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President Tinubu Vows To Stabilize ECOWAS As Insecurity Persists

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu = President

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Akin Omole
Akin Omole

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.

‎

‎”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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Agboola Ajayi

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

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Ademola Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke

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.”

CBN: Cardoso’s Sack Gale Ruffles Apex Bank; More Directors To Go

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN governor Olayemi Cardoso appears not done with his plan to reduce the workforce of the government bank following reports that over 1000 employees have been marked for sack before December 31, 2024.

According to LinkedIn, there are close to  3,600 employees in the CBN, spread across 27 departments and five directorates. Sacking 1000 employees will further reduce its workforce, analysts said, urging the management to thread softly because some of those to be affected are well experienced, and this could affect the bank’s efficiency.

Whatever his reasons for downsizing the number of employees in the CBN, close watchers of the apex bank said Cardoso is poised to rid the bank of the ‘establishment staff’ in order to pave the way for new employees who will be loyal to him and the new management.

The magazine had earlier reported that the bank sacked no  fewer than 320 officials between  March  and May this year in a very controversial manner, particularly after allegations that the some employees not loyal to the new regime in the apex bank were being targeted.

The sack came barely few months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Cardoso in September 2023, and his quest to consolidate his position as Nigeria’s number one banker.

Seven months after, the CBN has placed over 1000 staff on sack notice, according to the Daily Trust. The employees which cut across all  key departments in the bank may lose their jobs before the end of the year, sources said, saying over N50 billion has also been set aside as their severance package by the CBN.

“Whether they like it or not, they must go” a source informed the magazine following reports that those penciled down for sack are prepared to take the matter to court to keep their jobs.

Recall that some employees, including f top Directors and heads of department sacked early this year are currently in court to reverse their disengagement from the apex bank.

Sources however said the Cardoso-led CBN will press ahead with the sack describing it as a strategic realignment of its workforce, in line with its efforts to promote efficiency in the bank.

Cardoso’s critic however insist that the CBN is more focused in ridding the bank of employees who served under the embattled former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele who is currently being prosecuted for graft by the Economic and Financial, Crimes Commission, EFCC.

According to a circular released few days ago by the CBN, the apex bank urged the affected staff to obtain the application for Early Exit Package, EPP before  Saturday,  December 7.

Exempted are those yet to be confirmed or who have served less than one year “as of the date of publication with the effective date of exit set at 31 December, 2024.”

Officials told Daily Trust that the apex bank was targeting retirement of over 1,000 staff members.

The officials, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that at least 860 staff from the various departments have already applied for the EPP.

The management described the EEP as a voluntary programme offering eligible employees an incentive to exit the CBN early, “while providing employees seeking other career options a great opportunity for early exit.”

It cautioned that the staffers could not change their minds after applying, saying that all completed and submitted applications are final.

The EEP stated that financial incentives for senior supervisors to deputy managers shall be for the remaining period in service, up to a maximum of 60 months of current grade’s gross annual emoluments.

It also noted that financial incentives for managers shall be for the remaining period in service, up to a maximum of 36 months of current grade’s gross annual emoluments.

“Financial incentives for all other cadres of staff shall be for the remaining period in service, up to a maximum of 18 months of current grade gross annual emoluments,” it added.

The EEP also provides for non-financial incentives, including “financial planning and entrepreneurial capacity building programme, purchase of laptops in line with the Bank’s current policy and extended medical care for an additional three months for self and dependents after the expiration of the three-month current provision of access to medical windows care by exited employees.”

A staff member, who spoke to our reporter, said: “The way they dated the offer, you’ll know that the target is actually from senior supervisors to deputy managers. If you look at it, they’re mostly those that came in within the 9 years of Governor Emefiele.

“For instance, I’ve worked for 4 years in the bank; the package they’re giving me is between N92 million to N97 million.

“Some others have worked up to a manager level and are only entitled to N64.5 million. So, the more time you have to go, the more money they pay you because you know, for them, you don’t have gratuity”, the staff said.

Another staff told Daily Trust yesterday that during a webinar held on Friday, the Human Resource Department of the bank expressed the apex bank’s decision to get the number it was targeting for the EEP.

“There is serious tension, serious apprehension. You can imagine the atmosphere. It is terrible.

“As of Friday, there were 860 people so far that have indicated interest in the EEP,” the staff said.

The 17 directors sacked 10 months ago and those who retired then are yet to be replaced.

Information on the CBN’s website yesterday showed that each of the 13 departments is headed by a coordinator.

A circular for replacement specified that deputy directors who have two years or less to retire are not eligible for consideration, and that each applicant must apply for only one of the positions listed as multiple applications may lead to disqualification.

Daily Trust’s investigations revealed that following the outcry that greeted the perceived bias against serving deputy directors, some of them were allegedly invited to apply for the vacant positions.

A senior staff stated that: “As it is, most of those who should qualify were affected alongside the sacked directors.

Some of the sacked directors had, four weeks ago, approached an Abuja division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria for an interlocutory injunction to restrain the CBN from replacing them, saying their employments were “unlawfully terminated without a valid reason.”

Meanwhile, CBN spokesperson, Hakama Sidi Ali has yet to comment on the alleged plan to lay off dozens of employees before the end of the year.

North, South Clash As Tinubu’s Controversial Tax Bills Polarise Nigeria

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Amidst the serious controversies stoke by the the Tax Reform Bills sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National assembly recently prominent groups in the southern part of the country has queued behind the president.

The southern groups supporting President include Igbo social cultural orgainsation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, the Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association, YYSA, amongst others which said on Sunday that the country has a lot to benefit from the bill.

Their positions negate those of their northern counterpart which have kicked against the proposed law because they believe the region will be shortchanged in the new arrangement, saying it’s skewed in favour of a particular section of the country.

For distance, the Northern Governors’ Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, including prominent religious bodies and  individuals, have kicked against the bill.

While speaking on the bill on Sunday on Channels Television, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state called on President Tinubu to withdraw the bill to allow for wider consultations.

A prominent northern senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the Senate had last week, during plenary urged his colleagues to throw out the bill citing the controversies that have trailed it.

Also, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar said yesterday that it will be better to address the suspicions that have been raised by some Nigerians over the bill.

However, Ohanaeze while supporting President Tinubu on the bill said the south east stands to gain more from the new tax regime if eventually passed by the NASS, saying it will promote entrepreneurship.

According to  a statement issued yesterday by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Igbo group called on the lawmakers from the region to vote in support of the bill in the NASS, saying it will benefit “the industrious Igbos who plays a pivotal role in driving the Nigerian economy,” adding that it arrived at this conclusion after consulting widely on the issue.

The statement read in part, “In an emphatic affirmation of progress and economic empowerment, Ohanaeze Ndigbo hereby announces its steadfast endorsement of President Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reforms Bills. The Igbo people, renowned for our entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to economic self-determination, stand to gain immensely from these reforms.

“The proposed measures are expected to safeguard the private sector, particularly benefiting the industrious Igbos who plays a pivotal role in driving the Nigerian economy through vibrant SME activities.

“In light of these compelling advantages, Ohanaeze Ndigbo ardently calls upon all Southern Federal lawmakers—both in the Senate and the House of Representatives—to unify their efforts in support of President Tinubu’s transformative restructuring program within Nigeria’s economic and fiscal sectors.”

On his part, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi said the organization is upbeat that all the states in the country will derive huge benefits if the tax bills become law, stressing that the controversies that have trailed the bills is needles, adding that the bill is part of the restructuring that the most Nigerians have been craving for.

Reacting to the concerns raised over the derivation method, Ajayi said “since people consume items and patronize services in every state, there is no reason any state will not benefit from the proceeds of VAT collected in their domains”.

Adding “From experience, where the derivation formula has been applied such as the Niger Delta etc., benefiting states have been the gainers for it.

“Since every state has a population that can engage in activities capable of enhancing VAT, it means that every state has the opportunity of deriving maximum benefits from the new arrangement being propose.”

Expressing its support for the bill YYSA President Olalekan Hammed, urged those against the bill to see the positives rather than the negative, noting that the country will benefit tremendously from it, adding that more resources will be realised as revenue if the new regime is allowed to prevail.

He said the country cannot afford to remain in the same trajectory for years urging the north to prepare for the imminent change because “We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect development.”

He explained that the bills will simplify the tax landscape, reduce the burden on small businesses, and streamline tax collection.

“Moreover, the aspect of the bills that seem unfriendly to Northern people is the proposed shift in VAT revenue distribution, allocating revenues based on states where goods and services are consumed rather than pooling them centrally for redistribution. However, there is nothing panicky about this because only change is constant. We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect development,” he said.

The tax bills described by analysts as very controversial passed the first and second readings in the Senate last week, with strong indications that the House of Representatives will follow suit with the Upper Chamber.

Meanwhile, analysts also insist that fireworks are  expected at the NASS this week as the north moves to block it from passage through their lawmakers. To underscore this position, the Kano state caucus in the NASS yesterday directed it members in NASS to reject the bills when they come up for debate.

“You Are Mocking Thousands Of Victims With Your Pardon Of Bandits”,  Forum Chides Kaduna Gov.

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bandits in the North

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Middle Belt Forum, MBF ,has strongly rejected the amnesty recently granted some “repentant” banditry elements by the Kaduna state authorities.

This is even as they tagged the exercise a grave injustice and a relegation of responsibility to law abiding citizens who have suffered the heinous crime committed by the bandits.

The Source reports that the Kaduna State Governor ,Uba Sani, on Thursday November 28, 2024, accepted the olive branch extended by some repentant bandits and other criminal elements operating in parts of the State.

At a ceremony in Birnin Gwari Local Government, the Governor  granted pardon to several of the erstwhile bandits, insisting that they have shown genuine signs of repentance.

He promised to immediately commence the process of their rehabilitation and full integration into civil society.

But a statement from Binniyat Luka, the MBF Kaduna State Chapter Chairman, on Sunday December 1 2024 in Kaduna, described as sad and unfortunate the Governor’s decision to grant  pardon to the criminal elements.

He described the ceremony at which the bandits were received and granted amnesty on Thursday  by the Governor as not being different from a celebration of crime and criminality.

He debunked the claim by the Governor that the bandits were granted pardon after dropping their arms ,as well as after negotiations with relevant stakeholders.

The MBF expressed huge shock that Governor Sani could embark on such a far reaching decision without carrying major stakeholders along .

” It is with deep concern and consternation that we received the odd news of His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, granting pardon to terrorists a.k.a bandits .

“These are violent criminals that have been accused of serial mass murder, mass kidnappings, rape and arson among other heinous crimes against his citizens in the Birnin Gwari axis of the State and beyond for over a decade.

“The Governor also assured them (repentant bandits) of rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.

“What rehabilitation do criminals who are multi- millionaires from composite criminality need?”, the MBF querried

According to the MBF, information at its disposal indicate that most of the pardoned bandits are the most notorious elements on the wanted list of the military and other security agencies.

It  expressed worry that letting the criminal elements loose under whatever guise remains one of the most dangerous mistakes that can be committed by any descent and law abiding society .

“It is on record that past Governments of Zamfara and Katsina States have tried such an exercise and it ended up escalating the criminality of the bandits who are absolutely not persons of honour and integrity and as such their words cannot be trusted

“We do not know where Nigerian State Governors are drawing powers from to forgive persons accused of Federal crimes such as banditry, capture and occupying Nigerian territories, mass murder and sundry grim crimes.

“No person that carry out the scale of massive heartless cruelty for over a decade – killing thousands, raping and displacing hundreds of thousands into conditions of destitution that these terrorists are accused of ,deserve to go free. Especially, for self-serving crimes. Not in the most lawless country.

“To us in the MBF Kaduna state chapter, the freedom and peace that these evil people are enjoying today is crude lack of empathy and sympathy to their victims dead or alive, to think that Kaduna State will use its tax payers money to rehabilitate these outlaws, feels very insulting to the hundreds of their victims who are living with scars of their wickedness, especially those who can never recover their losses in their life time and those that cannot even feed today.

“We  are at a loss on how these gunmen will return to the same communities that they have terrorized and pillaged and hope to live  peacefully with those who survived their terror

“It is a grave injustice and a relegation of responsibility to law abiding citizens who have suffered the heinous crimes committed by these. bandits ,especially as they have never received any assistance from the Government, but instead, the perpetrators of the crime are now being celebrated and pampered as repentant terrorists”,  the MBF statement further reads .

The group while drawing attention to the several failed attempts to rehabilitate and reintegrate Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, also expressed fear that the Kaduna experiment may be goaded more by the exigences of 2027 general election than any sincere efforts at rehabilitation.

“The MBF hopes  that the repentant bandits would not play prominent role in the 2027 general elections as armed thugs for political parties and politicians”, Luka stated.

Kano Senators, Reps Members Turn Back Against Tax Reform Bills

By
Ayodele Oni
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House of Reps Members

By Ayodele Oni

Opposition to the four tax bills before the national assembly, has continued to rise despite scaling first and second readings in the Senate as senators and members of the green chamber from Kano State opposed the controversial Tax Reform Bills.

The decision was reached during a state caucus meeting chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and attended by most of the state’s representatives.

Idris Dankawu, the member representing Kumbotso Federal Constituency, stated, “To clarify this issue, I want to inform the people of Kano State, especially the residents of Kumbotso Federal Constituency, that based on the outcome of our meeting, we are against the proposed Tax Reform Bill.

“We have agreed to work collectively to ensure that the bill is withdrawn in the overall interest of the people of Kano State.

“Let me reassure the good people of Kumbotso Federal Constituency that your views, opinions, and yearnings will continue to receive my utmost attention and care.”

The lawmakers are actively working to challenge the bill, citing its potential negative impacts on residents of Kano State.

The four bills, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on September 3, have sparked widespread controversy and strong opposition.

These bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

Critics, including the Northern Governors Forum, the Traditional Rulers Council, the National Economic Council, and the Northern Elders Forum, have raised serious concerns about the bills.

The National Economic Council, comprising the vice president and governors, has advised the president to withdraw the bills for further consultations. The governors argue that some clauses in the bills are detrimental to the northern region.

Okpebholo Says No Prophet, Native Doctor Assisted Him To Become Edo Gov

By
Ayodele Oni
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Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State
Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that he is the first and only person that will contest election in Nigeria without seeking help for native doctors or prophets.

While reaffirming his trust in God, he stated that he contested the September 21, Governorship election in the state without seeking help from either native doctors or prophets.

Okpebholo, who stated this on Sunday, at the Winner’s Chapel, Akho in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, where he worshipped alongside top members of his administration, said that his faith is in Christ alone.

“I want to thank God for his wonderful deeds in my life, as no one can accomplish this except Him alone. My life is filled with testimonies, and God has consistently granted me victory in all my endeavours.

“This is the first instance where someone has contested an election without seeking help from native doctors or prophets. My faith is in Christ alone. If God does not will it, then let it not be done.

“In Nigeria, and indeed the world, no prophet or native doctor can claim that I visited them for help in winning the election. The only factor I recognize is God. If He cannot accomplish it, then let it not be done.

“This marks the first time in Nigeria that a person has contested an election, and the prevailing sentiment is that God’s grace is upon him or her.

“As a member of Winner’s Church, I am confident that we cannot be losers, especially since both my Deputy and I are part of this community. How can we lose? While others were strategizing and utilizing media outlets, I trusted in the Lord, and He granted me victory.”

In his sermon, the Pastor of Winner’s Chapel Church, Akho, Peter Osawe, while speaking on the topic ‘Wisdom kits for joy and rejoicing,’ emphasized that God is the pivotal factor in human life.

Osawe noted that nothing occurs without God’s knowledge and encouraged the congregation to continue drawing strength from God’s word.

He said; “Nigeria will become a better nation if we work together, as the process of improvement begins with us”.

Governor Okpebholo also attended a service at God’s People World Wide Prayer Ministry in Illeh, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, where the General Overseer, Apostle Ehijele Unuayan, urged the Governor to remain focused on his vision for the state’s development and the welfare of its people.

Unuayan expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving automatic employment for First Class graduates of Edo origin from universities in Nigeria and worldwide.

In his remark, Governor Okpebholo said he was in the church to seek prayers for success in governing the state.

“I am here to pray for the strength to move the state forward, to work for the Edo people, to utilize the state’s resources for development, and to promote justice and fairness for the Edo people.”

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