FEATURES
Members of the House of Representatives from the northern part of the country have raised fresh concerns over the four tax reform bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly.
They spoke at an interactive session organised by the House of Representatives with the members of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms on Monday.
The bills, particularly the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, have sparked widespread debate.
The bills are: The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country; and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.
The others are: the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.
The National Economic Council (NEC) and state governors have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw the bills for further consultations.
Also, northern leaders, including traditional rulers and lawmakers, have expressed their opposition, saying the proposed reforms are skewed against the region.
Despite this, President Tinubu has maintained that the legislative process should proceed, emphasising that ongoing deliberations allow for inputs and amendments without the need to withdraw the bills.
During the session yesterday, lawmakers, including Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau), Rep. Ahmed Jaha Babawo (APC, Borno), Rep. Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno), and Rep. Zakariah Dauda Nyampah (PDP, Adamawa), expressed concerns about the bills’ potential impacts on the North.
They argued that the region’s economy, already weakened by insecurity and poor productivity, could suffer further under the proposed amendments.
But the presidential tax reform team allayed the fears, saying the current VAT distribution favours few states and is unfair to others.
‘North’s economy plagued by insecurity’
The northern lawmakers raised concerns that the socio-economic vulnerabilities faced by states in the region, largely driven by insecurity, have not been adequately considered in the proposed tax reform bills.
The lawmakers called for a balanced approach to the tax reform process, one that considers the region’s security challenges and ensures fair treatment for all states.
Rep. Gagdi said insecurity has disrupted the previously vibrant economies of many northern states and questioned how conflict-displaced citizens in the North could benefit from VAT proceeds tied to consumption and other import-related taxes.
He noted that industries, factories, and other means of production in these areas have been severely impacted, with large portions of the productive population displaced or rendered less effective due to challenges such as Boko Haram insurgency and banditry.
Rep. Jaha said the timing of the proposed tax amendments is inappropriate given the current security situation in the North, which has significantly affected its economy.
He expressed reservations about the derivation-based revenue-sharing formula, which he said would unfairly disadvantage economically fragile states.
“There are regions, especially in the North, that are not economically viable due to security challenges. The proposed VAT allocation formula would treat these states unfairly,” Jaha said.
Rep. Gimba emphasised the plight of states like Borno, where insurgency has significantly hindered economic activities.
She called for a more equitable VAT-sharing formula that would account for the unique challenges faced by such states.
Similarly, Rep. Nyampah called for careful consideration of the controversial provisions in the reform bills that could adversely affect northern states, both individually and collectively.
We’ll prioritise constituents’ wishes – Senator Kawu Sumaila
The Senator representing Kano South, Abdurahman Kawu Sumaila, has assured that lawmakers, particularly those from the northern region, will align their decisions with the wishes of their constituents regarding the bills.
Speaking with Daily Trust on Monday, Senator Sumaila emphasised that the views of the people, as communicated through regional leaders, would guide their actions.
“We are studying the bill as usual and liaising with our constituents and relevant stakeholders to understand their feelings and views. It is the peoples’ views and will that will prevail in the end. This is what will happen,” he said.
When asked about his stance on the position advanced by northern governors and traditional leaders, Senator Sumaila said there was nothing unusual in the ongoing process. He highlighted that such deliberations are standard for all bills, although he acknowledged the heightened importance of this particular legislation.
“This bill will come to a debate in parliament, and we will debate it. We will not do anything against the interest of our people. We will ensure our actions align with their thinking. Nigeria is our constituency, and we will do justice to it, Insha’Allah. I am not far from the thinking of my constituency,” he added.
We’ll be guided by national interest – Doguwa
The Leader of the Northern Regional Caucus in the House of Representatives, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has assured that lawmakers from the region will prioritise national interest in deliberating on the proposed tax reform bills.
Speaking to reporters after an interactive session on the bills, Doguwa emphasised the importance of a meticulous and inclusive legislative process.
He stressed that the caucus would ensure justice for Nigerians by carefully examining the bills before their passage.
“These proposed bills are fundamentally about fiscal federalism, focusing on the equitable sharing of resources among federating units and key government institutions,” Doguwa said.
He further explained that lawmakers would avoid rushing the legislative process to prevent enacting laws that fail to address the nation’s economic realities effectively.
“National interest will be our guiding principle. We will thoroughly study the bills clause by clause to ensure they serve the people and align with the country’s overarching needs.
“We will continue consultations at the state and regional levels to raise awareness among our members and other stakeholders. Ultimately, the law will reflect the collective good of the people,” he added.
Current VAT distribution favours few states, unfair to others – FIRS boss
The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has criticised the current allocation of Value Added Tax (VAT) proceeds, which channels 70 per cent of the revenue to Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He described this arrangement as unfair to the remaining 34 states.
Adedeji disclosed that Lagos alone received 42 per cent of October’s VAT proceeds, while Rivers, Oyo, and the FCT received 16 per cent, 5.2 per cent, and 10 per cent, respectively.
“This structure does not reflect Nigeria’s collective interest. VAT is derived from consumption, and 70 per cent of consumption occurs outside these states,” he said, noting that many revenue-generating companies are headquartered in Lagos and Rivers, skewing VAT distribution.
To illustrate the imbalance, Adedeji cited MTN, Nigeria’s leading mobile telecommunications provider, which contributes the highest VAT revenue to Lagos, despite offering services nationwide.
He highlighted the disparity in VAT allocations, revealing that states like Borno and Bauchi receive as little as 0.32 per cent and 0.4 per cent of proceeds, respectively.
“Every time I sign off VAT proceeds, it doesn’t feel like this structure represents our national values. This is why the president, in his wisdom, has proposed changes to ensure fairness,” Adedeji remarked.
The FIRS boss assured lawmakers that the proposed reforms aim to distribute VAT proceeds more equitably, focusing on consumption, rather than the location of corporate headquarters.
“Under this bill, all states—irrespective of their economic situations—would benefit. It’s about ensuring a fairer structure that aligns with the national interest,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, clarified that the proposed tax reform bills are designed to create equal opportunities for all states without favouring any region.
Speaking on VAT distribution, Oyedele explained that the current policy requires companies to remit VAT from their headquarters, disproportionately benefiting states where these headquarters are located.
He emphasised that the reforms aim to address this inequity.
“Under the current VAT Act, revenue is allocated as follows: 15 per cent to the Federal Government, 50% to states and the FCT, and 35 per cent to local governments.
“The proposed law seeks to reduce the federal government’s share and ensure companies remit VAT based on where taxable services are delivered,” Oyedele said.
He noted that the reforms are not intended to impact negatively on any region but to foster fairness and align VAT revenue allocation with economic activity across the country.
Regarding Nigeria’s broader fiscal structure, Oyedele highlighted the nation’s eight main revenue sources: personal income tax, property tax, stamp duties, value-added tax (VAT), and land-related taxes (primarily collected by states), alongside corporate income tax, customs duties, and petroleum and solid minerals revenue (shared among the federal, state, and local governments).
He lamented the underperformance of all these revenue streams but expressed optimism about their untapped potential.
“The unfortunate reality is that every one of these revenue sources is underperforming. However, the good news is that they all represent opportunities for significant improvement,” he said.
Oyedele also pointed out the inadequacy of Nigeria’s budget relative to its size, stressing the need for reforms to enhance revenue generation and financing capabilities.
The proposed reforms, he said, aim to recalibrate the fiscal framework, reduce imbalances, and promote sustainable economic growth for the benefit of all Nigerians.
[DailyTrust]
A special offences court in Ikeja has convicted Fatuyi Phillips, a former chairman of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), over N43.5 million fraud.
Mojisola Dada, the presiding judge, sentenced Phillips to 21 years in jail.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 5, 2022, arraigned Philips alongside his firm, Oceanview Oil and Gas Limited.
The NOGASA chairman had pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge, bordering on obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N43,502,000.
The EFCC called five witnesses and tendered several documentary evidence, while the defendants called three witnesses.
According to a statement by the EFCC, Dada, while delivering the judgment, held that the prosecution proved its case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge sentenced Phillips to 14 years imprisonment on count one and seven years on count two, without an option of a fine.
The sentences are to be served concurrently.
Also, the judge ordered the second defendant, Oceanview Oil and Gas Limited, to pay a fine of N500,000 in respect of count one and another N250,000 in respect of count two within 30 days or be wound up.
“The court further ordered the convicts to make restitution in the sum of $90,202 or the prevailing naira equivalent to the nominal complainants,” the statement reads.
“Phillips’ journey to the correctional centre began when he collected the sum of N43, 502,000.00 from Elochukwu Okoye and Elebana Unique Ventures Nigeria Limited on behalf of WAPCIL Nigeria Limited with a false promise of selling its dollar equivalent ($98,870.00) to them.
“He neither returned the naira nor dollar equivalent to the petitioners.”
Nigerian economists and financial analysts say the recent drop in price of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) upon direct fuel purchase deal between Dangote Refinery and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria may force inflationary pressures down in the coming months.
Former President of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Prof. Segun Ajibola, and the CEO of SD & D Capital Management, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, disclosed this to DAILY POST in separate interviews on Monday.
This comes as Nigeria’s headline and food inflation climbed for the second consecutive month to 33.88 percent and 39.16 percent in October 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics’ latest Consumer Price Index.
On a year-on-year and month-on-month basis, the country’s inflation grew by 6.55 percent and 2.64 percent, respectively.
A further analysis showed that urban and rural inflation stood at 36.38 percent and 31.59 percent for the period under review.
The development showed the worsening situation the majority of Nigerians faced in the past months, weakening purchasing power.
The inflationary pressures are not unconnected with surges in the prices of food items, transportation, pharmaceuticals, energy costs, clothing, and others in Nigeria.
CBN’s monetary policies can’t solve inflationary pressures in Nigeria — Ajibola
Reacting, Ajibola said that monetary policies such as interest rate cost by the Central Bank of Nigeria cannot solve Nigeria’s inflationary pressures because they are cost-induced.
He stressed that CBN over the years has been tackling inflation with the wrong medicine.
“Monetary policies cannot solve inflationary problems in Nigeria. The Central Bank of Nigeria has been fighting a battle that it cannot defeat because the country’s inflation pressures are cost-induced.
“It is because of a rise in demand or an increase in money supply.
“The landing cost of imported items is increasing due to the current exchange rate. Locally, there are pressures from all cost edges. So unless this is tackled, the challenges in Nigeria’s inflation will remain,” he stated.
Inflation: Nigeria yet to recover from fuel subsidy removal, Naira floating shocks – CPPE
The Executive Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Muda Yusuf, said the continued rise in Nigeria’s inflation showed that the country is yet to recover from the shocks of the fuel subsidy removal policy and the Naira floating policy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government in June 2023.
“The rise in inflation is an indication that the economy is yet to recover from the shocks of the reforms in exchange rates and fuel prices.
“Hopefully, with some of the measures being implemented by the government or contemplated under the economic stabilisation plan, temporary import duty waivers, and other policies that will be fully implemented, we may see some reduction in the food prices,” he noted.
Nigerians suffering inflationary pressures for over 10 years — Idakolo slams CBN
Idakolo, on his part, said the CBN monetary policies such as the interest rate hike, which stood at 27.75 percent in October 2024, have not impacted the country’s inflationary pressures in the past 10 years.
“The CBN has tried various policies to stem inflation, but several other factors are making inflationary pressures increase.
“The economy has been experiencing inflationary pressures for the past 10 years,” he stated.
Fuel price cut: Experts speak on Dangote, IPMAN deal
Meanwhile, Ajibola and Idakolo agreed that the Dangote Petrol and IPMAN direct petrol sale deal could be the game changer during the festive period and January next year.
The assurance comes as Dangote Refinery and IPMAN signed an agreement on the purchase of 60 million litres of fuel weekly.
DAILY POST reports the price of petrol dropped between N5 and N50, selling around N1060 and N1150 per litre across filling stations in the last few days.
Speaking on the development, the renowned economist, Ajibola, said the recent drop in the price of petrol attributed to the Dangote Refinery and IPMAN deal may also force inflationary pressures down in the coming months.
“Good enough, the prices of petrol are reducing now because of the direct PMS purchase agreement between Dangote Refinery and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria; this will have a ripple effect on the cost of doing business in the country,” he noted.
However, he said the fluctuations in the country’s foreign exchange as the Naira fell to N1690.37 per dollar at the official FX market have been major impediments for Nigeria because of its dependence on imports.
“Foreign Exchange has been so tough. It is a major cost item that may require time to address.
“Similarly, the cost of energy, fuel, and electricity will have a major impact on inflationary pressures.
“Reliance on local production, reduction of import duties for some consumables, we may have gradual improvements during this year if all that has been said is implemented,” he stated.
Idakolo further told DAILY POST that “the direct petrol sale deal between Dangote refinery and IPMAN is a welcome development because it will discourage importation of petroleum products and eliminate the cost associated with importation.
“The federal government concession to sell crude to local refineries in Naira is another way of sourcing the locally refined crude at a lower cost. These measures will go a long way to ease inflation in the long run if it is consistent”.
[DailyPost]
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described Nigeria as a “failed state” due to the policies of both former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during a paper presentation at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in the United States, Obasanjo criticised the leadership of both men, attributing Nigeria’s state of chaos, insecurity, and underdevelopment to their administrations. In his keynote address, titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” which was pre-recorded and played at the event, Obasanjo refrained from naming the leaders directly but referenced them using nicknames given by their critics—“Baba-go-slow” for Buhari and “Emilokan” for Tinubu.
“As we can see and understand, Nigeria’s situation is bad. The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment. That’s the situation mostly in Nigeria in the reign of Baba-go-slow and Emilokan. The failing state status of Nigeria is confirmed and glaringly indicated and manifested for every honest person to see through the consequences of the level of our pervasive corruption, mediocrity, immorality, misconduct,
Obasanjo also accused Nigerian politicians of compromising the judiciary, contributing to what he called a widespread “state capture.” He criticised the common response to electoral disputes, “go to court,” suggesting it reflects the judiciary’s compromised state. According to Obasanjo, “the judiciary in Nigeria is a very pale version of its once internationally esteemed self.” He went on to say that politicians, after rigging elections, confidently tell their opponents to “go to court” because they know the judiciary has been bought. “A number of judges are in the pockets of wealthy politicians and individuals, making judgments not based on law but to the highest bidder. This, my learned audience, is one of the most effective strategies of state capture — and it must be excised from Nigeria like a surgeon cutting out a malignant cancer,” Obasanjo stated.
The former President also accused political elites of sabotaging Nigeria’s economy for personal gain, pointing to the acquisition of national assets at bargain prices and the allocation of resources—such as minerals, land, and human capital—to local and international actors. He called for robust local and international laws to prevent such practices, emphasizing that the purchase of national assets by political elites and their families must be prohibited.
Without naming individuals, Obasanjo criticised the ongoing control exerted by former governors over their states long after leaving office, singling out one such case of a former governor who continues to hold sway over his state 25 years after his tenure ended. Obasanjo also condemned Nigerian politicians for exploiting the poverty and hunger in the country through “stomach infrastructure” politics, where food items packaged with the image of political candidates are distributed to gain votes. He lamented that destitute citizens are more likely to vote for politicians offering handouts, often funded by looted public money, rather than those offering long-term solutions to the country’s problems.
He pointed out the high rate of out-of-school children, widespread insecurity, and systemic corruption, and urged Nigeria to adopt the virtues that have contributed to the progress of Southeast Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. The event, attended by figures such as Peter Obi, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, and former Minister Obi Ezekwesili, also featured Obasanjo’s participation in discussions on “Leadership and Democracy in Africa” and “The Future of Leadership in Africa.”
[TheNation]
The Presidency on Monday attacked former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his claim that corruption has reached a fatal stage in the country.
The Presidency also faulted Obasanjo’s call for the sacking of the Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over his conduct of the 2023 election which he described as a travesty.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party backed the elder statesman on the issue of graft, the imperative of electoral reform and other issues he raised in his keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, Yale University, New Haven, United States of America, on Sunday.
In his address, ‘Leadership failure and state capture in Nigeria,’ the ex-President canvassed for shorter tenures for INEC officials and a more rigorous vetting process to prevent the appointment of partisan individuals.
He criticised President Bola Tinubu’s performance in office, asserting that corruption continues to rank among the most important problems affecting Nigerians.
The elder statesman said, “More than N700 billion in cash bribes were paid by citizens to public officials in 2023. Most bribes are paid in the street or a public official’s office.
“Private sector bribery is increasing but continues to be less prevalent than in the public sector. Corruption goes with power; therefore, to hold any useful discussion of corruption, we must first locate it where it properly belongs – in the ranks of the powerful.
“Corruption in Nigeria has passed the alarming and entered the fatal stage, and Nigeria will die if we keep pretending that she is only slightly indisposed.’’
He added, “Ranked 150 out of 180 countries in the Transparency International 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index,1 Nigeria’s ranking places it in the bottom 20 per cent of the comity of nations and illustrates how systemic and embedded corruption is in the country. It is, in my opinion, and those of many, the most serious developmental challenge to the nation.”
He insisted that the nation would continue to sink into chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment as long as it is embedded in corruption.
However, in a pushback on Monday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the former President had no moral grounds to criticise INEC, having presided over what he called “the most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”
In a statement titled, ‘Former President Obasanjo was not an ideal leader to emulate,’ Onanuga said, “It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
He added, “After wasting billions of naira on a failed third-term project in 2007, Chief Obasanjo hurriedly organised a sham electoral process that would go down in history as the most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.
“The beneficiary of the sham election, Umaru Yar’adua, admitted that the election was seriously flawed and, as Justice Muhammed Uwais’ panel recommended, worked towards electoral reforms.”
The Presidency argued that the former leader’s habit of casting aspersions on every subsequent administration overshadowed the expectations from an elder statesman to join a constructive dialogue on attaining national progress.
“In his latest critique of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he pejoratively called ‘Baba Go Slow’ and President Bola Tinubu, who he tagged ‘Emilokan’, Chief Obasanjo used the platform provided by Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University to unfurl his latest treatise on leadership and public morality. He also used the forum to write off Nigeria as a failing country.’’
“The irony of Chief Obasanjo using the platform that celebrates Achebe to sermonise on the ideals of good governance, statecraft, economic management, and corruption should be apparent to discerning minds.
“When he was alive, Chinua Achebe was a universally acclaimed moral, cultural and literary icon with scant regard for Obasanjo,” the statement added.
The Presidency cited Achebe’s rejection of the third highest national honour bestowed on him by the Obasanjo-led administration in 2004 on the grounds of the prevalence of abuse of power, corruption, poor leadership, and, in particular, “state-sponsored brigandage endorsed by Chief Obasanjo in Achebe’s home state of Anambra.”
“In rejecting the 2004 national honour by the Obasanjo administration, Achebe declared: ‘Nigeria’s condition today under your watch is…too dangerous for silence. I must register my disappointment and protest by declining to accept the high honour awarded me in the 2004 honours list,’” the statement read.
The Presidency also cited the unconstitutional impeachment of four Peoples Democratic Party governors – Joshua Dariye of Plateau, Rasheed Ladoja of Oyo, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti and Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa.
It argued, “A man under whose watch all of these egregious infractions occurred should certainly not be the one to give any lecture on leadership and corruption.
“He should not be taken seriously as he reeks of profound hypocrisy of the worst form.”
Onanuga also suggested that Obasanjo’s self-acclaimed reputation as an economic reformer did not align with his record in office.
The statement pointed out that many challenges Obasanjo highlighted in his Yale address remain unresolved legacies of his administration.
It noted Obasanjo’s admission that his administration failed to prioritise gas development, a sector now receiving attention under the Tinubu administration.
It also acknowledged that Obasanjo’s tenure benefited from rising crude oil prices, which peaked during that period.
Still, it argued that poor economic decisions, including the hasty repayment of $15bn in Paris Club debt while neglecting critical infrastructure, laid the foundation for subsequent economic challenges.
Furthermore, Onanuga faulted Obasanjo for failing to address Nigeria’s infrastructural decay, including federal roads such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Lagos-Abeokuta Road.
The presidential aide also accused him of undermining public universities by capitalising on their deficiencies to establish private institutions.
The Presidency contrasted this with the security sector, where it credited the Buhari administration with modernising the Armed Forces through substantial investments in equipment and strategy, a trend it claims President Tinubu has sustained.
It also linked the rise of militancy and kidnapping to Obasanjo’s administration, asserting that his tenure allowed such security issues to take root and expand.
On matters of integrity, honesty, and morality in public leadership, it said Obasanjo is “certainly not a paragon of virtue for anyone to model after.”
“Nigerians can still remember the messy public spat between Chief Obasanjo and his then-vice president, Atiku Abubakar, over PTDF money that led to a Senate Public Hearing in 2004.
“The sordid details of the public hearing included unsettling evidence of how Obasanjo instructed his Vice President to buy Sport Utility Vehicles for his mistresses with PTDF funds.
“There was also the Halliburton bribe scandal, which the US Congress probe revealed. Bribe payments were made to the highest political authorities at the Villa while Obasanjo was in charge,” the statement read.
It said Nigerians would also remember how the Obasanjo administration invested $16bn in electricity, which left the country in utter darkness.
The Presidency added, “The colossal amount spent on power was so embarrassing that President Umaru Yar’Adua, Obasanjo’s successor, ordered a probe. Similarly, Obasanjo’s privatisation programme was scandalous. It did not deliver real value for the country.
“His administration cheaply sold national assets to cronies who stripped the assets of the state-owned enterprises. A case in point was the aluminium smelter company ALSCON in Ikot-Abasi, Akwa-Ibom State, built by the military government at the princely sum of $ 3.2bn. It was sold for 130 million dollars.
“Obasanjo also sank money into Turn Around Maintenance of our refineries, which never worked, leading to the massive importation of refined petroleum products.”
Onanuga referenced accusations of gross abuse of office during Obasanjo’s tenure, pointing to a petition filed by former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, a member of Obasanjo’s political party, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He added, “If Chief Obasanjo had addressed the many problems he critiqued in his poorly written Yale lecture when he ruled Nigeria for eight years, President Buhari and President Tinubu would have had a much lighter burden of fixing the country.
“While the Tinubu administration diligently works to overcome the country’s economic challenges, it would be better and more advisable for former President Obasanjo to temper his self-righteousness in his public discussions regarding our nation’s temporary difficulties.
“Instead, his remaining years would be better spent reflecting on the missed opportunities during his own time in leadership, both as military head of state and civilian president.”
Speaking in the same vein, the National Publicity Director of the All Progressives Congress, Bala Ibrahim, said he found it ridiculous that the former President could recommend some measures he didn’t deploy during his eight-year tenure.
As much as the former President is entitled to his opinion, Ibrahim said he could raise the issues he highlighted before the National Council of State where he is a member.
“Such suggestion can best be tabled before the National Council of State of which he is a member. It would be subjected to scrutiny and a decision would be taken in the best interest of the country.
“In his own time, he was a leader and his election was declared by INEC. Obasanjo was not known to be erratic in changing the leadership of INEC during his time. So, it would be unfair for him to suggest such changes, more so when he is gradually turning himself into an opposition.
“If it’s an issue that is of national concern, Obasanjo may have his reason. But issues like that can best be handled at the National Council of State, where he is a member,” the ruling party spokesman noted.
Corroborating the former leader, the opposition parties demanded the dismissal of the INEC boss and an overhaul of the electoral system.
The PDP said beyond the call for his sacking, people like Yakubu and other INEC officials ought to apologise to Nigerians for dashing their hopes at the polls.
In an interview with The PUNCH on Monday, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, asked the anti-corruption agencies to investigate the commission’s staff for alleged mismanagement of resources.
According to hìm, Obasanjo’s comments are a reflection of the demands of Nigerians.
He stated, “In a more honourable society, the INEC chairman would have humbly resigned on his own and apologised to Nigerians, whose trust, hopes, and expectations he dashed through his negligence and inexperience. When he was appointed, Nigerians had high expectations and truly believed he was a breath of fresh air.
“But now, after witnessing his administration’s handling of the affair within INEC, Nigerians are not only disappointed, but they also feel as though they’ve stepped back into the dark ages, where elections were sold to the highest bidder and were neither credible, free, nor fair.
“So, President Obasanjo is not saying anything new. He is simply reflecting the sentiments of Nigerians—well-meaning Nigerians—who understand that what INEC is doing now is a threat to our democracy and a recipe for anarchy if not addressed. I would advise the INEC Chairman to take this admonition seriously if he has any honour left in him.”
The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, argued that Obasanjo’s comments had some merits.
“He is thorough and must have his reasons for saying what he said. In any event, it behoves Nigerians to look at the performance of INEC since 2015. Are we on an upward trajectory or are we on a downward trajectory?
“The answer is there for everybody. Except we want to continue to fool ourselves. But when an elder statesman makes a call like that, everyone has to revisit the issue and chart a way forward,” Johnson stated.
His counterpart in the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, equally said Obasanjo was expressing the minds of the masses, who he said had long given up on INEC.
Ifoh added that ‘’despite being given N1 billion taxpayers money’’ ahead of the 2023 poll to invest in election technology through iREV (INEC Result Viewing portal) and BVAS ( Bimodal Voter Accreditation System), Nigerians found it appalling that the facilities were not effectively deployed for the elections.
He said, “It is a crime against the Nigerian masses. Obasanjo is someone who speaks truth to power. He is also known not to mince his words. He lives among the poor in his Ota farm settlement. So, he understands what people are going through.
“Those men at the leadership of INEC are still in office because this is Nigeria. In a developed democracy, they would have resigned a long time ago. But look at them just sitting in their offices comfortably.
“To make things worse, the judiciary is supporting them. Even in this last election in Ondo State, the President was telling those who were not content with the result to go to court. They are now making our courts look pedestrian because they know if you go to court, they will buy out the judgment.”
“So, the former President has said it all. I don’t think INEC has done well at all. They have done a disservice to this nation. The ridiculous economy we are having today is as a result of their action,” he stated.
[Punch]
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the judiciary should address the issue of senior lawyers receiving “obscene legal fees” from political officeholders.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the 6th annual criminal law review conference, Olukoyede said how the lawyers collect such fees “conflicts with existing statutes”.
“If a lawyer would not care about the source from which a sitting governor or any other public servant pays him millions of naira to defend him in the electoral tribunal, the lawyer must necessarily be mindful of the fact that the only proper way to collect such humongous amounts is through the financial system,” NAN quoted the EFCC chairman to have said.
“Aside from violating money laundering regulations, hauling millions of naira of professional fees from public office holders in liquid cash as senior lawyers do is only aimed at tax evasion.
“It is needless to stress that the best act of mentoring from leaders of the bar to the younger generation of lawyers is by living out the ethical demands of the profession.”
The EFCC chairman also alleged that lawyers are aiding illicit financial flows into offshore accounts.
“The most traumatic discovery of the EFCC in recent years was the subjugation of national interest and wellbeing to personal interest by lawyers who aided briefcase foreign investors to fleece the nation in dubious transactions,” he added.
“The P&ID scam, the Mambilla power project, and Sunrise issues are cases in point.”
He said while the anti-graft agency had had cause to prosecute judicial officers and senior lawyers and earned conviction, his respect for the bench and senior members of the bar remained undiminished.
“However, based on the unique experiences of the EFCC in the prosecution of corruption cases, I am particularly interested in systemic reforms in our justice delivery system that capture the process for the discipline and regulation of judicial officers.
“The regulation and discipline of legal practitioners. Ethics, values, and standards of legal practice.
“These are essential to me because the job of the EFCC is ensuring that the corrupt does not find space in our national life. And when they do, to make them pay for their deeds.”
Daniel Bwala, special adviser on media and public communications to President Bola Tinubu, says he “can never be drawn into a position” where he “will rub shoulders” with Bayo Onanuga.
Bwala spoke on Monday while answering questions on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.
Onanuga is the special adviser to the president on information and strategy.
Bwala said he would be happy to see Onanuga lead the presidential media team.
“Bayo Onanuga is an elder statesman. He’s a very brilliant journalist who has had his records. We are happy he’s leading us as a leader,” he said.
“I’m happy for him to lead. I haven’t been told, but I’m happy for him to lead. Because he’s an elder, I will respect him.
“And he has his own record. He has served Nigeria well. He has a proven record as a journalist.
“I can never be drawn into a position where I will rub shoulders with him. I doff my cap for him.
“My own is, if he says ‘go and carry that table,’ I will just do so; that’s my job. It’s not about title.”
Bwala also said he has taken over the role of Ajuri Ngelale, the former presidential spokesperson.
Ngelale, who was special adviser on media and publicity to the president, vacated the position in September.
The former media aide to the president had said he would be embarking on an “indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters” affecting his immediate, nuclear family.
Confusion had arisen after Onanuga took over as presidential spokesman following Ngelale’s departure.
Onanuga also moved to the office previously occupied by Ngelale at the presidential villa.
However, during the chat, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesperson, adding there has only been a change in office nomenclature.
“When Ajuri was there, the nomenclature was special adviser on media and publicity, and now that role is called special adviser on media and public communications (State House). Sunday Dare works from the office of the minister of information,” he added.
Against the backdrop of frustrations faced by the general public in Nigeria and some other Sub-Saharan African countries undergoing economic reforms, the International Monetary Fund, IMF, has rolled out a set of recommendations on how to make the reforms acceptable and supported by the citizens.
The IMF, in its latest Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa report, noted that the countries involved in deep reforms including Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya, may now be experiencing what it called ‘adjustment fatigue’ while some are facing civil resistance.
Nigeria, for instance, has recorded multiple civil unrests and labour shutdowns following disenchantment with the impact of the macroeconomic reforms, especially in petrol and foreign exchange deregulations.
The IMF’s recommendations emphasized broad-based engagement with the populations, a communications strategy clearly articulating the benefits of reform, forging partnerships with key figures in the country, appropriate design and sequencing of reforms, establishing complementary and compensatory measures, and fostering inclusive growth.
The Fund sees an opportunity for making a success of the reforms if the frustrations faced by the citizens are adequately addressed.
The report stated: “In the face of popular frustration, there is also an opportunity to work to mobilize support for large, deep reforms, of the sort that, for instance, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria are pursuing.
“Realizing this opportunity requires rethinking reform strategies, to build and maintain pro-growth coalitions among constituent leaders and the general public. This will require greater attention to communication and engagement strategies, reform design, compensatory measures, and rebuilding trust in public institutions”.
Giving further details on what should be done, the report stated: “In particular, policymakers will need to focus on broad-based engagement with populations; a participatory approach, involving a two-way dialogue with stakeholders and the population at large, can help design policy approaches; building a sense of ownership among the public, and garner support from both business and civil society”.
IMF added, “Communications should clearly articulate the benefits of reform, the costs of inaction, the accompanying compensatory measures, and correct misinformation and misperceptions.
“Partnering with key figures including parliamentarians, community leaders, and independent researchers is also essential. The emphasis should be on listening to concerns and designing appropriate responses. Providing regular updates on reform progress, and establishing ongoing feedback mechanisms, will help maintain support over time.
“Appropriate design and sequencing of reforms; the costs and benefits of multiple reforms should be appropriately spaced through time so as not to overburden populations. Demonstrable, upfront gains will boost support, and beginning with reforms that do not threaten the core benefits of multiple social groups has been shown to improve success.
“Complementary and compensatory measures; Appropriately designed and well-targeted policies to support those most affected by reforms (such as stronger social safety nets, job search assistance, and retraining) can help overcome resistance to reform by mitigating potential social costs.
“Fair and transparent management of public resources; A strong governance framework that fosters trust in government and in its ability to adequately implement policies—including by promoting transparency, increasing accountability, strengthening the rule of law, and controlling corruption—is a precondition for public backing of any reform strategy.
“Opinion surveys indicate that trust in the government’s ability to use public resources to promote the population’s well-being is still relatively low in many sub-Saharan African countries
“Fostering inclusive growth; As painful as the current policy choices are, deeper and broader reforms will be required to guarantee that countries reap the gains, and not just the pain, of reform. Most of the region is struggling with low growth, lack of jobs, and widespread social exclusion. Unlocking more durable and inclusive growth, by making the economy work more effectively for all, will simultaneously reduce both macroeconomic vulnerabilities and social frustration, easing the task of policymakers”.
The Regional Economic Outlook is the IMF’s regular update on the group of economies within the region addressing challenges and the growth opportunities.
[Vanguard]
Fela Durotoye, a Nigerian public speaker, says he worked in the administration of President Bola Tinubu for just six months without receiving a salary.
In October 2023, Tinubu appointed Durotoye as senior special assistant on national values and social justice.
Following Tinubu’s appointment of Daniel Bwala as special adviser on public communications and media, on Friday, some Nigerians on social media criticised the president for appointing a plethora of media aides without considering the cost of governance.
In a 13-man list that went viral on social media, Durotoye was named as one of the media aides to the president.
In an opinion piece published on Monday, Durotoye said his appointment as aide to the president ended in March 2024.
He added that throughout the six months of his appointment as the president’s aide, he didn’t receive any salary, allowance, or upkeep as a government official.
“Like many other issues in the public discourse, social commentary often has the tendency to overgeneralise; and broad assumptions may sometimes lead to errors of misconceptions, misstatements and misinformation,” Durotoye said.
“One of such errors is in a recent case study that went viral on social media regarding the current media team of the president, where my name was listed as one of the president’s media aides. Unfortunately, this statement needs to be updated to accurately reflect the current media team of the president.
“For clarity, I served briefly in the role of Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Values and Social Justice (SSA-NVSJ) for a tenure of six months, from October 2023 to March 2024.
“When I was invited to serve in this administration, I expressed, as a condition for accepting the call, my desire to NOT receive a salary from the government, as I considered this to be my service to my nation.
“When I finally accepted the role in October 2023, it was on the condition that I would not receive any salary or allowances. During my six-month tenure, I did not accept any government funds for my service, expenses, or upkeep.
“I rented my apartment and took my personal car to Abuja. My utility cost, fuel cost and upkeep were all borne by me and I never requested a reimbursement from the government for any expenses I incurred. Everything I contributed—time, effort, and resources—was paid for by me and my family.”
[TheCable]
Take Obasanjo’s Admonition Seriously If You Have Any Honour Left In You – PDP Chieftain To Mahmood Yakubu
AFOLABI
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, has backed the call by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to carry out electoral reforms in the country.
Recall that Obasanjo, while speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, Yale University, New Haven, United States of America, on Sunday, had demanded the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, over his conduct of the 2023 election.
He canvassed for shorter tenures for the officials of the electoral body and a more rigorous vetting process to prevent the appointment of partisan individuals.
Obasanjo criticised President Bola Tinubu’s performance in office, asserting that corruption continues to rank among the most important problems affecting Nigerians.
Reacting, the Presidency claimed that Obasanjo assertion was hypocritical, adding that he was not an ideal leader while he was in power.
However, Osadolor, while speaking to Punch corroborated Obasanjo’s stance.
He insisted that an overhaul of the electoral system in the country was necessary.
Osadolor argued that Yakubu and other INEC officials ought to apologise to Nigerians for dashing their hopes at the polls.
He asked the anti-corruption agencies to investigate the commission’s staff for alleged mismanagement of resources.
According to hìm, Obasanjo’s comments are a reflection of the demands of Nigerians.
He urged the INEC boss to take Obasanjo’s admonition seriously.
He stated, “In a more honourable society, the INEC chairman would have humbly resigned on his own and apologised to Nigerians, whose trust, hopes, and expectations he dashed through his negligence and inexperience. When he was appointed, Nigerians had high expectations and truly believed he was a breath of fresh air.
“But now, after witnessing his administration’s handling of the affair within INEC, Nigerians are not only disappointed, but they also feel as though they’ve stepped back into the dark ages, where elections were sold to the highest bidder and were neither credible, free, nor fair.
“So, President Obasanjo is not saying anything new. He is simply reflecting the sentiments of Nigerians—well-meaning Nigerians—who understand that what INEC is doing now is a threat to our democracy and a recipe for anarchy if not addressed. I would advise the INEC Chairman to take this admonition seriously if he has any honour left in him.”
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Nigerian music executive, Michael Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, has lamented his relationship status following the viral ‘suspect challenge’.
Naija News reports that the ‘suspect challenge’ is a new social media trend in which couples or friends take turns to tease each other playfully, especially regarding their bad habits.
In an Instagram post on Monday, the founder of Mavin Records expressed his desire to participate in a trend but has no partner.
He wrote, “Suspect wants to do suspect challenge but no suspect partner.”
In the accompanying caption, Don Jazzy added, “it hurts.”
In other news, Marvin DJ, DJ Big N has shed more light on how his boss, Don Jazzy, rendered financial assistance to cross-dresser, Bobrisky.
According to the DJ, a friend of Bobrisky rallied to raise funds for the crossdresser before he came out of jail.
The friend reached out to Marvin’s boss and asked for help, and out of the benevolence of his heart, the music producer donated, he narrated.
Speaking via Instagram, DJ Big N said, ‘’This social media sha…. .I always say, make the good wey person Dey do no turn to bad. I can 100% tell you that Don Jazzy has never met Bobrisky before, He Has never spoken to him before, he doesn’t have his number neither does Bobrisky have Jazzy’s.
“A mutual friend of Bob came out to raise funds when he came out of jail and reached out to Jazzy to donate. Out of the benevolence of his heart, he donated. Just like he has done uncountable times for people he doesn’t know from Adam. That never made it to the internet.
“As for Oluwa dollars. I was the person who introduced him to jazzy. He and his lil bro.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged aggrieved gubernatorial candidates of the Ondo state elections dissatisfied with the outcome of the polls to seek redress at the court of law.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his victory and praised the peaceful conduct of the election.
He also commended candidates from the 17 political parties for demonstrating maturity and a sense of purpose throughout the campaigns and election.
The statement read, “Those dissatisfied with the outcome of the election can explore the opportunities provided by the judicial system to seek redress on areas of conflict.”
President Tinubu lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efficient handling of the electoral process, including the timely deployment of staff and materials and the uploading of over 98% of results on the same day of the election.
He also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Police Force, National Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Youth Service Corps, the military, and other security agencies for their professionalism in maintaining peace and order during the polls.
Muslims in the South-West have called out President Bola Tinubu.
The muslims lamented of hardship and hunger in the country.
The muslims under the aegis of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, (MUSWEN) advised President Bola Tinubu to put in more efforts to reduce suffering in the country.
MUSWEN President and Deputy President -General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, made the call at the 9th MUSWEN General Assembly on Sunday.
Recall that the event was witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya and Director of Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, Professor Isiaq Lakin Akintola.
Oladejo while speaking at the event maintained that the current economic situation in the country should be handled with serious caution.
He advised Tinubu to show more human feelings, and put measures in place in order to mitigate the general suffering in the country.
Oladejo, while speaking further, urged Tinubu to spend the gains made on subsidy removal on security, infrastructure development, electrification, massive food production and employment-generating projects.
He added that food importation should not be an option to be considered, as it would make a mockery of subsidy removal.
Oladejo further urged Tinubu to listen to the cry of Nigerians on the proposed tax reform bill.
He said, “On the proposed Tax Reform Bill, I urge Mr. President to listen to the outcries from various groups and sections of the country.
“The current economic situation in the country requires serious caution to handle. The government should show more human feelings and put measures in place to mitigate the general suffering wrought on the citizenry by some of the economic policies.
“Although we recognize the fact that the situation is not the creation of the Tinubu administration, the government should do all in its powers to alleviate the sufferings of the people.
“That is the reason Nigerians overwhelmingly voted this government into office in the 2023 election, and the President should have no reason not to make life comfortable for the people.
“On their part, too, the people should be careful not to play into the hands of politicians who had never seen anything good in the administration.
“These are the political leaders who still carry on, more than one year after the 2023 general elections, as if we are still in the electioneering period. To them, any action taken by the administration is subject to politicization, as they never see anything good in whatever action taken or not taken by the government.
“Even though somehow harsh, the government’s economic policies are meant to correct the maladministration of the past and put the country on a firm economic footing.
“The government should spend the gains made on subsidy removal on security, infrastructure development, electrification, massive food production, and employment -generating projects.
“Let me, however, sound a note of warning that food importation should not be an option to be considered: it is not a solution because it would make a mockery of subsidy removal.
“Permit me to mention here that MUSWEN has been part of the distribution of palliatives to the needy. We consider this as a moral and religious obligation.”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said that the lawmakers have not taken a stand on the tax reform bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
He stated this on Monday in Abuja while declaring open an interactive session on the proposed bills.
The bills are, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
Abbas noted that the four bills represent critical proposals from the executive to expand Nigeria’s tax base, improve compliance, and establish sustainable revenue streams for the nation’s development.
He emphasized that tax reforms are a cornerstone of the House Legislative Agenda because of their central role in achieving sustainable economic growth and development.
The Speaker stated that taxes are the bedrock of public revenue, providing the resources required to deliver education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security
He noted, “Yet, Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, struggles with a tax-to-GDP ratio of just 6 percent—far below the global average and the World Bank’s minimum benchmark of 15 percent for sustainable development.
“This is a challenge we must address if we are to reduce our reliance on debt financing, ensure fiscal stability, and secure our future as a nation.”
The Speaker said the proposed tax reform bills aim to diversify the country’s revenue base, promote equity, and foster an enabling environment for investment and innovation.
He added, “However, as representatives of the people, we must approach these reforms thoughtfully, understanding their potential implications for every segment of society.”
“Taxes should be fair, transparent, and justifiable, balancing the need for public revenue with the burdens they impose on individuals and businesses.
“Let me be clear, the House has not yet taken a definitive position on these bills. Our role is to scrutinize them thoroughly, ensuring they align with the best interests of our constituents and the nation at large. We owe this duty to Nigerians.”