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Govs To NASS On Controversial Tax Bill: We Will Stop Your Reelection If You Support Tinubu

November 18, 2024

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State

The furore surrounding the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Tax Bill has remained unabated as key actors in the issue are bolstering their trenches.

This followed the revelation, on Sunday, by the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Phillip Agbese that state governors have threatened to ensure that National Assembly members who supported the bill will be stopped from returning to the hallowed chamber.

According to Agbese, the threat was issued as the the lawmakers are preparing to consider the bill on Monday, November 18.

Agbese disclosed on Sunday that the House of Representatives will today engage Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman, Presidential Committee On Fiscal and Tax Reforms.

In spite of the alleged threat, the lawmaker stated that the lawmakers will take a bipartisan approach at the Bill, deciding on what is best for the country, adding that the governors will fail in the quest to stop the bill, and their alleged diabolical plot against the lawmaker.

Citing the Holy Bible, the lawmaker said, “Behold, they shall surely gather, but not by me. Whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.”

The lawmaker has some harsh words for the state governors; you did not elect us to the National Assembly, and our destines are not in your hands to determine whether we will return or not to the NASS in 2027.

He said the bill will be passed by the national Assembly despite the governors’ opposition to it.

He alleged that, “Some of these governors are threatening members from their states. They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members return tickets in 2027 if they support the bills.

“As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid to reboot the economy to work for the country.

“We are united across party lines to make sure the country works. This is the disposition of Speaker, Tajudeen Abass.”

“The difference between the new crop of politicians in the House of Representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressive-minded and pro-Nigeria.

“We were not elected by the governors but our constituents and as far as the legislation (bills) will work for those that elected us, we will support them unequivocally, wholeheartedly and powerfully to see the light of the day.

“We are engaging Taiwo Oyedele and other tax experts on Monday.

“We have made copies of the bills available to every lawmaker to study, dissect and make inputs when we bring them up for debate,” he stated, adding that the proposed legislation was likely to scale through but with some amendments where necessary.

“I see the 10th House Congressmen passing the bills with minor adjustments to polish them with a touch of patriotism and intellectualism. That’s the trademark when you have a teacher leading a parliament anywhere in the world,” Agbese said.

The magazine reports that many state governors have opposed the Bill on the excuse that their states will be shortchanged in the new order if the bill is passed by NASS.

For instance, the 19 Northern state governors, under the aegis of the Northern Governors Forum, NGF, recently met in Kaduna state alongside other opinion and religious leaders from the region, after which they rejected the bill.

The northern leaders, during the meeting pointedly told the president to withdraw the bill from NASS.

In spite of the strong opposition, President Tinubu has insisted that the bill will not be withdrawn.

The battle over the controversial bill appears drawn among major protagonists, analysts insist, as Nigerians watch on whether there will be compromise along the line.

Tinubu Declares Confidence In INEC After Aiyedatiwa’s Win

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 18, 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has proved its capacity to conduct successful elections in the country following the Saturday Governorship election in Ondo state, according to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

President Tinubu has also congratulated Lucky Aiyedatiwa for wining the election.

Tinubu said this on Sunday following the declaration of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the Governor-Elect of the Sunshine State as Ondo is famous.

Incumbent Governor Aiyedatiwa was declared winner by the electoral body after scoring 366, 781votes to defeat his closest rival from the PDP Agboola Ajayi who scored 117, 845 votes in the election.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, according to INEC won in all 18 local governments in the state to emerge winner.

The State Returning Officer, Prof Olayemi Akinwumi, who presented the final results of the elections, on Sunday, said Ayedatiwa scored the majority of the valid votes cast at the poll, and eventually declared him winner.

President Tinubu while reacting to the conduct of the election, said INEC has proved its mettle again as a reliable electoral body.

The president’s remark was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Sunday.

The statement reads in part: “President Bola Tinubu felicitates with the winner of Saturday’s Ondo State Governorship election, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress, while also commending the peaceful conduct of the process.

“The President congratulates Aiyedatiwa and other candidates of the 17 political parties for the maturity and sense of purpose demonstrated during the campaigns and the election, attributing the success of the polls to the civility in the state.

He enjoins the political actors to allow their orderly conduct to permeate the post-election activities and processes.

“President Tinubu believes the Ondo State election was another litmus test of the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission, affirming that the electoral body justified the confidence of the people with early preparations, deployment of staff and materials, and handling of the electoral process.

“The President also commends INEC for the efficiency of uploading more than 98 per cent of results on the same day of the elections.”

The president’s admonition however contrast with that of not a few Nigerians who insist that the Ondo election was highly compromised by key actors in the election who allegedly connived with some staff of INEC.

For example, viral videos on social media, on Saturday, indicate vote buying among supporters of major political parties which took part in the election.

Foreign Relations: Tinubu Strengthens Indian Ties With GCON Conferment On Modi

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 18, 2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred, on Indian Prime Minister, Narenda Modi the second highest honour in the country.

The Indian leader received the Grand Commander of Order of Niger, GCON, on Sunday in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa, Abuja, after a meeting with the Nigerian leader.

The Nigerian Presidency said in a statement that Modi received the award after signing a bilateral agreement with Tinubu.

The magazine reported that the Indian premier arrived the country on Saturday as part of his five-day visit to three countries.

Apart from Nigeria, Modi is expected to visit Guyana and Brazil in his quest to strengthen bilateral ties with the friendly nations.

There is a large contingent of Indians in Nigeria, particularly in the business sector wher they have invested billions.

During his visit to India early this year, President Tinubu signed trade agreement worth billions with some Indian businessmen who are eager to invest in the country.

Describing the honour as a worthy one, Tinubu said the award signifies Indian as worthy ‘partner’ to Nigeria.

Ahead the Indian PM arrival to Nigeria on Saturday, the Presidency hinted that both leaders would sign Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, in critical sectors to further strengthens trade relations between the two countries.

The Presidency said, “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will aim to deepen Nigeria’s and India’s ties during their bilateral discussions.

“Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.”

Nigerians Saved Me From Taking My Life, Chidinma Adetshina Declares After Miss Universe Successful Run

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 18, 2024

Beauty Queen Chidinma Adetshina has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians for standing by her during her down moment.

“I was ready to give up on my life but you became my strength,” when problem arose for me in South Africa, she said.

Miss Adetshina who represented Nigeria at the recently concluded Miss Universe competition said she would have killed herself if not for Nigerians who came to her rescue when she faced identity issues in South Africa.

She made the remark on Sunday following the conclusion of the Miss Universe pageant which took place in Mexico where she came second behind Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer.

According to the Adetshina who represented Nigeria at the famous competition, the problem she had with the South African authority nearly destroyed her life, if not for Nigerians who pulled their weight behind her, to ensure that she put the problem behind her.

Her country men and women, she said gave her the strength to move on at the most critical time of her life, she said.

“To Nigeria: THANK YOU is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest. I’ve never opened up much but I was ready to give up on my life but you became my strength. On days I never wanted to fight you gave me the strength to fight. I’m so grateful for each and everyone for walking this journey with me.”

Background Story

In August this year, Miss Adetshina withdrew from from Miss South Africa pageant following accusations that her mum forged her identity as a South African.

Born in South Africa, her documents, according to that country’s authority indicate that she is of Nigerian descent born of Mozambique mother.

The South Africa government accused her mother of lying about her identity, the controversy that forced her to step down from the Miss Universe South Africa, even though she was among the front-runner for the completion.

Following the controversy, she came to Nigeria where she contested the Miss Universe Nigeria which she won.

Military Destroys 46 Illegal Refineries In Niger Delta

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 17, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In continuation of its commitment to halting oil theft and shore up crude production levels, the Nigeria Military on Sunday November 17, 2024 announced the destruction of no fewer than 46 illegal crude oil refining sites in the Niger Delta region l.

In a statement released on its official site, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army also said that it seized about 95 ,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and 47 boats used by oil bunkering syndicates in ferrying stolen products in its recent operations within the region

The operations, the Army noted, “are primarily aimed at disrupting the activities of illegal crude oil refining gangs, as well as totally incapacitating them.

“These were in addition to other strangulating operations targeted at crippling the criminal networks of cartels in the region.

“The operations which were conducted from 11-17 November 2024 recorded several operational successes.

“In Rivers state, following credible intelligence on the activities of economic saboteurs along the Oando pipeline in Ebocha, a new base in Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area ONELGA, troops engaged armed criminals .

“In the firefight that ensued, the criminals who were overwhelmed by superior fire, fled in disarray.

“Further exploitation of the general area led to the recovery of one AK-47 riffle ,one magazine loaded with 17 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition abandoned by the fleeing armed vandals.

“Further operations were around Obiafu-Ndoni and large wooden boats conveying over 472 sacks. of stolen crude estimated to be 28,320 litres ,were intercepted

“Operations were also conducted around Tuna and Krakrama general areas in Degema LGA with a number of wooden and fibre boats destroyed and over 10,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil ( AGO confiscsted” the Military stated .

According to the statement, seven suspects were also arrested in the course of the operations, while about 95 ,500 litres of stolen petroleum products were recovered in Buguma area in Asari Toru local council of Rivers State.

The Source reports that only a few days ago, the Nigerian authorities gleefully informed that daily crude production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels.

They also expressed the optimism that the country could, within the shortest possible time, hit the two million daily mark if oil theft can be curtailed.

Stop Taking Credit For Obaseki’s Projects – PDP Warns Gov Okpebholo

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 17, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has warned against any attempt by the current State Government to appropriate projects initiated and completed by the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The PDP’s cautionary note comes on the heels of the announcement by the Governor Monday Okpebholo Government of plans to award contract for the construction of the 7.5.km Temboda Road in the State.

A statement from the PDP spokesperson in the State, Chris Nehikhare, on Sunday November 17, 2024 insisted that the said Temboga Road has been reconstructed by Governor Obaseki.

He flayed the decision of the APC Government to list the same road as one of those to be flagged off for construction as disingenuous and misleading.

The PDP spokesman, therefore, called on Governor Okpobholo to initiate and execute his projects rather than indulging in the dishonourable antics of appropriating the ones known to all and sundry as having been executed by his predecessor.

The PDP noted that it will not sit by idly and watch the new administration in Edo State engage in the “mendacious antics of rewriting history ,by way of claiming credit for jobs not done.

” It is unfortunate that Senator Okpebholo ,the Governor and his administration are kicking off on a very bad footing and have resorted to deceiving the people of Edo State with false claims of initiating projects that have already been completed by the Government of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki

“One of such projects is the 7.5km Temboga Road which was initiated and constructed by the Godwin Obaseki-led Government.

“This is utterly preposterous and condemnable, and we urge the Governor and his administration to desist from such ignoble acts forthwith.

Edo people deserve better than disingenuity and deceit. Rather than engaging in these mendacious antics of rewriting the performance records of Governor Obaseki’s administration ,we call on Senator Okpebholo to concentrate on delivering his campaign promises to Edo people by initiating and executing his own projects ,that align with his administration’s vision for Edo state ,if really they have any plans or developmental agenda”, the PDP stated.

The Source reports that Governor Okpobholo, had last week, listed the disputed Temboga, as one the roads which are to be flagged off for construction and rehabilitation in the state.

“Oyo, Osun, Here We Come” – APC Nat Chairman, Ganduje Gives Quit Notice Signal To Opposition Parties

Ayodele Oni

November 17, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has sent signal to opposition Parties in Osun and Oyo States. He has informed PDP Governors that their States are next targets for the APC to win.

Ganduje had earlier, after the victory of the APC in Edo state, vowed that Ondo would soon be in the party’s kitty.

Ganduje spoke in Akure while reacting to the election victory of Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.

Elated national chairman, described the Aiyedatiwa as a sellable product, and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support.

“This is democracy in action and what is more important is that all major stakeholders including INEC believe that the election was free, fair, and credible.

“Everybody believes that this election is credible, they elected APC for continuity and there will be no abandoned projects.

“He is a candidate that was sellable and we sold him to the public. We also thank Mr President.

“Our next target is Osun, Oyo States and you know we are good at hitting our targets.”

Ondo: IGP Orders Deployment Of More Security Personnel To Curtail Post Election Crisis

Ayodele Oni

November 17, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has mandated Police personnel deployed to Ondo state for last Saturday’s governorship election to remain in their duty posts for the time being.

Egbetokun, who spoke through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG), Abiodun Alabi on Sunday, expressed satisfaction with the performance of security personnel deployed for the election.

He promised that more personnel would be deployed to ensure that any form of post election crisis is nip on the bud.

During preparations for the election, the IGP disclosed that “The Nigeria Police will deploy a total of 34,657 personnel to the polling units, wards/LGA collation centers as well as other strategic locations.

“It is expected that Four Police personnel will be deployed at each polling unit, which then implies that 15,732 conventional police personnel will be required for the 3,933 polling units and voting points in the State.”

Egbetokun stated that “this marks a significant milestone in our nation’s democratic journey, as we laud the successful conclusion of the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election.

“I am proud to report that the electoral activities, from the initial stages of preparations to the final announcement of results, were secured with the highest level of integrity and professionalism by the police and other security agencies.

“The meticulous efforts of our officers, in collaboration with other election security agencies and stakeholders, ensured that they process was peaceful, free, and credible.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who played crucial roles, at one stage or the other, in this electoral process. The dedication and professionalism exhibited by election officials and poll workers across the 18 Local Governments Areas of the state.

“Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the public for their participation, patience, and vital role in safeguarding our democracy. It is your engagement that lends credence to the electoral process and underpins the very foundation of our nation.

“It is pertinent to state that during the electoral process, we recorded reports of pocket incidences, with some arrests made, though the incidences were inconsequential as the security agents deployed were able to effectively take charge of the situations.

“Moving on, I want to assure you of the continuous involvement of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure total serenity till the end and even after the election process.

“In that regard, we have deployed more security operatives across the state to monitor and protect every area even after the electoral process, for the maintenance of law and other, as the police and other security agencies will not allow any post-election ugly incident in any part of the state.

“Tactical teams have also been put on red alert to forestall any act capable of causing breach of public peace. As we look to the future, I would like to reaffirm the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold and protect democratic principles.

“The Force stands resolute in its mission to ensure playing its role of election security effectively. Our work does not end here; we will continue to advocate for a transparent electoral process and foster an environment where democracy can thrive.

“In this post-election period, I urge all citizens to come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation. As we forge ahead, let us embrace our shared values and work collectively towards the betterment of our nation.

“Our strength lies in our ability to unite, regardless of our differences, and to support the democratic process that binds us together.”

Anti Democratic Forces Rule Ondo Gov Election – CUPP

Ayodele Oni

November 17, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has declared that Saturday’s Governorship Election in Ondo State is not a sign of democracy “but a deliberate policy of State capture by anti democratic forces.”

It condemned the process of the Election, saying that the fundamental elements of a free, fair, democratic, and credible election were glaringly missing in the exercise.

In a statement on Sunday, CUPP spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, described as an eyesore, the alleged widespread vote buying, especially by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the bias demonstrated by the security agencies who were supposed to curb such a menace.

“The governorship election conducted in Ondo State on Saturday was a poor excuse for an election. The fundamental elements of a free, fair, democratic, and credible election were glaringly missing.

“The widespread vote buying, especially by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the bias demonstrated by the security agencies who are supposed to curb such a menace was an eyesore.

“It is evident that the APC at both the national and subnationals has performed woefully on all indices of development and cannot win any fairly contested election.

“But the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conceptualized a dangerous agenda of state capture via a tendency towards turning Nigeria into a one-party state prior to the 2027 general elections.

“Therefore, the Party has set in motion the machinery to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

“It is clear to all Nigerians that the APC is the party that has elevated poverty, hunger and economic collapse into active state policy which has destroyed many businesses and crippled the capacity of Nigerians to live a good life.

“Insecurity has never been as bad as it now obtains nationwide, inflation is at all-time high of 34.7% and still rising, youth unemployment and the phenomenon of out-of-school children has attained epidemic proportions under a government that has proven not only grossly incompetent but also egregiously wicked and unconcerned about the plights of regular Nigerians and swims in the slimy ocean of corruption and criminal extravagance, just to mention a few of its horrible records.

“Under these circumstances, a party like the APC cannot win a free and fair election. But here we are, as it was done in Edo State, so it was orchestrated in Ondo State to force a fait accompli on the people by state force.”

The coalition, maintained that it remained vigilant and determined to ensure that antidemocratic forces were not allowed to bring down the country by scuttling her democratic development as a sovereign nation.

It added that all hands shall be on deck “to rescue Nigeria and Nigerians from the shackles of oppression, repression and the corrosive influence of obnoxious politicking.”

Gov Aiyedatiwa Dedicates Victory To Late Governor Akeredolu

Ayodele Oni

November 17, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Reacting to his victory in the Saturday’s Governorship election in Ondo state, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has extended hand of fellowship to others that contested with him.

Aiyedatiwa, in his post election speech, stated that “Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear State.

“I therefore want to extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition parties and to invite you to collaborate with us in the onerous task of building a better Ondo State for the overall good of our people. Let us put aside our differences and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities.”

He dedicated his victory to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from national to state, local and ward levels for their commitment to ensure his victory.

Aiyedatiwa also gave his late boss, former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu an appreciation while serving under him as deputy.

“I stand before you this day, on the threshold of history, to accept the results of the 2024 gubernatorial elections held in our Sunshine State. I must say that I feel greatly humbled and honoured by this renewed mandate you have given me to continue in office as your Governor. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and I pledge to work tirelessly to justify the trust you have reposed in me.

“Let me commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, and credible election. The security agencies across the board are also deserving of our gratitude for being very professional in their assignment and maintaining peace throughout the exercise.

“I must appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Amhed Tinubu, GCFR for providing exemplary leadership and also ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election.

“I also thank my party, All Progressives Congress, under the able leadership of the National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, the National Campaign Council of Ondo Governorship Election led by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

“We have enjoyed your unwavering support throughout this journey. To the State Chairman and Working Committee of our Party, Campaign team, my family and friends, we couldn’t have achieved this huge success without your love, commitment, encouragement, and hard work. I also acknowledge and thank members of the Press for your effective coverage of the voting exercise.

“As your Governor, I promise to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress. We will continue to prioritize the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.

“Finally, I dedicate this victory, first to the Almighty God and second, to the memories of our departed leader and former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.”

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