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Tax reform bills: North restrategises as regional crisis looms
With some northern lawmakers locked in a series of meetings on the issue, the League of Northern Democrats, LND, yesterday, inaugurated a technical committee to review contents of the bills clause-by-clause, find out provisions that are injurious to the North and suggest alternatives. The committee has one week to handle the task.
Currently, southern senators, as a bloc, are in support of the tax bills while northern senators, most of who are against the move, are consulting.
Also, while the Senate is proceeding with legislative actions on the bills, the House of Representatives has suspended actions on the matter as Northern Reps raise eye brow.
Looming fresh crisis, dichotomy
On Thursday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said that the Senate had not suspended legislative action on the four controversial bills which was contrary to the decision taken in his absence on Wednesday when Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau presided over the plenary.
On Wednesday, Barau said the lawmakers suspended public hearing and legislative work on the bills to allow for wider consultation. He raised a 10-man committee led by Senator Abba Moro to engage with the Attorney General of the Federation AGF, and Justice Minister, Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious issues in the bills.
However, the Akpabio-led Senate reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the tax reform bills, on Thursday, stressing that no aspect of the legislative process had been suspended or withdrawn.
A few hours later, senators from the six states of the South-South geo-political zone (where Akpabio hails from) under the aegis of South- South Senators’ Forum threw their weight behind the tax reform bills. They passed a vote confidence in Akpabio; and urged South-South governors to synergise with legislators in order to fine tune the bills and be on the same page.
Also, Southern senators on the banner of Nigerian Southern Senators Forum, NSSF, backed the tax reform, which they said “will foster a fair, equitable and more inclusive tax system and therefore deserve the support of all Nigerians.”
In a joint statement by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, chairman; Senator Victor Umeh, vice chairman; Senator Barinada Mpigi, secretary; Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, assistant secretary; Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, publicity secretary; and Senator Kenneth Eze, treasurer, they said: “What is required now is for the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Tax Committee, to demonstrate, using data, that no sub-national in Nigeria will be at risk of a lower VAT revenues post reforms. This will go a long way in allaying the fears currently being expressed by some states of the federation.”
Northerners commission independent panel
Indeed, worried that the bills could harm the North if passed as they were,the League of Northern Democrats raised a technical panel to look at the proposals with a tooth comb.
This was contained in a statement signed by LND’s Spokesman, Dr. Ladan Salihu.
Although names of members of the committee who are said to be mostly lawyers, accountants and experts in related fields were not made public, the panel was given one week to turn in its report.
Salihu said: “Given the current raging concerns and controversies on the Tax Reform Bills currently before our National Assembly, the League of Northern Democrats wishes to inform the Northern public that it has inaugurated a distinguished Technical Committee tasked with reviewing the four tax reform bills clause-by-clause so as to reach an informed position on each clause therein.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that laws reflect the principles of justice, equity and prosperity for all Nigerians, with the sole intent to safeguarding the developmental interests of our peoples.
“The committee, composed of dedicated Northern experts in law, public accounting, legislation and academia, has taken to itself one week to conclude a comprehensive review of the bills.
“Their mandate includes identifying provisions that may be injurious or inequitable, proposing necessary amendments, and ensuring that each clause of the bills upholds the constitutional, religious and cultural norms of our people, while promoting national unity and fairness.
“At the conclusion of its assignment, the committee will publicly present its findings in an electronic and tabular format, effectively communicating its recommendations to policymakers, legislators, the media and the Nigerian public.
“The LND assures the public of our confidence in the committee’s ability to produce thorough and well-reasoned recommendations.
“These will aim to maximize benefits for all Nigerians, ensuring that the tax reforms support sustainable development and equitable economic growth across the nation.
“We urge Nigerians to stay tuned for LND’s public presentation, which will provide clear insights into the bills and our proposed policy position.
“The League of Northern Democrats remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for policies that foster justice, prosperity and unity in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.”
Why Reps Suspended Debate Indefinitely
The House of Representatives during the week was expected to commence debate on the tax reform bill but the debate was suspended indefinitely.
The planned debate was called off in a memo signed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, as 73 northern lawmakers kicked against the bills.
Those who rejected the bills include 48 Reps from the North-East, 24 federal lawmakers from Kano and a former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South Senatorial District.
The memo suspending the debate dated November 30, 2024 was titled: ‘Rescheduling of Special Session on Tax Reform Bills.’
It read: “I am directed by the House leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the special session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 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.”
Northern lawmakers mount pressure
A leaked video of the closed-door session of the Green Chamber obtained showed the North-East lawmakers in tense debates against the tax reform bills.
The footage shows the member representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency, Borno State, saying: “On behalf of the 48 honourable members from the ravaged North-East sub-region, I want to first of all rely on the position of the three previous caucus leaders. In addition to this, the primary responsibility of every government is simply the welfare of its citizens.
“North-East, even before the insurgency, was the poorest region in Nigeria. Today, our people have been turned into beggars. Billionaires and millionaires of yesterday have to queue up in IDP camps in host communities to collect 10kg bags of rice.
“If other parts of the country were in our shoes, even this sitting would not be possible. We have concluded that we are going to make further consultations because there is nothing that is cast in stone.”
Giving an insight into the development during the closed-door session, a lawmaker from the North-West, stated: “As the representatives of the people, we have resolved to continue our consultation on the matter,” adding that “things degenerated almost to a point of rebellion against the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu who presided over the executive session.”
Like our governors, northern lawmakers are not convinced
He continued: “From what I can deduce, the Governors of the North are not yet convinced about the arguments in favour of the bills. The bills are against the interest of the North and that is why we are saying, ‘if you think this is not the case, give us more time to consult with our people.’
“The speed with which they want these bills considered and passed is suspicious. This is why our governors are not convinced and we are not convinced either,” he noted.
Last week, the Tajudeen Abbas-led 10th House spent over two hours in executive session to forge a common front on the bills only to emerge to announce the continuation of consultation ahead of the debate on the general principles of the bills, which was suspended afterwards.
Tax reform will protect poor people — NOA DG
Meanwhile the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has assured that the bills would protect the poor.
Speaking with newsmen in Osogbo at a press briefing held at the NOA office, Issa-Onilu said the bills when passed would eliminate multiple taxation which has become a problem in the country.
Represented by the agency Director, Report Coordination and Improvement, Olubukola Olorunfemi, he said the bill would enhance the ease of doing business and development.
His words: “The tax reform bills are four different bills that seek to bring everything about taxation and administration of tax in Nigeria under four different pieces of legislation. The bills are as follows: The Nigeria Tax Bill, The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
“The Nigeria Tax Bill basically amalgamated all the existing laws in which provisions for taxation was made. When passed, this bill will lead to the repeal of 11 laws that contain provisions on imposition and collection of taxes.
“The government is working to stop different levels of authority from taxing people for the same thing. Those earning very little will pay little or no taxes, helping them manage their finances better.
“New digital systems are being introduced to make tax payments easier, faster, and more accountable. Tax revenue will be used to improve essential public services like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure; ensuring citizens see the benefits of their contributions.”
The NOA DG spoke in like manner in Kebbi, where he was represented by the Director Documentation, Translation and Publications, Mr. John Bala Asate in Birnin Kebbi during the flag off of the nationwide sensitisation on security, HIV/AIDS, human rights, get-rich-quick syndrome and tax reform bills.
FG’s sensitisation’s late — Kebbi commissioner
However, Alhaji Abdullahi Zuru, Special Adviser, on Communication and Strategy to Kebbi Governor, told the team that the sensitisation on the tax reform bill was late as it should have been done before the presentation of the bill to the National Assembly.
Noting that the bills have generated tension across the country, he said: “Our governor and his colleagues have taken a stand on it. We can’t say anything because his stand is final and we will abide by it.”
Zuru urged the Federal Government to borrow a leaf from Kebbi governor, who he said usually consults widely with stakeholders before presenting any bill that has direct bearing on citizens, and not to begin sensitising after presenting it for consideration. (Saturday Vanguard)
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 47 people allegedly posing as operatives of a state-owned security outfit during the by-election in Disina State Constituency, Shira Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were arrested at various polling units on Saturday while allegedly armed with guns, cutlasses and sticks, contrary to the Electoral Act and security directives issued ahead of the election.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Habib said, “Following our deployment for election duty in Disina State Constituency, Shira LGA, 47 operatives claiming to be members of a state-owned security outfit were arrested within polling units.
“They were found in possession of guns, cutlasses and sticks, in contravention of the Electoral Act and the security directives earlier issued.”
The PPRO added that the suspects were immediately taken into custody, while firearms and other dangerous weapons were recovered from them.
He said, “The suspects were immediately taken into custody. Exhibits, including firearms and other dangerous weapons, were recovered from them.”
According to Habib, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the development and directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
He quoted the CP as condemning “this blatant disregard for lawful directives and attempt to undermine the electoral process.”
Habib said the suspects had been transferred to the SCID, Bauchi, “for discreet investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.”
The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible and hitch-free by-election.
It warned that “any person or group, regardless of status, who attempts to disrupt the electoral process or cause a breach of peace will be decisively dealt with.”
The police also called on members of the public to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
PUNCH reports that the Bauchi State Police Command, in a statement issued on Friday, September 18, 2026, outlined security arrangements for the bye-elections in Disina State Constituency, Shira LGA, and Sakwa State Constituency, Zaki LGA.
In the statement, the command declared that “state-owned security outfits, quasi-security agencies, private security guards and vigilante groups are not allowed to participate in election security coverage.”
The command stated that only “statutorily recognised security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security are mandated to provide security for the elections.”
The federal government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners detained last Thursday by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, the Niger State capital.
This development followed Friday’s directive by President Bola Tinubu for a “full and transparent” investigation into the deaths of the suspected illegal miners.
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Campaign for Democracy (CD) have also called for a thorough, independent and transparent probe into the incident.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also released the names of the 21 officers suspended so far in connection with the incident.
This is just as the former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), has denied ownership of the mining site in Minna where some of the suspected illegal miners were arrested before they died in the custody of the NSCDC.
Babangida alongside former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), also called for thorough and extensive investigations into the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also commenced a preliminary investigation into the incident.
On Thursday, the NSCDC said it arrested the suspects during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
The NSCDC commandant in Niger State, Suberu Aniviye, had claimed in a statement that “scores of the detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following a suspected outbreak of disease”.
Following the development, the federal government suspended him and ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Tunji-Ojo directed the suspension of all officers involved in the incident pending the conclusion of the independent committee’s investigation.
“The minister directed the committee to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence, and misconduct, and to recommend appropriate action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence,” the statement reads.
The minister also warned that “any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence.”
A retired deputy director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, chairs the committee. In contrast, former director-general of the Nigeria Law School Isa Hayatu Chiroma will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Hosea Karma; former chief medical director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Olayinka Buhari; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; and a representative of the Niger State government.
Also on the list are National Secretary of Miners Association of Nigeria, Liman Sulaiman; human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju; Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and a public affairs analyst, George Agbakahi.
The full list of the officers so far suspended, in addition to the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, are: Officer-in-Charge (O/C) Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka; Station Guard, ASCI Hassan Mohammed; Station Guard, CCA Bala Mohammed; Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday; Arresting Officer, DCC Obafemi Elvis; Arresting Officer, CSC Annas Shitto Lamino; O/C Legal, ACC Stephen Tsado; and HOD INT/INV, DCC Philip Ajayi.
Others are: Day/Night Duty Officer, ASCI Alhassan Mohammed; Guard Duty, IC Abdullahi Sale; Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Sonfada; Guard Duty, CAI Liman Abubakar; Guard Duty, CAI Bala Usman; Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Jiya; Guard Duty, DSC Isah Suleiman; Guard Duty, CAI Ahmed Wushishi; Guard Duty, IC Sale Adamu; Guard Duty, IC Haruna Mohammed; Guard Duty, ASCI Aliyu Sallah; and Guard Duty, CAI Isah Sanusi.
Meanwhile, NHRC has also commenced a preliminary investigation into the incident.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, condemned the incident and expressed concern over the loss of lives in state custody, particularly as the precise cause of death remains subject to investigation.
According to the commission, the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination, while security authorities have initiated separate investigations.
Ojukwu, in a statement issued by the organisation’s Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Mohammed, directed the Commission’s preliminary investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the deaths.
He also called for an independent forensic autopsy and the preservation of all relevant evidence.
He further stressed that the investigations already ordered by the Minister of Interior and the NSCDC must be conducted transparently, thoroughly and in accordance with international standards governing investigations into potentially unlawful deaths in custody.
“Citizens who are arrested on suspicion by law enforcement agents are by law expected to enjoy the full complement of their fundamental human rights in accordance with national and international human rights instruments,” Ojukwu said.
Northern Senators, NBA, CD Demand Independent Probe
Meanwhile, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has demanded an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the incident.
The senators also called for independent autopsies on all the victims. They demanded that anyone found culpable of criminal negligence, unlawful detention, reckless conduct or any deliberate act that contributed to the deaths should be prosecuted, irrespective of rank or position.
The Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, in a statement issued yesterday, said the circumstances surrounding the deaths were “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose his life in the custody of an agency established to protect lives and property.
The senators also demanded answers to questions surrounding the alleged distress calls, including when they were made, who heard them and what action was taken before the deaths occurred.
The President of the NBA, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), has also called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of the 37 suspected miners.
The association said it had deliberately refrained from reaching conclusions on the cause of the deaths pending the outcome of investigations, stressing that the incident required evidence-based findings.
The NBA said the prompt response by the authorities was commendable but stressed that the credibility of the process would depend on the independence and thoroughness of the investigations.
“The true measure of the response will ultimately not be the speed with which investigations are announced, but rather the independence and thoroughness with which they are conducted, the transparency with which their findings are made known, and the accountability that follows from those findings,” it said.
The association also called for an investigation into wider illegal mining operations, including those who may have owned, financed, controlled, or profited from the activities.
Similarly, the CD has called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior security officials to institute an independent investigation into the incident.
The group also called for the immediate suspension of the NSCDC Controller-General, pending the outcome of the investigation, arguing that such a step would help ensure the credibility and independence of the probe.
In a statement issued yesterday by its National President, Reverend Ifeanyi Odili, the CD said the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths required urgent clarification, transparency and accountability.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has assured Nigerians of its commitment to electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, gave the assurance on Saturday while presiding over operations at the Commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan said operational bottlenecks identified before the by-elections held in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states were swiftly addressed.
“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution.
“Whatever administrative or field challenges arose in before the day of the elections, the Commission was able to nip them in the bud effectively. We remain committed to refining our processes so that every subsequent exercise reflects higher standards of efficiency and public confidence.”
The Commission conducted four legislative by-elections in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies in Bauchi State and Udu State Constituency in Delta State on Saturday.
Amupitan described the by-elections as crucial operational tests that would provide lessons for the 2027 general election.
He said every off-cycle election was an important dress rehearsal for the general election, stressing that no electoral contest should be regarded as trivial or routine.
“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 general election.
“We must resist the temptation to view any exercise as merely an ordinary bye-election. Every election is a critical component of our broader preparations for the 2027 general election, allowing us to continuously audit our logistics framework, stress-test our technological deployment, and evaluate administrative field readiness,”
The INEC chairman, accompanied by National Commissioners and senior management officials, monitored the elections as operational reports were received from the various states.
Amupitan thanked officials in the Situation Room, particularly the technical team, for enabling the Commission to monitor the multi-state exercise seamlessly and assess field performance without any hitch.
Bauchi by-election: Police arrest 47 for impersonating state security
FG Probes Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners in Minna, Names 20 Suspended NSCDC Officers
2027: INEC assures Nigerians of electoral integrity
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