by addressing the Frequently Asked Questions, more robust cross-media response is needed to further educate  skeptical Lagosians by unveiling and unclothing the myths with facts.

According to a maxim “facts are sacred, comments are free”. One of the basic facts is that the Land Use Charge is a consolidation of all property and land based rates and charges payable under Land Rates, Neighbourhood Improvement Charge and Tenement Rate Laws of Lagos State. It derives its legitimacy from the Lags State Land Use Charge Law 2018. It was well thought out as it was comprehensively debated on the floor of the State House of Assembly before it was passed into law. The responsibility for payment of the Land Use Charge resides primarily with the property owner but there is a provision in the law establishing the charge for payment to be made by the occupier who is then empowered to get reimbursement of the payment made from the property owner.

As a boon, assessment of properties for the purpose of Land Use Charge is free and Property Owners are not expected to make any payment whatsoever for the service provided by the Lagos State Government. Owners of empty plots of land will also pay. Anyone who is disatisfied with the assessment can appeal to the Assessment Appeal Tribunal. Furthermore, those who pay within 15 days of the delivery of the Demand Notice will get a discount of 15 per cent.  All property owners are expected to pay their property tax on annual basis but whoever could not afford that can pay monthly. For any two similar properties, the physical appearance, aesthetic features and age will determine the property class rate whether high, medium and low.  The categories of properties include Commercial, Industrial, Educational and Residential.

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Commercial properties attract a rate 0.761 per cent of the assessed Market Value. Industrial and Educational properties are assessed at the rate of 0.255 per cent. Investment property fully occupied by tenants or third party charged at 0.761 per cent. Instalmental payments are not allowed because of the 15 per cent discount which everybody enjoys.

A promotional video on the LUC has been released and it is a veritable strategy to enlighten the populace. Amiable Governor Ambode blazed the trail by being one of the first set of citizens to pay the Land Use Charge on his property. Inspirational comedian, Gbenga  Adeyinka, who has also paid encouraged others to do the same too. An archetypal resident, an elderly man extolled the achievements of the Ambode administration opining that the LUC will augment the funds for greater infrastructural development of the state of aquatic splendor and transformation to a fully fledged mega-city. It is a thing of regret that only a fraction of Lagosians are captured in the tax net. Payment of taxes is a civic responsibility which all and sundry must imbibe to take the state to the next level of governance.

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Rivers: PDP Group Dismisses Purported Suspension of Rep. Abiante As Child’s Play

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Ganduje: Stop Your Evil Plot Against Tinubu - Yoruba Youths Warn Kano Gov, Kwankwaso

*Rivers: PDP Group Dismisses Purported Suspension of Rep. Abiante As Child’s Play

 

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The PDP National Solidarity Vanguard (PDP-NSV) has dismissed the purported suspension of the member representing Andoni/Opobo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante.

In a statement signed by its national president Comrade Rowland Ovie, the group described the suspension as unlawful, baseless and something of a child’s play.

Ovie said the acclaimed ward executives from Ngor Ward 1, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State are impostors and not even members of the party.

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He added that Abiante is a time-tested party loyalist who has always stood for justice, equity and good governance hence his support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The group, therefore, commended the lawmaker for standing by Governor Fubara who is one of the life-wire of the PDP in Nigeria today.

“The purported suspension of Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante by some unknown persons claiming to be members of our great party is not only unlawful but laughable,” the statement said.

“It is another political escapade gone wrong. We know those behind this show of shame and their paymasters. We are glad also that Nigerians know them as well.

“Abiante is a highly principled man known for his honesty, integrity and knack for justice and good governance. He is not one to be easily bullied.

“Due to his strong principles and high moral values, he has shown massive support for Governor Fubara. He believes in the governor’s philosophies and leadership model.

“We, therefore, commend the lawmaker for standing on the side of truth and the masses. He remains a bonafide member of the PDP and one of the party’s strongest pillars in Rivers.

“It is, however, unfortunate that those who have thrown away every iota of honour in them are now going after genuine patriots within the party. We call on all party men and women to expel ‘the bull in the China shop.’

“We also urge the general public to ignore his purported suspension as they are antics of frustrated politicians, particularly in Andoni and Rivers State who are discomforted by his towering political profile.”

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Wike Didn’t Make Asiwaju Tinubu Nigeria’s President – Oduduwa Group

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IS WIKE AN ASSET OR A LIABILITY TO TINUBU?

Wike Didn’t Make Asiwaju Tinubu Nigeria’s President – Oduduwa Group

**** Warns FCT Minister to stop acting like an emperor

 

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The Oduduwa Development Congress (ODC) has disputed the claim of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that he played a significant role in bringing President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to power.

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The group said Wike’s claim is merely a product of his imagination.

ODC emphasized that Nigerians, not Wike, made Asiwaju Bola Tinubu their President, and his victory was a reflection of the will of the people.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos on Monday, the president of the group, Oluwasanmi Sola stated that the FCT Minister should be grateful to President Tinubu for saving him from political obscurity.

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According to Sola, Wike’s utterances and body language imply insubordination.

“The Oduduwa Development Congress wishes to set the record straight that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike didn’t make Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu the President of Nigeria,” the statement said.

“We would normally ignore Wike’s claims as the ramblings of a delusional person, but given the power of propaganda to cause harm, we feel compelled to correct the record.

“It’s important to note that the results of the 2023 presidential election, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), show that Nigerians elected Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as their President, not Wike. Tinubu received a total of 8,794,726 votes, the highest of all candidates, meeting the first constitutional requirement to be declared the winner. He also received over 25% of the votes cast in 30 states, exceeding the 24 states required by the constitution. Local and international observers confirmed that his victory reflected the will of the people, and the Supreme Court upheld the outcome.

“Therefore, Wike’s claim of singlehandedly bringing President Tinubu to power is false and misleading. How could he when he couldn’t secure ordinary ticket of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for himself? In President Tinubu’s election victory acceptance speech, he recognized and thanked those who worked hard to secure the victory. However, he did not mention the name of Nyesom Wike. This suggests that the FCT Minister’s claim of playing a significant role in the President’s electoral success is merely a product of his imagination. The former Rivers State governor owes Nigerians an apology for attempting to take credit for our collective mandate.”

The group criticized Wike’s handling of the affairs of the FCT, saying he is running the territory like his personal property.

ODC noted that Wike’s appointments so far have been lopsided, and his actions could negatively impact the support that the President Bola Tinubu administration enjoys from Northerners if the issue is not addressed urgently.

“Unfortunately, Wike’s claim is not only blatant lie but also a crass display of ingratitude. His public posturing is the height of political arrogance. His utterances and body language reek of insubordination. One would expect that haven been saved from political obscurity by President Tinubu’s magnanimity, Wike would be the most loyal of all the President’s ministers but instead he has turned out to be not only ungrateful but also a power-drunk little emperor in Abuja and a liability to this administration.

“The rate of nepotism, cronyism and favouritism in the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory under Wike is egregious. The FCT Minister has skewed all strategic appointments to favour his cronies and political affiliates from the River State, while millions of other Nigerians, and indigenes of the territory, are left marginalized.

“Wike needs to be reminded that the FCT is not his personal property or an extension of Rivers State. As the Center of Unity, the principle of inclusion must be given priority over any other interest. Therefore, we urge Wike to stop using resources and jobs meant for the FCT to buy and sustain the loyalty of his political allies in Rivers State in his pointless fight against the Governor, Sim Fubara, and focus on discharging his duties as FCT Minister impartially.

“It is regrettably lugubrious, that Wike, who was appointed as the FCT Minister by President Tinubu despite not being a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is now making enemies for the President with his tyrannical regime in the FCT instead of serving Mr. President diligently for saving him from monumental shame and disgrace.

“Bearing in mind that the President Tinubu’s administration is at the receiving end of Wike’s actions, we urge the FCT Minister to retrace his steps and tread cautiously or be forced to resign,” the statement added.

 

 

 

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IFMSL vs AICL: Lagos Group Warns Wike for fighting APC loyalist over his selfish interest to own ICC 

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IFMSL vs AICL: Lagos Group Warns Wike for fighting APC loyalist over his selfish interest to own ICC

 

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By Tom Garba

 

 

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Sahara Weekly Reports That A group under concerned citizens of Nigeria umbrella nation wide said the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesome Wike is punitive and capable to divide Nigeria along regional and ethnics lines.

 

 

IFMSL vs AICL: Lagos Group Warns Wike for fighting APC loyalist over his selfish interest to own ICC 

 

 

 

The group during a world press conference with Dr Joseph Jabani to have addressed journalists at Carlton gate hotel FESTAC, Lagos cried for justice on behalf of Integrated Facilities Management Services Ltd ( IFMSL) Under the Good management of Its Managing Director Senator Abubakar Ahmed MoAllayidi whose contract with Abuja Investments Company Ltd (AICL) was illegally revoked.

 

Jabani said the implications of revoking the contract with IFML are dire, both domestically and internationally.

 

According to him domestically, it sends a message of instability and unpredictability to investors, shaking their confidence in the Nigerian government’s commitment to honoring contracts and fostering a conducive business environment.

 

And the International implications according to Jabani it tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable partner for investment and collaboration.

 

“Overseas investors, who have been eyeing opportunities in Nigeria, may now reconsider their plans in light of this abrupt decision, leading to potential loss of investment and stunted economic growth.” He said

 

Called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate president, Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Traditional Leaders, Council of Oba’s chiefs southern Region and the good people of Nigeria, about the unfriendly and aggressive tactics employed by Barrister Nyesom Wike in superintending over the FCT.

 

 

“His pattern of finding faults and instigating conflicts with thriving businesses based on personal interests and differences is not only alarming but detrimental to the economic growth and stability of the FCT.

 

” We are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leaders of thought and good Nigerians to intervene in this matter and uphold the integrity of the contract with Integrated Facilities management services (IFML) Continuing the partnership with IFML is not just a matter of business but a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to honoring agreements and fostering a conducive environment for both local and international investors.

 

“We call upon the government to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in governance and to ensure that individuals like Minister Wike, who prioritize personal interests over the welfare of the nation, are held accountable for their actions.

 

“It is imperative that we protect the interests of businesses and investors in the FCT and create an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and prosperity for all. Minister Wike’s actions have no place in a government that seeks to promote progress and development, and it is time for the federal government to take decisive action to remedy this situation.” Jabani Stated

 

The text signed by Jabani continued to read that:

 

“Wike’s penchant for taking illegal and extra-judicial actions against businesses and individuals not only undermines the rule of law but also works directly against the interests of the federal government. His actions create an atmosphere of uncertainty and hostility that is detrimental to investment and development in the FCT.

 

“Nyesom Wike, in his usual combative style had announced in the media the purported cancellations of the facility management of the International Conference Center, for no justifications nor adherence to due process. Much as there was no justifications and fair-hearing, this purported action by Mr Wike is at best illegal, punitive, totally strange and at variance with any known protocols and procedures of handling such matters.

 

“For some years now, Integrated Facilities management services Limited (IFMSL) has diligently and effectively managed the International Conference Center, ensuring its smooth operation and upkeep. Under their stewardship, the center has flourished, becoming a beacon of excellence in hosting international conferences, events, and gatherings.

 

“The work of Integrated Facilities management services Ltd (IFMSL) has not only been exemplary but also crucial for the growth and development of Nigeria. Their dedication to maintaining the International Conference Center at the highest standards has attracted local and overseas investors, boosting economic activity and fostering international relations.

 

“The federal government must take swift and decisive make Barrister Wike to respect law and order, as well as contractual agreements and processes in the FCT ministry. Allowing him to continue unchecked will only lead to further erosion of investor confidence and cripple the potential for economic growth and prosperity in the federal capital territory.

 

“In conclusion, we further urge Mr. President to consider the long-term implications of this decision and act in the best interest of Nigeria’s economic prosperity and international standing.

Thank you so much for coming.”

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