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State governors still divided over Tax Reforms Bills

Published

1 year ago

December 13, 2024

Nigeria Governors’ Forum

State governors still divided over Tax Reforms Bills

STRONG indications have emerged that the 36 state governors under the aegis of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, are sharply divided over the Tax Reforms Bills pending before the Senate and the House of Representatives for consideration as forwarded by President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that the governors have, for weeks, been confronted with the tax reform bills, just as the bills have been engulfed in controversy” criticisms and stiff opposition from many quarters.

The Northern 19 governors had also rejected sections of the bills as they called for its withdrawal from the National Assembly to allow for further consultations.

The National Economic Council, NEC, chaired by the Vice President and composed of the 36 governors and some ministers, had earlier rejected the bills.

It was clear on Wednesday night when the governors had an unusual very short meeting that lasted one hour as they rushed out of the meeting without a communique and refused to address the waiting journalists at the entrance of venue of the meeting that all did not go well.

The governors after about one hour of the meeting at Lake Chad Crescent, the Secretariat of the NGF, came out with sealed lips without the usual smiles and exchange of banters, except that some walked together in line with states of origin.

The meeting started at 10p.m. and ended at 11p.m.

Journalists had expected either a release of a communique or to be addressed by the Chairman of NGF and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who would have been flanked by the Chairman of Progressives Governors, Senator Hope Uzodimma or in the alternative, Chairman of NGF, Alhaji Abdulateef Shittu.

At the end of the day, the waiting journalists left the place at about 11p.m., as nobody had addressed them.

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Meanwhile, it was gathered that the governors who attended the meeting could not reach an official agreement on the controversial tax reform bills.

It was learned that the failure to agree was the reason the NGF could not produce a communique after the meeting.

The first indication that the meeting would be a deadlock was when some of the governors did not come to the venue at 10 p.m., even when the meetings were held at Asokoro.

There were reports at to 9p.m that the meeting would not hold because it may lead to an exchange of words because of differences with regard to the tax bills.

It became clear that the meeting would hold when two governors arrived, followed by a bus with the inscription, Imo Liaison office, Abuja that brought the Chairman of Progressives Governors and Imo State Governor, Uzodimma, along side some of his colleagues from the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Vanguard gathered that the APC governors came in a group because they had earlier met with the Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, just as they were said to have been summoned by President Tinubu as they rushed to the villa for the meeting. It was, thereafter, that they came for the short meeting.

Present at the meeting were 15 governors mostly of the APC, Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, governor of Plateau State of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, among others were also in attendance.

Vanguard also gathered that the governors towed their regional positions on the bill.

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Recall that on October 3, 2024, President Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, following the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele for the review of existing tax laws.

The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which would provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

Others were the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.

ACF constitutes committee to study tax reform bills

This came as Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, yesterday, announced the constitution of a committee to study the tax reform bills and make appropriate recommendations to the Federal Government.

In a statement, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, spokesperson of ACF, said the current debates suggest that there were not enough consultations in preparing the bills.

He called on all concerned stakeholders to cooperate with the relevant senate committee charged with the assignment to review the content of the bills.

Muhammad-Baba said opposing views against the bills were essential inputs into the policy process, adding that decorum and mutual respect should be honoured in the discussions of provisions of the proposed laws.

State governors still divided over Tax Reforms Bills

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Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Published

6 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.

According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.

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School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.

Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.

The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.

Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade

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Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Published

7 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Cross River Police Spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.

Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.

Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.

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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.

The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.

Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.

Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River

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Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Published

9 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State is CP Muhammad Rabiu

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.

The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.

Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.