metro
Tax reform: Tinubu should unite, not divide Nigeria, says Bauchi gov
Tax reform: Tinubu should unite, not divide Nigeria, says Bauchi gov
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the recently proposed tax reform bills, urging that they be reviewed with a focus on unity rather than division.
He appealed to the president to halt the bills’ progress and conduct wide consultations to ensure they were fair and balanced before being passed into law.
The proposals, particularly the shift to a derivative-based model for distributing value-added tax (VAT), sparked strong objections from northern governors and traditional leaders.
They argue that the model would disproportionately disadvantage less industrialised regions, especially the northern states.
Despite these concerns, the president has rejected calls to withdraw the bills.
Speaking on BBC Hausa Service, Governor Bala warned that the proposed tax reforms would worsen the economic hardship already faced by many northern states.
“Any reform to the tax bill, as it stands, is a recipe for further impoverishment of the north. What we need is a debate on a tax system that will not harm any region,” Governor Mohammed said.
He explained that northern states, many of which already face significant financial challenges, would be further strained by the proposed tax model. For instance, he pointed out that Bauchi State struggles to meet its salary obligations due to insufficient funds.
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“We receive about N2 billion in monthly federal allocation, but our salary bill stands at N4 billion, with local government salaries alone amounting to N3 billion. We also do not receive any derivatives from oil sales due to the current revenue-sharing formula,” he added.
He explained that while northern states are major consumers of goods and services-especially in industries like telecommunications-the tax revenue generated by these sectors often benefits southern states, where the companies’ headquarters are located.
This uneven distribution, according to Governor Bala, exacerbated the financial difficulties of northern states, urging the president to address this disparity and ensure that all regions are fairly represented in the revenue-sharing process.
“We are operating a federal system, and we are one country. No state or region should be disadvantaged in the distribution of revenue,” Governor Bala said.
He also expressed frustration at what he perceived as the president’s lack of willingness to address the concerns raised by northern leaders.
“If the federal government persists with this reform, we will be forced to mobilise our federal lawmakers, who are numerous, to block the bill,” he warned.
“It is as though the President wants to suffocate us, and we are not going to fold our arms or accept this,” he added.
The Bauchi governor also urged President Tinubu to reconsider his stance, reminding him that Nigeria operates under a democratic system where the voices of the people, through their representatives, should be respected.
He pointed out that even the president’s deputy, Kashim Shettima, and other representatives had already objected to the bill and called for its amendment.
Governor Mohammed called for a national dialogue on tax reform, one that aims to unite the country rather than divide it, ensuring that all regions are included in the pursuit of economic fairness and growth.
Tax reform: Tinubu should unite, not divide Nigeria, says Bauchi gov
metro
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.
The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.
“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.
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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.
“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.
“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.
The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”
The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
metro
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.
“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.
The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.
“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN
metro
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.
He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.
He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.
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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.
“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.
“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
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