₦airaland Forum

Bwala said this while countering the notion that the northern region is against the bills.

DAILY POST reported that in the early stage of the bills, a joint meeting of the Northern Governors Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council had rejected the Tax Reform Bill forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu on October 3, 2024, forwarded a tax reform bill to the Senate and House of Representatives for approval.

Part of the bill provides reforms in the sector, including changing the name of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, to the Nigeria Revenue Service, NRS.

”The tax reform bills have come to stay, and they will be passed. Let us forget that it is the North vs. the South; it is the governors who are going to be impacted,” Bwala said during an interview on Channels Television.

“It is the governors from states where their income will reduce if the derivation is applied. These set of governors are in the majority of the states and not limited to the North.

“Maybe the governors from the north have decided to be vocal about it.

“But in the midst of this cacophony of positions between the governors and the federal government remember, even the case of Local Government autonomy it wasn’t a case of region it was still the governors because local government autonomy from the beginning was considered an initiative that would weaken their powers…”

fineboynl:
The south east is also at disadvantage with the north. The tax reform will not favour them either like rhe core north. But why the south east not making noise like north?

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West), who stated this during a meeting with chairmen of other standing committees in the Senate, added that January 31, 2025, the date fixed for the laying of reports on the 2025 Appropriation Bill separately before the Senate and the House of Representatives is tentative.

At the meeting, attended by many chairmen of Senate standing committees and principal officers like the Deputy Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South) and Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), it was stated that the time frame for the consideration and passage of the 2025 budget by the National Assembly is short, but the best must be made of it.

“Before this meeting with chairmen of the various standing committees in the Senate, the Appropriation Committee met for several hours on the best way to handle the consideration of the 2025 budget, which was presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu and passed for second reading by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

“For expeditious and thorough consideration, hard copies of the budget proposals were obtained and already given to chairmen of the various committees as required reference documents during budget defence sessions with heads of MDAs under their purview.

“The tentative timetable that has been drawn for the consideration of the budget at the committee level is that budget defence sessions will begin tomorrow (Tuesday), while reports from various committees are expected to be submitted from the 15th to the 18th of this month.

“Afterwards, collation and tidying up of the various reports will be done by the Appropriation Committee, with the hope of laying the final report on the budget to the Senate on the 31st of this month.

“However, the 31st of January, fixed for laying the budget, is tentative as it is just given to guide our work,” he said.

The Senator Adeola-led committee thereafter went into a closed-door session with the chairmen of the various standing committees in the Senate.

Wike explained that such a measure would serve as a deterrent to others.

The minister also warned that all buyers and users of the vandalised manhole covers and other vandalised public infrastructure will be arrested and prosecuted for economic sabotage and putting the lives of Nigerians at risk.

This was contained in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday.

He commended the security agencies for their prompt and decisive actions while describing their collaborative efforts as “fantastic” and a further assurance to the residents of the capital territory that their lives and properties are protected.

He also commended Nigerians for showing patriotism in speaking out against the vandalisation, adding that “safeguarding public amenities is, first and foremost, the duty of Nigerians, who are the owners and users of the amenities.”

Wike said: “Those stealing and buying amenities meant for the use of Nigerians are Nigerians themselves. They live among us and they are known. It is therefore important that patriotic Nigerians begin to expose them even before they carry out their devilish acts.”

About 50 suspected vandals have been arrested for theft of manhole covers within the FCT.
Twenty-five vandalised manhole covers have been recovered by security agents.

Oyedele was responding to claims by Buba Galadima, who, during an appearance on Arise Television, argued that the committee had neglected consultations with northern leaders and only engaged with the governor of Lagos State.

In his response, Oyedele pointed to the governors’ lack of cooperation, stating that four scheduled meetings were cancelled, limiting their ability to engage effectively.

He revealed that despite efforts to meet with governors from each of the six geopolitical zones, only Lagos State’s governor responded positively to the committee’s requests.

Oyedele added that although the Kaduna State governor had originally consented to meet, plans changed and the deputy governor took his place.

“The other governor who was willing to welcome us was the governor of Kaduna State. And after all the logistics, we agreed on the date, but on that day he wasn’t able to attend. It was the deputy governor that hosted us. I will not name the other governors, but I can actually if I need to. They didn’t have time for us,” he said.

Oyedele also revealed that the Governors’ Forum invited the committee to meet with them four times, but on each occasion, the meetings were cancelled.

According to him, on the fifth attempt, the committee kept waiting until 1:30 am and was given only 15 minutes for discussions.

“And I said, your excellencies, we have a lot to talk about. They said, tell us how our revenues will go up. Even that, we couldn’t say in 15 minutes. We had a half a day engagement with the finance commissioners from across Nigeria. We’ve had more than four engagements with the heads of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from all over Nigeria.

“We’ve had engagements with different groups, more than 40 sectors, from manufacturers to SMEs to FinTech. And these things were published.”

He claimed that the panel expedited the compilation of the reforms because, in addition to the fact that Nigeria can not afford to waste time, it must promptly alleviate its “pain” and put the country on the correct course for development.

Oyedele also noted that they engaged with over 120 Muslim clerics, mostly from the north, and the League of Northern Democrats, to discuss the potential impact of the tax reforms.

He added that the committee consulted with more than 20 government institutions, the private sector, manufacturers, SMEs, and over 40 different sectors, including FinTech.

“We have more than 20 government institutions represented. We have the private sector, whether it’s manufacturers, whether its women in business. We have 45 students from 22 universities across Nigeria,” he said.

Frigga13:
That will be the wrongest politcal move at this point ..

.. when Tinubu is already using the state government to do his persecution.

Mallam is more political wiser than his political enemies..

Power to the people !!!

SalamRushdie:
You don't, you were in charge of Lagos for twenty years and it doesn't have common pipe borne water supply despite being surrounded by water sources ...

He said the leaders were interfering in the selection of candidates, particularly in the presidential election.

Kwankwaso said it was wrong for such people to claim they represent the region.

The presidential candidate of the NNPP in the 2023 general elections said that their action was causing division and hindering democracy by electing leaders who were not qualified.

Kwankwaso, who stated this in an interview with BBC Hausa, said that events that unfolded in the previous elections should make the leaders refrain from anything related to the selection of candidates and allow the people to choose who they really want to be president.

“This oppressive thing they are doing is causing discord in the community. Whatever you do, do it based on the truth.

“The elders, some of them are our parents and some of them are brothers, especially in this area, here in the north, they shouldn’t show favouritism in bringing out candidates,” he said.

According to him, many of them come to spread lies, gather people, and tell them that the North has agreed on its candidates.

“All these people are not more than two or three, but you see a man going and saying lies, instead of going to Port Harcourt or going to Abuja to go and promote us, who are their children, but then they go and show favouritism,” he added.

He also denied rumours making the rounds that an agreement had been reached between him and the former presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar of PDP and Peter Obi of LP, that each of them will be president for a term.

He said he was not aware of such arrangements, even though he learnt that the Atiku group was holding meetings with local leaders, including Mallams, ahead of 2027.

“This issue really hurts me. It is said that the elders are lying; they are saying things that have not been done.

“I was told that about forty-five Mallams were gathered, and they are telling the people. But there is no such thing. I am not at all happy about this thing.

“They were told that I agreed that Atiku will serve for four years, I will also serve for four, and Peter Obi will serve for eight years. This pact does not exist; it has not been made,” Kwankwaso said.

Wike made this remark while accusing Odili of disobeying President Bola Tinubu regarding the Rivers peace deal, following the ongoing rift with Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State.

Speaking during a New Year luncheon he organized at his country home in Obio-Akpor on Friday, Wike dismissed calls by some Rivers State elders for him to apologize to Odili over his recent comments.

According to Wike, he had done nothing wrong and vowed to resist being bullied by anyone.

He said: “They said I should apologize; for what? That there is no law that says their daughter should not, but I said as an elder statesman, should you have given what belongs to your nephew to your daughter?

“Did I say that there is a law that says your daughter should not be something? But you said somebody is converting Rivers State to his personal estate. It’s not correct. The man who is converting Rivers State to a personal estate is you, and to crown it up, you are now the general overseer.

"I didn’t say anything wrong, so you cannot kill me for what I didn’t say. Tinubu is not like you. If you are a good person, Tinubu called Rivers people. As an elder statesman, he wanted you to make peace, but you came home. Ordinarily, what you should have done was to call Mr. President back and tell him how you have tried to implement some of them. Is there any way we can do the rest? Rather, you disobeyed.

“They said elders said I should apologize. Apologize for what?

“I said that I heard and I read that somebody who should be our elder statesman said this thing today and said a different thing tomorrow, and I said no. No elder statesman should say that. And the elder statesman didn’t say, ‘I didn’t say so.’ If he had said he didn’t say that, I would have apologized. But he didn’t deny the statement.[/b]

[b]“I didn’t abuse anybody. I said our elder statesman was the one telling people the kind of mansion and castle I built for him. I didn’t say I said so. It is not me who said it. It is the man who is supposed to be an elder statesman that said so. You are the one going about telling people what I did.”

Egbetokun stated this in Enugu while addressing officers and men of Enugu State Police Command during his two-day working visit to the command.

“We will not tolerate any assault on our police officers; not to talk of killing police personnel. An assault on any police personnel is criminal and an assault on me, the IGP,” he said.

“For 2025, we are not going to take any kind of assault on our personnel and not talk of killing any of them.

“Anywhere there is assault or killing of any policeman, you all must respond commensurately and appropriately. We will not tolerate it anymore.”

The IGP assured that there would be massive training and retraining of police personnel across commands, formations, squads, and units in 2025.

“We are aiming at professionalism, discipline and competency this year through training and retraining of personnel,” he said.

Egbetokun said that President Bola Tinubu was committed to the welfare and well-being of police personnel.

He noted that Tinubu always acknowledged the sacrifices police officers and men are putting to ensure security nationwide.

“President Tinubu is personally making a robust welfare package for police personnel, which I know will take care of all our welfare worries and concerns,” he said.

“However, it will remain internal with the police and not for public or press consumption,” he said.

He said he had been receiving good reports about the Enugu State Police Command, especially in their operations and the residents’ support.

Egbetokun noted that in 2025 the police would stamp out criminals in the state, those that had been chased away would not return and the headquarters would support the Command with all necessary resources.

“You are going to record more achievements this 2025 when we start giving additional support to the Command,” he said.

Earlier, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, appreciated the IGP for the official working visit and his fatherly support to the state Command and its formations, squads, and units.

Uzuegbu, who reeled out the Command’s achievement in 2024, appealed to the IGP for more personnel, arms and ammunition, operational vehicles, and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) among others.

The announcement came during his final state of the nation address as he prepares to step down on January 6 after two terms in office.

“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, with effect from the beginning of this year,” Akufo-Addo said in his speech to parliament.

“This is the logical next step to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world,” he said.

“All these are essential elements to the realisation of the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisages an integrated and connected Africa by 2063,” he added, referring to the African Union’s development blueprint for a 50-year period.

Ghana joins Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia and Benin in offering visa-free entry to African travellers.

Ghana had previously allowed visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations and visas on arrival for travellers from 25 others, while only two African countries — Eritrea and Morocco — required a visa before entry.

The visa-free policy builds on Ghana’s efforts to strengthen its international reputation, particularly through initiatives like the 2019 Year of Return, which celebrated the African diaspora and commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade.

The campaign attracted thousands of visitors, including celebrities, to Ghana and led to some receiving citizenship, bolstering the country’s global profile as a cultural and tourism hub.

Akufo-Addo also used his last address to trumpet economic progress under his leadership, citing an increase in Ghana’s gross international reserves to $8 billion, from $6.2 billion in 2017, and significant GDP growth in 2024.

“Economic growth has returned to the pre-Covid trajectory,” he said, projecting a 6.3-percent growth rate for 2025.

“I leave behind a Ghana that is thriving, one that has navigated significant global challenges with remarkable tenacity, whose economy is steadily rebounding, and whose institutions are operating effectively,” he said.

The oil-and-gold-rich West African nation is one of the most stable democracies in Africa.

Since 2022, it has been battling one of its worst economic crises in decades and is currently under a $3-billion International Monetary Fund relief programme.

The outgoing president hands over power to John Mahama, who won the December elections.

The Nation reports controversy trailed the installation of Oba Olaiya after he was promoted from a community head to Part II king without the consent of Ido-Osun community.

It was gathered when Oba Olaiya was made king, the people of Ido-Osun were not pleased claiming he is under the community.

He was said to have built his palace on Ido Osun land which further angered the youths.

“Last week, he turbaned one Ahmad Tijani as Chief Imam while we still have Chief Imam in Ido-Osun. Today they were gathering at the palace for Jumat service which the new Imam will preside over, the youths from Ido Osun revolted, he was beaten and injured when the matter escalated.” a security source confided.

Another security source said: “Police later rescued the monarch from the scene and he has been detained at the police station. He would be taken to hospital very soon because he was badly injured.”

When contacted, the Special Adviser to Govennor on Security, Samuel Ojo said: “I can’t make any comment about it now, I will make my findings and get back.”

Effort to speak with Osun Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola were abortive. She did not respond when her phone rang out as at the time of filing this report.

numericalguy:
You posted an allegation without proof

numericalguy:
Lying is in their DNA..
That is why Obi lies all the time.


cc: Edygrin

DAILY POST reports that the singer was captured in a now controversial video on social media abruptly exiting the stage after assaulting a fan who tried to touch him at the 2025 Lagos Countdown concert.

Reacting to the incident online, many users criticised the musician and tagged him the most arrogant Nigerian artiste.

Addressing the controversy in an Instagram story on Wednesday evening, Burna Boy stated that he has PTSD and warned his fans not to ever jump on his stage.

He said, “It was a free show. I was supposed to do 10 minutes and did almost one hour. Everybody knows my rule about getting on stage and startling me when I’m performing.

“I had an amazing time with Lagos State last night. Don’t jump on my stage like that! I got PTSD. I love you all. Happy new year.”

DAILY POST reports that PTSD known as Post-traumatic stress disorder, is characterised by failure to recover from witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event.

Previous Thread
https://www.nairaland.com/8306024/burna-boy-left-stage-greater

Kanu’s brother, Kanunta disclosed that he had the pact with Tinubu’s son, Seyi during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.

Disclosing that the meeting had the blessing of the president, Kanunta, however, lamented that Tinubu has refused to honour the pact by releasing the IPOB leader.

In a statement he issued, Kanunta said it was agreed that the IPOB would not boycott the 2023 elections on the grounds that Tinubu would release Kanu if elected President.

The statement reads: ”Before the last election, I received a message from an ex-governor that Seyi, the son of President Tinubu, wanted to see me.

“I agreed to meet with him on the condition that the overriding priority and hence the fulcrum of our discussion will be the release of my brother.

“The meeting was held in Abuja in the presence of another individual whom I asked along to witness the deliberations and provide independent verification should the need arise.

“Seyi confirmed to me that his father sanctioned the meeting and that I should consider any agreement we reach as binding on the then candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“In good faith we agreed that I shall relay the outcome to my brother to reinforce the long held tradition of IPOB not interfering with the conduct of elections, either through boycott or any other form of civil disobedience.

“This understanding was duly communicated to my brother and he reaffirmed his commitment not to stop the elections or order any boycott.

“When President Tinubu as a candidate visited Owerri during his campaign, he too reiterated his commitment to facilitate the release of my brother if elected.

“We took his public statement as a tacit reaffirmation of the understanding I reached with his son Seyi.

“It, therefore, defies logic that nearly two years after President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, my brother is still in detention despite not having any charge against him.

“It’s been over three months now that Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case yet no new judge has been assigned the case.”

Wike reminded Fubara that he has been using the same red biro for 14 years and is still using it.

Speaking at the crossover into the 2025 church service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Fubara vowed that he would continue to crush his enemies.

Fubara said, “The red biro is still filled. It is still here with me. Every enemy plan will continue to crash.”

However, speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the Minister cautioned Fubara, saying he has only used his red biro for two years.

Posting on X, Olayinka wrote: “Someone who has only used the red biro for less than two years is somewhere reminding himself and boasting that ‘The red biro is still filled. It is still here with me.’ Issokay.

“Shouldn’t he also be reminded that someone has used the same red biro for 14 years and is still using it?”

Previous Thread:
https://www.nairaland.com/8306303/god-crush-enemies-rivers-state/2#133537984

Validated:
Myopia early in 2025. There is what is called spiritual coverings. Go and study the Bible and stop deceiving people.

The Law and the prophets, the scrolls and manuscripts and writings from the synoptic gospel were already there when Jesus said to Peter, "... feed my sheep" John 21:17. If Jer29:11 was enough, the synoptic gospel was not necessary.

E get why Jesus had to come back to admonish Simon to FEED MY SHEEP.
If your pastor or reverend or GO is fake, it does not mean that there are no genuinely called men of God. Even the time of Apostle Paul, there were charlatans, parading as men of God.

ucheagu:
I know it's too early to ask has anyone noticed any changes or like a feeling that this year will be better than last year?

Speaking at his 2024 Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme held at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, he called on Nigerians, particularly the people of Akwa Ibom State, to continue supporting President Tinubu as he works to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“Nigeria Was on Life Support,” he said.

His stance comes following ongoing major reforms such as the introduction of the tax bills, removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira, and others introduced by Tinubu.

Akpabio recounted a conversation with President Tinubu about the state of the economy inherited from the previous administration.

“Nigeria was on life support when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu took over. I once asked him, ‘Are you excited about being president after seeing the economy left behind by Emefiele?’ He replied, ‘I must tell you, I didn’t know it was this bad.’”

The Senate President expressed optimism about ongoing economic reforms, noting that while they may be painful, they are necessary for sustainable growth.

“You did it in Lagos, and you will do it again for Nigeria. It’s just a matter of time. We are praying for you, and God will grant you the wisdom to lead us to El Dorado.”

He advised beneficiaries not to sell their empowerment tools but to use them to uplift their families economically.

“We have enough foodstuff to distribute; there should be no stampede. These items are being extended beyond Ikot Ekpene to other senatorial districts in the state.”

“Your support has not only enhanced our educational experience but also inspired us to strive for excellence. Thank you for your unwavering support.”

Akpabio commended Governor Umo Eno for promoting peace and inclusivity in Akwa Ibom.

“Without peace, there cannot be development. The governor has embraced all Akwa Ibom people, regardless of political affiliations.”

He also acknowledged the governor’s Christmas gesture of distributing 1,000 bags of rice to the APC family in the state and announced an additional 1,500 bags of rice for the PDP State Chairman.

Akpabio praised Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, for fostering unity in the Senate.

“Everyone in the Senate has an equal voice, regardless of party affiliation. Opposition is good, but it should be constructive.”

Senator Abba Moro described Akpabio as a leader committed to empowering his people.

“It takes wisdom to know what to give people for lasting benefits rather than instant gratification.”

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, called the empowerment programme “mega, marvellous, and magnificent.”

The event was attended by key political and community leaders, including,

Obongemem Ekperikpo Ekpo (Minister of Petroleum Resources, Gas) Senator Ita Enang (APC Chieftain), Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), Paramount Rulers of Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim

In closing, Akpabio emphasised the importance of collective effort in building a better Nigeria and assured constituents of continued representation and development-focused initiatives.

Speaking in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, Baba Keke said women were seeking the young 2Face’s attention but the label denied him access to them.

He said after 2Face exited Kennis Music, the label couldn’t do much to prevent him from womanising.

Ogungbe said, “When 2face was with us [at Kennis Music], we prevented him from seeing girls. Girls come to look for him all the time but we didn’t allow him see any of them but when he left our record label, there was nothing we could do about the situation anymore.

“Even when he was becoming the butt of the jokes of some comedian [for being a womaniser], I didn’t call him to question him because he’s a matured man. Every man has his cross.”

DAILY POST recalls that 2Baba made numerous headlines at the peak of his career for having multiple baby mamas before marrying one of them, Annie Idibia, in 2012.

Basiliun:
Op THIS is high time you stop discussing out of point and face reality