Ali Ndume, the federal lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly (NASS), has stated that the tax reform bills sent by President Bola Tinubu are “dead on arrival.”

Ndume explained, “Our people are saying they don’t want the VAT bill, they don’t even want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival,” urging President Tinubu to heed the advice of the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Northern Governors’ Forum and withdraw the bills immediately.

The lawmaker who made the remarks on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme argued that the Federal Government should be looking to reduce, rather than increase, the tax burden on Nigerians.

His words, “The general sentiment is that Nigerians are not willing to talk about or pay any tax now, considering the economic situation we are in.

“Nigerians are willing to pay taxes but only when they can afford it. Right now, people are struggling to survive. Let people live first before you start asking them for taxes.”

“It will be fair to shut the bill down; it is the fairest thing to do,” indicating that he has started rallying support among colleagues to reject the bills.”


Ndume, a member of the President’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), also commented that the Tinubu administration should focus on reforming itself rather than increasing taxes.

“What he [Tinubu] needs to do is to withdraw the bill, educate Nigerians, and make us understand it. We are representing the people, and they have already made their stance clear,” he said.

“The governors and traditional rulers have said that the bill is not good. So, the best course of action is to withdraw it immediately. Right now, our people don’t want the VAT bill; they don’t even want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival.”

The tax reform bills, currently in the National Assembly, have faced substantial criticism, with the 36 state governors urging the President to withdraw them.


However, the President has stated the bills will not be withdrawn, though he is open to “inputs and necessary changes” from lawmakers.

 Republicans seized control of the U.S. Senate late Tuesday, flipping key Democratic-held seats and securing a majority for the first time in four years. The pivotal moment came in Nebraska, where incumbent GOP Senator Deb Fischer narrowly defeated independent challenger Dan Osborn. This victory, along with other gains in West Virginia and Ohio, allowed Republicans to edge past the Democrats.

In West Virginia, GOP Governor Jim Justice won the Senate seat vacated by retiring Democrat Joe Manchin. In Ohio, Democrat Sherrod Brown lost to wealthy Republican newcomer Bernie Moreno. The Democrats’ efforts to unseat high-profile Republicans like Ted Cruz of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida failed.


Despite the setbacks, attention now turns to the Democratic strongholds of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, where key Senate races could determine whether Republicans sweep the chamber.

This shift in Senate power marks a turning point in the political landscape, with the GOP’s Mitch McConnell stepping down from leadership. Meanwhile, debates over the party’s leadership and direction loom, with South Dakota Senator John Thune and Texas Senator John Cornyn emerging as potential successors.

The election results are shaping the future of U.S. governance, with Congress poised to influence presidential agendas, particularly with the backdrop of the upcoming presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

On October 31, the federal government launched an amnesty initiative to allow individuals to deposit foreign currencies into banks without penalties or taxes — provided the funds are not proceeds of crime.

The programme is called the ‘Disclosure Scheme’, according to the ministry of finance.

In a statement, the ministry said the scheme would span nine months and is designed to enhance transparency in the financial sector and boost Nigeria’s economic resilience, growth, and development.

Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, said the initiative would enhance financial security and contribute positively to the economy by increasing reserves and stabilising exchange rates.

TheCable highlights the major things to know about the new policy.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME?

To participate in the scheme, the federal government said all Nigerians holding legitimately earned internationally tradable foreign currency are eligible.

The finance ministry also said participation is voluntary and candidates must own domiciliary accounts.

“The scheme is based on voluntary disclosure by eligible participants,” the statement reads.

“Participants are required to maintain a domiciliary account with participating financial institutions, with deposited or repatriated funds held in a sub-account specifically designated for depositing foreign currency disclosed under the Scheme.”

WHICH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ARE INVOLVED?

According to the ministry of finance, all deposit money banks (DMBs) regulated by the CBN will act as participating financial institutions. The banks will be responsible for processing applications, maintaining designated accounts, and ensuring compliance with the scheme’s guidelines.

The participating financial institutions are also expected to comply with Nigeria’s anti-money laundering measures.

“In implementing the Scheme, participating financial Institutions must fully comply with existing anti-money laundering (AML)/ countering the financing of terrorism (CFT)/ counter-proliferation Financing (CPF) requirements,” the ministry said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the effective application of AML/CFT/CPF preventative measures is key to ensuring that the scheme is not used for money laundering or terrorism financing.”

FG’S COMMITMENTS, ASSURANCES

The federal government pledged that individuals participating in the scheme will get access to protection, “tax incentives and unrestricted repatriation”.

Specifically, participants will not be subjected to any tax audit, investigation, or liability regarding the disclosed amount of foreign currency.

The government also promised that “disclosed, deposited, repatriated, and invested foreign currency under the scheme” shall not be liable to any form of expropriation, seizure, or forfeiture.

“Participants can freely repatriate their foreign currency and any proceeds or accretions at the prevailing exchange rate, subject to the scheme’s guidelines,” the finance ministry said.

“Information provided by participants will be treated with utmost confidentiality in accordance with relevant laws.”

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SCHEME

To participate in the disclosure scheme, the individual must maintain or open a domiciliary account with a participating financial institution.

Also, participants must complete an application form prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the participating financial institution, providing the required details and undertakings.

After providing the necessary requirements, the participant can deposit or repatriate the disclosed foreign currency into the designated domiciliary account.

The ministry of finance encouraged individuals to contact their banks for additional details as the process may vary.

A large crowd of activists flooded Abuja’s Three Arms Zone, yesterday, demanding sweeping reforms in the oil sector.

Organised by the APC Solidarity and Development Forum and comprising youth and civil society organisations, the protesters expressed frustration over soaring fuel prices, persistent fuel scarcity, and the intensifying economic hardship affecting Nigerians.

Speaking to journalists during the protest held near the National Assembly Complex, group leaders Kabir Matazu and Danielsi Momoh described the ongoing fuel crisis as a reflection of systemic failures within the industry.

In a letter addressed to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, they argued that despite repeated assurances from authorities, shortages and high prices continue to persist, impacting citizens and eroding public trust in the government’s management of oil resources.

The protesters highlighted the lack of operational local refineries, despite a $4 billion government investment, as a significant oversight and management failure.

They contended that the government’s inaction not only undermines the administration’s ‘renewed hope’ agenda but also underscores the need for a leadership change focused on accountability.

Additionally, they pointed out the absence of a clear plan to revitalise and operate local refineries as a major concern.

Concerns over unresolved corruption within the sector were also raised, with calls on the National Assembly to implement stringent measures to prevent the importation of substandard petroleum products, which threaten public health and safety.

The protesters demanded the establishment of an investigative committee to address alleged misconduct, with any official implicated prosecuted the through anti-corruption agencies.
They further called on the National Assembly to act decisively to reform the industry, ensuring it operates efficiently and supports the nation’s economic welfare.

The protest leaders stated, “We demand a clear roadmap for the revitalization and operationalisation of our local refineries to ensure self-sufficiency in petroleum products and reduce reliance on imports.

“The National Assembly must enact and enforce strict regulations to prevent the importation of substandard petroleum products, protecting the health and safety of Nigerians.

“We urge the President to appoint a qualified individual who possesses the integrity and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of the oil sector and restore public confidence.
“We call for the immediate establishment of a committee to investigate the ongoing allegations of sleaze and fraud within the oil sector.”

Furthermore, we demand that those responsible be held accountable and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for prosecution.”

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says a commercial bus driver set ablaze one of its officers while resisting arrest over a violation of traffic regulations.

Adebayo Taofiq, the LASTMA director of public affairs, said the commercial driver and his conductor “brutally attacked” the officer while discharging official duties.

“LASTMA has been made aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, license plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officer ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest,” NAN quoted Taofiq to have said.

“This shocking event transpired today (Tuesday), Nov. 5, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials.

“The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile 2 area.”

Taofiq said the bus driver and conductor violently resisted arrest, physically assaulted a LASTMA officer, and then doused him with petrol.

He added that the severely burnt LASTMA officer was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

The spokesperson implored commercial and private drivers to fully comply with traffic laws and show respect to LASTMA officials’ authority.

“LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible,” he added.

Seventeen persons, including a commercial bus driver and two conductors, have reportedly died in a road accident in Imo state.

Witnesses said the accident happened on Tuesday after a tipper ran into an 18-seater commercial bus along Orlu road in Owerri, the state capital.

A witness told TheCable that the tipper driver was trying to avoid a pothole when he veered off his lane and collided with the bus, leading to the death of everyone on board.

The tipper driver reportedly sustained severe injuries and was unconscious.

A resident said some bodies of the victims were trapped under the damaged vehicles, while others were recovered and deposited in a morgue.

Okoye Henry, police spokesperson in Imo, was not immediately available for comment when contacted by TheCable for more information on the accident.

In May, about 15 people died and many others were injured after a truck crashed into four buses at the Imo State University (IMSU) junction in Owerri.

 

Witnesses said the truck collided with vehicles coming in the opposite direction due to a brake failure in the Ugwu-Orji area.

The Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, his Science, Technology, and Innovation counterpart, Uche Nnaji, and Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, are some of the high-profile government functionaries expected to appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy on Wednesday.

The Committee, chaired by the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, Afam Ogene is investigating the utilisation of over $2bn investment and grants for the development of renewable energy sources in Nigeria from 2015 till date.

The committee argued last week that despite the huge grants and investment in the sector, the power supply in the country has continued to worsen.

Scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, 5 and 6 November 2024, the investigative hearing follows the mandate given to the Committee on June 6, 2024, to investigate Ministries, Departments, and Agencies involved in investments, procurement, and receipt of grants for renewable energy sector development.

At the commencement of the investigative hearing on Tuesday, none of the ministers showed up, preferring to send representatives, most of whom were asked to return to their various offices.

Expressing his disappointment at the turnout, Ogene urged the concerned ministers and other government officials to appear before the Committee unfailingly on Wednesday.

The Labour Party lawmaker reminded representatives of invited government officials that the power to summon public officers for investigation is vested in both chambers of the National Assembly.

He said, “Let me state this again: Section 81 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) provides that ‘Each House of the National Assembly shall have power by resolution published in its journal or in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation to direct an investigation into any matter or thing with respect to which it has the power to make laws.”

He added that this power includes probing into “the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, Ministry or government department charged, or intended to be charged, with the duty of or responsibility for executing or administering monies appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly.”

At the commencement of the hearing, Ogene called on the Budget and Economic Planning to appear before the committee to make his presentation. However, a director in the ministry, Felix Okonkwo, appeared on behalf of the minister.

Asked if he had the mandate of the minister to speak, Okonkwo said, “I can take some responsibilities but not all.”

Not pleased with the remark, Ogene urged him to go back and inform his principal to physically appear on Wednesday.

“Tell your minister to appear before this committee on Wednesday. It is not meant to witch-hunt anybody. A situation where invitations are sent about three times to heads of MDAs and they would still not appear to make their presentations is not acceptable,” he said.

The story was no different when Deputy Director of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Suleiman Abubakar, stood in for the minister.

Asked if he was delegated to speak for the minister, Suleiman said his directorate mandated him to attend the investigative hearing.

Ruling on the development, Ogene said, “You have no locus to stand in for the Minister. He should appear in person on Wednesday. We wrote to the Minister, not a directorate.”

Also expected at the investigative hearing on Wednesday are the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Union Bank of Nigeria, Niger Delta Power Holding Company and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

Donald Trump is now 24 electoral college votes away from winning the United States presidential election. 

The Republican Party candidate has now amassed 246 electoral college votes, with Vice President Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party polling 210 electoral college votes at the time of reporting.

There are 538 votes in the electoral college and it takes 270 — a majority — to win the presidency.

Trump is now projected to win the battleground state of North Carolina and the swing state of Georgia, leaving Harris with a mountain to climb. There is currently no realistic pathway to a Harris victory.

A “hush” has descended on the Harris campaign headquarters, with various outlets reporting that the campaign would no longer be talking to the press until it is done and dusted.

The US presidential election has been a keenly contested one and was considered “neck-and-neck” and “too close to call” even before the first mail-in ballots were cast.

Immigration, border security and inflation were Trump’s strongest campaign points, while Harris campaigned on reproductive rights for women and building “an opportunity economy”.

Harris entered the race in July after US President Joe Biden’s shaky debate performance in June.

Barack Obama, a former US president, and a slew of celebrities had acted as Harris surrogates on the campaign trail.

Trump has promised to “tighten the border” and “root out illegal immigrants” if re-elected. The Republican Party candidate has repeatedly described the Democratic Party as “weak”.

The Republican Party has also taken control of the senate.

The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday disclosed that President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of the minors facing trial for treason on compassionate grounds.

According to Shettima, there are video and photographic evidence of some of the protesters which were uploaded by the actors themselves.

He lamented that the nation lost over N300 billion from the destruction and halting of economic activities orchestrated by the protesters.

Shettima made this claim while receiving the minors at the Presidential Villa, shortly after their charges were dropped by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

Shettima said, “The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, instructed the release of the suspect on humanitarian grounds, despite incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions some of which were uploaded by the actors themselves.

“Regarding this evidence, the President as the father of the nation is giving these young men another chance at becoming responsible citizens who will make a positive impact, in a drive for a better Nigeria.

“I would like to admonish you, young men not to allow yourselves to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property because over N300 billion was lost in the protests, consisting mainly of private property and loss of business.

“I will urge you, I will advise you, you are our children, to use the opportunity of the President’s magnanimous gesture in ensuring that you overcome and become responsible citizens who will contribute to the growth of the society.

“I will urge our governors and our elected representatives here, that cuts across the political divide, what binds us together as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supersedes whatever divides us.

“I will call on our two governors and our representatives into a single cause, and ensure that these subjects are rehabilitated and reintegrated into the fabric of our communities.”

A new terror group, operating in Sokoto State, reportedly pays youths ₦1 million to join in their destructive operation.

The Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area, Alhaji Isa Salihu Kalenjeni, who disclosed this, said the foreign-based armed religious group occupies five local governments in the state.

Speaking at the reception of Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, who were on a study tour in the state, on Monday, he explained that the group locally known as Lakuwarawa migrated from Libya, Mali and Niger Republic and camped at Tsauni forest.

According to Daily Trust, Kalenjeni also said the Lakuwarawa has “launched one of the deadliest attacks in the area that resulted in the killing of four soldiers on patrol along Gudu road recently.

“They are forcing people to pay Zakkat and at the same time robbing people of their belongings. Just recently, they robbed a shop owner of ₦2 million. They also seized his car and released it after he paid ₦350,000.”

The Tangaza Council Chairman added that the group stole four motorcycles in Balle, the headquarters of Gudu LGA, adding bandits have also joined forces with the terror group.

“They usually come to our communities during the day and go back to the forest in the night. They also have drones which they use in monitoring the movement of security operatives,” Kalenjeni added.

The Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Engr. Idris Gobir, who received Course 33 of the National Defence College, reportedly confirmed Kalenjen’s account.

Gobir said an “assessment carried out indicated that the group possessed sophisticated weapons and their criminal activities were observed in about 5 LGAs of the state.“