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Kwara gov, Saraki avoid each other during Eid prayer
A mild drama played out in Ilorin, Kwara State on Tuesday morning as Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State and the immediate past Senate President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, snubbed each other at the Eid prayer ground.
There hasbeen a cold war between the two leaders of Kwara politics since the incumbent governor upstaged Saraki’s loyalists with his influence in the last general election in a sweeping victory tagged ‘O to ge’ campaign.
The duo joined other dignitaries at the Eid prayer for the two-Rakat prayer.
This is the first time Saraki would observe Eid prayer in Ilorin since the emergence of Abdulrazaq.
Saraki had arrived in Ilorin four days ago, hosting many of his allies.
Many had thought the former governor of the state would jet out of Ilorin as he did during the last Eid-el-Fitri festival in order to avoid possible clash between his supporters and those of Abdulrazaq.
But he surprised many as he arrived the Eid praying ground around 8:30 with a retinue of aides and former political office holders who are his loyalists.
Among them were former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, and immediate past House of Assembly Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad.
The governor arrived some minutes later but ignored the Senate president.
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Moddibo Alfa Belgore, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative Studies, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, an aspirant for the APC National Chairman, Mall. Saliu Mustapha, former Grand Khadi, Justice Salihu Olohuntoyin Mohammed, were among the dignitaries at the praying ground.
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Senate breaks into rowdy session over Tax Reform Bill
Senate breaks into rowdy session over Tax Reform Bill
The Senate’s plenary today was marked by a shouting match over the controversial Tax Reform Bill, which came up, unexpectedly, for debate despite not being listed as an item for the day’s business.
Recall the Tax Reform Bill, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, seeks to overhaul Nigeria’s tax framework.
While it is deemed a priority for national economic stability, it has faced resistance from various stakeholders, including state governors and the National Economic Council, over its implications.
The Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, representing Kano North, presided over the plenary which got disrupted after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, invoked Order 12(1) of the Senate Standing Rules.
Bamidele proposed inviting experts, including the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Tanimu Yakubu, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, to address the Chamber on the Tax Reform Bill.
After the Senate had considered and passed two bills for second reading and referred them to relevant committees, Bamidele raised the motion to bring the tax experts into the Chamber.
Barau seconded the motion and directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to allow the visitors in.
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However, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, strongly opposed the move, citing Senate Rules that forbid visitors from addressing the Chamber on matters not included in the Order Paper.
Ndume argued that the Tax Reform Bill was too significant to be treated without following proper legislative procedure, stating:
“This is a very important matter. We must follow known procedures. If this issue is to be addressed today, there must be a supplementary Order Paper to reflect it. Nigerians are watching, and this issue cannot be rushed.
“Mr. President, you can have your way, but I will have my say. Tax Reform is sensitive, and our people are deeply affected by this matter. We must represent the interest of Nigerians as we swore to do,” he said.
Barau responded, defending the decision to allow the experts into the Chamber. He dismissed Ndume’s objections, stating:
“The Chamber has no time for rhetorics. We are here for facts.”
This comment further inflamed the situation, leading to a rowdy session as Ndume accused Barau of dismissing his concerns due to his position.
“Is it because you are sitting there that you are saying a Senator is speaking rhetorics? You can rule me out of order, but I will speak for Nigerians,” Ndume retorted.
Eventually, Ndume was ruled out of order, and the visitors were permitted to address the Chamber on the proposed Tax Reform Bill.
Senate breaks into rowdy session over Tax Reform Bill
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I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour
I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said he is alive, hale and hearty.
He stated this in reaction to rumours of his death being reportedly spread on some social media platforms.
He spoke in Osogbo, Osun State, during the inauguration of the Old-Garage/Oke-Fia Road reconstructed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Obasanjo said those who wanted him dead were spreading the rumour of his death on the social media.
He said, “I heard the rumour that I was dead. I saw it on the social media. I quickly told my children and my relations that it was not true and that I’m alive.
“Those that want me dead, that is their wish, but God still keeps me alive.”
Obasanjo praised Adeleke for his performance in Osun and charged the governor to keep up the work.
Governor Adeleke assured the people of the state that his administration would complete all the ongoing projects.
“My dear people of Osun State, our administration has constructed over 120 kilometres of roads across the state.
“Two major flyovers are also progressing to completion at Osogbo while work is progressing at the Ile Ife Flyover and Ilesa dualisation.”
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Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.
It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”
Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.
“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”
The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.
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