Why I was invited by Nigeria Immigration Service — Dokpesi | Nairalaw

The Founder of Daar Communications PLC, Raymond Dokpesi, on
Wednesday said he was invited by the Nigeria Immigration Service
(NIS) on issues related to his International Passport.

Dokpesi speaking with newsmen at the gate of the Immigration
Head office in Abuja, shortly after an interrogation that lasted
for about two hours, said that the Service wanted him to leave his
passport with them.

He recalled that on his return to Nigeria on March 25 from a
medical trip, immigration officers invited him on arrival at the
Nnamdi Azikwe Airportand was with them for about 50 minutes, before
he was allowed to leave.

Dokpesi said that the officer handed back his passport to him
with an instruction that they would reach him subsequently.

“On Monday, I received new information and in line with the
normal process, I returned my passport to the Federal High Court
since I traveled under a judicial approval or permission.

“So, I returned my passport that I have gone and came back and
gave notice that I might have to go for a medical checkup so that
they will ensure that my medical operation was successful and that
all the organs and everything are properly healed.

” When I got the (NIS) letter yesterday, (Tuesday) March 26, I
replied that same yesterday 26 notifying them that I have returned
the passport to the Federal High Court and that it has been duly
acknowledged and added all the necessary information.”

Dokpesi said that the officers who interrogated him however said
that the service had expected him to go to the court and obtained
the passport with their letter of invitation.

He said that he totally defer himself from that line of
thought.

“I have returned, I got the passport from the Federal High
Court, I have returned the passport to the Federal High Court.

“If the immigration service, with the instruction from above
requires my passport, then write directly to the federal high court
and request for the passport.

“I stood my ground and said, well I am a Nigerian citizen, I
have travelled out for my medical treatment.

“I am back to the country and I voluntarily came back and have
handed over my passport to the appropriate authority.

“They were telling me that passport was a property of the
federal government and federal government has a right to withdraw
it at any time,’’ he said.

Dokpesi said while agreeing that passport was a property of the
federal government and it has the right to withdraw, he believed
that he was also a citizen and judicial process and rule of law
should be followed in doing so.

Asked of the issue has been resolved, Dokpesi said he was told
that he could be invited again if the need arises.

Speaking earlier with journalists, the NIS Public Relations
Officer, Mr. James Abraham said that Dokpesi was invited for
official-related issues and he had been released. “But I can’t
discuss the issues with you now.”

Asked if the invitation has anything to do with Dokpesi legal
battles, Abraham said that Dokpesi was a high-profile individual
and until his investigation was concluded the matter could not be
disclosed.

“Immigration is just doing its official assignment and when it
is due for the public to know the outcome, they will know,’’ he
said.

Abraham said that all Nigerians were treated the same way, with
high standards particularly when it is related with the operation
of the Immigration service.

“We don’t undermine human rights and we don’t undermine the
standard of practice. Every person that is treated by the NIS is
treated with the best practice.”

On whether Dokpesi would still be invited, Abraham said “If
there is any need to invite him again, why not?”

Dokpesi is standing trial for alleged involvement in the
diversion of N2.1 billion security funds by Sambo Dasuki, former
National Security Adviser. (NAN)

FAAC Shares N619bn for FG, States, LGCs in March
2019

A total of N619.857 billion has been distributed as Federal
Allocation for the month of February 2019 between the Federal,
States and Local Government Councils.

The communiqué issued by the Technical Sub -Committee of the
Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) at the end of its
monthly meeting in March 2019, indicated that the Gross statutory
revenue received was N478.434 billion. This sum is lower than the
N505.246 billion received in the previous month by N26.812
billion.

Federation Crude Oil Export sales increased by about 46%
resulting in increased Federation Revenue from $425.00 million
previously to $574.95 Million. Shut-in and Shut-down persisted
while some Terminals remained closed due to leaks and
maintenance.
Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) increased significantly while Companies
Income Tax (CIT) recorded a marginal increase.
Revenues from Value Added Tax (VAT), Oil Royalty, Import and Excise
Duties decreased in February, 2019.

The distributable Statutory Revenue for the month is #478.434
billion. The total Revenue distributable for the current month
(including VAT, Exchange Gain, Excess Bank Charges recovered and
Forex Equalization) is #619.857 billion.

Therefore, from the Total distributable revenue for the Month,
the Federal Government received N257.681 billion representing
52.68%; States received N169.925 billion representing 26.72%; Local
Government Councils received N127.722 billion representing 20.60%;
while the Oil Producing States received N50.946 billion also
representing 13% derivation revenue.

The balance on Excess Crude Account as at 27th March , 2019 is
$183 million.

END

Oise D. Johnson
Head Press & Public Relations, OAGF.
27th March, 2019.