Ikpeazu’s Tax Certificate Not Fake, Says Abia IRS Boss

The referred to in a recent court judgment involving the the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is not fake, according to Mr. Udochukwu Ogbonna, chairman of the Abia State Internal Revenue Service. Giveing his views on the issue surrounding Governor Ikpeazu’s tax papers, Ogbonna said: “That the tax clearance certificate referred to

in that Judgment was duly issued to Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu by the Service, and was therefore not fake”. Udochukwu Ogbonna further informed that the taxes for the years 2011,2012 and 2013 were PAYE taxes deducted at source from his personal emoluments by his employers (Abia State Passengers’ Integrated Manifest Scheme and Abia State Environmental Sanitation Authority respectively) and remitted to the service in the relevant tax years, adding that the dates on the tax receipts of the relevant years (2011, 2012 and 2013) did not suggest that they were paid on those dates, but only reflected the date he applied to be issued with the receipts, because that was when he needed them. In the same vein the dates on the tax receipts did not suggest that they were written out on those days. The date on the receipts only indicates the last day of the last month of the year, when the PAYE tax payer became entitled to the receipts, as the receipts could not have carried a date earlier or later than the 31st December of the relevant tax year. It is immaterial that it fell on a Saturday, Sunday or any other day of the week. For example if 31st December 2011 fell on a Saturday, in the month following i.e January, when the receipts are to be written out, it cannot carry any date in January 2012 or any other month in 2012. That his taxes having been deducted by his afore said employers and remitted to the service within the relevant years will not be said to have been paid on the same day, as such were paid as at when due. In fact the issue of payment as at when due does not apply to PAYE taxes because the tax payer has no part to play in the deduction and remittance of his PAYE as the same is done by his employer. Where there is failure to deduct and remit PAYE taxes, it is the employer and not the tax payer that is liable. See LSIRS and Seven Up Bottling Company reported in year 2000. Having stated the facts as they are above, we make bold to say that the tax returns filed by Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu to his party (Peoples Democratic Party) were neither false nor fake and cannot be said to amount to fraudulent payment of taxes. Consequently, we affirm that both the Tax Clearance Certificate and the tax receipts referred to in the afore said judgment were the documents of Abia State Internal Revenue Service because same was authored by the Service as the authority empowered by law to do so. Finally, we state emphatically for the records and for the attention of the general public that we were never invited (subpoenaed) by the court or the plaintiff, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah during the pendency of the subject suit that led to the judgment in Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu’s tax matter to state the authenticity or otherwise of the tax papers in issue. Source: Vanguard.

Gov Emmanuel To Provide Lifeline For LGs

Plans were underway to provide a lifeline for the Local Government system in

Akwa-Ibom State to enable the third tier of government break even in its programmes. Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State made this known as he inaugurated the transition committee chairmen for the 31 local government areas in the state. He said in view of the prevalent economic situation in the country, the state would provide economic stimuli to reduce the hardship in the system and directed the Ministry of Finance to commence the disbursement of Small and Medium Enterprise loans to the people to boost their businesses. He charged the newly sworn-in council chairmen to deliver quality services in their respective councils and provide leadership by employing a high level of probity in the administration of the councils. “You have been given a chance of a lifetime, run with it, let your talents and skills show, show the people that the confidence we have in you is not misplaced. Consider this moment as a platform that can lead you to other possibilities. “The office you are sworn in today should not be seen as a clutch for immediate gratification or one where you would engage in conspicuous excesses. Let it remain true to its foundational principle which is predicated on service to the people. If you provide selfless service, you will be rewarded and such satisfaction can never be quantified. Let this be your guiding principle,” he said. Source: Vanguard.

Fred Amata's Stolen Vehicle Recovered

Veteran actor, Fred Amata was robbed at gun point at about 2:30am on June 25, 2016

just in front of his home. The Nollywood veteran actor and movie director was reportedly robbed of his Metallic Grey Lexus 470 SUV with license plates AGL 414 CU as well as his phones and other personal effects. Now, the vehicle has been recovered by the Lagos police yesterday July 4, 2016 at the Ejigbo area of Lagos state. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, the eagle eyed policemen spotted the vehicle with some male occupants and gave it a hot chase. According to a statement, the men realising they were being trailed by the police abandoned the vehicle and fled. Fred Amata grateful for the recovery of his car, took to Instagram today, July 5, 2016 to thank the Police. he wrote, "RECOVERED 4th July (Lexus Jeep)stolen Saturday June 25, 2016 at gun point. Sincere thanks to the Lagos police command led by the Gallant CP Fatai Owoseni who we understand put a personal call to the IPO, and the delligent state Police PRO Dolapo Badmus (SP) and of course the IPO, Woman Corporal Idowu Ayodele God Bless. And thanks to the responsive government of Lagos state for better equipping the force for more effective policing of our state. Thanks to All my friends family and we'll wishers for your prayers, goodwill messages and felicitations. Fred Amata." The command is still on the trail of the suspects while the recovered vehicle will soon be handed over to the owner.

M.I Abaga Comletes First Year Reign As Chocolate City CEO

It was joyous scenes all around the internet last year, as Audu Maikori was making his last stand as the CEO of a company he built from nothing, together with his partners Paul Okeugo and Yahaya Maikori. 10 years has he been at the helm, working his ass off, making power moves, discovering new talents, and propelling them to stardom. In doing so, he and his partners had made a financial killing, profiting from the firm, as much as Nigerian music has profited from their works. M.I Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, and Brymo, are some of the biggest names that have originated from the conveyor belt of such a house. Magnificent in their

personalities, powerful in their influence, and potent in their music, they formed the bedrock for all other work from the label, and to this day, they are regarded as the best era of Chocolate City. That era, when they had a hand on the windpipe of Nigerian pop culture, bending it to their will with each new release. But that is no more. 10 years can make a man grow weary from pressure, with the need for growth and new adventure far surpassing his will to stay, Audu made the step from CEO of Chocolate City to President, Chocolate City Group. And in path a vacuum was left behind. Chocolate City needed a new leader, a man to take on the mantle and steer the music and the business to the right haven. That man must be able to possess sufficient experience, a good knowledge of the music, and a keenness to succeed that only experience can provide. "It's been 10 years of working with an incredible team to build arguably one of the most successful music labels in Africa, and want to say thank you to each and very staff and artist we have worked with in that period." The final message from Audu Maikori ran. Jude Abaga aka M.I was chosen. A man for many seasons, the rap star on paper, was the ideal candidate. He had the music knowledge as proven by his success in the African music industry. He also has experience leading, after founding Loopy Music. His career trajectory has been one of will and talent, showing off perseverance and growth at every turn. It also mattered much that he was in-house, and had served as a Vice President to the project for a considerable period. “The new president of Chocolate City Musicis…Jude Lemfani Abaga.” Audu announced on Twitter. The streets went crazy. On the internet, M.I Abaga was hailed. Opinions flew in from all angles. Could he do it? Was he the right fit for the position? How did this come to be? How will he be guided? In reality, the handwriting was on the wall. In the days leading to the event, a flurry of activities had happened. Jesse Jagz, formerly on a self-enforced exile, had returned to the fold, and Loopy Music had become acquired by Chocolate City, together with all her acts and artistes. Only the blind would have failed to read the writings on the wall. It’s one year on, and we have gained hindsight and seen the workings of M.I Abaga. How has he fared? Chocolate City under M.I Abaga has released 1 album, two mixtapes and an EP. The house at one point boasted of a roster which included 13 acts – M.I, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Pryse, Nosa, Koker, Milli, Dice Ailes, DJ Lambo, DJ Caise, Kahli Abdu & VHS Safari, Victoria Kimani, Ruby Gyang – once called this label home. On the management front, Femi Kuti was a client. “The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation” (TICBN) is the only album released under M.I’s leadership. The project, a fantastic body of work reflecting the strengths of all the signed acts, was a success among critics. Mixtapes had Loose Kaynon finally releasing “The Gemini Project”, and M.I Abaga wrapped up his “Illegal Music” series with the third volume. Ruby Gyang has also seen some action, releasing her “This Is Love EP” and a video ‘Shakara’ to match. The label has planned to release a minimum of seven projects in 2016. The new projects will consist of a minimum of 5 Mixtapes and EPs, 1 solo album, and 1 compilation album. All of these do not contain Ice Prince’s album which is scheduled to drop this year. The label has also promised to drop 20 music videos this year, with the visuals expected to go round the talents. When analysed for its worth, four projects in a year is not bad for a record label. They arguably have released more projects than any other record label in Nigeria within the year in review. M.I Abaga has not been the best CEO in terms of recruitment and managing exits. After inheriting a large house from the merger with Loopy, M.I Abaga still found a way to bring in Kahli Abdu and VHS Safari. That relationship was doomed to fail from the start. The entire process appeared as a poorly-thought choice, with very little thrown in by way of publicity. There was an announcement, stylish photo sessions, and a song. But something was missing – the reason for such a move. Kahli Abdu was the first to pack his bags and scream goodbye. This he did on Twitter, in the most unceremonious fashion ever. VHS Safari, the other half of the group, left without a whimper. For Milli, his shared tale on his ordeal in the hands of M.I might have come across as emotional, but it did provide a window into the manner of leadership that M.I operates. This is one of manipulation and very little belief in his signed acts. Milli’s exit could have been avoided, with mutual gain to both Chocolate City and the artiste. But that option was not explored with potential business gain overshadowed by untamed personal emotions. There has also been the case of Ice Prince’s departure. The rapper, who officially held the title of Vice President, had left the label two years prior to his admission this year. Stories of his exit has been rife in the media, with the label, a leaking house of information. There is hardly ever a secret in Chocolate City. The house is too large to control the narrative. But they have tried to do that. Jesse Jagz and Ice Prince were quickly given the freedom to run their imprints as part of the ‘Choc City expansion’. There was a press conference, with shiny quotes and moving pictures served to the media. But questions still remain as to the feasibility of such a project. The parent house appears to be shaky, and to expand is to fund more projects, putting considerable strain on the financing. Only time will tell. DJ Caise, according to growing rumours, is no longer a member of Chocolate City. Regardless of the new projects, there is a collective feeling that Chocolate City has not fully utilized the potential in their hands. The core concern, it appears, is promotion and branding.In these departments, there is hardly consistent activity, perhaps due to a lack of manpower, and (or) funding. The career of Gospel singer Nosa is in hiatus. Pryse was on a comeback with her Pryseless Freestyle series, but consistency was not maintained, and she has slipped back to ground zero. Ruby Gyang’s EP appears to have been forgotten, and Loose Kaynon is hanging by a thread in the public eye. After the departure of Milli, Koker has been the brightest light, keeping the label in pop music circles with ‘Kolewerk’, and a video. There’s a remix just recently released, and hopefully, a video too. Dice Ailes is still consistent with his releases. ‘Machinery’, a single which clicked the reset button on his music, is still on rotation. Only here has true joy found M.I Abaga. On January 28, 2016, Chocolate City and EbonyLife TV announced a partnership for an exciting new project. This was a strategic partnership called ‘Chocolate City Unsigned’, a genuine homegrown reality TV show created to search for the next Africa’s biggest music star. The show was to be spearheaded by Chocolate City, one of Africa’s biggest indigenous record labels, and EbonyLife TV, Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment and Lifestyle network and production powerhouse. The project was announced at a press conference held at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Lagos on January 28, 2016, which had in attendance the Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu; President of Chocolate City Group, Audu Makori; CEO of Chocolate City, Jude Abaga (M.I), as well as Victoria Kimani, and other key Chocolate City talents. Chocolate City Unsigned was set to be the first ever indigenous pan-African talent hunt show created with the sole aim of discovering, developing and supporting fresh artistes, giving them a platform to showcase their skills and launching them into a professional career of instant music sensation, stardom and celebrity status. But all of these was in the past. Chocolate City Unsigned has grown cold. A portal for registration was made public, with a website collecting data still live. But that has grown cold, with very little by way of activity on the project. There is no definite date on the commencement of it all. Nigeria awaits. M.I Abaga took a huge bite when he accepted the role to be CEO. His first year, has been one filled with learning, and some achievement. A house with so many talents was bound to be fragmented, as the funding required to run various projects on all the acts isn’t available. While it is commendable that more projects have been released at the turn of 2016, M.I is still learning the basic skills to properly run an efficient music organization and achieve lasting results. His practice round at Loopy Music did not provide ample empowerment for the CEO. His Chocolate City learning process has been public, painful and very much entertaining. The entire outlook of the house he inherited still appears without a united front, with the music not impacting enough on the culture to keep them at the top of the pile. The label still retains the leading position as a corporate entity, with a professional structure to do business. That has always been their pride. But long spells of inactivity has hurt the label, and the acts that still ride under its banner. Perhaps, the pockets of positivity will continue to grow, and M.I Abaga will make a fine executive yet. Or perhaps, as many have suggested, he will relegate active running of the label to a new senior level recruit, and focus on his music career. Either way, the jury is still out on his reign.

Kiss Daniel Says Why He Doesn't Do Dollaborations

Kiss Daniel is not used to collaborating with other acts on musical projects save for his G-Worldwide label mates DJ Shabbsy and Sugar boy and he has advanced reasons for that. Apart from the 'Woju' remix that featured Davido and Tiwa Savage, the pop singer has not featured any artiste nor featured on any artiste's song since pre-album and post-album release of his debut album "New Era''. Talking recently to online music site NotjustOK about the matter, he explained that his label stipulated in the contract he signed, not to collaborate with acts outside the label. "I’m signed to a record label and the management for now only allows me to collaborate with in-house artistes Dj Shabsy and Sugarboy. Maybe later I’ll do songs with other artistes but for now it’s out of it", Kiss said. When asked if the ‘no collaboration’ rule has affected his relationship with other artistes, he said, ‘it's not really affected my relationship with other artistes, because some do actually understand while others don’t. People have definitely approached me for collabos and I explain to them, the few that get it, they go out and say good things about me, for the others that don’t, I’m still hoping that they get it some day. Trust me I really want to do collaborations, I want to jump on a song with Reekado Banks, Falz because I think they are awesome, I want to do alot of stuffs’. The singer's debut album is still making waves with the smash hit single 'Mama' ruling the airwaves till date.

Buhari fetes physically-challenged people in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has once more reiterated his determination to recover all stolen funds in the fight against corruption insisting that whoever dares him will suffer the consequences. The President was speaking on Monday evening at the banquet hall in the Presidential Villa, at the breaking of fast with the physically challenged and Internally Displaced Persons living in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The President entered the banquet hall at about 7 o’clock, had a prayer session with them for about ten minutes before serving them one after the other. The President explained that his intention is good and honourable and that money recovered will also be used to build infrastructure that will take care of the physically challenged.

Obiano Signs N1.93bn Integrated Agric Project MoU With Agro Company

The Anambra State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MIP Farms and Agro-Allied Limited for the development of an Integrated Large Scale Commercial Agricultural Project. The project, which is to be located in Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of the state, will involve production of vegetable and spices in greenhouse,

net-houses and open field on 30 hectares of land with the investment sum totalling N1.93 billion naira. Governor Willie Obiano signing the MOU at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, said his administration is instituting an agricultural revolution that will be sustained even after his administration. He further noted that his government is resolved resolve to ensure food sufficiency and exports through mechanized and commercial farming as well as attracting investors to join in the agricultural revolution drive is gaining momentum. Governor Obiano also expressed confidence in the investing company and said his government is fully exploring every agricultural potential to ensure that the state is sufficient in food production, wealth creation and employment opportunities while reducing dependence on Federal Allocation to the barest minimum. The Chairman of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), Igwe Cyril Enweze, who is in charge of state investments sector, said the project will be done in three phases with contributions to be done by both the state and the investing company. The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanization, Processing and Export, Mr. Afam Mbanefo, added that the project will in no small measure contribute to the realization of the state government’s vision in making agriculture a major foreign exchange earner. The Chief Technical Officer and Deputy Managing Director of the Investing Company, Mr. Ikem Mokebe, commended the efforts of the government in the area of mechanized and commercial agriculture and said the company is bringing the best agricultural technology to Anambra.