₦airaland Forum

Nobody is tango-ing with you. It was a one dog bark.

I have never for once started a conversation about you since you did what you did. All my mentions of you were reactions to what you did to me. You chose the name Jarus for me 16 years ago on Nairaland. We used to exchange Whatsapp message until June 2024 (even two weeks before my incident here) and I thought we were cool.

You saw an opportunity to stamp me from 28 June this year. You did all you could. You went all out. You thought I was “down and out”. You applied pressure to finish me off. You were posting about me on hourly basis. You continued to “match” me on the ground for over three months.

You slowed down when your realized it had no impact on me. This is another decoy to get close to me and start asking me about my flights and travels and security as you used to do diring the time I thought we were cool.

Like I said in my general post to people like you few weeks ago, I’m not dining with any of you. Not even with long spoon.

I have a message for you - which you must have realized now - under this tweet

seunmsg:
Fake organization that exists only in the delusional world of haters and pained losers. I can bet even the OP has never heard about the organization until the fake story started circulating.

See, this is 2025 and Present Bola Tinubu is focused on delivering good governance to the people of Nigeria. I will advice you ipob haters to get a job and desist from the fake news and propaganda against Mr. President.

The Government of Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) has announced that French troops will begin their withdrawal from the country in January 2025.

This marks another significant reduction in France's military presence in West Africa.

President Alassane Ouattara who disclosed this in his end-of-year address to the country on Tuesday, stated that the move reflects the modernization of Ivory Coast’s armed forces.

“We have decided on the concerted and organised withdrawal of French forces,” Ouattara said, adding that the Port Bouet military base will be transferred to Ivorian control in January 2025.

France has maintained a military presence in Ivory Coast since its independence in 1960, with up to 600 troops stationed there.

Ivory Coast's decision follows similar moves by other West African nations, which have also requested the departure of foreign troops amid a broader trend of reassessing military ties with former colonial powers.

In recent years, France has been expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following military coups.

Chad terminated its defense cooperation agreement with France in November, while Senegal, another former French colony, announced that all French military bases on its territory would close by the end of 2025.

France's military presence in Africa has been controversial for decades. Critics argue that it perpetuates neocolonial dynamics, while supporters maintain that French troops play a crucial role in combating terrorism and maintaining stability.

However, leaders in these nations contend that the presence of Western forces has not effectively addressed their security challenges, prompting them to seek alternative partnerships, including with Russia.

When Ivory Coast first announced the withdrawal in December, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the planned exit of French troops demonstrates they are “no longer needed” in the country.

“This generally fits into the logic of the processes taking place in the Francophone countries of West Africa, whose populations are increasingly critical of the large-scale presence of foreign troops,” it added.

Paris is working to revamp its strategy on the continent, aiming to reduce permanent troop deployments and focus on more targeted operations, while retaining some 1500 soldiers in Djibouti and a small contingent of around 350 troops in Gabon.

Which way is the "Tough and Resilient?" Is it third as the ",Most Corrupt Leader or......?

Why will a Newspaper, named the *Third Most Corrupt President* on earth as your man of the year 2024?

The problem of Nigeria is Nigerians, Especially the ones benefiting from corruption.

In Nigeria Tinubu is the man of the year while the most corrupt president in the world... Nigerian media who do us

NTA Man of the year.
TVC Man of the year.
APC man of the year.

Oga you ... can bribe your way to become man of the year but the reality still maintained that Tinubu is the most corrupt man of the year.
I guess you guys never see it coming. If not you would have bribed it

Which Tinubu are you referring to? The third most corrupt person in the world?

Which Man of The Year again? Are we serious in this Kantry.... Is it not the same Tinubu who was just RANKED 3rd most corrupt leaders in the world?

Failed Nigerian Media houses... Nothing can white wash this

Tinubu is Nigeria's most corrupt person of the year

Just yesterday, Tinubu was named 3rd most corrupt individual in the world, And just a day after, @ARISEtv made him they man of the year.
This tells a lot about Nigeria, once U used the people to gained fame then U turned around to use the same people for business.

Lol Nduka Obaigbena is a business man lol 😆

I thought it was a sarcastic headline and then I read the article and was very disappointed.

I heard there is another award from one International Organization 🤣🤣

THISDAY Keh..🤣🤣🤣🤣😂🤣🤣😂💰😂🤣😂

Even THISDAY have not hear that his the 3rd most corrupt individual on planet Earth. @THISDAYLIVE is clearly misinformed and uninformed

MAN OF THE YEAR? for being fuel price to N 1,400 per liter, $1= N1,700. Well over N2. 2trn paid for ransome to kidnappers, country where people now put their life the line just to get free grains. You called this your MAN of the YEAR

When we see sponsored post we know from far

Someone that ranked 3rd as the most corrupt person in the world 😂

We all know that Nigerian awards are rubbish, same way they messed with the education system

The third most corrupt politician in the world! You can bribe your way in Nigeria, but not so much globally.

Just hours after Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ranked third among the world’s most corrupt leaders, Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie brought pride to her country by being named Harper’s Bazaar España’s “Woman of the Year” in Literature.

The prestigious award, which celebrates women who defy adversity with strength and talent, was presented during the 2024 edition of the Bazaar Women of the Year ceremony in Spain.

Chimamanda, whose literary works have won global acclaim, delivered a moving acceptance speech that highlighted the importance of storytelling.

“Through literature, we learn what people care about, what they love, what they respect, what threats they feel, what they regret, how egos are formed. Those things matter. Stories matter,” she said.

This recognition comes as Chimamanda prepares to release her highly anticipated novel, “Dream Count,” in March 2025.

Known for works like “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Americanah,” Chimamanda has cemented her position as one of the most influential contemporary writers.

Inmaculada Jiménez, director of Harper’s Bazaar España, inaugurated the event with a tribute to women who inspire society through resilience:

“Women who never allowed their fears to run over on the way to dreams and who were very aware that the barriers they had to face were always external, never in their souls and in their hearts… Women who, in their firm endeavour to achieve what they sought to be, have managed to be what every good society needs,” she said.

Harper’s Bazaar España’s Woman of the Year award is part of a tradition that honours women who demonstrate unwavering determination and achievement, serving as role models for society at large.

Public Statement 🚨

We would like to clarify some information regarding our recent publication “The 30 Most Talked About Africans of 2024”.

Please note that this list is made up of CUMULATIVE data from The Social Chart which is solely based on advanced social media tracking and Google Analytics. Therefore, it encompasses all other weekly publications of the Social Chart that has been published from January 1 to November 3 2024.

Here is the link to the full list ⬇️

https://topchartsafrica.com/30-most-talked-about-africans-in-2024/

30. Pastor E.A Adeboye – Nigeria

29. Danny Walter – Nigeria

28. Chidinmma Adetshina – Nigeria

27. Babu Owoni Paul – Kenya

26. Toyin Abraham – Nigeria

25. Sharon Ooja – Nigeria

24. Baltasar Egongar – Equatorial Guinea

23. Victor Osimhen – Nigeria

22. Rose Owosu Konadu – Ghana

21. Reno Omokri – Nigeria

20. Cyril Ramaphosa – South Africa

19. Nyesom Wike – Nigeria

18. Emmanuel Ankrah – Ghana

17. Martin ‘VDM’ Vincent Otse – Nigeria

16. Asake – Nigeria

15. Ademola Lookman – Nigeria

14. Uhuru Kenyatta – Kenya

13. Khosi Twala – South Africa

12. Rigathi Gachagua – Kenya

11. Rema – Nigeria

10. Liyema Pantsi – South Africa

9. Peter Obi – Nigeria

8. Tyla Seethal – South Africa

7. Idris ‘Bobrisky’ Okuneye – Nigeria

6. Aliko Dangote – Nigeria

5. Riala Odinga – Kenya

4. Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Nigeria

3. David ‘Davido’ Adeleke – Nigeria

2. William Ruto – Kenya

1. Ayo ‘Wizkid’ Balogun – Nigeria

Once again, this list is a cumulative one, therefore, it encompasses every other publication of The Social chart that has been published from January 1 till November 3 of 2024.

When this Tax Reform Bill debate began, and I told Nigerians that the largest individual contributor to the VAT pool was the Dangote Group of Companies, I was attacked and savaged by many Southern Nigerians. But now, it has been confirmed by empirical data. When you combine the VAT contributions of the various Dangote businesses, they total more than what MTN remits to the FIRS.

I hope those who came after me and called me names can now apologise.

We have a country to run and must stop seeing each other from the prism of North and South. For President Tinubu to succeed, it is essential that we do not ethnicise the tax reform debate. There is a win-win solution. The focus should be on achieving that, not name calling and sabre rustling.

#TableShaker

Bookstores across the country have started running out of stock of activist Dele Farotimi’s controversial book ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, due to the rush in demand to get details of how so-called incorruptible Afe Babalola allegedly corrupted the judiciary.

Stores such as Tinu-Ade Bookshop in Ibadan and VIC Bookstore in Abuja told Peoples Gazette on Wednesday that the book has sold out since the arrest of Mr Farotimi preoccupied national headlines.

Checks by The Gazette also revealed that the book was still trending on Amazon by Wednesday evening, as more and more Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as foreigners, searched for it, as well as on other platforms, to understand Mr Farotimi’s sensational allegations against Mr Babalola.

Mr Farotimi had, in the foreword of the book published July 2, 2024, detailing his sojourn in the legal system and the criminality therein that has affected its ability to deliver justice, indicted Mr Babalola for the rot in the judiciary, citing a case that once involved both of them at the Supreme Court.

Highlighting the case of Major Muritala Gbadamosi 8c Ors v. H.R.H Oba Tijani Akinloye & Ors, otherwise known as the Gbadamosi-Eletu case, Mr Farotimi alleged that Mr Babalola, “corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment in the service of his clients.”

Enraged by the allegation, armed police from the Ekiti command at the behest of Mr Babalola, who, after intimidating Mr Farotimi’s friends and associates, invaded the activist’s Lagos office on Tuesday, made away with phones and other devices belonging to staff, threatened to kill them, before the cops whisked Mr Farotimi away to Ado-Ekiti.

He was arraigned before the magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti on a 16-count charge of defamation of Mr Farotimi, to which he pleaded not guilty. However, the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, denied him bail and remanded him in prison custody until December 10.

Ironically, Mr Babalola had, in a publication on the website of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, discouraged squabbles between individuals being entertained in court, urging public interest to be considered.

He also once donated millions of British pounds to advance human rights and education for African students at King’s College, London, United Kingdom.

The 93-year-old has cut a reputation as one of the most notorious lawyers in Nigeria for decades, serving as personal counsel to dictators such as former military heads of state Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha in the 1980s and 1990s, respectively.

However, following Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999, Mr Babalola’s influence broadened, which saw him secure legal contracts from then-President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.

The Senate appeared to have succumbed to a tsunami of pressure yesterday as it suspended further action on President Bola Tinubu’s controversial Tax Reform Bills.

The decision followed widespread public backlash and strong opposition from northern governors, who described the proposals as “anti-democratic.”

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau announced the resolution during plenary, stating that the Senate Committee on Finance has been directed to halt public hearings and deliberations on the bills until all stakeholders’ concerns are addressed.

Barau revealed that a special committee has been formed to liaise with the executive branch to resolve contentious issues.

“We have decided to set aside politics, ethnicity, and regionalism to resolve the issues surrounding the tax reform bills,” he said. “In collaboration with the Executive, we will establish a forum to identify and address contentious areas to ensure national unity.”

The Deputy Senate President further disclosed that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) would be involved in addressing legal disputes surrounding the bills.

The special committee, which includes Senate leaders and members such as Adamu Aliero, Orji Kalu, Seriake Dickson, and Sani Musa, is set to meet with the AGF today to deliberate on the issues.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms but emphasised that new policies must not exacerbate the country’s fiscal challenges.

The suspended bills include: ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman,’ aimed at harmonising, coordinating, and sett A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No. 13, 2007, and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act,’ which seeks to establish the Nigeria Revenue Service with responsibilities for revenue assessment, collection, and accounting;
‘A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Assessment, Collection, and Accounting for Revenue,’ focused on revenue accrual to the federation, federal, state, and local governments while prescribing the powers of tax authorities;And ‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate Legal Frameworks on Taxation,’ which aims to enact the Nigeria Tax Act to tax income, transactions, and instruments.

While the bills are designed to reform Nigeria’s tax system, they have sparked criticism over provisions such as the proposed value-added tax (VAT) derivation formula, which opponents argue could disproportionately affect northern states.

Northern governors had vehemently opposed the bills, with the Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, warning that they could “crumble the economy of the North.”
The National Economic Council (NEC), led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also recommended withdrawing the bills for broader consultations.

Speaking on behalf of the NEC, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State stressed the need for a consensus, noting that some regions found the bills unacceptable.

In response to the controversy, the Senate had invited President Tinubu’s Economic Team, led by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, and Zacchaeus Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, to clarify the bills.
Despite their explanations, stakeholders’ concerns persisted, prompting the Senate to prioritise dialogue.

Also, Lagos State has been described as the biggest loser under the new value-added tax (VAT) revenue-sharing formula for Nigeria’s sub-nationals.

This revelation comes from an analysis of some provisions in the new reform by Agora Policy, a civic organisation focused on proffering solutions to national issues.

The Abuja-based think tank, using a simulation based on actual VAT data for October 2024, indicated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Lagos, Nigeria’s main commercial hub, would have received a share of N32.2 billion based on the planned allocation template, contrary to the N39.7 billion it received for the month. That represents a 23.3 per cent decline.

“Despite the overall increase, 14 states will be worse off, while 22 states will be better off,” said Agora Policy, which employs an evidence-led and solution-driven model in its policy research.

The states, excluding Lagos, are Bayelsa, Rivers, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Niger, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Sokoto.

Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday passed the Investments and Securities Bill 2024, significantly boosting the operations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian capital market.

The bill, which seeks to repeal the existing SEC Act, was approved during plenary.

During the presentation of the report on the bill by the Committee on Capital Market, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno stated that the legislation aims to protect investors and eliminate fraudulent activities in the capital market.

Leading the debate, Senator Osita Izunaso, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, explained that the bill seeks to repeal the Investments and Securities Act of 2007 and enact the Investments and Securities Act of 2024.

According to him, the bill has the potential to transform the capital market, encourage the influx of foreign investors, and boost investor confidence, among other benefits.

“The bill seeks to repeal the existing Investments and Securities Act 2007 and establish a new market infrastructure with a comprehensive regulatory framework for investments and securities businesses in Nigeria,” Izunaso said. “It will address areas such as derivatives, systemic risk management, financial market infrastructure, and Ponzi schemes and platforms.”

He added that the bill aims to establish the SEC as the apex regulator of the Nigerian capital market. “It will regulate the market to ensure capital formation, protect investors, maintain a fair, efficient, and transparent market, and reduce systemic risks,” he noted.

Izunaso further explained that the bill’s primary objective is to align Nigeria’s capital market legislation with global standards by providing an innovative regulatory framework.

“The bill will safeguard the integrity of the securities market against all forms of market abuse and insider dealings. It will prevent unauthorised, illegal, unlawful, fraudulent, and unfair trade practices related to securities and investments,” he said.

The senator emphasised that the overarching purpose of the proposed legislation is to strengthen the SEC’s capacity to perform its statutory mandate effectively and to reposition this vital sector of the economy for national economic transformation.

Announcing the bill’s passage, Senate President Godswill Akpabio remarked that the legislation would inspire confidence among potential investors, who would feel more secure knowing that many risks in the market have been minimised.

Speaking recently, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, noted that the bill includes harsher penalties for Ponzi scheme operators. Under the proposed Investments and Securities Bill 2024, offenders face a minimum fine of N20 million, up to 10 years in prison, or both.

Agama highlighted that the bill explicitly prohibits Ponzi and pyramid schemes, strengthening investor protection against illegal fund managers. He added that it aims to shield Nigerian investors from fraudulent schemes while enhancing the global competitiveness of the country’s capital market.

A notable amendment in the bill allows the Investor Protection Fund (IPF), established by securities exchanges, to cover investor losses related to the deregistration of brokerage firms, extending its scope beyond the current coverage of losses due to bankruptcy or negligence.

Also, a bill seeking to create a new coastal state out of Ondo State passed its first reading in the Senate yesterday.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, seeks a constitutional amendment to establish the state and foster rapid development in the riverine communities of Southern Ondo.

Ibrahim expressed optimism that the bill would pass the subsequent stages, highlighting its importance for the socio-economic advancement of the region.

He insisted that the new coastal state must be carved out solely from Ondo State to meet the specific needs and aspirations of the people in the Southern Senatorial District.

The senator also opposed any proposal to incorporate Ondo South into the planned Ijebu State, categorically stating, “Ondo South cannot and will not be part of the proposed Ijebu State.”

France has been plunged into political crisis after a no-confidence vote brought down the government, ending the beleaguered minority coalition of the rightwing prime minister Michel Barnier after only three months.

The no-confidence motion brought by an alliance of left-wing parties was supported by MPs from Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration, far-right, National Rally. A total of 331 lawmakers — a clear majority — voted on Wednesday night to bring down the government.

Barnier will have to resign as prime minister, having warned before the vote that France would be “plunged into the unknown”.

The toppling of the government leaves the president, Emmanuel Macron, facing the worst political crisis of his two terms as president. There is uncertainty over how a 2025 budget can be decided as France faces a growing public deficit, and over whom Macron could appoint as prime minister.

Macron, whose second term as president runs until spring 2027, is not obliged to stand down himself. He has ruled out resigning, calling such a scenario “political fiction”. But part of the left and far right called for his exit.

Wednesday’s vote was the country’s first successful no-confidence vote since a defeat for Georges Pompidou’s government in 1962, when Charles de Gaulle was president. The lifespan of Barnier’s government became the shortest of any administration of France’s Fifth Republic, which began in 1958.

No new parliament elections can be called before July 2025, narrowing Macron’s options faced with a deeply divided national assembly.

Since Macron called a sudden and inconclusive snap election in June, the French parliament has been divided between three groups with no absolute majority. A left alliance took the largest number of votes but fell short of an absolute majority; Macron’s centrist grouping suffered losses but is still standing and Le Pen far-right National Rally gained seats but was held back from power by tactical voting from the left and centre.

Barnier, the EU’s former Brexit negotiator, was appointed by Macron in September after two months of political paralysis this summer.

Barnier’s key task, which proved his downfall, was to vote through a budget for 2025 in which he said he would begin to tackle France’s deficit with €60bn in tax increases and spending cuts. But after weeks of standoff over the budget, Barnier on Monday pushed through a social security financing bill, using article 49.3 of the constitution, which allows a government to force through legislation without a vote in parliament. This sparked a no-confidence motion brought by the left alliance, and another brought by the far right.

But Le Pen pulled rank, saying Barnier’s budget was a danger to the country. She said French people had expected Barnier’s appointment to calm government institutions and provide a “vision for the country”. Instead, she said, the budget was a disaster.

Le Pen wrote on social media that, by following the “catastrophic continuity of Emmanuel Macron”, Barnier, who led a coalition dominated by the right and centre, “could only fail”. She said she was “protecting and defending” her party’s 11 million voters, who she said were deeply concerned about the cost of living. Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a National Rally MP, said: “[Having] no budget is better than the actual budget, which says a lot about how bad it is.”

If parliament does not pass a budget by 20 December, the government can propose emergency legislation that would roll over spending limits and tax provisions from 2024, pending the arrival of a new government and a new 2025 budget bill.


The savings through spending cuts, and tax rises planned by the Barnier government would be shelved.

Le Pen’s party has said households would be better off in this scenario. Barnier had fiercely contested this, saying that the government’s collapse would bring “extremely serious and turbulent conditions on financial markets”. Barnier’s ministers said more people would end up paying tax or additional tax if thresholds could not be adjusted for inflation. The labour minister, Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet, said there would be “sadness and worry” after a government collapse.


The head of the parliament’s finances commission, Éric Coquerel, a member of Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s leftwing La France Insoumise party, said the no-confidence vote was a sign of “hope” and he felt the “vast majority of French people backed it”. He said Barnier was being “alarmist” when he said that “financial and economic chaos” would be the result if the government fell. Mélenchon, who is not currently an MP, was in parliament, to witness what he called a “historic day”.

The left alliance’s no-confidence motion contained wording that attacked the far right. It noted that despite a large number of French citizens choosing to block the far right in June’s parliament snap election, Barnier had still “ceded to their most vile obsessions” – a reference to their anti-immigration stance. But Le Pen’s party said it would still vote for the no-confidence text as the key issue was to overthrow the government.

The Socialist party leader, Olivier Faure, who said there should now be a prime minister from the left, said Macron must speak to the French people. “How can he leave the French people in this uncertainty just before Christmas?” Faure told Le Monde.

Northern senators have called for the suspension of further legislative action on the controversial Tax Reform Bills, which recently passed second reading in the Senate.

The lawmakers made this demand during a meeting on Monday, citing potential adverse effects on northern states.

The House of Representatives had at the weekend announced that it has suspended debate on the bills due to public outcry and resistance from some northern lawmakers.

The proposed tax laws, submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the parliament, have sparked heated debates nationwide.

Critics, including northern governors, traditional rulers, and lawmakers, had urged the president to withdraw the bills for broader consultation. But the president insisted that the bills should be allowed to undergo legislative process.

Senator Buba Umaru Shehu, All Progressives Congress (APC) Bauchi State, who revealed the outcome of the northern senators’ meeting in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service yesterday, said northern senators from both the ruling APC and the opposition parties agreed on the need for the suspension of action on the proposals.

“These bills are complex and require thorough review by tax policy experts,” he said.

He criticised the perceived haste in advancing the bills, which were deliberated on for only a few days.

Senator Shehu said northern lawmakers strongly oppose the proposed “derivation” formula in the value added tax (VAT) distribution system, arguing that northern states would be unfairly impacted.

He warned that passing the bills without careful review could have long-term consequences.

Also confirming their decision to Daily Trust yesterday, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno) said the northern senators met with their governors and other leaders where they agreed to advise for the withdrawal of the tax reform bills for further consultations and buy-in.

He said this was in line with the suggestions of traditional rulers and the National Economic Council (NEC), adding that state assemblies in the region would also voice out their objections soon.

He equally said some provisions in the bills clashed with the Nigerian constitution and would not stand.

“I am surprised that the motion which we agreed was not mentioned today (Tuesday) at the plenary, but I am hopeful that tomorrow (Wednesday), the Chief Whip of the Senate (Tahir Monguno) will bring a motion for the withdrawal of the bills as agreed in that meeting.

“This is not the first time such a thing has been done; some good examples include the water resource bill when our friends from the South raised concerns and it was withdrawn. We had the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which was withdrawn on several occasions in the House of Representatives and the Senate before it was finally passed after more than ten years.

“As I said before and I will repeat it, why the hurry? This is something that should be done after wide consultation because it requires the buy-in of all stakeholders,” he said.

Ndume also dismissed the claim in some quarters that they were using the tax reform imbroglio to play politics ahead of 2027.

“No; somebody has to be principled. Politically, I am the second oldest legislator in the National Assembly. I am used to saying it as it is. I am not playing the script of anybody. If I have any political leader today, (former president, Muhammadu) Buhari is supposed to be number one and then President Tinubu. I cannot speak against them but I can disagree with them,” he said.

In the House of Representatives, where the deliberations on the proposed laws have been suspended, Rep. Muhammad Bello Shehu Fagge said “We’ve observed the public’s anger over the bill and the strong reactions from our religious leaders, which is why we decided to suspend the debate,” he said.

The controversial bills had been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for further review. The committee, chaired by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger) is expected to subject them to a public hearing to get inputs from experts and members of the public.

Reps’ spokesman silenced over support for bills

The House of Representatives witnessed a rowdy session yesterday following a passing remark by its spokesperson, Akin Rotimi (Ekiti, APC) in support of the contentious tax reform bills.

Rotimi, while presenting a report on behalf of the House Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, prefaced his remarks by saying, “I am from Ekiti State, the very first state in the NASS Caucus that has unanimously endorsed the tax reform bills.”

This comment drew immediate backlash from his colleagues, with many shouting “No, no!” to express their disapproval. The session became chaotic as lawmakers objected to Rotimi continuing with his presentation.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen attempted to defuse the situation, calling the statement a “light note” and withdrawing it on Rotimi’s behalf. He urged lawmakers to focus on the proceedings and allow Rotimi to continue, but the uproar persisted.

The Speaker said: “Hon. Rotimi, you know this is a controversial issue. I wouldn’t want you to mention things that are not relevant to the subject matter. So, please, on your behalf, I withdraw that statement. Let us not repeat it again.”

Despite the intervention, the lawmakers’ opposition intensified, forcing Rotimi to step down from presenting the report.

To restore order, the Speaker called for the House to dissolve into the Committee of the Whole for report consideration.

The speaker then handed over proceedings to Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu to continue the session.

The House of Representatives was thrown into a rowdy session on Tuesday following a controversial remark by the House Spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Rep. Akin Rotimi, concerning the contentious tax bills.

The commotion began when Rotimi, standing in for the absent Committee Chair, Rep. Boma Goodhead, attempted to present a report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring. During his remarks, Rotimi stated:

“My name is Akin Rotimi Jr. I represent the people of Ekiti North comprising Ikole and Oye Local Governments. Mr. Speaker, I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills.”

This comment sparked an uproar, with lawmakers vocally opposing the statement and chanting “No, No, No!”

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas intervened, clarifying that Rotimi’s comment was personal and should not be taken seriously. The Speaker cautioned him, saying:

“Restrict yourself to the subject matter. We are not discussing tax bills, as this is a very controversial issue. On your behalf, I withdraw the statement.”

Rotimi apologized and retracted his comment, but the lawmakers remained dissatisfied. They demanded he step down the report entirely. Yielding to pressure, Rotimi conceded, saying:

“I seek the leave of the Speaker and Honorable Members to step down the report.”

The incident underscored the heightened sensitivity surrounding discussions on tax reform within the legislature.

So my big question now: With the current Economic Realities (which was the premise of his argument then) is this the time to implement?

This social media trap ehn!!

Except you don't become a public figure....you shall be exposed!

TINUBU's TAX REFORMS BILLS

Taiwo Oyedele.

Mr. Taiwo Oyedele was against Emefiele and the Buhari government raising VAT to 7.5%, arguing it would cause inflation.

Today, he is advocating for an increase in VAT to 10%.

These folks had all the solutions when they were not in government.

"VAT rate increase will lead to higher inflation, interest rate hike, more unemployment and general make people poorer" Taiwo Oyedele 2019 Maybe Taiwo was an illiterate in 2019, but I don't know if 4 years is enough to go to school and be literate 🤣😂

What a clear hypocrisy. Mr Taiwo Oyedele under Buhari regime, totally against VAT increase.

Mr. Taiwo Oyedele was against Emefiele and the Buhari government raising VAT to 7.5%, arguing it would cause inflation.

Today, he is advocating for an increase in VAT to 10%.

These folks had all the solutions when they were not in government.

Some of these Lagos intellectuals are fraud..it feels like 2012 all over again when GEJ wanted to remove subsidy and your Lagos intellectuals and overlords resisted it.

Can Taiwo Oyedele explain to Nigerians why increasing the VAT rate now is good timing and consistent with the current economic reality, despite the fact that the situation now is significantly worse than it was in 2019?

I watched Taiwo Oyedele smooth talk and smile his way at Channels TV Town Hall on Tax Reform to the cheers of the audience, but I don't trust him or the government.

I recall how Emefiele and Fowler made ridiculous promises when the government was promoting VAT increment from 5% to 7.5% - which the same Oyedele (who now propose 10% VAT) kicked agaisnt. Yemi Cardoso and Wale Edu were the chief promoters of government of petrol subsidy removal and floating of the Naira by the President Bola Tinubu that have put Nigerians in ruins, all their sweet talks have become the proverbial "lamba". How do the government expect the citizens to still trust them?

In view of the above, I join the call for the bill to be stepped down to allow Nigerians properly looked at it, critique it and decide whether or not to accept it serves the interests of the common man. Nigeria belongs to all and not just the privileged few in and around government.

'Tonye Barcanista

ERRORS SPOTTED:

1. Chief promoters of government's removal of petrol...

2. ... accept it, and whether it serves the interests...

3. ... against*

The Kano State House of Assembly on Monday rejected the Tax Reform bills currently under consideration at the National Assembly.

At a plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Isma’il Falgore, the lawmakers kicked against the bills after extensive deliberation.

The Majority Leader, Lawan Husseini (ANPP-Dala) introduced a motion of ‘urgent public importance,’ emphasising the need for northern lawmakers and the Conference of Speakers to prevent the passage of the bills.

Mr Husseini argued that if passed into law, the bills would not benefit the Northern States.

He condemned the Senate’s decision to approve the bills, saying, “We view it as a deliberate effort to sabotage the economy, increase hardship and further impoverishing the region.”

Mr Husseini expressed concern over the proposed VAT allocation system, noting that states like Lagos, where major corporations such as Nigerian banks, telecommunications companies, and multinational companies were headquartered, would receive the largest share of the VAT.

“Lagos and its environs would account for 80 percent of the VAT collected in Nigeria, leaving northern states with a minimal share,” he said.

He warned that if allowed to scale through, the bill would further weaken northern states, potentially rendering some unable to pay salaries and worsening poverty and hardship.

Mr Husseini expressed concern over the proposed VAT allocation system, noting that states like Lagos, where major corporations such as Nigerian banks, telecommunications companies, and multinational companies were headquartered, would receive the largest share of the VAT.

“Lagos and its environs would account for 80 percent of the VAT collected in Nigeria, leaving northern states with a minimal share,” he said.

He warned that if allowed to scale through, the bill would further weaken northern states, potentially rendering some unable to pay salaries and worsening poverty and hardship.

Supporting the motion, Salisu Mohammed (APC-Doguwa) urged the upper legislative house to focus on more pressing national issues, such as attention insecurity and unemployment, instead of rushing the tax reform bills through the legislative process.

Similarly, Murtala Kadage (ANPP-Garko) called for unity among lawmakers to prevent the bills from passing, for the benefit of the region.

The house called on northern members of the Senate and House of Representatives, along with the Conference of Speakers, to take a swift and decisive action to block the passage of the bills.

The Nigerian government has commenced deduction of N50 electronic levy from transactions made by users of Opay, Moniepoint, and other financial technology companies, DAILY POST reports.

This comes as Opay and Moniepoint during the weekend sent notifications to customers on the commencement of the electronic levy for transactions above N10,000.

According to the FinTech banks, the levy collection is in line with the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s recent directives.

Opay explained that the electronic levy deduction begins on December 1.

“Dear Customer, in line with the FIRS, the EMTL applies starting from December 1st, 2024,” the message reads.

In a similar manner, Moniepoint, in a notice sent to its customers on Saturday, explained that it has commenced implementation of the EMTL charges, clarifying, however, that the levy will be remitted to the FIRS.

“Dear customer, you will be charged stamp duty of N%) on inflows of N10,000 and above. Moniepoint collects and remits this on behalf of and to FIRS,” Moniepoint says.

DAILY POST recalls that on September 8, 2024, Opay, Moniepoint, and other FinTech banks had notified customers of their plans to commence N50 deductions on electronic transactions.

In conclusion, the Tax Reform Bill isn’t against the Northern Territory, It’s basically against any State that is not Lagos. It’s a bill that Favour’s Lagos State, the Lagos People and the Lagos Government.

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Democracy during T-pain Era; is a government of the Lagos, by the Lagos people and for the Lagos people. I tel God beg you to count me in for any ticket that will bring an end to this administration come 2027.🙏🏾

I will tour around my community and inform all the Imams to embark on a saving mission using their pulpits. Arewa is on the brink of ceasing. A new law has been put in place to cripple Arewa in its totality and that will be the end of us. I’ve placed this task upon myself, Insha Allah. The law has far-reaching and devastating effects to our region.

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What PBAT’s governmnt needs right now is to win back the public’s trust. Subsidy removal has injected a degree of fear in the hearts of Nigerians, it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The removal was expertly packaged, fine-tuned & sold to people without a fallback plan.

As the North feel betrayed, the chance of Tinubu being the One Term President is now 95.7%.

This man can never be trusted.

The way some yorubas go about this "Tax Reform Bill' shows that, there's ulterior motive from south west behind the bill. The SW want to cheat the rest of Nigerians and if the north allow them, they - north will suffer from it.

The New Tax Regime, no matter how objective one looks at it, is regionally skewed.

We will deal with him, wallahi. No one can stand tall in Arewa today in his defense, not even his VP. He showed his hands early, Alhamdu lil Laah. He should continue with his shege but we’ll show him shege banza.

This is just the beginning.

- Tinubu doesn’t want to reform INEC

- Tinubu doesn’t want to reform the Judiciary

- Tinubu doesn’t want to reform Police

- Tinubu doesn’t want to reform Electoral Act

- Tinubu only wants to reform Lagos with Taxpayers money!

48 House of reps members from North East led by Hon Ahmed Usman Jaha reject the Tax reform bill, announced on the flour of the house 👏👏👏👏👏

Say NO to Tax reforms.

He hasn’t seen anything yet. Let him wait for the 2027 elections; we will show him what we are made of because he won’t win a single northern state.

You can take that to the bank. Let’s see if the Southwest alone can make him president.

The House of Representatives has postponed debates on the controversial tax reform bills indefinitely.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the four bills, which were transmitted to both chambers of the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on September 3 have generated controversy and met with stiff opposition.

The bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

The critics of the bills included the Northern Governors Forum, Traditional Rulers Council, National Economic Council, Northern Elders Forum, among others.

While the National Economic Council, comprising the vice president and governors, advised the president to withdraw the bills and allow further consultations, the governors alleged that some clauses in the bill are detrimental to the region.

Despite the opposition, the four bills scaled second reading in the Senate.
However, the passage of the bills was halted at the House of Representatives due to heated debate and confrontations by the lawmakers.

The lawmakers across party lines reportedly rejected attempts by the leadership of the House to persuade them from passing the bill.

The resistance by lawmakers forced the House to adjourn till December 3 to allow broader consultations with Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, to clarify contentious aspects of the bills.

But an internal memo dated November 30, sighted by our correspondent and signed by the clerk of the House Representatives, Yahaya Danzaria, said the special session has been postponed to a later date.

The memo, which was titled “Rescheduling of Special Session on Tax Reform Bills and dated November 30, reads,”I am directed by the House leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the Special Session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, 3rd December, 2024, to discuss all the Tax Reform Bills, has been postponed to a later date.

“This rescheduling is due to the need for further and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders.

“A new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding”.

Gaskiya, it was very foolish and stupid of me to support the tax reform bill yesterday.

Yesterday was the lowest point I’ve ever reached on this platform. I sincerely apologize to everyone for supporting that tax bill.

Moving forward, I will take my time to thoroughly evaluate anything that affects millions of lives before offering my support.

Thank you @bulamabukarti for the education. Truly appreciate your efforts in educating the northern masses

Nigeria’s entire revenue is concentrated in Lagos, yet these bastards are coming up with this tax reform bill that will endanger millions & ultimately harm the North.

After the entire country came together to build Lagos, they suddenly want to introduce this tax reform bill?

President Bola Tinubu’s entire agenda as president appears to be centered on keeling the North while prioritizing and empowering the Southwest

I am not for or against the Tax Reform Bill, for i have not had the chance to read the almost 400-page document. But what I am against completely is the speed with which this bill is being passed at NASS. Why the rush on something so sensitive that can have far-reaching consequences to the majority of the people in the country?

Have we not learned our lessons by the hastily removal of fuel subsidy and unification of FX without defining clearly the implementation strategy, which plunged us into the worst economic crises in the entire history of this country?

I believe there's need for NASS to slow down and allow robust discussions by tax experts from across the country to carefully scrutinize this tax bill, and address any grey area that has the potential to further exacerbate our situation.

I’m extremely pissed off not because of PDP but the candidate.

He worked hard for this. He is the most competent candidate on the ballot.

Recording 2000 votes for the APC in one polling unit is senseless, diabolical and disgusting. If a candidate wants to lose, let it be with grace and not this brazen manipulation of results.

I can never be part of this sort of dysfunctional system.

Voter Apathy in Nigeria is severe
When you don’t come out to vote, that is when they rig.

The only way you can fight them back is voting.
The streets are empty, let’s not give them the power to rig this election.
Please come out and vote and stop the vote buying.

Despite Peter obi kneeling down for the Oba of Benin….

They refuse to vote for Olumide Akpata🤣🤣

Chai Edo state y’all are petty 🤭😂😂

LAGOS indigenes under the aegis of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, Tuesday, declared that the group has no problem with Igbo residents, insisting that it is worried about Yoruba from other South-West states.

The group’s President, Mr Miftah Bolaji Are, who spoke during a visit to Ikorodu, said there were individuals from South-West, not indigenes of Lagos but hold prominent offices in Lagos.

Are said they would no longer tolerate individuals who short-changed them under the pretense that they were Lagos indigenes.

He said: “We have no problem with Igbo. It is the South Westerners that are our problem. I have asked them, if you say Igbo want to take over Lagos, are the Igbo the ones who take people’s land and award the same to themselves? Are they Igbo who approve C-of-Os for those lands given out to other non-indigenes? So, I told them that they cannot send Igbo packing because Igbo are not our problem but the South Westerners who want to capture Lagos unjustiably.”

Also speaking at the meeting, former Minister of Communications, Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd), lamented that some people come to the state claiming either double indigeneship adding that it was against the law.

Olanrewaju, who is also the Alternate Chairman, Board of Trustees of the group, said: “The objective of resident non-indigenes is to capture Lagos State, politically and deny the indigenous people their constitutional rights and privileges. How do you explain the situations when the holders of six important political offices, most often, are held by non-indigenes?

“The ruling elite and leadership in Lagos State government, by holding on to the most important political positions, control the political administration and the state’s resources, and use the state to climb the political ladders at the expense of the indigenes.

“Important decisions, political selection and constitutional entitlements are allocated on this basis of inequality and self interests. We can give examples of non-indigenes, who proudly hold double indigeneship and use Lagos State as stepping stones. How do they achieve it? They achieve it through false declaration because they are never confirmed to be known by families they claimed to come from in Lagos State.

“It is a betrayal, wrongful representation and lack of respect for Lagos State indigenes when the contesting parties nominate candidates who have two states of origin for the state. This attitude of deliberate imposition makes it possible for Senator Solomon Adeola a.k.a. Omo West/Yayi to use Lagos slot to the Senate at the National Assembly. He is currently representing Ogun State (West) in the Senate. This is unhealthy.

“The state deserves a full-time Minister as expressed in the Constitution and not a Minister of State that we have. De Renaissance Patriots Foundation is not against these appointees in their personal capacity, but we feel we should point out the serious flaws that deny the state indigenes of their rights and privileges.

“We want the country to become prosperous and well secured for all its citizens. We pray for our leaders to lead properly and succeed. Our state should do everything possible to ensure that indigenes are not overwhelmed by the daily movement of people who decide to settle in our midst. The ruling elite must not try to put a yoke of slavery on the indigenes because of streaming migration of settlers on the land.”

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have launched a fresh attack on Yobe State.

The attack, which happened in Buni Yadi town, headquarters of Gujba Local Government area of Yobe State, occurred days after at least 34 persons were murdered by terrorists.

Daily Trust learnt that the latest attack happened at a vigilante camp at Sabon Fegi close to government lodge, behind local government secretariat.

A source from the town told Daily Trust that the insurgents burnt down some section of Local government lodge and vehicles belonging to a bread factory.

‘‘They stormed the town last night on foot, set ablaze some part of government lodge and burned down two vehicles belonging to a bread factory call Annour Bread.

‘‘They were engaged by vigilante members and other special forces compelling the terrorists take to their heels as I am talking to you now, they burnt down vigilante camp, two vehicles of bread factory and some section of the lodge.

Another source from the security agency said one of the vigilantes working in the attacked camp sustained injuries.

Daily Trust gathered that before the attack, security operatives on patrol drove away people from the streets, having got information about the impending infiltration by the insurgents who are believed to be hibernating not far from the town.

Confirming the incident, The Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Police Command DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, said the terrorists come en masse on foot.

According to him, the insurgents stormed the town and started shooting sporadically.

When contacted, Captain Shehu Muhammad, Assistant Director Public Relations Unit Operation Lafiya Dole Sector 2 Damaturu, confirmed the development to our reporter, but said troops successfully foiled the attack.

Lagos Resident Laments Economic Hardship, Hunger Under Tinubu, Confesses To Beating Elderly People, Others To Make Tinubu President

A Lagos state resident has lamented his inability to get petroleum despite beating people including the elderly to vote for President Bola Tinubu in 2023.

In a video posted on social media, he narrated how life had been hard for him despite all he did to ensure Tinubu became Nigeria’s President.

He said, “We wanted to buy fuel but we have been unable to get. They even beat us at the petroleum station. I was among those that beat people at Idi-Oro.

“We went from house to house, asking people to vote for you (referring to Tinubu). You emerged as the President and now you are destroying our lives. Getting food to eat is difficult for us.”

He noted that despite the hardship, different agencies in the state have kept milking them through taxation.

"I voted for Jagaban, I was among those that flogged people we refused to vote Tinubu at Idi-oro. We went from House to House attacking people who didn't vote for Jagaban, Today I am regretting”.

He said, “We are suffering in Nigeria, we have become lazy even in our own father’s land. We are drivers and that’s how we survive. LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Agency), VIO (Vehicle Inspection Office) all collect money from us. Please Tinubu, do something about this hardship.

“We are the same people that beat up others so you could become the President. Some of them people we beat were our father’s mates, but we beat them up. We did that just because of you so you could become the President, and we kept saying it was our turn.

“Look at it now, the outcome is suffering, we cannot even buy rice again. You cannot buy N1000 food and be okay. I bought food of N1200 today and my kids have not eaten at home.”

He also expressed worry that he would be beaten for the comments he was making about Tinubu.

“I know that what I have said now, they will still come to beat me at home. I know that for sure,” he said.

Nigerians have lamented the recent fuel price hike to about N1000 per litre across the country.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited also sells for as high as N855 per litre.

Many soldiers have resigned from the Nigerian Army to join the military forces of other countries, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and other Commonwealth nations, SaharaReporters has gathered.

According to sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, the mass resignation is attributed to poor welfare, inadequate equipment, and lack of motivation within the Nigerian Army.

The soldiers are mostly in the medical corps.

Sources told SaharaReporters that many more would soon leave as their resignations were awaiting approval.

The sources expressed frustration with the Nigerian government's failure to provide them with decent living conditions, modern weapons, and adequate compensation to combat a series of non-state actors ravaging the country.

“A set of 27 personnel are leaving and this set is only medical corps. Infantry corps and armoured corps are still coming. So many more will leave.

“Soldiers are leaving because the work is no longer sustainable. People are running every day to join British Army, Ukraine, Russia, Commonwealth army and the likes. That's what is happening now,” a source in the Nigerian military informed SaharaReporters.

“Even the planned protest, many soldiers are praying it should happen,” another source added.



A document obtained by SaharaReporters confirmed massive resignation by army personnel.

The document released by the Department of Personnel Management Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, dated August 24, 2024, approved the voluntary discharge of about 27 soldiers from the service.

The statement reads: “In accordance with the provisions of References A and B, the COAS vide NASHO Reference C approved the voluntary discharge of the above named soldier and 26 others listed at Annex A.

“The soldiers are to proceed on terminal leave NAMCHO AMCHU with effect from 1 Nov 24 while their disengagement date takes effect from 30.



“I am directed to respectfully request you to cause the affected soldiers' units to ensure that the discharging soldiers complete the following NAMCTH.

“Additionally, the affected units are to ensure that forms of military controlled items, arms, ammunition and items of combat kits are recovered from the discharging soldiers prior to their disengagement date.

“The disengaging soldiers forward 2 copies of current passport and 5 x 7 NAMC PAMEHO NAM photographs each on No 6 Dress (Woodland Camouflage) standing at ease NAMC

“The discharging soldiers are to report to this Department on completion of their terminal leave for collection of Discharge Certificate and Record of service before proceeding to MBP for final documentation."

Efforts to reach the army spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu for comments failed as he did not answer his calls or reply to a text message sent to his mobile line.

SaharaReporters had reported several instances of non-payment of bonuses and delay of salaries of the soldiers by Nigerian Government.

For instance, on Monday, this newspaper reported that the Nigerian Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu had yet to pay personnel of the Nigerian Army their August salaries and allowances.

This was disclosed in an internal memo issued by army authorities, In the memo obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, the authorities urged the soldiers to exercise patience.

According to the authorities, efforts are ongoing to ensure prompt payments of their entitlement.





The memo reads: “TEXT: LATE PMT OF SAL AND NON REG ALLCE AUG 24. DIR YOU INFO TPS THAT SAL AND NON REG ALLCE FOR AUG 24 IS YET TO BE PAID BY FGN. EFFORTS ARE ONGOING TO ENSURE PMT IS EFFECTED ASAP. TPS ARE REQ TO REMAIN PATIENT. PSE TREAT AS URGENT AND ACT.”

Delay in payment of salaries and bonuses of the Nigerian Army is not a strange thing in Nigeria.

In October 2022, some soldiers lamented the delayed payment of their salaries and the non-increment of such for over 10 years that they had been in service.