Reps suspend debate on Tinubu’s tax reform bills - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Reps suspend debate on Tinubu’s tax reform bills

Published

on

House of Representatives

Reps suspend debate on Tinubu’s tax reform bills

The House of Representatives has suspended indefinitely the debate on the Tax Reforms Bills earlier scheduled for Tuesday.

The development follows mounting pressure from the 19 northern states governors for the bills to be discarded.

The planned debate was called off in a memo signed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, as 73 northern lawmakers kicked against the bills. Those who rejected the bills include 48 Reps members from the North-East, 24 federal lawmakers from Kano, and a former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal.

The memo suspending the debate, dated November 30, 2024, stated that the rescheduling was due to the need for further and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders.

The memo said a new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course.

Meanwhile, a leaked video of the closed-door session of the lower chamber showed the North-East lawmakers in tense debates against the tax reform bills. The lawmakers argued that the bills would drag the North backwards and also affect other regions, including the South East, South West, and some South-Western states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.

Giving details of what transpired during the closed-door session, a lawmaker from the North-West, stated, “As the representatives of the people, we have resolved to continue our consultation on the matter,” adding that “Things degenerated almost to a point of rebellion against the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu who presided over the executive session.”

He added, “From what I can deduce, the Governors of the North are not yet convinced about the arguments in favour of the bills. The bills are against the interest of the North and that is why we are saying, ‘if you think this is not the case, give us more time to consult with our people.’

“The speed with which they want these bills considered and passed is suspicious. This is why our governors are not convinced and we are not convinced either,” he noted.

READ ALSO:

It can be recalled that the Northern Governors Forum had earlier kicked against the bill, particularly the Value Added Tax-sharing template. At a meeting in Kaduna, the governors directed federal lawmakers from their respective states to vote against the bills when they came up for debate in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Additionally, the National Economic Council, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, had also advised the Federal Government to withdraw the bills to create room for broader consultations among critical stakeholders. However, the President turned down the advice.

Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, had expressed concerns over the speed at which the bills were being considered.

In an interview with BBC, Zulum said, “Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children will reap its benefits.”

Zulum also stated that if the four tax bills were passed into law, only one of the 36 states – Lagos – would be the major beneficiary. He made the clarification on Channels Television’s Politics Today, saying, “I am not an economist. But based on the calculations we did, only Lagos will benefit from this scheme.”

He said, “I am a strong member of the APC. If you are to count two governors who have been in support of Tinubu from 2019 to 2023, you can mention Prof Zulum. I was the first governor to come out publicly to say that power must go to the South.

“Unfortunately, the President was told by many that the North is against him. About 60.2 per cent of his votes came from the North. On this tax issue, there are a lot of misconceptions. During the NEC, we advised the Federal Government to pause for a moment to have a deeper consultation with stakeholders. That was our own statement.

“But later on, people turned it upside down. I want you to believe that our consultation is central to democracy and in a democratic setting, we are begging for the right to be consulted. This is only what has happened.”

Zulum added, “I am not an economist. But based on the calculations we did, only Lagos will benefit from, this scheme. However, we have had a series of consultation with the FIRS team and had a meeting with the tax team of Lagos State. Lagos told me that they will lose a lot if this implemented. They said ‘We did our research and concluded we will lose.’

“Then why are we in a rush? Not only in Northern Nigeria, the Southeast, South-South and even the Southwest will be severely affected. Only Lagos will benefit from this scheme. But what we are telling them is to give us time. Why are we in a rush? Let us pause and do deeper consultation because we are in a democracy.

“We should look at the nitty-gritty of these bills before passing into law. This is our only bone of contention. And then people are saying Prof Zulum and the governors are against the president. This is a democratic setting. People want us to run a garrison democracy. Most of these monies will go to Lagos. We need more time.”

Reps suspend debate on Tinubu’s tax reform bills

metro

EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus

Published

on

popular Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus
Popular Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus

EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed as false a viral “wanted” poster featuring popular Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus, describing it as fake, misleading, and the work of mischief-makers.

In a statement shared via its official social media platforms on Thursday, the anti-graft agency clearly stamped the circulating image “FAKE NEWS”, warning individuals responsible for spreading such content to desist. In a strongly worded caption, the EFCC wrote, “Clout chaser, stop this now!” — signaling frustration over the growing trend of misinformation online.

The doctored poster, which spread rapidly across social media, mimicked the official EFCC “wanted” notice format, including the agency’s logo and layout. It falsely claimed that Sabinus, allegedly aged 43, was wanted for obtaining money under false pretence, and even listed a supposed last known address in Victoria Island, Lagos State.

READ ALSO:

However, further checks confirm that no such notice exists on any official EFCC platform, including its verified website and social media pages, which are the only legitimate channels through which the commission declares individuals wanted. The agency reiterated that all authentic wanted notices are publicly verifiable, urging Nigerians to rely on official sources before sharing sensitive claims.

The EFCC did not disclose whether it has identified those behind the fabricated poster but emphasized that the spread of false information could have serious legal and reputational consequences. The commission has, in recent years, intensified warnings against the circulation of fake news, impersonation of government agencies, and digital misinformation, particularly on social media.

Sabinus, a widely recognised entertainer known for his viral comedy skits and brand endorsements, commands a massive following both within Nigeria and internationally. As of the time of reporting, he has not publicly reacted to the incident.

The development highlights growing concerns about the misuse of digital platforms to create convincing but false narratives, especially involving public figures. Authorities continue to advise the public to verify information carefully and avoid amplifying unconfirmed reports that could harm individuals or undermine public trust.

EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus

Continue Reading

metro

12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene

Published

on

Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene
Federal Government College Ikot Ekpene

12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene

Tension and outrage have gripped Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State after a 12-year-old Junior Secondary School 2 student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, reportedly died following alleged bullying by a senior student over provisions. The incident, which began before the Easter break, has raised serious concerns about student safety and bullying in Nigerian schools.

The attack reportedly occurred when a Senior Secondary School 3 student demanded provisions from the younger pupil during terminal examinations. Godwin refused, saying he did not have enough to share. Witnesses allege that the senior student responded with physical violence, repeatedly striking Godwin on the neck and throat, causing him to faint multiple times. Other students only intervened after the assault escalated.

Godwin was initially hospitalized on Easter Sunday for a neck injury. He briefly regained consciousness but was later returned to school without his parents being informed of the seriousness of the incident. Upon returning home for the holiday, the boy began complaining of severe neck and throat pain. Despite taking pain relief medication at home, his condition worsened, prompting his father to rush him back to the hospital, where he tragically died. Medical personnel later confirmed that his death resulted from complications associated with blood clots around the neck and throat area.

READ ALSO:

The school principal, Mr. Jude Ezeogu, described the incident as deeply unfortunate and confirmed that the school community is in mourning. He said a school management committee will meet to review the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and communicate their findings to the public.

The family of the deceased has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to investigate the matter and ensure justice. The boy’s father urged the authorities to intervene, saying he would provide more details at an appropriate time.

The tragic death of Ufokobong Edwin Godwin has reignited discussions about bullying, student protection, and campus safety across Nigeria, with parents and education stakeholders calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in boarding schools.

12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene

Continue Reading

metro

Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Brigadier-General, Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Overruns Military Base

Published

on

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede

Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Brigadier-General, Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Overruns Military Base

A deadly assault by insurgents linked to Boko Haram and its Islamic State-backed faction, Islamic State West Africa Province, has left several Nigerian troops dead, including a senior commander, following a late-night attack on a military base in Borno State.

The fresh Boko Haram attack in Borno reportedly took place on Wednesday night at a Joint Task Force formation in Benisheikh, located in Kaga Local Government Area along the busy Damaturu–Maiduguri highway.

Among those killed in the attack was Brigadier-General O. O. Braimah, commander of the 29 Brigade, alongside several officers, soldiers, and the brigade’s Imam. His death marks a significant setback in ongoing counterinsurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East, with military sources describing the incident as one of the most intense recent assaults on a military formation in the region.

According to security sources, the attackers launched a coordinated assault using explosives and heavy gunfire, overwhelming troops after hours of intense fighting. The insurgents reportedly deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to breach the base, engaged soldiers in sustained gunfire, and targeted critical military infrastructure. The prolonged attack caused panic within the base and surrounding communities, with casualties feared to be high, although official figures have not yet been released.

READ ALSO:

Several soldiers were seriously injured during the Boko Haram attack, while others are still unaccounted for. Rescue operations are ongoing as the military works to locate missing personnel and secure the area.

The latest incident highlights renewed violence by insurgent groups in Borno. In recent weeks, Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in Nigeria have intensified, targeting military bases, checkpoints, and civilian settlements. Security experts warn that the attack suggests growing operational strength of insurgents, increased vulnerability of remote military bases, and the need for improved intelligence and aerial surveillance.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement on the attack. However, reinforcements and surveillance operations have reportedly been deployed to the Benisheikh axis to prevent further attacks.

Despite years of military operations, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province continue to pose serious threats in Nigeria’s North-East. The Borno attack on soldiers underscores persistent insecurity and raises fresh concerns about the safety of military formations and personnel in the region.

Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Brigadier-General, Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Overruns Military Base

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending