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FEATURES

FEATURES

The Senate has suspended action on the tax reform bills currently before it.

It further instructed the Committee on Finance to stay action on the public hearing pending the time the agitation in the public space is addressed.

The Senate further constituted a special committee to meet with the executive branch and work with the Federal Government to resolve the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.

This was made known by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided during the plenary on Wednesday.

 

There have been a lot of controversies surrounding the Tax Reform Bills since its introduction to the National Assembly.

The bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

Northern governors have rejected the bills, describing them as anti-democracy.

 

Following this, the National Economic Council requested that the tax reforms bill be withdrawn from the NASS for more consultations.

Amidst the controversy, Senator Shehu Buba (APC, Bauchi South) in an interview with British Broadcasting Service, Hausa Service said Northern Senators agreed to recall the Tax Reforms Bills.

He said, “These bills are complex and require thorough review by tax policy experts.”

He claimed that northern lawmakers strongly oppose the proposed “derivation” formula in the value-added tax (VAT) distribution system, arguing that northern states would be unfairly impacted.

Also, on Tuesday, the president instructed the Ministry of Justice to liaise with the judiciary.

Speaking about these controversies, the Deputy Senate president noted that the delegation will meet on Thursday at the National Assembly to resolve all the issues that have been the cause of the uproar.

Barau said, “On the tax reform bills currently before us, we acknowledge that the Senate remains the highest legislative assembly in this country.

 

“The Senate comprises men and women of wisdom and experience, entrusted to legislate for the peace, stability, and development of the nation.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, like similar bodies globally, serves as a stabilising force in times of difficulty or disagreement. Through dialogue and consensus, the Senate has consistently provided solutions to national challenges since 1999.”

He added, “In this regard, we have decided to set aside politics, ethnicity, and regionalism to work together on resolving the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.

“In collaboration with the Executive Arm of Government, we agreed to establish a forum to identify and address contentious areas to ensure national unity and progress.

“Before the introduction of these bills, we faced numerous challenges, including insecurity and economic issues.

“The President has been working to address these problems, and we are committed to supporting these efforts while tackling global economic challenges. We also agreed that no other issues should aggravate the country’s current difficulties.

“It has been mutually decided between the Executive and the Senate to engage the Judiciary to sort out these matters.

 

“the Attorney General of the Federation will be involved in discussions to identify and resolve areas of disagreement for the nation’s benefit.

“Tomorrow, the committee established by the Senate, along with its leadership, will meet with the Attorney General to address these issues.”

Barau further instructed, “Consequently, the Senate Committee on Finance has been directed to pause further actions on public hearings and other matters related to the tax reform bills until the issues are resolved.”

Members of the committee are all the leadership of the Senate including other members,  Adamu Ailero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa  West) Titus Zam (Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi), Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) and Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East).

The Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, has debunked allegations linking him to fraudulent real estate activities and money laundering, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.

Reports emerged on Tuesday alleging that Idowu had been detained in Abuja by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department over his purported involvement in real estate fraud.

A police source reportedly claimed, “Pastor Bolaji Idowu, popularly known for his ‘Next Level Prayers,’ is under investigation for alleged fraudulent real estate activities and money laundering.”

It was further alleged that the cleric regained his freedom after interventions by some prominent Christian leaders. 

However, addressing the matter during his church’s daily morning prayer session, Next Level Prayers, on Wednesday,  Idowu dismissed the allegations, asserting that he neither owns nor deals in properties within Nigeria.

“I do not have any property in Nigeria. The only property I have in Nigeria is the one bequeathed to me. So, there is no property that I have or bought in Nigeria,” he told his congregation.

Idowu also refuted claims that billions of naira had been funneled into his bank accounts as part of the alleged scheme, maintaining that his financial records are transparent and open to scrutiny.

“Someone said I received billions into my account. My accounts are public; you can check if I have ever received billions in them. It is just a lot of things going on in the press, but this is not the forum to address that,” he stated.

The pastor expressed shock at the allegations, admitting that he learned about them through the media, just like the public.

“Some of these things, as you are reading them, I am also reading them,” he said.

A Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti has ordered that Human Rights Attorney and activist, Dele Farotimi, be remanded following allegations of defaming a prominent legal figure and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.

Naija News reports that the activist is accused of damaging the reputation of Afe Babalola through statements made in his recently released book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’

Farotimi, who was arraigned on Wednesday (today), pleaded not guilty to all sixteen charges brought against him.

 

Police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested that the defendant be held in custody while further investigations are conducted, citing the need for maintaining public safety.

In response, the defendant’s attorney, Dayo Akeredolu, contested this request, urging the court to grant bail under lenient conditions and based on self-recognition.

He emphasized that the case is eligible for bail and that the defendant is a well-known individual who does not pose a threat.

Akeredolu also pointed out that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

Nevertheless, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, decided to remand the defendant in custody and scheduled the next hearing for December 10.

In the wake of the controversies surrounding the tax reform bills, the presidency has explained how the bill will serve the states better and enhance their capacity to earn more revenue.

Naija News reports that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in a statement on Wednesday, shed more insights about the bill.

 

Ajayi’s statement comes after President Bola Tinubu directed the National Assembly and the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday to work together to address the concerns raised on the bill.

 

The statement reads, “Since the public debate around the Tax Reform Bills started, the strongest push back against it has come largely from the north. Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has become the face of the resistance for the reasons he has pushed forward, even when some of them didn’t speak to the facts and provisions of the bills.

“If Governor Zulum and other voices of resistance who think the states will be shortchanged had actually taken time to examine the four executive Bills, they will see how progressive and transformative the Bills are. They will also discern the thought behind them which is primarily to make both the Federal and sub-nationals fiscally stronger and buoyant.

“In his public presentations and the most recent being the Channels TV Town Hall moderated by Seun Okinbaloye Monday evening, Chairman of Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele and other panelists again made convincing arguments for the passage of the Bills before the National Assembly.

“Here are the 10 ways the Tax Bills will serve the states better and enhance their capacity to earn more revenue:

1. The federal government will cede 5% out of its current 15% share of VAT revenue to states.

2. The Bills will transfer income from the Electronic Money Transfer levy exclusively to states as part of stamp duties.

3. The Bills seek to repeal obsolete stamp duties law and re-enactment of a simplified law to enhance the revenue for states.

 

4. Under the new dispensation the Tax Bills will usher in, states will be entitled to the tax of Limited Liability Partnerships.

5. When passed by the National Assembly, the Tax Bills will enable the state government to enjoy tax exemption on their bonds to be at par with federal government bonds.

6. Under the proposed tax reform, states will enjoy a more equitable model for VAT attribution and distribution that will lead to higher VAT income.

7. Integrated tax administration will provide tax intelligence to states, strengthen capacity development and collaboration, and scope of Tax Appeal Tribunal to cover taxpayer disputes on state taxes.

8. The proposed tax laws grant powers for Accountant General of the Federation to deduct taxes unremitted by a government or MDA and pay to the beneficiary sub-national government on personal income tax of workers of federal institutions in states.

9. Framework to grant autonomy for states internal revenue service and enhanced Joint Revenue Board to promote collaborative fiscal federalism.

10. Legal framework for taxation of lottery and gaming and introduction of withholding tax for the benefit of states.

“From the aforementioned, it is clear that the Tax Bills are not in any way injurious to the states. Apart from streamlining the tax system in Nigeria and catalysing economic output, the tax and fiscal policy reforms provide incentives for states to become economic powerhouses. The challenge for governors will be to put on their thinking cap by investing in manpower and critical social and physical infrastructure in their states that will support businesses and socio-economic activities to flourish.”

Pastor Tobi Adegboyega's lawyer has refuted reports that the Nigerian-UK-based pastor is facing deportation from the United Kingdom, describing the claims as "ignorant" and emphasizing that his client is not a criminal.

The Telegraph had earlier reported that Adegboyega lost his appeal against deportation following allegations of financial misconduct within his church after failing to properly account for over £1.87 million in financial outgoings.

SPAC Nation, a now-defunct church founded by Adegboyega, was shut down after the Charity Commission found “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement” in its financial dealings.

Allegations from former members described the church as a “cult” that exploited young and vulnerable individuals, coercing them into taking loans, committing benefit fraud, and even selling their blood to make donations.

The UK tribunal, in its ruling during the trial, however, concluded:

“We are not satisfied that the good work that SPAC Nation undertakes generally would collapse or even significantly suffer should the Appellant be required to leave the UK.

“Weighing all of the foregoing in the balance, we conclude that the decision to refuse leave to remain was wholly proportionate.

“[Mr Adegboyega] seeks to rely on family and private life relationships, all of which have been established whilst he was in the UK unlawfully and which would survive his return to Nigeria.

“The interference would therefore be limited and lawful in all the circumstances.”


However, Adegboyega’s lawyer, Dele Olawanle, in a post on Instagram on Wednesday, described the deportation claims as “ignorant,” “false,” and “sensationalist.”

Olawanle said Adegboyega is not subject to deportation proceedings, noting, “He (Adegboyega) is not facing deportation from the UK… Deportation is for criminals. He is not.”

Olawanle also noted that despite challenges faced by SPAC Nation—including concerns raised by the Charity Commission regarding financial mismanagement—Adegboyega himself had never been personally found guilty of any wrongdoing.

“Even though the courts and the Charity Commission had issues with SPAC Nation, he was not personally found guilty of any wrongdoing,” Olawanle said.

“Tobi has lived in the UK for at least 20 years without a criminal conviction. He has contributed significantly to the British community.

“He has faced many challenges, but he is a winner. Many of his adversaries are from the African community. Sensationalism is an act of idiocy. It is not worth the paper it was written on.

“I read some comments this morning and wondered why people are so quick to make ignorant comments without facts. I wondered why there is joy in seeing people go down, including so-called pastors.

“Society has a big problem, as we cannot handle people who are different and want them to go down. We love people who act sheepishly with zombie traits.”


Olawanle, however, concluded by saying that the claims of deportation were “false” and noted that he would not be making any further comments on the matter, either publicly or privately.

“I have said that this latest news on deportation is false, and I will make no further comments on this deportation matter privately or officially.”

Popular Nigerian singer, Timaya has opened up on the reason for remaining single despite the success in his career.

The singer explained that he has never fancied getting married and it is not something he is drawn to.

He disclosed this in a recent interview with Naija FM.

 

He, however, said he has not ruled out the possibility of tying the knot in the future.

I’ve never been a married guy right from time but it can change because marriage ‘dey craze’? I just look at it like if I marry today, would I be able to get out? In all my previous relationships, I was the one who got out because I don’t like stress”, he said.

Timaya explained that his hesitation towards marriage stems from his desire for freedom and his dislike for stress.

He stressed the importance of open communication in relationships, stating that he values honesty and transparency.

If you have a problem with me, let’s talk about it because I don’t like going to bed thinking about things, I go die o. I don’t like anything to bother me at all,” he added

On fatherhood, Timaya shared that his children live with their respective mothers, but they maintain a close bond, explaining that being a father can be stressful, but it’s also enjoyable.

Timaya revealed that he spends quality time with his children, and they often visit him for extended periods.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has called for efforts to better the lives of Nigerians, noting that citizens are in need of quality leadership.

Vice President Shettima said there was every need to maximize the values from the nation’s core national assets for the benefit of Nigerians.

 

Senator Shettima stated this on Tuesday during the 4th meeting of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), held in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

 

He urged members to provide constructive leadership for Nigerians, cautioning that posterity will judge them kindly if they make efforts to be fair to the citizens.

Shettima, according to a statement from his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, stressed that the nation’s core national assets are critical to the economic agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The work of this council has never been more important, especially given our current economic climate. Maximising value from core national assets is a key tenet of the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we must, as a council, play our part in unlocking the national prosperity that Mr. President works towards every day.

“The agenda today is heavily packed; the items range from very important post-privatization matters to critical sector reform issues that typify the indelible contributions the bureau and this council continue to make towards the attainment of our national aspirations.

“I encourage members of the council to contribute strongly to our discussions today. Posterity will judge us kindly if we make efforts to be fair to the Nigerian people. Our people need our leadership. People will pass judgement on our decisions in years to come,” Shettima said.

During the meeting, the Council received report presentations from its finance, technical and legal committees which were all approved and ratified.

In his presentation to the Council, the Director General of the Bureau Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, sought the approval of the NCP for the proposed 2025 work plan of the Bureau, prioritizing revenue-generating projects and strengthening of concession management capacity, among others.

 

Also in his presentation, the DG gave an update on the establishment of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to the National Council on Privatisation aimed at improving grid management, transparency and reliability.

Council also received update reports on the restructured Kano, Kaduna, Benin and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Companies as well as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission orders on the transfer of regulatory oversight of electricity markets in Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Oyo and Ondo States.

Other important update reports at the meeting included operations at the Zungeru Hydropower Plant; Kainji and Jebba Hydroelectric Power Plant, and the proposal to relocate 4 turbines from Afam power plant to Ughelli power plant, all in a bid to increase power supply to the national grid.

Present at the meeting were the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, as well as other members of the NCP.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of harassing citizens and opposing voices, including Dele Farotimi, with the intention to create a one-party-state.

Atiku Abubakar said the arrest of the human rights lawyer, Farotimi, was a reminder of the days of military dictatorship.

 

In a statement on Wednesday, Atiku stated that the use of police to abduct Farotimi in an alleged defamation case was an abuse of power.

“The arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, is unequivocally condemned. It serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent.

“I am made aware that Dele is being accused of defamation — an offense that, under normal circumstances, should not warrant the involvement of law enforcement. The Police’s intervention in such matters is nothing less than the use of a sledgehammer to swat a fly, an overreach of unimaginable proportions,” Atiku said.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) told President Tinubu that continued arrests of dissenting voices by his administration undermine the principles of democracy.

This alarming trend, particularly the recent abduction — or rather, the arrest — of Dele Farotimi, is emblematic of this administration’s insidious agenda to suffocate the fundamental right to free expression.

“The aim is clear: to intimidate and harass citizens, particularly those who oppose the regime and the press, thus paving the way for the establishment of a one-party state. It is imperative to remind the Tinubu administration that these repeated acts of arrest stand in direct contradiction to the principles of democracy,” he stated.

He emphasized that freedom of speech remained a constitutional right. Atiku highlighted that defamation is a civil matter that should be addressed in the courts, stressing that he had been abused, but resorted to the court.

The former Vice President called for the immediate release of the human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

Freedom of speech and association are not privileges but constitutionally enshrined rights. If anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, they are free to seek redress in the courts, not at the hands of the state’s enforcers.

“It is an appalling abuse of power to use the Police as a tool for personal vendettas. In 2019, I was defamed. I did not involve the Police to flex muscles and intimidate the defaming citizen, but I took the case to court where I am currently seeking reliefs for the injuries to my name and integrity. Therefore, I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi,” Atiku added.

The popular Nigerian-born pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, is making headlines after losing his case at the immigration tribunal, leading to a deportation order from the British government.

Naija News earlier reported that an immigration tribunal ruled that Tobi Adegboyega, 44, cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega, will be deported to Nigeria following allegations of financial misconduct linked to his church, SPAC Nation.

 

Investigations into his church activities revealed allegations of financial misconduct.

 

Despite his appeal citing family ties under the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), the tribunal ruled for his deportation.

Here are 18 key facts about Pastor Tobi:

1. Date of Birth: Tobi Adegboyega was born on November 11, 1980.
2. Nationality: He is a Nigerian pastor with Yoruba roots.
3. Church Leadership: He founded the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), later rebranded as NXTION Family, in London.
4. Move to the UK: Adegboyega relocated from Lagos, Nigeria, to London in 2005.
5. Early Life in London: Initially, he shared a room with his cousin, actor John Boyega, and worked as a kitchen porter.
6. Church Beginnings: SPAC Nation started in 2008 with just three members in Croydon, South London.
7. Unique Practices: He encouraged individuals, including former criminals, to surrender weapons during church services, a controversial initiative.
8. Leadership Transition: In May 2020, Adegboyega stepped down as Lead Pastor and handed leadership to Samuel Akokhia.
9. Church Closure: The UK government ordered SPAC Nation to close in June 2022 due to financial irregularities and lack of transparency.
10. Media Scrutiny: A BBC Panorama investigation accused Adegboyega and church leaders of financially exploiting members and revealed his extravagant financial demands.
11. Allegations of Misconduct: A church member, Nino, alleged that Adegboyega requested £20,000 from him, claiming it was needed for an investment. Although the church denied the accusations, Adegboyega refused to grant an interview to Panorama.

 

12. Controversial Statements: Panorama later published a video of Adegboyega, quoted as saying he believed it was “no big deal for members of the church to give at least £1,000 a month to the church”, and that he needed to make £1 million monthly.

13. Parliamentary Accusations: In January 2020, MP Steve Reed accused SPAC Nation of financial exploitation and fraud, although police declined to launch a criminal investigation.

14. Youth Exploitation Claims: In 2019, the church faced allegations of pressuring young people to sell their blood for money.

15. Domestic and Sexual Abuse Claims: SPAC Nation was also accused of abuse and other forms of misconduct.

16. Lavish Lifestyle: Adegboyega resides in a £2.5 million mansion in Surrey, reflecting a life of luxury.

17. Marriage: In a 2020 interview, he revealed he had been married for eight years to a British woman, a factor he used in his deportation appeal.
18. Legacy: While his church attracted followers and controversy in equal measure, Adegboyega’s practices and leadership remain under scrutiny.

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has begged President Bola Tinubu to forgive former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.
 
Akiolu stated this when he received in his palace, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, and the Managing Director (MD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FERMA, Chukwuemeka Agbasi and their team in his palace.
 
Goronyo and Agbasi were on a two-day working tour of facilities and commissioning of projects in Lagos State.
 
Meanwhile, Aregbesola has said that the goal of the Omoluabi Progressives Caucus, a splinter group within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is to reclaim the state and the nation for unity and development.
 
Aregbesola, who is the leader of the group, said this during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilesa, where he tasked members to intensify their moves on the caucus’ membership across all the local councils in the state.
 
In his verified X handle, formerly known as Twitter, the former governor, said: “I urge all members to embody the spirit of resilience, dedication, love, and unity, which are the bedrock of every successful endeavour.”
 
I also remind them of the need to fully align with our core ethos of discipline, courage, character, and competence.”
 
The former Minister of Interior, while expressing satisfaction with the growth of the group, added: “I express great joy at the ongoing membership registration exercise, which has recorded remarkable growth. I encourage everyone to continue inviting more people to join our ranks and strengthen our collective resolve.”