The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said 19 states in the North Central zone, Southeast, and coastal areas are at risk of impending heat stress.

The states that would be mostly affected are Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River, and FCT.

 

Other vulnerable regions are the southwest and northern states including Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto.

The NiMet alert issued yesterday shows rising temperatures and high humidity over the next three to four days, which may cause thermal discomfort across several regions.

According to the agency, the potential health risks include fatigue and irritability, reduced focus and motor skills, and lower productivity.

NiMet, however, advised residents of the affected areas to

“Stay cool by using fans, air conditioning, or shaded spaces and dress light by wearing breathable clothing.

“Drink plenty of water, avoid peak sun hours (12 PM – 3 PM). Use sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.”

 [Leadership]

The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has proposed major changes in the tax reform bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Daily Trust reports that the committee modified a number of the clauses, expunged some, retained many and introduced some new clauses in the bills.

 
 

The chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Rep James Abiodun Faleke, yesterday presented the reports on the consolidated tax reform bills to the House at the resumption of plenary.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in October 2024 transmitted the four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

The presentation of the reports followed the conclusion of a three-day public hearing on the bills and the subsequent review of the memoranda presented to the committee as well as inputs made by various stakeholders during the hearing.

 

The reports presented to the House include that on a “Bill for an Act to Provide for the Assessment, Collection of, and Accounting for Revenue Accruing to the Federation, Federal, States and Local Governments; Prescribe the Powers and Functions of Tax Authorities, and for Related Matters (HB.1756) ” (Referred: 12/2/2025).

“A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No.13, 2007 and Enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment)  Bill to Establish Nigeria Revenue Service, charged with Powers of Assessment, Collection of, and Accounting for Revenue Accruable to the Government of the Federation and for Related Matters (HB.1757)” (Referred: 12/2/2025).

“A Bill for an Act to Establish Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombud, for the Harmonisation, Coordination and Settlement of Disputes arising from Revenue Administration in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.1758) and a “Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks Relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide For Taxation of Income, Transactions and Instruments, and for Related Matters (HB.1759).”

 

Daily Trust reports that barring any last minute change, the House of Representatives will begin the clause-to-clause consideration of the bills on Thursday.

Drops VAT increase, modifies inheritance tax

Meanwhile, the committee has recommended a number of changes to the proposed bills and recommended to the House for clause-by-clause consideration and passage.

The changes made to the bills addressed some of the contentious clauses such as increase in VAT rate, scrapping of TETFUND, NITDA and NASENI, modification of inheritance tax; VAT derivation and distribution formula, among others.

While it was proposed in section 146 that VAT should be increased from the current 7.5% to 10% by 31st December, 2025; 12.5% from January 2026 to December 31st 2029 and to 15% from January 2030 upwards, the committee recommended that the current 7.5% VAT rate be retained.

 

The committee also modified the contentious clause on inheritance tax. While it was proposed that an estate left by a deceased would be taxed, it has been modified to say that whoever inherits such estate or part of it as an heir and invests it in business yielding returns will now be taxed.

TETFUND, NITDA, NASENI to remain

The Section 59 of the Nigerian Tax Bill which proposed to stop the funding of TETFUND, NITDA and NASENI by 2030 has been modified by the committee, which proposed that the funding should continue, while recommending additional agencies to benefit from the 4 % development levy fund.

The committee recommends that the fund accruing from the 4% development levies imposed on the assessable profits of all companies shall be distributed as follows — (a) Tertiary Education Trust Fund — 50%; (b) Nigerian Education Loan — 3%; (c)National Information Technology Development Fund — 5%; (d) National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure — 10%;

 

Others include Social Security Fund – 10;  Defence Infrastructure Fund, 10%; Nigeria Police Trust Fund – 5%; National Sports Development Fund– 3%; National Board for Technological Incubation – 3% and National Cybersecurity Fund – 1%.

The committee further recommended that for the purpose of this section, every beneficiary Agency and Fund in subsection (3) shall be required to prepare and submit their income and expenditure to the National Assembly for appropriation

While Section 22 of the bill proposed that “a taxable person shall, in respect of Value Added Tax (VAT), with or without a notice and whether or not an economic activity has taken place, submit a return to the Service in the prescribed form, by the date specified in subsection of this section or in a regulation issued by the Service for that purpose, the committee recommended that a taxable person shall, in respect of Value Added Tax (VAT), with or without a notice and whether or not an economic activity has taken place, submit a return to the Service in the prescribed form, on or before the 21st day of the following month.

 

 

Attribution irrespective of location

While the Section 22 (12) proposed that “For the purpose of attribution, any return under this section shall provide details of derivation of taxable supplies by location in a manner prescribed by the Service”, the committee recommended “For the purpose of attribution, any return under this section shall provide details of consumption of taxable supplies, irrespective of where the return is filed.”

Section 7(2) of the Nigerian Tax Administration Bill proposed that “Where a relevant tax authority refuses to register or issue a Tax ID upon request under subsection (1) of this section, the relevant tax authority shall, within two working days of the decision, notify that person of the refusal. However, the committee recommended that “Where a relevant tax authority refuses to register or issue a Tax ID upon request under subsection (1) of this section, the relevant tax authority shall, within five working days of the decision, notify that person of the refusal with reasons.

On fiscalisation

Section 23 of the bill proposed that where the Service deploys an Electronic Fiscal System (EFS) any person making a taxable supply shall use the EFS for recording and reporting all supplies. It also proposed that the Service may prescribe technical specifications and security standards for using the EFS to record and report supplies. It further added that taxable persons shall be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all transactions passing through the EFS.

However, the committee recommended that, “The Service shall specify the fiscalisation system to be adopted and a transition arrangement for its implementation.”

It also recommended that (1) “Where the Service deploys an Electronic Fiscal System (EFS), any person making a taxable supply shall use the EFS for recording and reporting.”

The committee further added that “Taxable persons shall be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all transactions passing through the EFS and that the Service shall specify the fiscalisation system to be adopted and a transition arrangement for its implementation.”

Section 27 proposed that, “Every person who has an obligation to deduct and remit tax under this Act or any other tax legislation shall render monthly returns as specified in the regulation issued for that purpose.

“Every person who has an obligation to deduct and remit tax under this Act or any other tax legislation shall render monthly returns to the appropriate tax authority, as specified in the regulation issued for that purpose.

Company tax rates

Section 56 of the Nigerian Tax Bill proposed that  “Companies shall be levied, for each year of assessment in respect of total profits of every company, in the case of— (a) a small company, at zero per cent; and (b) any other company, at the rate of– (i) 27.5% in 2025 year of assessment, and (ii) 25% from 2026 year of assessment.”

However, the committee recommended that tax shall be levied, for each year of assessment in respect of total profits of every company, in the case of— (a) a small company, at zero percent; and (b) any other company, save for companies in subsection (2) of this section, at the rate of 30 per cent. It further recommended that companies operating in priority sectors as contained in the Eleventh Schedule of this Act shall be subject to income tax at the rate of 25 per cent, during the priority period.

 

90% of contentious areas addressed – Lawmaker

Speaking to our reporter yesterday, Rep. Bappah Aliyu Misau (PDP, Bauchi) said he had gone through the contentious issues and noticed that over 90 per cent of the concerns raised had been addressed.

He said: “I had the privilege to be at the public hearing in order to feel the pulse of the nation as regards the bills. So, what I read first when I saw the report were the contentious and controversial issues. That was the first thing I did to see how the diverse opinions and suggestions by Nigerians as groups and individuals have been considered.

“The issue of VAT increase has been addressed; the issue of TETFUND, NITDA and NASENI scrapping has been removed. The proposed VAT increase from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent and subsequently to a higher percentage has been removed.

“Inheritance Tax was the most critical aspect in the Tax reform bills which affects all Muslims. The issue has been addressed squarely. Initially, it was proposed that the estate left by a deceased would be taxed. That aspect has been removed. What is now contained in bill is that whoever inherits the estate or part of it as an heir and invests it in business, the business or the property yielding returns to him will be taxed.

“The other issue we raised about the Southern part getting more share of the VAT has also been addressed. Now we have 30 per cent derivation rather than 60 per cent. The derivation is also not as it was before; it will be based on consumption, not based on where a company or entity is headquartered.

“So, it is 30 per cent on consumption. And again, we said, this 30 per cent because of fiscalisation. What needs to be done now is to provide the technology that can track the consumption and provide the needed data for computation.

“The other issue addressed is the composition of the board of the proposed Joint Tax Board. After the chairman, it was now agreed in the bill that persons will be appointed to the board from all the 36 states and six executive directors will be appointed with one each representing each of the political zones.

“So, the executive directors will serve as heads of operations. Before, the provision was to have only non-executive directors who almost have no power, but will act on what the chairman directs them to do. What is in the bill now is that the zones will bring one person each and the president will be the one to appoint the executive directors for a tenure of four years, renewable. So, all the grey areas have been taken care of.

“The excessive powers given in the initial bill have been toned down with the proposed appointment of one person from the 36 states as members and the appointment of the executive directors from the zones.

“So, the fear of the chairman wielding excessive powers has been allayed and addressed,” he said.

Fear in the North

Daily Trust reports that before the public hearing was held, there was a lot of push back on the bills especially from the North.

Governors and members of the National Assembly from the region had noted serious concerns on some provisions in the presidential bills.

However, after serious debates and interventions, a consensus was reached between the governors and tax reform team, a development that paved the way for public hearing at the two chambers of the national assembly.

Some legislators told the Daily Trust after the public hearing, senators and members of the House of Representatives from the North had commissioned the services of some consultants who helped in bringing out serious defence on why some provisions in the original bills must be expunged.

“We succeeded in proving our fears and gladly, Rep Faleke, who is the chairman of the finance committee agreed,” one of the sources said.

But another Rep member said they are still entertaining some fears.

“Of course, most of the issues we corrected at the House committee have been relayed to the Senate Committee on Finance led by Senator Sani Musa from Niger State. We are hopeful that during the clause by clause consideration, the issues would be taken seriously.

“We want to believe that some of our colleagues both in the Senate and the House of Representatives would not be compromised,” the source said.

Red flags

Our correspondents report that outside the National Assembly, still there are concerns that several contentious and “potentially dangerous” provisions in the Bills have not been dealt with despite the recent public hearing on the Bills.

A new research conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT) highlighted these provisions, saying key issues that directly impact citizens were neglected.

The publication, authored by Abubakar Siddique Mohammed and Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi was the second to be released by the group of intellectuals since the debate on the tax reform bills began.

In the earlier publication released in December, the group had highlighted how some of the provisions could threaten the Nigeria’s federal system

And in the latest document released in February, CEDDERT highlighted “potentially dangerous” provisions which can be abused.

The scholars explained that the consensus emerging from the several political bargains by the elites over the bills “would have serious economic and social consequences because it has neglected the many aspects of these bills that are important for the people’s welfare.”

According to CEDDERT, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was able to “snatch” some compromises from the governors “using all forms of subterranean means.”

For instance, Section 75(1) of the proposed Tax Administration Bill grants the President unrestricted authority to exempt any company or group of companies and any of their profits, regardless of the source, from income tax on any grounds deemed adequate.

It also pointed out that under Section 75(2), the President is empowered “to amend, add, or repeal any tax exemption by issuing an executive order.”

The group stated that “there is no democratic country in the world where a president has such powers! Not in the US, the UK or even Russia.”

According to the researchers, this section of the bill, which gives significant power to the President, if passed “will deepen centralisation of authority, increase unproductive lobbies, reduce revenue and increase corruption in ways similar to import duty waivers given in the past.”

The report also highlighted Section 60 of the NTAB which empowers the authority to seize assets of a person whose assessment is finalised and conclusive.

“They do not need further approval of the court (section 60(b)(3)) to distrain any property. They can use police with reasonable force to break and enter the property (Section 61). The authority may sell the seized property after 14 days (section 60 (b)(4)) with court approval.”

According to the report, this practice is now restricted to require court approval or abolished in many jurisdictions because of abuse.

“This section is all the more dangerous due to weak state institutions. With this provision, citizens can be targeted and crippled financially. Indeed, it is in violation of the constitution and of the law of natural justice,” the scholars stated.

According to the group, in line with the global best practice, and the provision of the Joint Revenue Board that establishes the Tax Appeal Tribunal, all tax disputes should be settled in courts.

It also queried the introduction of special purpose tax officers, saying it would only add to the retinue of law enforcement officers “who have continued to complicate law enforcement itself” as the officers were given the powers of police officers.

The publication also examined Section 63 which empowers the authority to investigate or cause an investigation to be conducted on any person, whether or not it is reported, based on suspicion arising from lifestyle (Section 60 (3)). The authority can use any law enforcement agency for the purpose (Section 63(2)).

It opined that this can be used to hound political opponents given “the dictatorial tendency of our leaders.”

“These complex and excessive powers are not only dangerous to the citizens, but also to the politicians themselves. The danger of these provisions reminds us of the attempt to use tax laws to prevent Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Mallam Aminu Kano from contesting election,” it added.

 [DailyTrust]

Technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Augustine Eguavoen has debunked reports of interference in Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle squad selection for the upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Eric pruned his large provisional squad for both games to 23 on Tuesday.

Notable omissions include Ahmed Musa, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho and Zaidu Sanusi.

Eguavoen said that Chelle is in total control of the team and have the responsibility of picking his players.

The former defender further declared that the Malian took his time before coming up with the list.

“I want Nigerians to get clarity on something, I’ve been technical director for a few years and I have attended FIFA workshops where I ask questions a lot and they made it clear to me that a senior national team coach anywhere in the world has a final say on who he wants on his list.

“We can interact, we cannot interfere. If he says no, it’s no. That is why they can fire a senior national team coach at any time. So I will say Eric Chelle took his time to prepare this list and he has the final say,” Eguavoen told SuperSport.

The Super Eagles will open camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda on Sunday.

The three-time African champions will face Adel Amrouche’s side at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali next week Friday.

They will host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Tuesday, March 25.

[DailyPost]

 

Actress Mary Njoku has raised concerns about the benefits of joining Nollywood guilds and associations, questioning their impact on members.

In a post on her Instagram story, Njoku revealed that she struggled to provide a clear answer when an up-and-coming filmmaker asked about the advantages of guild membership.

She urged the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood associations to clarify and present evidence of the tangible benefits they offer to their members.

 

She wrote: “A budding filmmaker asked me ‘what are the benefits of being part of Nollywood guilds and associations?’ and I am struggling to give a clear answer. Can someone help outline the benefits with supporting evidence?”

According to the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), there are 22 approved Nollywood guilds and associations, including the AGN and Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN). 

[TheNation]

Controversy has trailed the purchase of N5BN vehicles for 40 lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly, deepening the feud between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and erstwhile Speaker Mojisola Meranda.

The PUNCH learnt that Meranda purportedly led the purchase of about 39 vehicles for the lawmakers during the period Obasa was removed as Speaker.

However, it was further gathered that Obasa had in December 2024 approved N7bn for the same purpose with plans in motion before he was ousted on January 13, 2025, by about 35 of the 40 lawmakers at the House over allegations of highhandedness, and financial misappropriation among others.

Meranda, who was then made the Speaker by the lawmakers, presided over a boiling House for 49 days until March 3 when she tendered her resignation following the intervention of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress.

 

Obasa was reelected as Speaker and Meranda returned to her initial position of Deputy Speaker.

However, the crisis does not seem to go away as Meranda and the Assembly still face legal battles from Obasa in the state High Court as the Speaker challenges the basis for his removal.

His contention in court is still ongoing despite the political intervention of party stakeholders who resolved the leadership crisis.

Amid the legal battle is also the contention between the duo over the purchase of the vehicles with money withdrawn from the Assembly’s account while Obasa was away.

Sources privy to the development said Obasa is contending the purchase of the vehicles without his authorisation, as the Speaker had his plan of purchasing the vehicles from Dubai from his bidder of interest.

“He had approved the money before his removal. But Meranda proceeded with buying them, a move that infuriated Obasa,” an aide to Obasa, who asked not to be named for not being authorised to comment yet, said on Tuesday.

“In December, Obasa approved the purchase of those vehicles. But for him, the vehicles were to be bought from Dubai but when Meranda took over, she made it an open bidding. They weren’t bought in Dubai anymore. That is just the difference. So it’s not as if they stole money as it’s been propagated,” another source in the Assembly told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity on Tuesday.

“The purchase or execution was only done (under Meranda). Obasa already approved it. There is a difference between between approval and execution,” the source added.

When contacted on Tuesday, Meranda’s spokesperson, Victor Ganzallo, said an official statement would be issued.

 

“We will put out an official statement,” he said.

The PUNCH is yet to obtain the statement as of press time.

However, a source close to Meranda who noted that he had not got official authorisation to speak, stated that the first female Speaker only saved N2bn by purchasing 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of Toyota Landcruiser 2025 at the sum of N5b, rather than the N7bn budgeted by Obasa.

“Let it be known that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never made any withdrawal from the account of LAHA; rather, she only made a downward review of an existing procurement approval by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. In doing that, she saved the assembly the sum of N2 billion,” he stated.

He said Obasa had done an approval for the purchase of 35 units of Toyota Fortuner SUV and 10 units of Toyota Prado from Dubai at N7bn.

“As a matter of fact, he made the approval on December 23, 2024. Upon his removal, Rt.Hon. Mojisola Meranda reviewed the approval and called for a bidding locally and approved the sum of N5b for 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of Toyota Landcruiser 2025 at the sum of N5b, saving N2b for the House.

“Unlike Obasa who had planned to import the vehicles from Dubai, all the cars were locally supplied. It is imperative to note that no money was withdrawn by Rt.Hon. Meranda, she only reviewed an existing approval.

“Interestingly, Hon. Meranda spent far less money to acquire better quality cars and didn’t even approve a single one for the office of the Speaker that she occupied,” he added.

Meanwhile, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), has spoken on why Obasa is still in a legal battle against Meranda and the Assembly despite his client’s reelection as Speaker.

He said the allegations Obasa by the lawmakers were heavy and needed to be trashed.

“Because there are some issues that are still pending within the context of notice of allegation. The case of allegation contains reasons for the impeachment which include highhandedness, fraudulent malpractices and the rest and we feel that those issues must be trashed out,” he told The PUNCH in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja had on Monday adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by Obasa to March 17, 2025.

The court had previously scheduled the hearing for March 10, 2025, but at Monday’s proceedings, counsel for the House of Assembly, Femi Falana (SAN), informed the court that Obasa’s legal team, led by Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), had served further affidavits on the same day.

[Punch]

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively in the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, warning that continued instability in the oil-rich region could have far-reaching consequences for national peace and economic stability.

During a high-profile visit to the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, PANDEF leaders, including traditional rulers, former governors, and senior political figures, presented an eight-point agenda to the President, highlighting pressing issues affecting the South-South geopolitical zone.

At the forefront of their concerns is the escalating political tension in Rivers State, where conflicting court rulings have deepened the divide between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Despite the governor’s public commitment to abide by a recent Supreme Court ruling, PANDEF expressed fears that the situation remains volatile.

To address the crisis, the group has constituted a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee led by former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah. However, PANDEF leaders believe that only a direct intervention by President Tinubu can bring a lasting resolution. They urged the President to ensure that all parties prioritize peace and work towards an amicable settlement outside the courts.

PANDEF also pressed for the immediate assent to the South-South Development Commission Bill, which they argue is distinct from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). According to the group, while the NDDC focuses on oil-producing communities, a South-South Development Commission would drive holistic regional growth, similar to commissions established for other geopolitical zones.

The group called on the federal government to revisit the fallout of the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment that ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. PANDEF lamented the displacement of indigenous communities, warning that the affected people face the threat of cultural extinction.

Rising cases of kidnappings, violent attacks, and piracy in the South-South also featured prominently in PANDEF’s agenda. The leaders urged the government to strengthen security measures, warning that unchecked criminal activities could lead to a resurgence of militancy. They specifically called for the urgent establishment of a Coast Guard unit to protect coastal communities.

PANDEF criticized the inadequate allocation of funds for critical infrastructure in the South-South despite the region’s significant contributions to national revenue. They decried the deplorable state of key roads, including the East-West Road and the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, and demanded immediate government intervention.

The group also called for the development of new deep-sea ports in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Edo states to boost Nigeria’s maritime economy.

PANDEF urged the federal government to facilitate greater involvement of Niger Delta indigenes in the oil and gas industry, including leadership positions within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other key agencies.

They also advocated for the implementation of modular refineries to curb illegal oil refining, reduce pollution, and create economic opportunities for locals.

Reiterating concerns about environmental degradation due to oil exploration, PANDEF called for an expanded clean-up initiative beyond Ogoniland to other affected communities in the Niger Delta.

Concluding their presentation, PANDEF emphasized the need for constitutional reforms to return Nigeria to true fiscal federalism, a position they noted President Tinubu had championed in the past. They argued that restructuring the revenue-sharing formula would empower regions to drive their own development more effectively.

While President Tinubu has yet to make a public statement on PANDEF’s demands, sources at the meeting indicated that he assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the Niger Delta region.

With tensions in Rivers State still unresolved and economic challenges mounting, PANDEF’s appeal underscores the urgent need for decisive leadership to stabilize the South-South and ensure sustainable development.

[Vanguard]

 

The University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Enugu state, is set to organise a colloquium in honour of the late Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The colloquium, “Three Decades after the Annulment of the June 12th, 1993, Presidential Election: Lessons for Nigeria’s Democracy,” will take place on March 21 at the Moot Court Hall, Faculty of Law, UNN, Enugu campus.

The colloquium is being organisied by UNN’s department of political science, faculty of social sciences.

Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, is the special guest of honour, while Chinedu Nebo, the vice-chancellor of the University on the Niger, Umunaya, Anambra state, is the chairman of the occasion.

 

Speakers expected at the event include Emeka Ihedioha, former governor of Imo; Osita Chidoka, former minister of aviation; Chinyere Okunna, deputy vice-chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Anambra state; Umar Dangiwa, retired colonel; and Bukhari Bello, former executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (NHRC).

On October 24, 2024, Nwosu died in a hospital in Virginia, United States, at 83.

Nwosu, a professor of political science, headed the electoral commission from 1989 to 1993. NEC is now known as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

He oversaw the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which is regarded as the freest and most credible in Nigeria’s history.

The late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola was believed to have won the election, which was annulled by Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, then military president.

Nwosu went into exile after the annulment and lived the rest of his life as a recluse since 1993.

[TheCable]

 
 

The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has claimed that the government of the day is responsible for the crisis rocking the opposition parties in the country.

Naija News reports that El-Rufai made the claim in a viral video online while addressing some members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

 

The Ex-Governor stated that the trend of jumping from one court to another is all designed to distract the opposition party leadership from focusing on their own functions.

According to El-Rufai, some people have been contracted to cause problems in the opposition parties.

He said, “The crisis in the Labour Party is caused by the government of the day. Everyone knows it. Jumping from one court to another is all designed to distract the party leadership from focusing on their own functions. The same thing is happening in the PDP, even the NNPP has been targeted for destruction. There are people that have been resourced to go and cause problems in NNPP.

 

“The last thing I read about the NNPP is that one faction of the party has expelled Kwankwaso and the sitting governor. When you see things like that, you know it is contrived crisis. Which party sacks the sitting governor and the only governor they have? You know, it is contrived. I don’t have the details. I cannot mention this because I don’t have the details.”

 
 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised the alarm over the activities of 58 illegal Ponzi scheme operators defrauding Nigerians under the guise of investment opportunities.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the companies are neither registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria nor the Securities and Exchange Commission, making their operations illegal.

Oyewale noted that the commission has taken legal action against many of the entities, leading to the conviction of five, while another five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting further judicial processes.

He added that other cases are still pending arraignment.

 

The statement read in part, “In line with its commitment to sanitising the financial space of the nation and providing the investing public with adequate and reliable information, the EFCC hereby alerts Nigerians to the operations of 58 companies posturing as investing entities but defrauding innocent citizens of their hard-earned money.”

According to Oyewale, some of the flagged companies include Wales Kingdom Capital, Bethseida Group of Companies, AQM Capital Limited, Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited, Brickwall Global Investment Limited, Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech and Green Eagles Agricbusiness Solution Limited among others.

The statement added, “Richfield Multiconcepts Limited, Forte Asset Management Limited, (Biss Networks Nigeria Limited, S Mobile Netzone Limited, Pristine Mobile Network), Letsfarm Integrated Services, Bara Finance & Investment Limited, Vicampro Farms Limited, Brooks Network Limited, Gas Station Supply Services Limited, Brass & Books Limited, (Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Venturescrowdyvest Limited,) and Crowdyvest Limited,

“Others are: Jadek Agro Connect Limited, Adeeva Capital Limited, Oxford International Group and Oxford Gold Integrated, Skapomah Global Limited, MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited, TRJ Company Limited, Farm4Me Agriculture Limited, Quintessential Investment Company, Adeprinz Global Enterprises, Rockstar Establishment Limited, SU.Global Investment, Citi Trust Funding PLC, Farm Buddy, Eatrich 369 Farms & Food, Globertrot Farmsponsors Nigeria Limited, Farm Sponsors Limited, Cititrust Credit Limited, Farmfunded Agroservices Limited, Adamakin Investment & Works Limited.

“The rest include: Cititrust Holding PLC, Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Limited, Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited, Emerald Farms & Consultant Limited, Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited, Farm 360 & Agriculture Company, Requid Technologies Limited, West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Limited, NISL Ventures Limited & Estate of Laolu Martins, XY Connect Investment Limited, River Branch Unique Investment Limited, Hallmark Capital Limited, CJC Markets Limited, Crowd One Investment, Farmkart Foods Limited, KD Likemind Stakeholders Limited, Holibiz Finance Limited, Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services, Servapps Nigeria Limited, Barrick Gold Mining Company and 360 Agric Partners Limited.”

Oyewale assured the public that the EFCC remained vigilant in monitoring and prosecuting fraudulent investment schemes, warning Nigerians to exercise caution before committing funds to any financial entity not duly registered with regulatory bodies.

“We urge the public to verify any investment opportunity with the CBN and SEC before engaging. The EFCC remains committed to safeguarding the public from predatory operators and ensuring a corruption-free economic environment,” the statement added.

He urged victims of fraudulent schemes to come forward with complaints and assured them that efforts were ongoing to recover funds where possible.

A former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Barrister John Nwobodo, has stated that it will not be politically proper for the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi  to deputise a northern candidate in 2027.

Nwobodo, a former governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Enugu State stated this in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP in Enugu.

 
 

He said instead of deputising a northern candidate in 2027, Obi should forget any presidential ambition.

Nwobodo insisted Obi has really created an impact in Nigeria’s political landscape, saying he does not think the former presidential candidate is a desperate politician who will run for political office at all cost.

 

“I do not think that it would make political sense for Obi to deputise a Northern candidate in 2027 instead of doing that he should  not run.

“Mr. Obi has really created an impact in the political landscape of Nigeria. I do not think that he is a desperate politician who would run for a political office at all cost” Nwobodo stated.

He, however, warned that it will take extraordinary measures to defeat the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the presidential election in 2027.

Nwobodo said the APC is well entrenched in terms of membership and spread coupled with high network Nigerians in its fold.

“Without pandering to the political sentiments or emotions, it would take extraordinary measures to defeat APC in 2027. I say so because the party is well entrenched in terms of membership and spread coupled with high networth Nigerians in its fold.

“The problem of leadership in Nigeria is not one of the party nomenclature but a deep-rooted problem of lack of patriotism and the negative mindset of most politicians who see politics as a tool for aggrandizement of power and money.

“But returning to the question, I think the only kind of opposition that can wrestle power from the APC is the opposition that would field new breed promoted by an amalgamation or coalition of political parties and a well mobilized citizens. Any political arrangement that favours the old politicians would hit the rock.’ he stated.