₦airaland Forum

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has cautioned the North against condemning President Bola Tinubu for the proposed tax reform bills.

Dogara said Tinubu has done something significant with the proposed bills, adding that it’s not anti-North. He spoke at Channels TV’s Town Hall meeting on Tinubu’s tax reform on Monday.
The former Speaker insisted that Tinubu has done what no Northern leader has ever done.

He said: ”I want to talk to my brothers in the North; I don’t think this is the time for us to condemn the president and on account that these bills are anti-north.”

“I want to remind us that the president has done something that is significant and if he can pursue this to the end, then there is no Northern leader of my lifetime that has done what the president has done.

“The creation of the Livestock Ministry is the global business around that; the global market size of dairy products will rise in the next three years to about $2.5 trillion.

“So if in the North we are able to organise ourselves in such a way that we can honour just five per cent of this global market size of dairies, that gives us $250 billion and the North can survive on its own; we are the most endowed part of Nigeria.”

aribisala0:
You sound hot
How does using the word daft make what you have written more persuasive or valuable?
It does not.

It only makes us suspect you are daft

You have nothing meaningful to contribute here and better keep quiet

Bobloco:
You are just irredeemable

Obaze Oseluka's personal opinion has become the opinion of the entire Igbo people, yet you refused to acknowledge the fact that Ohaneze Ndigbo endorsed the Tax Reform Bill.

Sheuns:
You no go fold ke.

Bobloco:
Do not divert; stay on topic.

I ask again: Who are these 'reasonable Igbos' you are referring to? Are they speaking for themselves and expressing their personal opinions, or are they speaking for the entire Igbo nation?

OgbeniOja1:
Strong man don FOLD.

UltraSolid:
The pro-North slave and traitor don begin. This is sames Kalu who backed Ahmed Lawan, our former Senate President and a Northerner, to get the APC ticket ahead of Tinubu despite the fact Buhari, a Northerner also, had spent 8 years in Aso Rock as President.

Kalu is a joke and a disgrace.

FuglyGurl:
https://www.thecable.ng/orji-kalu-fg-erred-on-tax-bills-process-we-need-senators-like-ndume/

LegendHero:
Tinubu should give us state police.

That will be very beneficial especially to the Middle belt. It will also benefit SW, SS, SE, and even the core North.

National policing system don fail us. Each state having their police will be better and their orientation and philosophy will be totally different compared to the current one.

Last thing wey go happen, they won't re-elect him. But he will go down as the president that campaigned on restructuring and actually fulfilled most of the item and stayed true to the cause.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s plan to reform Nigeria’s tax laws got a boost yesterday, with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio- cultural organisation from the South-east joining the South-west, South-south and North-central parts of Nigeria to support the landmark bills expected to significantly alter the existing fiscal framework.

Wading into the debate on the much-talked-about proposed legislations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a statement issued by the Secretary General of the body, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the bills represent a transformative opportunity for the rejuvenation of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the enhancement of the fortunes of Nigerian workers.

But the controversy over the four tax bills continued yesterday, with former Vice President Atiku Abubukar, however urging federal lawmakers to prioritise equity and inclusivity in deliberations on the proposed legislations.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections emphasised that Nigerians are currently united in their demand for reforms that do not exacerbate the nation’s uneven development.

THISDAY learnt that federal lawmakers from the South-west, South-south and North-central were already in on the need to alter the current framework to serve the generality of Nigerians.
The bills have recently received mixed reactions from members of the public, as the gulf between the proponents and those opposed to the bills, especially the part dealing with the derivation formula in Value Added Tax (VAT) has widened.
Among key figures that have publicly spoken on the issue are the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibril, who opined that those criticising the tax bills had not even read them.

However, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who had earlier raised the alarm that the tax bills will further pauperise the northern states, speaking during an interview on a national television yesterday, doubled down on his opposition to the proposed legislations.

In backing the federal government’s move, the Isiguzoro-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo added that by eliminating the scourge of double taxation imposed by state governors, the reforms would pave the way for an equitable business climate that significantly elevates both local and foreign investment potential.

“In an emphatic affirmation of progress and economic empowerment, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the esteemed apex socio-cultural organisation representing the Igbo nation, hereby announces its steadfast endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms bills.

“This endorsement comes after rigorous reviews, exhaustive consultations with an array of stakeholders, and an in-depth analysis of the bills’ implications for the Nigerian economic landscape.

“Our comprehensive evaluation has led us to the resolute conclusion that these tax reforms are not merely legislative proposals; they represent a transformative opportunity for the rejuvenation of SMEs and the enhancement of the fortunes of Nigerian workers.

“By eliminating the scourge of double taxation imposed by unscrupulous state governors, these reforms will pave the way for an equitable business climate that significantly elevates both local and foreign investment potential.

“The Igbo people, renowned for our entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to economic self-determination, stand to gain immensely from these reforms,” Isiguzoro argued.

According to him, the proposed measures are expected to safeguard the private sector, particularly benefiting the ‘industrious Igbos’, who he said play a pivotal role in driving the Nigerian economy through vibrant SME activities.
The apex Igbo body further called on southern lawmakers in the National Assembly to unify their efforts in support of what it described as Tinubu’s transformative restructuring programme within Nigeria’s economic and fiscal sectors.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasised: “It is disheartening to observe the substantial opposition that has emerged from certain factions within Northern Nigeria regarding these critical reforms.

“There is palpable concern that Northern governors are mobilising their forces to stifle the progression of the tax reforms bills within the National Assembly, relying on their numerical predominance to assert undue influence.

“This orchestrated opposition appears driven by a desire to perpetuate the current VAT derivation principles that unjustly favour select interests at the expense of equitable national growth.

“The implications of such manoeuvres are profound. If the Northern political elites succeed in thwarting President Tinubu’s initiatives, it could set a dangerous precedent, fostering a climate of resistance against meaningful reform.
“This scenario poses a tangible threat not only to the president’s agenda but also to the broader economic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who yearn for a reformed and equitable system.”

The body further urged all stakeholders, including lawmakers, business actors, and citizens to unite in support of these pivotal tax reforms bills.
“It is imperative that our Southern Senators and House Of Representatives members close ranks, transcending partisan divides, to ensure that the Tax Reforms Bills navigate both chambers of the National Assembly successfully.

“We wish to reiterate our unwavering commitment to show solidarity with President Tinubu, as we expect that the Southeast Federal Lawmakers will provide essential backing to these initiatives.

“This collective support is particularly noteworthy as it underscores our strategic alignment with the President following our decision to abstain from nationwide protests in August 2024, a decision made in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation,” it stated.

On the opposition from some leaders in the northern region against the proposed tax reforms, Ohanaeze submitted that the northerners are only trying to frustrate the bill because the status quo favours their selfish interest at the expense of national growth.
It urged all stakeholders to support the proposals as it promises sustainable economic growth towards a prosperous Nigeria.

“Nonetheless, it is disheartening to observe the substantial opposition that has emerged from certain quarters within Northern Nigeria regarding these critical reforms.

“There is palpable concern that Northern governors are mobilizing their forces to stifle the progression of the Tax Reforms Bills within the National Assembly, relying on their numerical predominance to assert undue influence.
“This orchestrated opposition appears driven by a desire to perpetuate the current VAT derivation principles that unjustly favor select interests at the expense of equitable national growth.

“The implications of such maneuvers are profound. If the Northern political elites succeed in thwarting President Tinubu’s initiatives, it could set a dangerous precedent, fostering a climate of resistance against meaningful reform. This scenario poses a tangible threat not only to the President’s agenda but also to the broader economic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who yearn for a reformed and equitable system.

“Moreover, it cannot be overlooked that a successful passage of the Tax Reforms Bills could have far-reaching consequences for President Tinubu’s administration, potentially inciting a politically motivated backlash in the 2027 electoral landscape. It is essential that we, as a nation, confront these challenges decisively, fostering a collaborative spirit to advance our collective interests rather than allowing parochial motivations to derail our progress.

“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges all stakeholders, including lawmakers, business actors, and citizens, to unite in support of these pivotal Tax Reforms Bills.

“The promise of a prosperous and just Nigeria is within our reach, but it demands our collective resolve to advocate for transparency, equity, and sustainable economic growth.

“Together, let us champion an agenda that uplifts all Nigerians and ensures that our legislative processes reflect the aspirations of a nation committed to progress and integrity,” the statement concluded.

nedu666:
Highest body you say. Can they build a petrol chemical plant from design, construction and operation. Its not by holding certificate and forming useless bodies

nedu666:
Chemical engineers that cannot differentiate different types of chemicals and their composition dey give clean bill of health

RZArecta:
Just like CNG for cars, I'll only take comedians and skit makers seriously on anything concerning that Ph refinery

Stolen:
ON A STOLEN MANDATE.


WE MUST NEVER FORGET IT.

Mindlog:
After God, na me his child, who He created in his own image.💪 😎

Flame333:
Shame on fuulz and the govt

They once refuted the allegations that the Refinery has not started, that price was 75 naira higher than Dangote and slammed the community leader who said nothing has started yet

See them below telling us they got the products from Dangote Refinery

Lol


“Currently, the products we are selling originate from the Dangote refinery and include applicable Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fees,” he said.

The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has not yet commenced bulk sales or opened its purchase portal, as essential processes are still being finalised.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says an official announcement will be made if and when price reviews on the products occur. Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Mr Olufemi Soneye, in a statement on Friday, said currently its products being sold originated from the Dangote Refinery.

The 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity refinery began truck-out of petroleum products on Tuesday in Port Harcourt following its rehabilitation. Some petroleum marketers and Nigerians have raised operational concerns about the refinery as regards pricing.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) also confirmed that the refinery had not released any new price for product purchases. The association said that it bought PMS with the old pricing template while awaiting the new prices.

“Currently, the products we are selling originate from the Dangote refinery and include applicable Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fees,” he said.

“Products from PHRC are exclusively for our retail stores at this stage. Our pricing is reviewed and adjusted periodically as necessary to reflect operational realities.

“We advise the public to disregard any misleading information regarding pricing. Official announcements will be made if and when price reviews occur.”