FEATURES
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has made a damning claim on Monday.
He alleged that some state governors write laws from their living rooms.
Dogara spoke during Channels TV’s Town Hall meeting on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills on Monday.
He noted that most state governors don’t consult before making laws within their domains.
According to Dogara: “At the state level, how many governors consult when they are making laws? I’m not challenging them; as a matter of fact, in some cases, state laws are written from the living rooms of governors.
“Should we now stop because governors have not been brought on board even though it’s the right thing to do? Should that be an excuse? The answer is no.
“Then they talk about popularity; all the bills are not popular; I want to tell this audience that what has defined us as humans, most of them were not popular.”
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and founder of the Kukah Centre, Most Reverend Mathew Kukah has drummed support for President Bola Tinubu's controversial tax reform bills.
According to him, the bills will end the elites’ financial recklessness.
Bishop Kukah made this statement on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday.
He urged the Federal Government to ensure that the ongoing reforms lead to the country’s development.
Recall that the bills have attracted criticism in several parts of the country since they were sent to the National Assembly
Some critics said the bills are targeted against the northern region, with millions arguing they will overburden Nigerians.
“Nigeria is a very energetic country with people that are so eminently gifted and are roaring to soar at any time.
“However, our problem is the inability of states to create enough gatherings to contain the energy, vision, and competing narratives of their citizens. This lack of competitive gatherings often spills over into violence.
“But I hear you when you speak about all the issues identified. And I am excited about the issue of tax reform bills because, first, I know nothing about it. But I have started educating myself.
“Any form of reform at all must get this thoroughly dysfunctional country working again.
“So I am excited because hopefully, we can take the time to listen to the conversation about how to avoid and end this financial recklessness, and the irony of Nigerians living by the seaside and washing their faces with saliva.
“The reforms should end the narrative of Nigerians living in a country that is so richly endowed but are spectators to the rascality and irresponsibility of the elites who continue to mismanage our resources.
“So I’m hopeful that this is the beginning of a very long journey of fiscal management and efficiency that can lead to the growth and development of the kind of country that we envision,” the cleric said
If You Continue This Way, You Will Milk Nigeria To Death – Obi Of Onitsha Sends Warning To Politicians
AFOLABI
The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Nnaemeka Achebe has lamented about the high level of corruption in the nation.
The monarch urged those in leadership to put public interest above personal and individualistic desires, insisting that this is the only way Nigeria will grow.
He shared his concerns over the economic situation in the country in Abuja at the public presentation of a book,’Bold Leap’ authored by Senator Chris Anyanwu.
His Royal Majesty warned that with the increasing level of corruption in the country which is akin to milking a cow, the cow would soon die if incorruptible milking was not stopped.
He condemned the attitude of the political class towards accountability and good governance, likening it to the ignoble attitude to milking the cow continuously without replenishing and sustaining it.
The Obi of Onitsha said: “Should we continue milking the cow, it will die. In this country, since independence, we’ve been talking and talking and talking and talking and talking. I think it’s time we begin to think about doing something because we have two alternatives. Keep milking the cow until it dies, because of our sectional interests, which we tend to protect, and our personal interests. People go into public service, not to serve the public, but to serve their interests.
“Either we keep doing that and milk the cow to death, or we do the opposite and place Nigeria above everything else.
“And I would like to add that time is not too much in our favour. It’s either we milk the cow to death very, very fast, or we can turn around the country very, very fast.”
Bold Leap, which had a gathering of Nigerians made up of former Presidents, ex- Presidents of the Senate, past and present senators, and former governors is an autobiography of Senator Anyanwu with 600 pages, three parts, and 19 chapters.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo, the Chairman of the event and former President Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark; former President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by ex-President of the Senate, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Jaja of Okpobo, former Senators, former Anambra State governors, Chris Ngige and Peter Obi, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF’s spokesperson, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, Senators, Captains of Industry, among others were present at the event.
Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga has reacted to claims that President Bola Tinubu's controversial tax reform bills will make Lagos and Rivers richer than other states.
Defending the bills on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed regret that in the last few weeks, various political actors and commentators have tried to obfuscate the facts, deliberately misinforming and misleading the public.
The presidential spokesperson said most of the reactions are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills.
He lamented that while some commentators have attempted to incite the people against lawmakers, others have polarised one section of the country against another.
Giving further insight into the policy, Onanuga reiterated that the tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent than other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed.
He assured that the bills would not destroy the economy of any section of the country. Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living.
“Contrary to the lies being peddled, the bills do not suggest that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills.
“Government agencies, such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA, are funded through budgetary provisions with company income tax and other taxes paid by the same businesses that are being overburdened with the special taxes.
“One reason President Bola Tinubu embarked on the Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms is the need to streamline tax administration in Nigeria and make the operating environment conducive for businesses.
“For decades, businesses, investors, and private sector players in Nigeria have complained of being overburdened by a myriad of taxes and levies, including those earmarked to fund various government agencies and initiatives,” the presidential media aide stated.
He insisted that the multiple taxes complicate the economic environment, making Nigeria uncompetitive for investment and preventing many businesses from growing or continuing their operations.
An Islamic cleric, scholar Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has thrown his support behind President Bola Tinubu's controversial Tax Reform Bills.
He claimed the bills are a good package for all Nigerians amidst opposition from northern governors, lawmakers and traditional leaders.
They claimed if the bills are passed into law, it will impoverish the region.
The stance of the northern leaders have stimulated a fight between Southern and Northern stakeholders.
The bills sparked a fresh debate since Thursday last when it passed second reading at the upper legislative chamber.
Speaking on the matter on Tuesday, Gumi said that the tax bill is a good package for all.
Gumi, however, said that the Value Added Tax which is the most contentious part of the bills should be reviewed.
Asked what his position was on the controversy surrounding the bills, Gumi simply said, “I believe the contentious VAT issue is the only part that needs to be reviewed; otherwise, it is a good package for all”.
Hon Mustapha Tijjani Ghali, a member representing Ajingi/Albasu/Gaya Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has revealed that President Bola Tinubu's tax reform bills will be rejected.
According to him, after reading copies of the four Tax Reform Bills, he has come to the conclusion that it is anti-people and narcissist in all intents.
Speaking on his personal position on Monday, the lawmaker said he has a corporate finance background and having gone through copies of the Bills forwarded to both Chambers of the National Assembly, he has reservations for the bills and will oppose them when they come up for debate.
He said, “it is normal for a bill to pass first reading and legislators could only debate when it comes for second reading”, adding that many members are weighing the ‘prons and cons’, expressing the belief that the bills would not see the light of the day.
The lawmaker said: “Well, this is a subject of national discourse currently going on and is yet to be debated at the National Assembly or the House of Reps.
“But we are aware it has gone through first reading and this is the second reading and we understand it is an Executive Bill.
“Most of the members, including me, so many people have an opinion about it, but I was able to have the four bills and digest it to my own understanding and to the level of knowledge.
“However, I have a background in finance, as a student of International Corporate Finance, so I have an idea of what all this is all about. The bills actually are not in tandem with public interest and it’s not pro-masses.
“This is a capitalist bill and for such a reason, I, Dr. Ghali Mustafa Tijani, I am rejecting this bill as a member that represents people in the parliament to ensure that my people are well represented and Nigerians have got all the benefits and dividends of democracy.
“Therefore, these tax reform bills are capitalistic in nature and are siphoning the poor, so to say.”
Recall that the bills were debated on Wednesday last week at the Senate amid a rowdy session due to controversies.
EFCC Is Now Afraid Of Big Thieves – Sowore Blasts Anti-Graft Agency For Hiding Owner Of 753 Duplexes In Abuja
AFOLABI
African Action Congress, AAC, 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has slammed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for hiding the identity of the top government official who owns the forfeited 753 units of duplexes in Abuja.
Naija News reported that the EFCC successfully obtained the final forfeiture of a property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following a ruling on Monday by Judge Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court.
In a statement made available to newsmen, the spokesperson for the anti-corruption agency, Dele Oyewale, noted that the property spans 150,500 square meters and comprises 753 units of duplexes and various other apartments, marking it as the largest single asset recovered by the EFCC since its establishment in 2003.
The individual who forfeited the property was not mentioned, but Oyewale said it belonged to a “former top brass of the government”.
Reacting, Sowore, in a post on his official Facebook page, tackled the anti-graft agency for withdrawing the identity of the property owner.
According to him, the EFCC is currently afraid of ‘big’ thieves, noting that it is always easier for them to parade suspects who are Yahoo boys, unlike top government officials.
He wrote, “What is the name of the “former top brass” with 753 duplexes seized by the EFCC in Abuja?
“The @officialEFCC is now doing PR for thieves. They seized this large estate with 753 duplexes from a single individual in Abuja but can’t mention his or her name.
“If it is Yahoo boys, they will line laptops and Nokia phones in front of them and send their photos globally even before their trial is commenced. The same EFCC is now AFRAID of BIG Thieves!”
The former lawmaker representing Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Joseph Haruna Kigbu, on Monday, was abducted by suspected bandits while traveling to Jos.
Naija News learnt that the incident happened around 6:00 p.m., between Nunku in Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, and Gwantu in Sanga Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The kidnappers during the attack shot the police escort assigned to Kigbu, who attempted to resist the abduction.
According to Vanguard, eyewitnesses revealed that the bandits fired sporadically, causing panic among motorists in the area.
Local villagers confirmed the incident, adding that the location has been a hotspot for criminal activities over the years.
The abduction of Dr. Kigbu and the death of the police escort underscore the persistent security challenges plaguing the region, with many residents calling for increased security presence in the area.
In other news, residents of Akankan Area of Ede, Osun State, have been thrown into mourning due to a devastating fire that engulfed the residence of a Customs officer, Tijani Kabiru, attached to the Oyo/Osun Command, killing him, his wife, and four of their children.
Naija News learned that the fire outbreak that occurred in the early hours of Monday also sparked panic and disbelief in the community.
The Chairman of the presidential committee on tax policy and fiscal reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed any plans to engage Alpha-Beta Consulting or other consultants for tax collection.
Speaking during a town hall meeting hosted by Channels Television on Monday, Oyedele addressed concerns about using external consultants like Alpha-Beta, a firm known for handling tax collection for Lagos state and linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described reliance on consultants for tax collection as a major economic challenge, emphasizing that governments should not depend on external firms for such critical functions.
“In fact, we debated at the committee level about including a provision in the law that prohibits governments from using consultants to collect taxes. We see this as one of the biggest economic problems,” Oyedele stated.
“I can confirm 100 percent that there is no plan whatsoever to use consultants for this purpose.”
According to Oyedele, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) already possesses the infrastructure needed for efficient tax collection, particularly through its TaxPro Max platform.
Minor adjustments to the system, he noted, are sufficient to implement the proposed reforms.
“For instance, once these bills are passed, we can simply update the system to require companies like MTN to indicate the states where VAT returns are generated,” Oyedele explained.
He added that similar measures would apply to other large corporations, such as the Dangote Group and financial institutions, ensuring compliance without external assistance.
‘Governors Were Consulted on Tax Reform Bills’
Addressing concerns about consultation, Oyedele emphasized that state governors were actively engaged during the drafting process of the tax reform bills.
“This is not a rushed process. We consulted extensively. We had a session with the governors’ forum and two sessions with the national economy council. We also spent almost a full day with finance commissioners from across Nigeria,” he said.
Oyedele further revealed that the committee held multiple meetings with heads of internal revenue services from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Letters were sent to governors in each geopolitical zone, offering detailed discussions with their cabinets.
“Some governors didn’t have time for us, but for those who did, like the governor of Lagos, we had thorough engagements. In Lagos, a joint committee between my team and the state cabinet worked on the details for over six months,” he added.
He maintained that the committee remains open to further consultations, dismissing claims that stakeholders were not adequately involved.
The Presidency has advised critics to withdraw from threatening President Bola Tinubu with the 2027 election.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet, said Tinubu means well for Nigerian, stating that his policies are aimed at fixing the country’s economy.
Tinubu’s aide, while advising that “politics is not job”, noted that if the President did not mean well for the country, he would not have pushed the reforms he has been making for the growth of the country in his first term.
“Stop going to the media to threaten the president about 2027. You can continue to have breakfast meetings until 2027 because of the lack of joblessness. Politics is not a job.
“The president means well for the people of this country; no president will push for the type of reforms the president is pushing for in their first tenure (LGA autonomy, financial reforms, tax reforms).
“Most president will make such to their second tenure… So, it is not about 2027. It is about taking Nigeria to the promised land. Let’s stop politicizing every reform. Leave politics till 2026.
“We are solving the problem of multi-taxation through our tax reforms. Get some work and leave politics for now,” she wrote.
The Community Engagement Aide further charged Nigerians to read the Tax Reform Bill to have a better understanding of its contents.
“Read about the tax reform bills yourself, and don’t depend on social media influencers or other media platforms to educate you about the bills. Influencers are paid to create public sentiment around the reforms and are often politically motivated. Stop being gullible. Let’s keep engaging in intellectual discourse,” Essiet added
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The member representing Ajingi/Albasu/Gaya Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mustapha Ghali has revealed that he plans on opposing the tax reform bills when they come up for debate.
The lawmaker stated that he has read copies of the four bills and understood them to be anti-people and narcissist in all intents.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Ghali, argued that he has a corporate finance background, hence could deduce that the bill is not pro-masses.
He added that many members are weighing the ‘prons and cons’ and expressed the belief that the bills would not see the light of the day.
According to him, “it is normal for a bill to pass first reading and legislators could only debate when it comes for second reading.”
The lawmaker said, “Well, this is a subject of national discourse currently going on and is yet to be debated at the National Assembly or the House of Reps.
“But we are aware it has gone through first reading and this is the second reading and we understand it is an Executive Bill.
“Most of the members, including me, so many people have an opinion about it, but I was able to have the four bills and digest it to my own understanding and to the level of knowledge.
“However, I have a background in finance, as a student of International Corporate Finance, so I have an idea of what all this is all about. The bills actually are not in tandem with public interest and it’s not pro-masses.
“This is a capitalist bill and for such a reason, I, Dr. Ghali Mustafa Tijani, I am rejecting this bill as a member that represents people in the parliament to ensure that my people are well represented and Nigerians have got all the benefits and dividends of democracy.
“Therefore, these tax reform bills are capitalistic in nature and are siphoning the poor, so to say.”
An officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Dayyabu Muhammad, appealed to the Jigawa State Governor and his wife to come to his aid as his 25-year-old wife, Firdausi Muhammad, gave birth to triplets.
Muhammad was blessed with the babies a year after his wife delivered a set of twins.
Reports, according to the Daily Post, revealed that Firdausi underwent a Cesarean section at Dutse General Hospital on Saturday around 12:30 PM to deliver the triplets, consisting of one boy and two girls, who are reported to be in good health and are currently under the care of the hospital’s medical staff.
Previously, Firdausi had given birth to twins, a boy and a girl, several months ago.
However, this joyful occasion also presents challenges for the family of Muhammad, a junior police officer with the Jigawa State Police command.
Muhammad’s wife has appealed to the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, along with his wife and other compassionate individuals, for assistance in caring for their children.
“I am appealing to the Jigawa State Governor, his wife and other individuals to help us properly take care of them,” Firdausi pleaded.
Her husband, Muhammad, has expressed his excitement and gratitude to God for the blessings but also urged prayers and support for the family.
The Nigeria Sex Workers Association has appealed to authorities of law enforcement agencies to protect its members nationwide from harassment and abuse.
NSWA made the appeal in a statement by its National Coordinator, Amaka Enemo, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.
Enemo said that recent reports indicate a disturbing rise in physical assaults, harassment and extortion of sex workers by both clients and law enforcement officials.
She urged law enforcement agencies to recognise the humanity of sex workers and protect them from violence and abuse.
Enemo said that sex workers were not criminals, but individuals with rights, who deserved the protection of security agencies.
According to her, their absolute safety and well-being contribute to the overall health of communities and help to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
“Despite the critical role that sex workers play in the economy and society, they continue to be subjected to systematic violence, discrimination and stigmatisation.
“This violence not only endangers the lives of sex workers but also undermines their rights and dignity as human beings.
“We deserve to work in safety and to live free from fear. It is time for our voices to be heard, and for our rights to be respected,” she said.
The association’s coordinator further urged law enforcement agencies to take prompt measures that would ensure their personnel carried out their duties professionally.
She listed such measures to include comprehensive training for officials, creating safe reporting mechanisms, and holding personnel accountable for acts of violence or discrimination against sex workers.
Others are launching public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination against sex workers, ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted and that victims receive justice.
Enemo said that the association had resolved to advocate for the rights and safety of sex workers across the nation.
She urged stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs and the public to work with the association to fight the injustice and indignity meted out to its members.
NAN
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has rejected claims that the 36 state governors are against the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, it is wrong to say the state governors are against the bills.
Speaking on Monday during a special town hall event by Channels Television on the Tax Reform Bills, Governor Sule disclosed that the demand of the state governors is that the bill be withdrawn to allow for further consultations and clarification of grey areas.
According to him, the bill is not a problem, but they need answers to some questions regarding the provisions of the bill and their request is that the bill be withdrawn in order to first answer the questions.
“The issue of increasing the VAT from 20 per cent to 60 per cent at the point of generation, and I am happy that Taiwo said it has now changed not just at the point of generation but also consumption, that is fine.
“Those were some of the issues mentioned by the governors. The governors said, you know what, why don’t you withdraw the bills, let us discuss it, let us understand it,” Governor Sule said.
According to him, the Townhall meeting, which happened on Monday, as well as some other steps, should have been taken earlier by the Tax Reform Committee before the bill was forwarded to the National Assembly.
Responding, the Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, appreciated Governor Sule for the feedback.
He also revealed that the committee had tried to enlighten Nigerians and other stakeholders before the bill was sent to the National Assembly, but the response was not encouraging.
Oyedele, however submitted that the committee is ready to repeat some of the processes in order to clarify grey areas to members of the public and stakeholders.