Politics
Presidency To Zulum, Others: ‘Stop Misinforming, Misleading The Pubic On Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills’
The Presidency has responded to criticisms over the perceived haste in advancing the Tax Reform Bills, emphasizing that the legislation is the product of over 14 months of rigorous work by more than 80 experts from across Nigeria.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, clarified the extensive groundwork behind the reforms via a statement on Monday. He warned against delays, citing the two-decade legislative stagnation of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as a cautionary tale, which resulted in significant economic losses.
Ajayi underscored the urgency of the bills, which aim to address Nigeria’s fiscal challenges by streamlining tax administration and creating a conducive environment for businesses. He dismissed claims that the reforms were rushed, describing such allegations as “disingenuous.”
“The Tax Reform Bills are the product of 14 months of extensive work by over 80 professionals drawn from every part of the country. It would be backward thinking to suggest a delay, as Nigeria cannot afford the economic setbacks that plagued the PIB for 20 years,” Ajayi stated.
Despite the Presidency’s defense, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum expressed reservations about the expedited legislative process. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Zulum advocated for a more deliberate approach, warning that a rushed bill could have long-term implications, especially for northern states.
“Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this tax reform bill is receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully to ensure it benefits future generations,” Zulum cautioned.
Ajayi refuted allegations that the reforms would disadvantage certain regions or lead to the dissolution of key government agencies such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA. He explained that the bills propose consolidating multiple taxes into a single levy to reduce the tax burden on businesses while ensuring these agencies remain funded through budgetary allocations.
“It is a misrepresentation of facts to suggest that changing an agency’s funding source amounts to scrapping it. The reform aims to phase out obsolete practices and streamline tax administration for economic growth,” he clarified.
Ajayi appealed for a fact-based discourse on the reforms, urging stakeholders to participate in upcoming public hearings organized by the National Assembly. He stressed the importance of leaders providing informed guidance to avoid polarizing the country.
“What is never in doubt is the imperative of changing the existing tax laws and administration that have become obsolete. Leaders should ensure their public utterances on this matter are measured to avoid heating the polity,” Ajayi concluded.
The Presidency assured Nigerians that the reforms aim to address fiscal challenges, attract investments, and set the stage for sustained economic growth while ensuring equity and fairness in implementation.
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Politics
FEDERAL HIGH COURT STOPS INEC FROM RESTRICTING DEFECTION TO ANOTHER PARTY AFTER CONTESTING PRIMARY
Here is the judgement from the Federal High Court, Abuja today
1. INEC can only monitor 2027 primaries but cannot fix timetable for when a political party should conduct its primaries for this election
2. INEC cannot give a shorter timeframe or abridge the period in which a political party can provide information of their candidates for 2027 election
3. INEC cannot give a shorter timeframe to political parties as regards withdrawal or replacement of candidates (Placeholders)
4. INEC cannot publish any final list of candidates for 2027 elections before 60 days to election.
5. INEC cannot fix 2027 campaigns to end 2 days to elections.
6. This is AN ORDER nullifying and setting aside the timeframes imposed by INEC for 2027 General Election for:
– the conduct of primary elections by political parties for the 2027 general elections
– the submission of personal particulars of candidates by their political parties for the 2027 general elections
– the withdrawal and replacement of candidates by political parties
– the publication of the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections and campaigning.
Is this a trap or a game changer for some aspirants???
A Rivers State politician, Blessing Fubara, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The politician has already obtained both the nomination and expression of interest forms needed to participate in the governorship race ahead of the 2027 election.
Blessing Fubara shares the same surname and local government area with the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Both men are from Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. However, there has been no confirmation that they are family members.
The Chairman of the NDC in Rivers State, Success Jack, confirmed that Blessing Fubara is among those seeking the party’s governorship ticket.
He also stated that he could not confirm whether the governorship aspirant is related to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
According to him, the party is preparing seriously for the 2027 general elections and hopes to win not only the governorship seat but other elective positions in Rivers State.
The development comes weeks after Blessing Fubara left the All Progressives Congress and joined the NDC.
Following his defection in Abuja, he was received by former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, alongside other leaders and members of the party.
After joining the NDC, Blessing Fubara said his decision was taken for the interest of Rivers people.
He also stated that the future of the state must be protected ahead of the next general election, expressing confidence that the state would experience positive changes after the 2027 polls.
Surulere I lawmaker Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress Lagos House of Assembly primaries, citing intimidation across multiple zones.
In a viral video posted online, the lawmaker said he was stepping out of the race despite seeking re-election under the APC. He alleged that his supporters faced intimidation during the process in several parts of the constituency.
Elliot’s decision came as the primaries held across Lagos on Tuesday. Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, who represents Surulere Federal Constituency, praised the conduct of the exercise in Surulere, describing it as peaceful.
The withdrawal narrows the contest for the APC ticket in Surulere I ahead of the 2027 general election. Party officials in Lagos have not yet responded to Elliot’s claims, and the APC state chapter has not announced whether the primary in the constituency will proceed with other aspirants.
Elliot has represented Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYkCaAiMxxt/?igsh=ZWw5czl6MHJhNnRy
FEDERAL HIGH COURT STOPS INEC FROM RESTRICTING DEFECTION TO ANOTHER PARTY AFTER CONTESTING PRIMARY
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