Tinubu To Zulum, Ndume: North Not Target Of Tax Bill; Stop Inciting Nigerians

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December 3, 2024

Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has refuted claims that the North is the target of the controversial Tax Reform Bills 2024.

This suggestion is contrary to the real intention of the bill, sent by the president to the National Assembly three months ago, his Spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement on Monday.

The president’s response comes on the heels of the serious controversies the bill have stoked among Nigerians, who have either supported or rejected it.

For instance, opinion leaders in the southern and northern parts of the country have been polarised by the bill, which the federal government said is necessary to reform the current tax system and free up more funds for the government to spend on key sectors.

But the major opposition against the bill has apparently come from the northern part of the country, where many opinion, religious and traditional leaders have vehemently opposed it.

They include, the Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Governors Forum, NGF; Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the NASS, amongst others who have openly criticised the president for allegedly trying to use the bill to shortchange the region.

President Tinubu however denied that the north is the target of the Executive bill he sent to the NASS for passage.

“The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent and other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer. The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country. Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living,” Tinubu said.

The president warned those trying to polarize the country, saying “while some commentators have attempted to incite the people against lawmakers, others have polarized one section of the country against another” in their attempt to stop the bill from going through.

He said some opinions being expressed concerning the bill are not grounded on facts, but intended to mislead unsuspecting Nigerians, even though the government has noble intention for generating the bill.

The president also denied that some key government agencies will be scrapped under the proposed tax regime, saying “contrary to the lies being peddled, the bills do not suggest that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills.”

Below the statement:

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

NO PART OF TAX REFORM BILLS RECOMMENDS SCRAPPING TETFUND, NASENI, AND NITDA…NO PROVISION WILL IMPOVERISH THE NORTH

Since the public debate around the transformative tax bills before the National Assembly began in the last few weeks, various political actors and commentators have tried to obfuscate the facts, deliberately misinforming and misleading the public.

Unfortunately, most reactions are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills. While some commentators have attempted to incite the people against lawmakers, others have polarized one section of the country against another.

The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent and other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed, poorer. The bills will not destroy the economy of any section of the country. Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living.

Contrary to the lies being peddled, the bills do not suggest that NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA will cease to exist in 2029 after the passage of the bills.

Government agencies, such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA, are funded through budgetary provisions with company income tax and other taxes paid by the same businesses that are being overburdened with the special taxes.

One reason President Bola Tinubu embarked on the Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms is the need to streamline tax administration in Nigeria and make the operating environment conducive for businesses.

For decades, businesses, investors, and private sector players in Nigeria have complained of being overburdened by a myriad of taxes and levies, including those earmarked to fund various government agencies and initiatives.

The multiple taxes complicate the economic environment, making Nigeria uncompetitive for investment and preventing many businesses from growing or continuing their operations. Some companies have had to make the rational decision to relocate to other countries. We can not continue on this path or wait for 20 years if this country is to deliver the prosperity we need for our people.

The proposal, as contained in section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill, only seeks to consolidate some of the earmarked taxes imposed on companies and replace them with a single tax to be shared with the key agencies as beneficiaries in a phased manner until 2030.

The time frame offers ample opportunity for the affected agencies to explore other funding sources in addition to budgetary allocations in line with the constitution and international best practices.

It is a misrepresentation of facts to conclude that changing an agency’s funding source amounts to scrapping it. None of the countries leading globally in education, science, engineering, or information technology have similar earmarked taxes.

The government imposes major taxes, be it income tax, consumption tax, or other taxes, to channel resources to its areas of priority at the time. Imposing a separate tax to fund an agency is an aberration that has yet to yield results despite the huge burden on businesses. The tax bill seeks to address this problem.

Relevant stakeholders and public analysts owe it a duty to properly educate themselves about the bills’ contents and avoid misleading the public for any reason. We may be entitled to our opinions, but such views must be informed and based on facts, not emotions targeted at inflaming passions.

In a period like this, when our people across the country look up to leaders for guidance and direction on matters of public importance, such as the Tax Reform Bills, leaders should be more measured in their public utterances to avoid heating the polity and polarising the country unduly.

President Tinubu welcomes the public interest these bills have generated. He encourages leaders across the country, including Governors, Traditional rulers, Civil Society Activists, Students, trade associations, professional associations, and the general public, to take advantage of the Public Hearings that the National Assembly will organise to present their views on how best to reform our taxes and fiscal regime.

What is never in doubt is the imperative of changing the existing tax laws and administration that have become obsolete and unhelpful in achieving the growth and development we desire for our country.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

December 2, 2024

Persons With Disabilities Get 70 Percent Of Oyo Budget In 2025

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Ayodele Oni

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December 3, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Government, in an attempt to make life comfortable for Persons With Disabilities, (PwDs) has allocated over 70 Percent of next year’s budget for their welfare.

The State Governor, Seyi Makinde, disclosed this in Ibadan, during the celebration of the 2024 Stakeholders summit and International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

A statement on Monday by Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, stated that Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal spoke on how the government has fared with the welfare of the disability community in his over four-year administration.

He noted that all the requests of the persons with disabilities for the next year budget plans as submitted during the last Budget Town Hall meetings formed the increase of their capital budget to N877,500,000.

The Governor added that their capital budget was initially N492,000,000, while the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ overhead cost has increased from N315,000,000 to N345,000,000.

“It is believed that both will take care of their requests which include transportation empowerment, training of relevant Agency with what their roles will be for the persons with disabilities, training of enforcement Agencies for compliance, purchase of Assistive devices, mobility equipments among others.”

The governor added that Oyo State has recruited 510 persons with disabilities into Oyo State Civil Service.

He added, “I have also given directive that henceforth, in every ministry the quota of the persons with disabilities must be protected.”

Makinde recalled that, as soon as he assumed office on May 29, 2023, he appointed Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi as the pioneer Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

Makinde said he equally appointed Mr. Timothy Olufemi as the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters to ensure that PWDs are carried along in governance.

“And when God granted me the grace of a second term, I reappointed Barrister Adekanmbi again but this time as the Pioneer Director General, Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

“I gave him the mandate to draw a budget line for the Agency, to find a suitable and conducive office environment to use, and to see to the redeployment of staff to kick-start the Agency for persons with Disabilities.

“I am glad to inform you that all these have been done within one year and six months of Omituntun 2.0.

“Presently as we speak, disability cluster groups’ grants and subvention have been approved, and in no distant time, three operational vehicles will be delivered for the smooth running of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

“It is on the record that I am the first Governor to politically empower persons with disabilities by appointing them as Supervisory Councilors and SAs across the entire Local Governments of Oyo State, which was what made us stand out as an all inclusive government all over the country.”

Speaking earlier, the Director-General, Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Ayodele Adekanmbi said the administration of governor Seyi Makinde is truly committed to providing opportunities for People Living with Disabilities (PwDs).

“The Agency has continued to receive all the necessary support from the administration to ensure that PwDs are carried along.

“Since the coming of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, there are some deliberate initiatives the governor has put in place to improve access to governance and quality of service to persons with disabilities.”

Tax Reform: Obi Insists on Transparency Says Focus should Not Only Be On Government As Sole Beneficiary

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The Source

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December 3, 2024

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The leader of the Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has called for transparency in the proposed tax reform of the federal Government.

Obi, writing on X handle on Monday, said that carrying out tax reform is not bad but must be done carrying the populace along and should not be done with the government as the sole beneficiary.

‘Tax reform is a critical issue, and there is nothing wrong with pursuing it. However, such reforms must be subject to robust public debate.

“A public hearing on tax reform is essential, allowing Nigerians from all walks of life to engage meaningfully. This is how we build public trust and ensure inclusivity in policymaking.

“Matters of this magnitude require extensive deliberation and careful consideration—they should never be rushed. Public hearings must be conducted to allow for diverse opinions and inputs.

“When considering tax reforms and similar issues, it is insufficient to focus solely on the benefits to the government, particularly in terms of increasing revenue collection. We must also take into account the overall impact on the nation and the sustainability of all its regions.

“Furthermore, the government must sensitize the people and secure their buy-in for any policy changes. Trust and legitimacy are the foundation of effective governance, and without them, even the best-intended reforms may fail.

“Let us prioritize transparency, deliberation, and public engagement in charting the path forward. This is how we build a truly participatory democracy.

A new Nigeria is possible!

IPOB: No Bail For Ekpa, Finnish Police Declares; He Will Remain In Prison For Six months

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 2, 2024

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Simon Ekpa, the pro-Biafran activist and factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, will not be released on bail anytime soon, according to the Finnish authorities.

The Finnish police made this known in an interview with The Punch amidst the mixed reactions that have trailed his recent arrest.

Ekpa, the magazine reports is the leader of the Auto Pilot faction of IPOB accused of killing people, including security agencies in the south east Nigeria. He was arrested on November 21 by the Finnish police, which has detained him in preparation for his trial next year May for alleged international terrorism and terrorism financing.

The mainstream IPOB led by Nnamdi Kanu has since denied him saying he’s on his own.

Instructively, the Finnish police accused Ekpa of sponsoring and financing terrorism in “south east” Nigeria by collecting money in violation of the Finnish Money Collection Act. Four other suspects are currently being detained with him.

The alleged crime, the investigators said, was committed between 23 August 2021 and 18 November 2024 in Lahti, a town in Finland.

According to the Finnish police, bail is not allowed for persons accused of committing such offences, signaling that Ekpa will remain in prison for six months before his trial, analysts said.

Speaking, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, said bail cannot be granted to the pro-Biafra leader because of the severity of the offence he allegedly committed.

“Finnish criminal procedure/coercive measures do not recognise bail procedure,” Laaksonen said.

Adding that “Our procedure is based on, depending on the case, remand or travel ban as coercive measures for limiting freedom of movement for persons suspected of offences to which such measures are applicable.”

Ekpa’s trial, the Finnish authority said, will commence in May 2025 at the District Court of Päijät-Häme in the North European country.

Recall that Ekpa became the leader of the secessionist IPOB, which seek a separate country from Nigeria, following the arrest, in 2021, of Nnamdi Kanu, the defacto leader of the group by the Nigerian government.

Kanu is currently standing trial for alleged terrorism.

Obidients Strategize Ahead 2027, Plan To Oust APC From Power

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 2, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Obidient Movement that became a force to reckon with during the 2023 General Elections has began to restrategize ahead of the 2027 Election.

Various support Groups of the Obidient Movement in Delta State reconvened in Asaba, the state capital, strategizing on how to oust the ruling Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, from governance in the 2027 general elections.

The movement expressed discontent with the APC-led federal government, accusing it of confusion, lack of vision, and mediocrity, and lamenting that it had subjected the country to untold hardship.

Speaking virtually at the Obidient Movement Conference themed “Reawakening and Harmonizing Obidient Movement for a New Nigeria,” Prof. Pat Utomi emphasized the importance of good governance and progressive administration.

In his keynote address, renowned scholar Prof. Chris Nwaokobia underscored the urgency of preparing for 2027. He stated, “The time is ripe to begin networking and creating a stronger movement than what we had in 2023 because the federal government is a monstrous failure.

“Hunger has become a common denominator; anger is on the streets. They have failed in just about everything. They don’t know what to do with the economy; the system is absolutely rudderless. Leadership has lost direction, and they are confused.

“If a new Nigeria is possible and the current era is a monstrous failure, the message of the movement will resonate even more.”

Earlier, Delta Obidient Elders Council Chairman, Chief Chris Biose, expressed concern over Nigeria’s underperformance.

“Nigeria has a vibrant population of over 200 million people with vast uncultivated agricultural land, yet citizens are dying of hunger, unable to feed themselves, and access basic standard facilities,” he said. “It is safe to say Nigeria is underperforming its potentials. It is a contradiction.”

Biose criticized leaders for failing the nation and commended Obidient youths across the country for their political self-mobilization during the 2023 presidential election, which he described as a significant effort to challenge entrenched political parties.

“It is time to prepare to re-enact the magic of February 25, 2023, with greater intensity and finality,” Biose urged. “The electorate that supported Mr. Peter Obi are still here, disappointed but still desirous of good governance. How do we reenlist them in the struggle for a New Nigeria?”

He further outlined a vision for a self-reliant nation focused on production rather than consumption, where resources are utilized for the benefit of the masses rather than a corrupt elite.

“Nigerian citizens deserve a prosperous and egalitarian nation-state,” he said.

“To achieve the objective of a New and Better Nigeria, Obidients must arm themselves with a clear vision, workable plans, well-articulated targets, knowledge, skills, courage, persistence, and personal discipline.

“No doubt, Obidients have taken upon themselves the historic duty of building a new Nigeria.”

President Tinubu Vows To Stabilize ECOWAS As Insecurity Persists

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 2, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

As insecurity challenges persist in the West African region, President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his resolve to stabilise the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and contribute to peace in Africa.

President Tinubu said he won’t rest on his oars in making sure that insecurity issued is fully addressed, as no stones will be left unturned in addressing the menace.

He made this promise during the closing ceremony of the African Military Games 2024 in Abuja, in a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, also reiterated his administration’s determination to root out all forms of security threats and violent crimes in Nigeria.

The President, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said he intended to accomplish all these by strengthening ties across African countries to promote a profound sense of camaraderie among troops on the continent.

“As the ECOWAS Chairman, I want to emphasise my determination to stabilise the sub-region and indeed the entire African continent to ensure its prosperity.

“To accomplish this vision, I consider strengthening ties across African countries to foster a deep sense of camaraderie among our troops as a priority,” Tinubu said.

The President said the 2nd edition of the Africa Military Games could not have come at a better time, two decades after the last edition was held.

He said the military sports would go a long way in awakening “the spirit of comradeship and friendship that is crucial to enhance cooperation among” militaries across the African continent.

Tinubu pointed out that “Armed Forces constantly require fit personnel thereby underscoring the need for military personnel to always engage in sporting activities.

“As such, it is common knowledge that men and women of our Armed Forces must keep fit to ensure optimal physical, mental and emotional well-being.

“This will enable them to cope with the dynamics of our rapidly evolving volatile, uncertain and complex environment.”

While declaring the Africa Military Games Abuja 2024 closed, Tinubu congratulated delegates from participating countries across Africa for their good conduct and display of the spirit of sportsmanship.

“Given the professionalism you all displayed from the start to finish of this Games, you gentlemen and ladies are indeed not only military personnel but also great sportsmen and women.

“I am aware that the various games were conducted without any obvious hitches. This is, indeed, an achievement which we all as Africans ought to be proud of,” he stated.

Sections Of Tax Reform Bills Require Review Before Being Passed Into Law – Finance Expert

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Ayodele Oni

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December 2, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

A Financial Consultant, Akin Omole has suggested a review of certain sections of the Tax Reform bills, now before the national assembly before they become law.

He pointed out that as a matter of fact a section of the bill, which addresses the Value Added Tax, (VAT) is not favourable to states in the north, which has apparently prompted their rejection.

Omole in a statement in Akure, Ondo state capital pointed out that “in view of this, I believe increasing derivation from the existing 20 percent to 35 or 40 could be fairer than the proposed 60 percent in the reform bill.

“The issue of the correct attribution of collections to where the economic activities takes place, as well as, using derivation as a key determinant in what accrues to each state of the federation, are steps in the right direction.

‎”However, in my view, the oppositions raised by notable voices from Northern Nigeria on this issue are not entirely unfounded, just that they seem to be too heavy on politics and rhetorics than offering credible basis for their opposition.

“Take for instance, every part of Nigeria have their areas of comparative advantage in terms of economic activities and contributions to the national economy.

“The North is predominantly heavy in agriculture and food production which unfortunately, are largely exempted from VAT, for the general benefit of all Nigerians.

“Therefore, increasing derivation to 60 percent, when you have exempted majority of their economic activities, is clearly placing the North at an unfairly disadvantaged position which the good side of proper attribution would not be able to cure.”

On Personal Income Tax, Omole, pointed out that the section if passed into law will be unfair to the middle class.

‎”Eliminating the erstwhile 20 percent Consolidated Relief Allowance and limiting rent allowance to 200,000 is very unfair to the middle class and high networth individuals.

“You cannot punish or penalize hard work and industry. Those who break into those realms in this difficult environment evidently put in extraordinary diligence, discipline and hardwork and these shouldn’t be discouraged.

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‎”In addition, maintaining the high networth status would evidently require higher costs of living, which arguably sustains the level of income.

“For instance the neighborhood they live and their premium lifestyle are facilitators of the high income levels. Therefore, granting more less same reliefs across all income level is unfair and a disincentive.

“Proportinal consolidated reliefs should be maintained. The graduated rates and the enhanced income bands, with earnings of N800,000 or less exempted from PIT aren’t bad, but reliefs must be commensurate according to income bands.”

Omole however stated that “the antagonists of the bills, which unfortunately are mainly not rich in content and articulation, but largely based on brute politics, morbid fear of change, ethnic sentiments, distrust and suspicions.”

Court Dismisses Eligibility Suit By Ajayi, Ondo PDP Candidate Against Gov Aiyedatiwa, Adelami

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Ayodele Oni

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December 2, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The eligibility suit filed by the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in November Governorship election in Ondo state, Agboola Ajayi, against the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Olayide Adelami has suffered a setback.

The Federal High Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Monday dismissed the suit on the premise that the defendant, Ajayi lacked locus standi to file it.

The presiding Judge, Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, held that the candidate of the PDP, that challenged the qualification of the APC’s candidates, Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Adelami is not a member of APC.

Also, Justice Adegoke held that the case filed by Ajayi and the PDP is barred by statute having filed it outside the 14 days required by the Electoral Act.

Besides, Justice Adegoke held the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit, having filed it through originating summons instead of a Writ of Summons.

Ajayi had, through his lawyer, Ndoka SAN, challenged the eligibility of Adelami to contest as the Deputy Governorship candidate on the platform of APC and consequently sought the disqualification of APC from the ballot.

In his originating summons, Ajayi claimed that the first defendant, Adelami is known by multiple conflicting and irreconcilable names of Adelami Owolabi Jackson and Olaide Owolabi Adelami.

With the conflicting names, Ajayi asked the court to disqualify him and the governorship candidate insisting that the APC has no qualified candidates for the polls.

Ajayi sought a ” Declaration that the APC has no validly nominated Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidate for the 2024 election.”

He asked for an order disqualifying the defendants from participating in the election and order and restraining INEC from publishing their names or allowing them to participate in the election.

However, counsel to Adelami, Dr Remi Olatubora (SAN) argued that the West African Examination Council (WAEC) result has the name Adelami Owolabi Jackson in 1974 and that a degree certificate from Ambrose Alli University issued in 1982 has the name Adelami Olaide Owolabi.

He pointed out that the grievance of the plaintiffs is not about discrepancies in the name but the order or arrangements of the names.

Olatubora said the plaintiffs have no right to file the suit following section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022, because they are not members of All Progressives Congress and did not participate in the primaries that produced Adelami and Aiyedatiwa as candidates.

“The plaintiffs lack the locus standi to file the suit or seek the reliefs set out in the originating summons. That the suit as a matter of law does not qualify as a pre-election matter, and this court lacks jurisdiction.”

Tax Bill: House Of Reps Suspends Debate As Tension Mounts

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 2, 2024

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Abbas Tajudeen - Speaker House of Representatives

Following the controversies that have trailed the Tax Reform Bill, the House of Representatives has suspended indefinitely the debate on it. The debate over the bill was earlier billed to start on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

However, a memo from the Clerk of the House dated November 30, 2024 said the debate over the bill has been put on hold for further consultations.

The magazine reported that the Four Tax Bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has created a serious gulf among the regions in the country. While key leaders from the southern parts of the country have thrown their weight behind the bill, not so with prominent northern leaders who said the region will be shortchanged in the new arrangement.

Those against the bills said more rooms should be allowed for wider consultations among key stakeholders in the country.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state and the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP presidential candidate, on Sunday, urged the National Assembly to consult more before passing the bills.

The bills, the magazine reported, passed both first and second reading in the House of representatives last week. ’

However, the House of Representatives memo suspending the debate on the bill read, “I am directed by the House leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the special session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to discuss all the tax reform bills, has been postponed to a later date.

“This rescheduling is due to the need for further and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders. A new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”

In September President Tinubu sent to NASS four bills including the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) BILL, 2024- SB.584; The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024-SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.

“Don’t Be Ashamed, Come And Join My Govt” – Osun Gov Adeleke Charges Opposition

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Ayodele Oni

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December 2, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Governor Ademola Adeleke has promised the people of Osun state that commissioning of projects will continue in rural and urban areas by the administration.

The governor expressed appreciation to the people and residents of Osun state for their overwhelming show of support during the celebration of midterm anniversary on November 27th,

A statement by the Governor spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed said the Governor promised more democratic dividends as his administration commences the second leg of its first term.

It added that the Governor was overwhelmed by the massive demonstration of backing and affection by the people, stressing that the feedback from the populace has strengthened his resolve to do more across the sectors.

According to the statement, “we are rededicating ourselves to service delivery as we are honoured by the accolades and commendation from within and outside the state.

“We are acknowledged locally and internationally as true agents of good governance. We are honoured as I invite the opposition to join this train of positive development.

“The goal of politics should be development. The opposition is enjoined to join the people in their mass support for our government. It is not shameful to acknowledge what is good. It is a sign of maturity and responsibility

“As we accept the ovation, we also welcome the few critics and criticisms. We are a responsive government. We are building on our strengths as we are attending to observations from the general public.

“As your Governor, I am passionate about service delivery. Osun should not just be a construction site, I am supervising its remodeling into the best among comity of states.

“Let our people be informed that commissioning of completed projects continues, both in urban and rural areas. As we open completed projects for public use, we are intensifying monitoring of ongoing projects for quality and best practice.”