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Northern groups, including the Coalition of Northern Groups and the Northern Elders Forum, have again insisted on the withdrawal of the tax reform bills as senators intensified lobbying for public acceptance of the proposed tax changes.
The groups demanded further consultations and extensive dialogue with stakeholders on the bills.
Speaking during a one-day town hall meeting at the Gombe State University on the theme, ‘Tax reform bill: A catalyst for economic growth or a burden on the people?,’ CNG Gombe Coordinator, Mustapha Deba, noted that the coalition had meticulously analysed the bills, noting that if allowed to scale through, they would have far-reaching adverse effects on the northern region.
Deba said, “The proposed reform’s emphasis on derivation appears to favour states with higher VAT-generating activities predominantly in the South, such as Lagos. This shift could significantly reduce the revenue shares allocated to Northern states, where economic activities are comparatively lower.
“The resultant financial shortfall would impede our region’s development initiatives and exacerbate existing disparities. By altering the VAT sharing formula without adequate safeguards, the reform risks widening the economic gap between the North and South.
“Such an outcome could foster social unrest, trigger migration to economically stronger states, and precipitate other socio-economic challenges. We must avoid any policy that could deepen regional inequalities.”
A major point of contention, he said, is the absence of comprehensive data and analysis to support the proposed changes.
“As we reflect on the implications of the tax reform bills, it is imperative that we advocate for a tax system that fosters national unity and economic prosperity. We cannot afford to endorse reforms that deepen existing divides or marginalize any segment of our society.”
In his presentation, Prof Sadiq Abubakar observed that the tax reform bills had ignited considerable debate, often revealing the polarising sentiments experienced by various stakeholders across the nation, especially regarding their implications for Northern Nigeria.
He stated, “The proposed reforms are expected to streamline tax administration processes and frameworks, increase overall government revenue, and stimulate sustainable economic growth, to mention a few. Nevertheless, these reforms would come with socio-economic repercussions, particularly for Northern Nigeria, which struggles with distinctive challenges ranging from insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.
“Proposed changes to Value Added Tax rates, distribution of VAT revenues, development levies, and taxation on various sectors including agriculture and religious organisations, could exacerbate existing economic hardships and cultural tensions.
“Some sections of the bills clash with religious values, risking the marginalisation of some faithful. To avoid exacerbating socio-economic disparities and to establish a fair and more inclusive taxation framework, policymakers must consider the unique cultural and economic landscapes of all regions, especially Northern Nigeria.
“Engaging in comprehensive dialogue with varied stakeholders will foster legislative outcomes that respect the rights and welfare of all citizens, ensuring a balanced approach to taxation that promotes national unity and economic stability.”
On his part, the chairman on the occasion, Umar Gurama, urged the participants to collaborate with lawmakers in sensitising communities and gathering their inputs before such reforms become law.
Weighing in again on the controversy, the NEF criticised the Federal Government’s alleged failure to engage with critical stakeholders and experts before drafting the bills.
The forum made known its position in a statement signed by its Chairman, Management Board, Al-Amin Daggash.
Daggash said, “Once again, it is necessary to reiterate, that indeed, Nigerians in general and Northerners in particular, are not really against the introduction of any form of good and meaningful reforms by those in positions of authority, at the federal, state or local government levels.
“Even though we shall remain very implacable in reaffirming that our practical experiences teach us that going by global best practices, successful reforms are known to be underpinned by strict adherence to certain common cardinal characteristics of the public policy-making process.
“For the convenience of exposition, these similarities include, but not limited to the under-listed essentials: Extensive pre-reforms early engagements with experts and critical stakeholders, in order to secure their buy-in; establishing a very well-defined media/communication strategy that clearly articulates the full import of the reforms and disseminates public awareness and mass enlightenment on a nationwide scale; designing a robust, transparent and inclusive implementation mechanism.
“The Northern Elders’ Forum makes bold to say that the recently proposed Tax Reform Bills by the Federal Government were clearly in breach, with regards to adhering to the above-listed common characteristics of reforms and public policy-making process, all over the world and in conformity with the global best practices.”
In a move to woo their northern counterparts, the Senator representing Delta North senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko, says the Southern lawmakers are currently engaging their Northern colleagues.
“We are engaging them. The tax bills are generally a welcome development because they seek to support low-income earners and small businesses across the nation.
“They are equally pro-consumers across the board. We need more awareness amongst the populace. This is the first time that tax administration is being consolidated for easier administration with a special ombudsman to effectively determine disputed assessments.”
However, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State again reiterated his opposition to the tax bills, stating that the Presidency did not obtain the buy-in of stakeholders before sending them to the National Assembly.
Restating the Bauchi governor’s stance, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, underscored the danger of forcing the tax reform bills on Nigerians.
He said, “The (Bala’s) advice aims to foster dialogue and advocate for policies that protect the interests of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those in economically disadvantaged states.
“When Governor Bala Mohammed asserted that the Presidency’s attempt to shove the discredited tax reforms down the throat of Nigerians was a recipe for anarchy, he spoke from the position of someone who is closer to the populace and who carries the mandate of not only the over seven million people of Bauchi State but who also possesses an intimate knowledge of a very significant sub-regional group in the country.
“It is not by accident that his genuine reservation against the tax reforms coincides with those of some APC governors who have consistently warned against implementing the proposed reform in its present form.”
He added, “If the Presidency had genuinely desired an all-inclusive tax reform that would command the buy-in of various stakeholder and sub-national groups in the country, it could have subjected a draft to discussion before railroading it to the National Assembly.
“It did not. Even when it was given a soft landing by the National Economic Council, NEC, a body headed by the Vice President of the country and which, by that token, was expected to command the respect of the President, its advice that the reform be taken back was blatantly disregarded.”
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with The PUNCH, a North-East lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorised to speak on the matter, urged the President to withdraw the bills.
He said, “The President should heed the wise counsel of good Nigerians and withdraw the bills for wider stakeholder consultation. Failure to heed the calls would only prolong the stalemate on the bills. When listing the bills for debate at the parliament becomes a challenge, passing them will remain a dream.”
Taking a different position on the issue, the member representing Lavum/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency, Niger State, Joshua Gana, called for support for the bills, adding that the areas of controversy would be addressed at a public hearing.
“As a National Assembly, we will debate all issues raised at public hearings, and answers will be proffered and considered. The finalised document for Fiscal and tax reform will be harmonised and passed,” he stated.
A Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker, Aliyu Mustapha, urged the President to educate the public to energise support for the bills.
Mustapha, who represents Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, said, “Consultations and more engagement with the stakeholders are very important. I believe in the power of lobby and sensitisation.
“Critical stakeholders should be lobbied for a win-win deal, and the general populace should be sensitised. There is really an urgent need to reform our tax system to bring about the desired development we all yearn for.”
Also, the Senator representing Edo South in the Red Chamber, Neda Imasuen, pointed out that the current VAT sharing was inequitable and in favour of the North.
Imasuen wondered why Kano and Jigawa would benefit from VAT generated from the consumption of alcohol in the south.
“As a member of the Appropriation Committee of the Senate, I have colleagues from the northern region around me. Some of my colleagues believe that the reform is necessary, the reason being that they want to change the status quo from governors coming to Abuja for handouts and that the tax reform will make the governors think out of the box. They will also be able to raise funds in new ways in their respective states.
“Most of them believe that this reform is not favourable to the North and I ask them, ‘in what way?’ They said that it is not equitable. And I try to engage them to know their views about the inequitable nature of the reform. Right now, VAT is shared based on 20 per cent consumption, 20 per cent for the place where the revenue is generated and 60 per cent based on population.
“I always tell my Northern colleagues that this is where the inequity lies. Tax is collected in a state that consumes a particular product, let’s say alcoholic beverages for example, and that state has only three million population. It only gets a fraction of the VAT, but a state like Kano gets a chunk of the tax because it has a large population. That is the inequity we are trying to point out to them.”
Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state called on Nigerians not to subject the tax reform bills to politics and blackmail.
Speaking at the Government House in Owerri, Imo State, Uzodimma stated, “Many of us who are criticising the bills have not taken time to study the bills to understand the merits or otherwise of the bills that have been presented.
“I’m of the view that people should not subject the bills to politics or blackmail. They should just look at the bills, go through them, and then see how far they can criticise or support the bills.
“I think it’s a document that has been crafted in a well-articulated manner and deserves to be given proper attention, particularly given that this is an executive bill from the president and shouldn’t be trivialised.”
[Punch]
In some areas, 2024 brought a glimmer of hope to Nigeria’s health sector. But overall, it was a year of ups and downs. Some areas saw progress, while others still faced obstacles.
On the bright side, there was a new focus on basic healthcare, possible budget increases, better facilities, and more doctors and nurses being hired and trained in the local areas.
Efforts to fight diseases showed some success. Better monitoring, vaccine drives, and community participation helped cut down on outbreaks of illnesses like Lassa fever, malaria, and polio. The country made big strides towards making its own vaccines and treatments for common diseases, reducing its reliance on imports.
Some states saw mothers and children getting better care. This came from easier access to check-ups during pregnancy, skilled help during birth, and care after delivery. Programmes to tackle poor nutrition and child health played a key part in these good results.
The national and state governments, along with private companies, put more money into health research. This led to better outcomes for often-overlooked tropical diseases and long-term health conditions.
The Federal Government set aside N2.5 trillion for the country’s health sector from December 2023 to November 2024. This huge sum went to key areas like hiring doctors and nurses, buying ambulances, and building facilities.
Is spending on health working?
But did this spending lead to better care and experiences for patients? A point to ponder.
Work continues, to beef up the overall health system. Efforts to gather and study data, manage supplies better, and create rules for smoother teamwork in healthcare are showing results. The aim is to help more people get basic healthcare, yet the big problems persisted, like shortage of funding and financing, poor infrastructure, and shortage of healthcare workers, particularly doctors and nurses.
Halfway through the year, President Bola Tinubu took a big step. He signed an order to make healthcare cheaper and easier to get in Nigeria. This move showed that the Federal government indeed wants to fix healthcare and build a stronger, fairer system for everyone in the country. But intentions are one thing. Actions are another.
The policy, in line with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), seeks to unleash the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry’s potential, boost its role in economic growth, and establish Nigeria as a global centre for health products and technology production.
Despite these steps forward, the past year brought major hurdles for Nigeria’s health sector. Key issues persisted, including lack of funds, poor infrastructure, and insufficient healthcare workers.
Japa hits health hard
The Japa syndrome, or exodus of healthcare experts, shows no sign of slowing down. Many skilled doctors, nurses, and other medical staff continue to leave for better opportunities abroad. This has led to more staff shortages in rural areas, which hurts the quality and availability of healthcare services.
Lack of funds for healthcare remained a big problem limiting the government’s ability to equip health facilities, buy essential medicines and supplies, and run effective public health programmes.
At the start of 2024, hopes rose when there was a push to increase the Federal Government’s budget for health and social sectors in the 2024 spending plan.
While the 2024 percentage allocation to the health sector was higher than in 2023, the total sum was actually less than the sum allocated for the previous year. The allocation of N1.23 trillion to health in 2024, which was less than 5 percent of the total proposed expenditure of N27.5 trillion compared to N1.3 trillion or 4.6 percent of the 2023 fiscal year budget was a downgrade.
But then, it was really not a surprising development as the health sector in Nigeria has consistently been underfunded even though investing in health has always been promoted as a strategic and vital investment in the country’s human resource and economic prosperity.
Poor power supply, lack of water degrade health system
In addition, poor infrastructure such as a lack of reliable electricity supply, crumbling medical facilities, and limited access to clean water and sanitation further restricted healthcare services. Infectious diseases, including new variations of COVID-19 and other emerging pathogens, presented major challenges to the Nigerian health system. The threat of antimicrobial resistance was amplified by the lack of quality antibiotics and inadequate infection control measures.
The extent of disparities in access to quality healthcare varied across the states and socio-economic levels, with the most significant obstacles being found among groups at the lower rung of development. Going forward, the healthcare system still faces challenges in delivering services due to accountability issues. While the idea of providing improved quality health services to all Nigerians without compromising their financial security is admirable and achievable, it is certainly not a picnic. No one knows this better than the government at the top.
2025: Better outcomes if…
Whereas
President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda emphasises the significance of health for Nigerians and their overall welfare, the aim to prioritise preventive healthcare and improve the quality of hospital services, is another thing. This will remain the primary focus in 2025.
During the signing of the Sector-Wide Compact in Abuja, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the necessity of ensuring that all Nigerians have access to affordable and high-quality health services to enhance population health outcomes.
To establish an efficient, equitable, and high-quality health system, the Federal Government has adopted a strategic framework aimed at saving lives and alleviating the long-standing physical and financial burdens associated with healthcare access. This initiative is fundamentally linked to the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
The launch of the Health Sector Renewal agenda represents a significant step towards reforming and implementing the National Health System as outlined in the National Health Act. Hence the Sector-Wide Compact reflects a collective understanding that health is essential for the accumulation of human capital.
Nigerians continue to aspire to a healthy and economically productive population that grows sustainably, supported by a health system that addresses the needs of all citizens in the context of the nation’s socioeconomic development. The signing of the Sector-Wide Compact signifies a commitment to align with the priorities outlined in the Renewed Hope Health Sector Blueprint, which aims to enhance governance, ensure accountability, and tackle the high rates of maternal, newborn, and child morbidity and mortality.
In the new year, there is hope that this initiative will unlock the healthcare value chain through state-led medical industrialisation in collaboration with the private sector, thereby strengthening the nation’s resilience and health security.
From hindsight, the foundational basis of the Sector-Wide Compact approach was to redesign the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) comprising at least 1 percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund provided by the National Health Act (2014). It is hoped that the primary purpose of this agenda is attained.
It will ensure more equitable allocation of resources to the poor and disadvantaged populations in the country while ensuring mobilisation of additional development partner financial resources to a common pool or aligned in parallel with the sector-wide approach.
With $2.5 billion to $3.0 billion in pooled and non-pooled financing expected to be mobilised between 2024-2026 to be channeled to improve the primary health system, the hope for continuity and accountability in this perspective is highly anticipated in the new year.
There is a laudable plan to redesign the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and double the number of fully functional Primary Healthcare Centers receiving decentralised facility financing for infrastructure upgrades, and operational costs to ensure delivery of high quality essential Primary Health Care packages.
If there are no compromises, the ambitious plan to gradually increase the number of fully functional Primary Healthcare Centers from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027 in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is achievable. It is a task that must be done. Already, an allocation of N260 billion has been earmarked for this purpose, largely perceived to be a major step towards enhancing the country’s healthcare infrastructure. This too would be a major point of interest in 2025 and beyond.
All the signals of commitment apparent in 2024 must be properly followed up and the deliverables to bring improvements in the funding mechanisms for primary health care are entrenched with an integrated monitoring and accountability framework. The sector-wide approach to improve the coordination and drive for better alignment between the government and development partners will remain in focus.
In prioritising best-buy investments in community health models as a critical entry point to public health services, the retraining of up to 120,000 front-line health workers that kicked off in 2024 would continue to be in focus.
As a collaborative effort across the Federal and State Governments, as well as key development partners, it is hoped that there would be realistic monitoring and evaluation process, follow-ups, and/or feedback on the impact of this initiative toward the much-expected enhancement of the health workforce through the appropriate deployment of beneficiaries of the training exercise.
[Vanguard]
‘Everybody Loves Jenifa‘, a film produced by Funke Akindele, has become the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.
FilmOne Studios, the entertainment company, announced the remarkable feat in a post via its Instagram page on Tuesday.
The post revealed that the movie, released across cinemas on December 11, has grossed over N1.466 billion in less than a month.
“Everybody Loves Jenifa has officially hit a historic N1.466 billion and counting at the box office, making it the highest-grossing film of all time!” it reads.
“A massive thank you to our incredible audiences in Nigeria and Ghana for making this dream a reality! Your support is everything.
“On to even greater heights! Still showing in cinemas near you—experience the magic on the big screen.”
The United States’ parliament has passed a bill that will allow federal authorities to detain illegal immigrants charged with minor crimes.
With the bill, such illegal immigrants risk deportation.
The Laken Riley Act was christened after a 22-year-old nursing student, killed last year in Georgia by Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan migrant, who crossed into the US illegally.
Ibarra had previously been arrested and charged with shoplifting, but was not detained.
He was later sentenced in November last year to life in prison without parole for Riley’s murder.
“Every part of our system failed Laken that day,” Mike Collins, a Republican representative who sponsored the Act, said.
The bill passed on Tuesday, just days into the new session of congress, set the tone for President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious policy agenda targeting reduced immigration.
Trump has repeatedly vowed to undertake a mass deportation soon after he takes office on January 20.
The Laken Riley Act drew the support of 48 Democrats as well as all Republicans.
The bill cleared the house on a 252-157 vote.
An expanded list of crimes which the bill penalises includes burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting.
Democrat critics argued that the new category is too broad, and could result in innocent people being thrown into detention.
[TheCable]
The Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has been awarded the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa for 2024 by the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate based in Singapore.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this while listing out the Nigerian police achievements in the year 2024.
He revealed that ₦8,821,001,881.80, 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,000, which are all crime proceeds were recovered and restituted to the victims of cybercrime.
Speaking further, Adejobi stated that the NPF arrested and prosecuted over 751 individuals involved in cyber crime.
He noted that the force seized phones, laptops, plots of lands, vehicles, houses, all proceeds of nefarious activities.
The statement reads, “In the relentless efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to tackle every form of crime in all spheres, the Force has recorded an outstanding achievement for the year 2024 in retrospect, particularly in the area of combatting cybercrime.
“In the year 2024, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) successfully recovered a staggering N8,821,001,881.80 (Eight Billion, Eight Hundred and Twenty-One Million, One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-One Naira, Eighty Kobo), 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,000 (Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars). These significant amounts have been restituted to the victims of cybercrime, reaffirming the commitment of the Force to protecting citizens and ensuring justice for those affected by fraudulent activities.
“Similarly, in the past year, the Cybercrime Unit has actively engaged in strategic operations, resulting in the arrests and prosecutions of over 751 individuals involved in cybercrime. The unit has successfully recovered a total of 685 devices that were used in these nefarious activities, which include 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops and computers, 46 routers, 4 servers, 1 drone, and 4 Starlink devices. Additionally, the operations led to the confiscation of 16 houses, 39 plots of land, 14 land documents, and 26 vehicles, further dismantling the infrastructure supporting cybercriminal activities.
“In recognition of its outstanding performance and dedication, the NPF-NCCC has been awarded the title of the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa for 2024 by the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate based in Singapore, securing the top position among 54 participating African countries. These achievements reflects the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to fighting cybercrime and enhancing the safety of citizens in the digital space.
“In furtherance to efforts towrads keeping the cyberspace safe, operatives of the NPF-NCCC have apprehended 4 suspects identified as Douglass Victor ‘m’, Egbo Efe Martins ‘m’, Lucky Adesunloye ‘m’, and Ndifreke Joseph Moody ‘m’, for various cyber-related offences.
“The Nigeria Police remains committed towards combating cyber threats, staying steps ahead of cybercriminals, thereby enhancing the nation’s overall cybersecurity framework and protecting the welfare of its citizens in the digital era. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution when sharing sensitive data or interacting with unfamiliar online entities, cultivating a culture of cyber awareness and promoting responsible online behavior are essential components in fortifying the defenses against cyber threats.”
The Aare onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has urged Southwest governors to urgently address the growing security threats of bandits infiltrating their states.
Gani made the plea after the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during the 2025 annual interfaith service in Ibadan on Monday, raised the alarm over bandits operations in the state.
In a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi and released in Osogbo on Tuesday, Gani Adams said he had raised similar concerns last year, but nothing was done.
Adams, the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, warned that ignoring Makinde’s revelation could have dire consequences for the region.
He described Oyo State as the political nerve centre of the South-West, warning that any security breakdown could have ripple effects across the entire region.
Adams also offered to collaborate with state governments to strengthen the security architecture, adding that governors should act promptly.
The statement read, “The alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is a wake-up call for all the governors in the South-West. I raised similar concerns last year, but nothing was done. Sadly, insecurity has continued to escalate.
“The South-West Security Stakeholders Group, including the OPC, Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Professional Hunters, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, and others under my leadership, have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the region.
“However, now that Governor Makinde has sounded the alarm, it is imperative for a more urgent and coordinated approach to tackle the issue before it spirals out of control.
“Oyo State is the political capital of the South-West, and whatever happens there will undoubtedly affect the entire region.
“I urge all South-West governors to remain vigilant and address the security challenges in their respective states promptly.”
The Nigerian military has dropped three places in the latest global military ranking.
The ranking, published by Global Firepower, placed the Armed Forces of Nigeria at 39th out of a total of 145 countries reviewed for 2024.
This marks a decline from its 36th position in the 2023 ranking and 35th position in 2022.
This two-year consecutive drop comes despite the acquisition of fighter jets and other combat enablers, as well as the military’s claimed successes against terrorists in Nigeria over the same period.
Nigeria also dropped from third to fourth position among African countries.
For the 18th consecutive year, the United States retained its position as the top-ranked military globally.
According to GFP, the United States showcases “commanding values in many major material, financial, and resource categories.”
The USA is followed by Russia, China, and India, ranked second, third, and fourth, respectively.
South Korea is ranked fifth, followed by the United Kingdom (6th), Japan (7th), Turkey (8th), Pakistan (9th), and Italy (10th). The top 15 is completed by France (11th), Brazil (12th), Indonesia (13th), Iran (14th), and Egypt (15th).
Australia, Israel, Ukraine, Germany, and Spain hold the 16th to 20th positions, respectively.
In Africa, Egypt is ranked first, followed by Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia, and Sudan, in that order.
According to the report, over 60 factors were considered in determining the scores given to countries.
“The finalised Global Firepower ranking below utilises over 60 individual factors to determine a given nation’s PowerIndex (‘PwrIndx’) score, with categories ranging from the quantity of military units and financial standing to logistical capabilities and geography,” the GFP report stated.
“Our unique, in-house formula allows smaller, more technologically advanced nations to compete with larger, less-developed powers. Special modifiers, in the form of bonuses and penalties, are applied to further refine the list, which is compiled annually.
“For 2024, Nigeria is ranked 39th out of the 145 countries considered for the annual GFP review. The nation holds a PwrIndx* score of 0.5619 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’). This entry was last reviewed on 01/09/2024.”
“PwrIndx: Each nation is assessed on individual and collective values processed through an in-house formula to generate its ‘PwrIndx’ (Power Index) score. Some values are estimated when official numbers are unavailable,” it added.
When contacted, the Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur, Gusau said, “I am not aware of the ranking and I can’t comment on it.”
esidents of a town in Nottinghamshire, England in the United Kingdom are puzzled by the mysterious appearance of plates filled with peeled bananas left by the side of a road every month for over a year.
The phenomenon occurs on the second day of each month in 2024, when a plate of bananas is found on a street corner in Beeston, across from a local church.
The mystery began more than a year ago at the intersection of Abbey Road and Wensor Avenue, and the purpose behind it remains unclear.
A local resident, Clare Short, discovered the pattern and noticed the bananas were consistently placed on the second day of each month.
In response, she put up a sign at the location that reads, “Please, respectfully, no more bananas! The uncollected plates and rotting bananas leave such a mess. Wishing a happy new year to you all.”
Despite the sign, Short revealed that a plate of bananas was left on January 2nd.
“I’ve asked around in the local community but no one really knows and no one can tell me anything,” Short shared with the BBC.
Residents have speculated that the bananas may be intended as a gift for local wildlife, while others think they could be some sort of religious offering, given the proximity to the church.
Short, who has come to accept the monthly occurrence, remarked, “I’ve come to take the signs down because I don’t really want to make it like a feud, I don’t want it to become a big thing. I think it’s a special thing for [someone] and I wish them well. But if they could come back and clean up the mess a few days later that would be lovely.”
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, made fresh revelations on how the suspended 18 Local Government Council Chairmen remitted about ₦12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 15 months.
In a statement on Tuesday, Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, disclosed that the Governor made these revelations while playing host to the acting Chairmen and Councilors of the 18 Local Government Areas, who were in Government House on a courtesy visit.
While commending the acting Chairmen and the Councillors for their courageous act in upholding democracy and ensuring transparency at the Local Government level, the Governor stressed their funds do not belong to any individual, irrespective of the statuses.
Governor Okpebholo said: “When I came into the office, I had a meeting with the Accountant-General, and he showed me some books. Some of these spending had no explanation.
“I picked interest in some of the spending because I saw an item which was tagged “Environmental security funding.” I have never heard of that before, and the amount involved was huge, N800 million every month. These Chairmen were contributing this money and gave it to leaders of a party.”
Governor Okpebholo said this revelation led to a meeting with the Chairmen who were asked to explain the money allocated to Environmental Security funding, but they could not.
He said: “I invited the Chairmen but could not meet with them, but my Deputy met with them. He asked them to explain certain spending, but none could explain. He asked them to provide their books, and they agreed and said they would in 24 hours, but the Deputy said no, Iet it be in 48 hours.
“But these Chairmen didn’t obey the instructions in two weeks as none of them submitted their books. Following the development, I sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to look into their records.
“As a former parliamentarian, I know there is a body that has a function over them, so I sent a letter to Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) and they were invited and they refused to come and they were suspended for two months.”
He noted that these Chairmen were engaged in wasteful spending “even when our schools did not have teachers. When you get to primary schools, you find two or three teachers, where you are supposed to have 10 to 12 teachers.
“I want to thank you because the narrative has been changed by you people as what you have done is not out of the law. Impeaching somebody who is corrupt, who has used the local funds for his personal gain is not wrong. I recognize you as my Chairmen.
“The only way to drive development to the grassroots is through you. The President also recognized the local government and advised Governors.
“I am ready to work with the Chairmen of various local government Councils. I am ready to work with you to see that various Council areas progress. You have the full power as local government chairmen. The local government Commission will cooperate with you to ensure you succeed in your duties to serve the grassroots people.
“The money that belongs to the local government. It does not belong to you but the grassroots. So, go and work with the resources,” Senator Okpebholo advised.
Chairman Local Government Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani who led the acting local government Chairmen on the courtesy visit, assured the Governor that the Chairmen are ready to work closely with the administration and ensure the people at the grassroots enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Hon Lawani said: “The Chairmen working at the grassroots level are in full support of your development strive in the State and are ready to collaborate with you to ensure the people at the grassroots enjoy good governance.”
The acting Chairmen of Uhunmwonde, Hon. Iradia Benjamin Osas; Esan West Hon. Godsent Agboibo; and Owan West, Hon. Joy Ohonyon all pledged their loyalty to the administration, assuring the Governor and the people of Edo State that they will collaborate and support the Senator Okpebholo-led administration to succeed and deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo State, expecially people at the grassroots.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has opposed the request by the Federal Government for the resumption of his trial, insisting that the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, must recuse herself from the matter.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, revealed his client’s position in a post on X on Tuesday, rejecting the Federal Government’s bid to reopen the trial.
Kanu, who is being prosecuted on seven counts of alleged treasonable felony and terrorism, was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extraordinarily rendered to Nigeria. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At the last court session on September 24, 2024, Kanu requested that Justice Nyako, recuse herself, citing a loss of confidence in her handling of the case.
Justice Nyako agreed to recuse herself and forwarded the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.
However, the Chief Judge returned the case to Justice Nyako, stating that two other judges had previously recused themselves, and Justice Nyako, having handled the matter since 2015, was best positioned to conclude it.
The Chief Judge instructed that if Kanu still wanted Justice Nyako to step aside, he must file a formal motion with an affidavit detailing his reasons, serve it on the prosecution, and await Justice Nyako’s determination.
Despite this directive, the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), requested a new trial date in a December 5, 2024, letter addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court.
Awomolo argued that the Chief Judge’s decision reinstated Justice Nyako as the trial judge.
However, Kanu’s lawyer, Ejimakor, in a counter-letter rejecting the request, argued that Justice Nyako’s decision to recuse herself was still valid and binding.
“Our position is based on the fact that Justice Nyako entered and enrolled an order recusing herself on September 24, 2024, and to date, that order remains extant and subsisting. It has not been set aside by any competent court,” Ejimakor stated.
He further accused the prosecution of attempting to mislead the court, insisting that Kanu no longer has a case before Justice Nyako.
“For the avoidance of doubt, as of September 24, 2024, the defendant no longer has any case to answer before Justice Binta Nyako,” Ejimakor said.
Demanding Justice Nyako’s withdrawal from his case at the previous proceedings, Kanu, who shouted down his lawyer and spoke for himself, maintained that he did not trust the judge to be impartial.
Addressing the judge directly, Kanu said, “My Lord, I have no confidence in this court anymore and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court.
“I can understand it if the DSS refused to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable. I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case.”
However, the prosecution counsel, Awomolo, urged Justice Nyako to regard Kanu’s claim of disobeying a Supreme Court order and proceed with the hearing.
“My Lord, you should not recuse yourself on the basis of this mere observation which does not have anything to do with the Supreme Court. It is an incompetent observation. We urge this court to proceed with the hearing,” Awomolo said.
But Kanu vehemently objected, waving a copy of a document in his hand which he said was a copy of the subsisting judgment of the Supreme Court.
He proceeded to read a part that said the actions of the trial court rendered the impartiality of the judge suspect.
He also tried to explain to the judge that his objection to her presiding over his matter was not personal but that he was now fed up with the trial, which, according to him, was at variance with constitutional provisions.
Declaring her stance on the matter, Justice Nyako declared: “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge.”
Kanu was first arrested on October 14, 2015, following his return to Nigeria from the U K and was later granted bail in 2017 on health grounds after being detained at the Kuje correctional facility.
Kanu later fled the country following a raid by the military on his home and moved back to the United Kingdom but was later re-arrested in Kenya in 2011 and brought back to Nigeria.
His his re-arrested and repatriation to the country, he has been detained in the custody of the Department of State Services.
His repeated applications for fresh bail have been turned down by Justice Nyako.
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Ghana was in a frenzy mood when President John Mahama was sworn in in Accra, the capital of the country, on Tuesday.
At the centre of attraction was 73-year-old newly sworn-in Vice-President Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Opoku-Agyemang made history as the first elected female VP in the country’s history.
The inauguration was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye; Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traore; Kenyan President William Ruto; President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema and other dignitaries across all walks of life.
At the ceremony, Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, promised to “reset” Ghana, renegotiate parts of the IMF deal and introduce a “24-hour” economy to create jobs, a major concern for many younger voters.
However, in this report, PUNCH Online highlights the major things to know about the newly sworn-in Vice President who made history as the first female to hold the office.
1. Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang was born on November 22, 1951.
2. She attended Anglican Girls’ School at Koforidua and Aburi Presby Girls’ School. She then had her secondary education at the Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast from 1964 to 1971.
3. She completed B.Ed.(Hons) in English and French at the University of Cape Coast in 1977.
4. She earned a Diploma in Advanced Studies in French from the University of Dakar and obtained her master’s degree and Doctorate degrees from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1980 and 1986, respectively.
5. She served as the country’s Minister of Education from February 2013 to January 2017.
6. She is a full professor of Literature.
7. She served as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a state university in Ghana before taking over as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.
8. In March 2007, she was one of five scholars selected to deliver presentations during the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
9. In October 2009, she was elected Ghana’s representative to the executive board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
10. Ahead of the 2012 general elections, Jane Opoku Agyemang moderated the debate with Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
11. In the December 2020 Ghanaian presidential election, she was selected by John Mahama as his running mate on the NDC party ticket.
12. After she lost the election, she returned to the classroom and in August 2024, she resigned as the Vice-Chencellor of the Women’s University in Africa in Zimbabwe to join politics.
13. She was selected again as running mate to Mahama in 2024 and won, becoming the first female Vice President of Ghana.
Key political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and allies of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, held a private meeting with the leadership of the Social Democratic Party in Abuja on Tuesday.
The closed-door meeting, which took place at the SDP national secretariat, has sparked speculations about potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among the notable attendees were Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha an ex-presidential candidate and former Chief Security Officer to the late Gen Sani Abacha and Atiku’s former spokesman, Otunba Segun Showunmi.
Although the specific agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, it is being described as part of a broader strategy to forge alliances among opposition figures with the aim of presenting a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu in the next election cycle.
Showunmi confirmed the meeting in a Facebook post, describing it as a “strategic gathering” convened by SDP Chairman, Shehu Gabam, to evaluate the state of opposition politics in Nigeria.
“You must set forth at dawn! A Strategic Meeting was called by HE Shehu Gabam, Chairman of SDP, with HE Nasir El-Rufai, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Otunba Segun Showunmi. The alternative to meet, greet, and review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria,” Showunmi wrote.
The SDP Chairman, Gabam, also confirmed the meeting in an interview with The PUNCH, saying it was a meeting of like-minded individuals seeking to connect with others who shared their vision for Nigeria’s progress.
Gabam stated “There is no official statement from El-Rufai or any one of them about officially joining SDP. So, as I said, they are open to conversation and negotiations for a better Nigeria. It’s not about a political party; it’s about the future of Nigeria.
“We are looking for like-minded people who believe in the future of the country so that we can work together and uplift the individual standard of Nigeria.
“It’s not just them. The attention of the media only went to them. I have received a lot of dignitaries from different political parties in the office, discussing the way forward, how to stabilise the country, and how to offer productive, progressive advice to this government so that there will not be a crisis.
“Because once the government has a crisis, it affects every Nigerian. So, part of our responsibilities is to make sure we are not facing a crisis. When the time comes, we will decide what to do about other things.
“There is an ongoing conversation. When the time comes, we will arrive at a conclusion, and we will hold an official press conference. Once we agree on what we are going to do together, we will unveil it to all Nigerians. But at the preliminary stage, we are having our own social gatherings and discussing national issues.”
Gabam described the SDP as a responsible and respectable party that engaged in constructive opposition without provocation.
“So, principally, that’s what we are doing. More like-minded people are already on board. So today, there are other heavyweights involved, with whom we are discussing. To me, it’s a normal thing, a normal routine that I go through in the office all the time.
“So, it’s a welcome development, not just for those of us that met, but for everyone willing to come on board. SDP is a responsible party by history and analysis, and we will continue to provide decent leadership for Nigeria.
“Our interest is our country first, above any other consideration. We want to have a peaceful country, a well-coordinated country, economic prosperity, political stability for investors, and so on.
“We don’t have any other objective other than that. So we are playing our role as an opposition party, just the way APC played its role and ousted PDP from power,” he added.
The meeting comes just two days after El-Rufai dismissed rumors of his defection from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party.
On his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the former governor labelled the reports as “patent lies” and indicated he had instructed his lawyers to pursue legal action against those spreading the misinformation.
“Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai posted.
A close associate of El-Rufai also refuted the claims, suggesting that such allegations were the work of mischief-makers intent on creating political uncertainty.
The involvement of prominent APC figures like El-Rufai in discussions with SDP leaders has fuelled speculation about potential cracks within the ruling party.
While El-Rufai remains a key figure in the APC, his participation in opposition-related activities is being closely watched by political analysts.
As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 elections, this meeting signals an intensifying effort among opposition groups to consolidate and strategize for a united front against the ruling APC.
The Nigeria Customs Service has said that it received 573,519 applications in the just-concluded 2024/2025 recruitment exercise, barely a week after the portal was opened.
The applicant seeking jobs for the available positions surpasses the 3,927 vacancies to be filled by the service.
Last week, Finance Minister Olawale Edun announced that the Federal Government had approved the recruitment of 3,927 officers for the NCS to bridge gaps and enhance trade facilitation.
But providing an update after the expiration of the deadline, the NCS’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, revealed that a total of 573,519 applicants have already applied for the 3,927 vacant positions.
He said the vacancies were for different positions including support and general duty staff.
According to the image maker in an interview on Tuesday, the process was seamless and thorough.
He said, “I want to break down the number of people that applied. We have two categories of officers: we have the support staff that are professionals, and we have the general duty.
“For the general duty, we have three categories of ranks. For the general duty under the superintendent cadre, we have 249,218 candidates who applied.
Under the superintendent cadre support staff cadre, he said, “We have 27,722 with HNDs and university degrees.
“For the inspector cadres, those expected to apply with their National Certificate for Education or National Diploma, we have 115,634 applying for the general duty, and for support staff, we have 12,952.
“As for the customs assistants, these are those who are supposed to come in with secondary school certificates. There are two categories: those who have basic five-credit results with Maths and English and those without Maths and English.
For the general duty, Maiwada said, ”We have 153,593 while the support staff we have 14,400, making a total of 573,000 applications.”
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has assured Ghanaians that their President, John Mahama, would bring the required positive change in the country.
President Tinubu, along with some governors from Nigeria, graced the swearing-in ceremony of Mahama on Tuesday.
In his address, released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the swearing-in ceremony was a celebration of democracy in Africa.
He commended former President Nana Akufo-Addo for the seamless transition of power to the incumbent.
Nigeria’s leader assured of his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ghana across all sectors and other African countries.
The statement read:
“It is always good when a friend and brother can visit the home of a close neighbour to celebrate his success and progress with him.
“We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another. This moment does more than symbolize another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.
“Today, I am here not only as the President of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora.
“The sun is out, and the sky says daylight, but I see today a Black star rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation, and its rays spread across this Continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare.
“While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are. Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be. That star means that we shall always strive to work together. Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement. Never, never shall we harm others and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.
“The spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is here today, lifting that star higher and higher. Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations.
“May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders.
“Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.
“Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.
“President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.
“May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region.
“I am confident that the new government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people. I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.
“Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress. With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.
“May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion. Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity.
“God bless Ghana and its Beloved People.
“God bless Nigeria and its Beloved People
“God bless ECOWAS
“God bless our Beloved Africa.
“I thank you for your kind attention.”