Politics
Hardship: No regrets removing subsidy, tax reform’ll go ahead — Tinubu
The Presidential Media Chat, Tinubu’s first, was aired on the Nigerian Television Authority Monday night.
The tax reforms have sparked controversy across the country, forcing the House of Representatives to suspend indefinitely the debate on the bills earlier fixed for December 3 following mounting pressure from the 19 northern states governors.
The planned debate was called off after 73 northern lawmakers kicked against the bills.
However, while the reforms have garnered support in the South as steps toward equitable resource distribution, stakeholders says resistance from the North reflects fears of marginalisation and economic disadvantage.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, was quoted in an interview with BBC as saying, “Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children will reap its benefits.
“We condemn these bills sent to the National Assembly. They will drag the North backwards and also affect the South East, South West, and some South-Western states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.”
September 3, 2024 Bola Tinubu transmitted four tax reforms bills to the National Assembly for consideration following the recommendations of the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms.
The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which aims to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.
Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, expected to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service as well as the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.
On October 29, 2024, the Northern Governors Forum, the umbrella body comprising the 19 governors of the region, kicked against the bill, particularly the Value Added Tax-sharing template.
At a gathering in Kaduna, the governors directed federal lawmakers from their respective states to vote against the bills when they came up for debate in both chambers of the National Assembly.
Two days later, the National Economic Council presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima advised the Federal Government to withdraw the bills to create room for broader consultations among critical stakeholders, a counsel turned down by the President in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
But the President stressed that tax reforms was pro-poor and aimed at widening the tax net, noting that it was typical for tax reforms to be accompanied by outcries.
He said, “Tax reform is here to say. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesteryears in today’s economy. We cannot retool this economy with the old broken tools. The essence of the tax reform is to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in our tax environment. Every tax situation without outcry is not a tax.
“You cannot satisfy uniformly the larger community of tax evaders. This tax reform is pro-poor; the vulnerable are not to pay taxes. All we are asking for is to widen the tax net and bake the cake larger so that we can share a larger meal.
“They will still ask for this consultation no matter how long I delay it. The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it has to be done. That is my philosophy.”
Questioned about the economic hardship following the subsidy removal, the President said he had no regret as it had become necessary.
Tinubu said removing petrol subsidy was in a bid to save generations to come, noting that the country was already spending its future while giving freebies to neighbouring countries.
He also knocked calls for the phased removal of subsidies, saying the nation was headed for financial disaster.
With the subsidy removal, he said what was imperative was for Nigerians to manage within available resources and shun unnecessary expenses.
“What contingency? We were spending our future. We were spending our generations’ fortunes; we were not investing. We were just deceiving ourselves. That reform is necessary. I could see the smugglers fighting back; that doesn’t affect me. It affects smuggling. Why should you have expenditures that you don’t have revenue for? I don’t want to question people who have acquired limousine kind of vehicles on the road. We should teach management in all our programmes. We have to manage our resources within our means,” Tinubu stated.
“There is no way that you give out fuel and allow all the neighbouring countries as Father Christmas. I don’t have any regret whatsoever in removing the subsidy. It is necessary. We cannot spend our future generations’ investments upfront.
“Phased removal is part of unnecessary fear. No matter how you cut it, you still have to meet the bills. So cut your coat strictly to your size. Management is the issue and we have no choice but to pull the hand brakes, otherwise, we are headed for slippery slopes and in such financial disaster, not just for us, but for our children and grandchildren. Where is the pathway for prosperity?”
The President added that he was not ready to shrink his cabinet, saying all his appointees were adding value.
Tinubu said his plan in the 2025 budget proposal to reduce inflation from 34 per cent to 15 per cent would be realised by boosting local production and reducing imports.
“If one produces more for consumption locally, stop imports, give a reasonable level of funding and assistance, the low interest rate to farmers, improve the security as you see in the budget so that they can return to their farms and produce more food, encourage the procurement and manufacturing of drugs in Nigeria, we have what it takes.
“Talk to Professor (Ali) Pate, he is doing an excellent job trying to encourage. All I need to do is put the incentive in place in order for them to harness what is possible in Nigeria. It is about time we do all of those. Bring the cost of governance down,” he explained.
On the recent stampedes, Tinubu blamed organisers of the various events in Ibadan, Abuja and Okija, where a total of 67 people, including 35 children, died in their rush for palliatives.
His comments follow a wave of stampedes as people scampered for food items made available by charitable groups and individuals.
In Okija, Anambra State, what was meant to be a Christmas palliative distribution on Saturday turned tragic when 22 persons lost their lives, with several others injured, during an early morning stampede.
The same day in Abuja, another tragedy struck when 10 persons died during an annual Christmas food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama.
These incidents followed Wednesday’s stampede at the Islamic High School, Basorun, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where several children lost their lives during a holiday funfair celebration, with others rushed to the University College Hospital for medical attention.
“To me, I see this as a very grave error on the part of the organisers,” he said. “Are we looking at it from the organisers point of view or from the goodwill gesture of the people trying to give what they have as extra?
“Sadly, people are not very well organised, we just have to be more disciplined in our society. Condolences to those who lost family members, but it is good to give. I have been giving out food stuff and commodities, including envelopes in Bourdillion for the past 25 years; I have never experienced this kind of incident because we are organised and prone to discipline.
“If you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to give or publicise it. Every society has food banks and hungry people. They are organised; they take tokens to be in line and take turns to collect. It is unfortunate. It is reflected at our bus stops, we don’t want to queue, so we rush to board vehicles. We continue to learn from our mistakes.”
On fighting corruption, Tinubu said his efforts in this regard included the removal of subsidy, which he said ended stopped smuggling of the nation’s petroleum resources.
The President said he believed in people having more access to legitimate income as a way to tackle corruption, noting that with increased earnings, allocation to states and local governments had increased.
He also stated that anti-corruption agencies continued to plug loopholes for corruption, noting that the recent discovery of hundreds of duplexes reportedly owned by a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, was evidence of his government’s corruption fight.
Tinubu also mentioned the Student Loan as a means to prevent people from subscribing to corruption to fund their education.
While noting that the government cannot eliminate corruption fully, he stated that it had drastically reduced corrupt practices, adding that the increase in minimum wage was also a way to tackle corruption.
The President said, “Corruption in all ramifications is bad. First of all, pay enough attention to the causes. Why are the people corrupt? The lack of social amenities; the lack of needs in some areas; lack of funding for their children’s education. There are so many anti-corruption mechanisms that you can put in place that will help the people not to be corrupt. Pay them good living wages.
“I have moved from N35,000 to N70,000, to me that is anti-corruption. If I can earn more, I have given more money to the states and local governments. I have been transparent with my earnings. Every month, there is a publication as to how much this country is making.
“We got the man who had 735 houses. You don’t know how long it has started. He had fantastic infrastructure; he had a row of houses but we got it. That is anti-corruption too. We got it for the public. The structure, ability to stem corruption is part of the instrument of the EFCC, that is why they are discovering all sorts of inefficiencies in the system. Block all the loopholes where anybody can just game the system.
“Part of the anti-corruption is removal of subsidy. It is very difficult to eliminate but you reduce it to the barest minimum.
“Meet the people’s needs; help them with the education of their children. Our students’ loan is part of anti-corruption. No parent should lament how to encourage their children in university education. It is working for the larger part of the population.”
Asked about how to stem the high price of food items, Tinubu said he believed in increasing agricultural production, not price control.
He said government would continue to work hard to increase supply to the market such that the nation had enough to feed itself and export.
“I don’t believe in price control,” he said.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
There is growing confusion in the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the party’s candidate for Anaocha 1 State Constituency, following a dispute between two aspirants laying claim to the party’s ticket.
The constituency, which is the immediate constituency of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has been embroiled in controversy as the serving member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Nkechi Ogbuefi, insists that she remains the duly nominated candidate of the party for the forthcoming election.
Ogbuefi, who is the Deputy Minority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, said she participated in the party’s primary election and was duly returned and nominated as its candidate for Anaocha 1 Constituency.
She alleged that Hon. Azubuike Okoye had been parading himself as the party’s candidate despite, according to her, not purchasing the NDC nomination form, participating in the screening exercise or taking part in the party’s primary election.
“I joined Mr Peter Obi when he went to the Labour Party and also joined him when he became a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
“We had our primary election and it was resolved that all serving members must be given automatic tickets. I, like other sitting members, was given my nomination form and we took part in the primary election of the party.
“After the primary election, I was returned and duly nominated as the candidate for Anaocha 1 Constituency,” she said.
Ogbuefi further alleged that Okoye, after purchasing forms in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and participating in its House of Representatives primary, had been parading himself as the NDC candidate for the State House of Assembly.
She said the matter had also been taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where, according to her, the NDC appeared and affirmed her as its candidate.
“Another candidate who heard that I was returned went to the Federal High Court in Abuja and, because it was an originating summons, the NDC came there to affirm me as the candidate of the party.
“The court ultimately affirmed me as the winner of the primary election of the party.
“The party also stated that at no time was Azubuike Okoye’s name submitted as a candidate. He did not purchase the form of the party, he did not take part in the screening of aspirants and he did not participate in the primary election,” she stated.
Ogbuefi further claimed that the state chairman of the NDC, Chief Ikem Uzoezie, had advised her to disregard Okoye’s claim, saying that Peter Obi personally forwarded her name to him as the party’s candidate.
Efforts to reach Uzoezie for his reaction were unsuccessful, as several calls placed to his phone were not answered. Text messages and WhatsApp messages sent to him also received no response.
However, reacting to Ogbuefi’s allegations, Okoye declined to make a definitive claim to the ticket, saying the matter would be settled when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publishes the list of candidates submitted by the party.
He urged those involved in the dispute to remain calm, saying there was no need for individuals to engage in arguments or trade accusations on social media.
“My brother, I cannot say anything now and I cannot say I am the candidate of the party. I don’t want to join issues with those claiming to be candidates of the party in Anaocha Constituency 1 until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publishes the list of candidates sent by the party to the Commission.
“So I want the reporters to remain calm because if I say that I am the candidate and INEC publishes another name, what sense does it make?” he said.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The old political rivalry in the Anambra Central Senatorial District contest has returned to the front burner following the emergence of Senator Uche Ekwunife as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ekwunife’s emergence has set the stage for another keenly contested race, with Senator Victor Umeh already emerging as the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Chief Dozie Nwankwo is the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Before Ekwunife’s emergence, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Chinedu had been listed as the APC’s candidate as a placeholder, pending the expiration of the deadline for the substitution of candidates as stipulated by the Electoral Act.
Ekwunife, Umeh and Nwankwo are no strangers to political contests in the district, having crossed political paths in several previous elections.
Senator Victor Umeh had on two occasions contested the Anambra Central senatorial seat against Ekwunife. Ekwunife won one of the contests but was later ousted by the Election Petitions Tribunal. She subsequently defeated Umeh in another election, before Umeh emerged victorious in the most recent contest.
Similarly, Nwankwo had contested the Anaocha-Dunukofia-Njikoka Federal Constituency seat against Ekwunife. Ekwunife won the first contest and secured a second term, while Nwankwo later defeated her at the subsequent general election after she had moved on to contest the senatorial seat.
The rivalry was further rekindled during the last APGA primary election when Nwankwo defeated Umeh. Umeh subsequently emerged as the candidate of the Labour Party and eventually won the Anambra Central senatorial election.
With Ekwunife now back in the race under the APC, the political contest in Anambra Central is expected to attract renewed attention as the major contenders prepare for another battle.
Speaking on Ekwunife’s emergence, the Anambra State Chairman of the APC, Senator Emma Anosike, said the party was prepared for a keenly contested election.
Anosike described Ekwunife as an outstanding politician who had maintained consistency through sustained engagement with the electorate, stakeholders and the party.
“We welcome our sister, Senator Uche Ekwunife, to the race. With this development, we are good to go.
“We know the capacity of our candidate. She has remained consistent in her interface with the electorate, stakeholders and the party.
“She is in a familiar environment and knows the game. Come 2027, Ekwunife and the rest of our candidates in Anambra State will surely emerge from top to bottom,” he said.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has commended the two former Governors of the state Sen Çhris Ngige and Chief Willie Obiano for their respective contributions towards the socioeconomic development of the state while in office.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Soludo Mr Christian Aburime to mark the 74th birthday of Sen Çhris Ngige and 71st birthday of Chief Willie Obiano, Soludo recalled their respective roles as Governors of the state .
“The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed his felicitations to former Governor, Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, CON, on the occasion of his birthday”
“In his goodwill remarks, Governor Soludo recalled Dr. Ngige’s contributions to Anambra State during a formative and challenging period in the state’s political history, noting his emphasis on discipline in public administration and his efforts in infrastructural development”
“The Governor also commended Dr. Ngige’s subsequent record of service to Anambra and to the nation, including his years representing Anambra Central in the Senate and his service as a former Minister of Labour and Employment”he said.
Soludo described Obiano as a worthy son of Anambra whose eight years in office impacted on the state’s progressive development.
Soludo noticed that Obiano’s progressive initiatives in the growth and development of the State during his tenure as Governor of Anambra remain deeply appreciated
“The Governor also commended the former Governor’s investments in other infrastructural developments in the State, further describing him as a worthy patriot who deserved to be celebrated on this special occasion of his birthday”
“Therefore, Governor Soludo wished former Governor Willie Obiano a happy birthday today, with prayers for his sustained good health, joy, and many more years of a fulfilled, good life” the statement concluded.
Pressure is mounting on President Bola Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, over the controversial freezing of Osun State Government accounts ahead of the governorship election.
The controversy erupted after the EFCC restricted access to the state government’s accounts as part of an investigation into alleged suspicious financial transactions.
The move triggered strong reactions from political parties and stakeholders, who accused the anti-graft agency of interfering in the electoral process and creating tension ahead of the poll.
The development took a dramatic turn when President Tinubu directed the EFCC to return to court and vacate the order restricting the accounts.
The directive has intensified calls for Olukoyede’s removal, with critics questioning the timing of the EFCC’s action and its potential impact on the election.
The Accord Party has already demanded Olukoyede’s resignation, accusing the commission of undermining public confidence in the fight against corruption.
However, the EFCC chairman has received backing from some prominent Nigerians, including human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who maintained that the commission acted within its legal powers.
The Presidency has also not indicated that Olukoyede is facing imminent removal.
With the Osun governorship election approaching, the controversy has further heightened political tension, putting the EFCC chairman under intense public and political scrutiny.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over a suspicious credit into one of his private bank accounts, alleging that his confidential banking details may have been compromised.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
According to the statement, the transfer was made by an individual unknown to the former vice president, with the narration: “Contribution Electioneering Campaign.”
“Neither His Excellency nor his campaign solicited, authorised or has any knowledge of the individual or entity behind the unauthorised payment,” the statement read.
Atiku said the circumstances surrounding the transaction were “deeply troubling,” noting that the account was strictly private and its details were not publicly available.
“The account is a strictly private one whose details are not in the public domain. This raises a fundamental question: How did unknown persons obtain the confidential banking details of a private citizen?” the statement added.
He said the alleged access to his banking information raised broader concerns about the protection of Nigerians’ financial privacy.
“If the private banking information of a former Vice President and a leading presidential candidate can be accessed and deployed for reasons yet unknown, then no Nigerian’s financial privacy is safe,” Atiku was quoted as saying.
The former vice president also expressed concern that the information may have been obtained through individuals with privileged access.
“Even more disturbing is the suspicion that such confidential information may have been obtained through persons with privileged access,” the statement said.
Atiku warned that any breach of confidential banking information could expose citizens to serious security threats.
“If established, this would amount to a grave abuse of power capable of exposing the account holder to kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminal elements,” the statement added.
The ADC presidential candidate said security agencies and Nigerians had been notified of the development, describing it as part of a series of suspicious activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We therefore put the Nigerian public — and the security agencies — on notice about this latest incident in a litany of suspicious activities leading up to next year’s general elections,” he said.
Atiku urged Nigerians not to be distracted by what he described as attempts to smear his reputation as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
“As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination,” the statement read.
“Such desperate antics have failed before and will fail again,” he added.
The former vice president maintained that he remained committed to providing what he described as credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
“The Waziri Adamawa remains focused on offering Nigerians credible leadership and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges,” the statement said.
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