From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Officials and members of the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA) have risen against the increasing push by some state government officials to de-legitimize the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, the Executive Vice President (Africa Affairs), IIEPEA, at a press conference, in Abuja, told journalists, that the move which is being championed by some states Attorneys-General is for their self gains and not for national interest.
He said: “About 21 States Attorneys-General are in the Supreme Court seeking the apex court to scrap the NLRC and NLTF, while 16 States believe that the Federal Government should continue to collect the revenue since it is being shared among the 36 Sates and the FCT on monthly bases.
“These are agencies of Government with over 20,000 staff. Besides, the Act of the National Assembly empowered NLRC to regulate the betting and gaming sector, while the NLTF collect all the relevant revenue due to the Federal Government, and utilize them to the benefit of Nigerians.
“Over the years, lottery operators have deliberately surcharge the Federal Government by refusing to remit the due revenue of 27.5 per cent and 25 per cent to the government, respectively, hence the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, has taken the bull by the horn in automating the revenue sector of the lottery industry.
“This is an opportunity that will harness the huge revenue in the betting and gaming sector which shall improve the revenue base of the country. The President is poised to increase the revenue base of the country through the lottery sector.”
He expressed optimism that Justices of the Supreme Court who are people of integrity who will not give in to their antics, but rather stand with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Director General of the Institute, Dr. Mustapha Olayinka, in his submission, alleged that some strong forces from the West are championing the campaign, thus appealing to the Supreme Court Justices not to compromise, but stand by Nigerian government on the matter.
He said: “It may interest you to note that Kogi State Government, along with some other States, are also calling for the scrapping of the EFCC. Just like the NLRC and NLTF, the EFCC has recovered hundreds of billions of Naira for the Federal Government.
“Our institute has confidence in the Nigerian judiciary to handle the cases. They are highly competent and professional especially at the Supreme Court. Just like oil revenue, liquor, Value Added Tax (VAT) etc, are been shared among the 36 States and the FCT, it’s important that lottery revenue remain domiciled with the federal agencies to be shared among the States.”