Nigeria May Lift Ban On International Flights Before October - Aviation Minister

The ban on international flights may be lifted before October, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said. Although the minister denied claims that international flights were slated to resume October, Sirika added that the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority has issued a Notice to Airmen to this effect. He gave the hint today while refuting reports earlier circulated that . Sirika, who noted that international flights would restart in the country despite the ban placed on Nigeria by Europe and the United Arab Emirates, added that the date for the resumption would be announced after consultation with necessary stakeholders including the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs and the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. Commenting on his verified Twitter handle on Tuesday, he wrote, “International Flight resumption date is not October. NAMA just issued a routine 90-day Notices to Airmen. In liaison with Health, Foreign Affairs, and PTF COVID-19, we will announce the agreed date, regardless of the ban by Europe, UAE, etc. May be earlier than October

Ghana- Bantamahene Kneels Before Asante King Otumfuo To Seek Mercy Over Destoolment

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu has been called on to temper justice with mercy by pardoning Bantamahene Baffour Owusu Amankwaatia IV of some ‘sins’ he allegedly committed.

The Bantamahene has been captured in a video with some elders kneeling before Otumfuo as they seek to escape punishment from him.

As per reports, Bantamahene is facing destoolment after engaging in some actions which are deemed to have brought shame to Asanteman.

Otumfuo is said to be seething with rage after investigations by some sub-chiefs in the Ashanti Kingdom found Baffour Owusu culpable of encroaching on parts of land at the Race Course Market.

The head of the Konti Division of the kingdom has also been accused of forcefully diverting the course of the Subin River for personal benefit.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu is reportedly giving thoughts to the possibility of axing him from his seat.

Media reports from Kumasi indicate that a massive vote of no confidence has been passed by all divisional chiefs, paving way for his exit.

Also, a group of linguists in the kingdom have joined the crusade with a plea to the ‘Wise King’ to fire him for insubordination.

But Otumfuo is said to unwilling to destool the Bantamahene due to some kindness the latter’s father did to him some years ago.

As he ponders over destoolment or not, Otumfuo has for the time being directed an immediate demolition of all structures on the said lands.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has directed landlords and property agents to charge six percent Stamp Duty on all tenancy and lease agreements.

The landlords/ property agents are to remit such collections to FIRS “so that they do not run foul of the Stamp Duty Act.”

The tax agency gave the directive through a statement on Wednesday by Director, Communications and Liaison Department Abdullahi Ahmad.

He said: “Property-related transactions like tenancy or lease agreement fall under the Ad Valorem category of the stamp duty which attracts six per cent duty payable in percentage of the total value or sum of the tenancy or lease,” Ahmad explained in the statement.

According to him, the burden of payment of the six per cent “lies on the beneficiary of the tenancy or lease agreement, whom the Stamp Duty Act identified as the tenant or renter.”

He added that “the responsibility of collection and remittance fall on the landlord or agent in charge of the property for lease or rent. The party making the payment shall have the obligation to account for the applicable stamp duties.”

Some other Stamp Duty types and their rates, according to the statement , are; Appraisement or Valuation of Property , .5 per cent; Certificate of Occupancy and Partnership, N1,000 flat rate; Gift of Land, 1.5 per cent and Legal Mortgage, 0.375 per cent.

Others are Legal Mortgage (Upstamping), 0.375 per cent; Deed of Conveyance or Transfer on Sale of Property, 1.5 per cent; Memorandum of Understanding (Related to Land, Sales, Joint Venture, Surrender, Subdivision Agreements, 1.5 per cent; Power of Attorney (Irrevocable/Land Related), 1.5 per cent and Sales Agreement, 1.5 per cent.

Stamp Duties payment is enabled by the Stamp Duties Act (SDA) 1939, as amended by numerous Acts and various resolutions contained in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The SDA also provides a list of documents in its schedule and the duty payable on each.

The Finance Act 2019 states that: “the Federal Inland Revenue Service shall be the only competent authority to impose, charge and collect duties upon instruments specified in the Schedule to this Act if such instrument relates to matters executed between a company and an individual, group or body of individuals.”

The total Stamp Duty collection for 2019 was N18 billion.


https://thenationonlineng.net/tenants-now-to-pay-six-per-cent-stamp-duty-says-firs/

Liverpool FC Lift Trophy After 30 Yr Wait

BREAKING!!!
Liverpool have lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time after waiting 30 years to win a league title.

Jurgen Klopp's men have finally placed their hands on the silverware nearly a month after they were crowned champions.

The Merseyside club have lifted the trophy after defeating Chelsea 5-3 at Anfield stadium.

Fireworks could be heard outside the ground during the second half of the match as Reds fans eagerly-awaited the trophy presentation.

Supporters were unable to watch the match or enjoy the presentation inside the stadium because of measures introduced to stop the spread of coronavirus.

After the match, Liverpool manager Klopp promised supporters "a party" to celebrate their title success but added "he doesn't know when" it will take place.


Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish was at the stadium to present the trophy to the side's captain Jordan Henderson.

Club manager Klopp then joined with the players in singing the side's anthem You'll Never Walk Alone.

The Reds are one of the most successful teams in English football history having won 19 top-flight titles.

However their success this season marks the first time they have won the Premier League since it was founded in 1992.

Liverpool fans have gathered outside Anfield to celebrate the club's Premier League win despite warnings to stay at home because of the coronavirus outbreak.

A heavy police presence was in force outside the stadium during what was the Reds' final home game of the season.

Police introduced a 48-hour dispersal zone around the ground in anticipation of crowds gathering as the trophy was lifted in the empty stadium.

Much of the stadium was fenced off but by 9.45pm a large group had gathered in the road outside the Kop end with flags and flares.

Police vans lined the road and officers stood in cordons.

Thousands of supporters celebrated outside Anfield last month when the team's first top-flight title in 30 years was confirmed.

Huge numbers gathered at the city's Pier Head the following night, where police reported violent confrontations.

Superintendent Dave Charnock said: "We're aware of the significant impact that anti-social behaviour can have on individuals and communities, and we will be targeting people we suspect of being involved in this type of behaviour in the area.

"To the vast majority of law-abiding members of the community and Liverpool fans, I just want to remind them that this order is not about bothering people going about their legitimate daily business.

"We would like to thank the vast majority of you who are adhering to the restrictions currently in place to protect the wider community as well as those who are continuing to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and reporting it to us.

"It has never been more important than now to ensure that we all follow Government advice to ensure the safety of those living in Merseyside."

Ahead of the match, police had joined with the club, council and supporters' group Spirit of Shankly to ask people to celebrate at home.



https://news.sky.com/story/liverpool-lift-premier-league-trophy-for-first-time-after-30-year-wait-for-league-title-12034245

Emir Of Shinkafi In Zafara Given ultimatum To Withdraw Femi Fani-Kayode’s Traditional Title

The Emir of Shinkafi, Alhaji Muhammad Makwashe has been given 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw the traditional title he conferred on former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode.

This is as two traditional titleholders in the emirate resigned their positions in protest against the conferment of Sadaukin Shinkafi on Fani Kayode.

The two traditional title holders that resigned are Dr Sulaiman Shuaibu Shinkafi who held the title of Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi and Dr Tijjani Salihu Shinkafi who was the ‘Sarkin Marayun Shinkafi’.

Speaking at a news briefing in Kaduna, Dr Suleiman Shuaibu Shinkafi who spoke on behalf of Shinkafi Concerned Citizens called on the Emir to reverse his decision.

He called on other traditional titleholders in Shinkafi emirate to equally resigned because Fami Kayode does not deserve the title conferred on him.

“We the citizens of Shinkafi rejected the title of Sadaukin Shinkafi conferred on Femi Fani Kayode by the Emir of Shinkafi in Zamfara State, Mohammed Isah Maikwashe because he does not deserve the title.

“This is a man known to always disrespect and abuse our leaders and forefathers in the region.

“On this, I resigned the appointment conferred on me by the same emir as Sarkin Shanun Shinkafi and also a colleague, Dr Tijjani Salihu of Danfodio University also resigned as Sarkin Marayun Shinkafi,” he said.

Shuaibu said that the group would go to court if Fani-Kayode’s traditional title was not withdrawn.

“We are also expecting six additional title holders today who are resigning their titles,” he said.

According to him, members of the Shinkafi Concerned Citizens were mostly traditional title holders of the emirate and found the unilateral action of the emir as uncalled for.

“This decision is uncalled for and unacceptable, we were not consulted on this and it is null and void.

“After 24 hours if the decision is not reversed, then the emir should expect wrath of the law and he should also resign.

“We are going to the take to the street for protest against his decision; Kayode doesn’t deserver any title in the North and anyone who tries to give him, we are going to protest against that,” he said.

According to him, Fani-Kayode has no respect for Northern leaders.

“He always disgrace the north, insult our leaders,” Shuaibu added.

The Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode was conferred with the traditional title of “Sadaukin Shinkafi” by Shinkafi Emirate Council in Zamfara over the weekend.

In a statement signed by the Emir of Shinkafi, Alhaji Muhammad Makwashe and made available to newsmen in Gusau on Monday, the monarch said the tittle was conferred on the former minister in respect of his support and contributions to the development of Shinkafi emirate.

Fani-Kayode, at a news briefing in Gusau, commended the emirate and promised to continue to maintain good relationship with Zamfara and core Northern states.