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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The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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