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Kaduna gov, Uba Sani remains my mentor, says El-Rufai’s son
By Francesca Hangeior.
The member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Bello El-Rufai, has stated that incumbent Governor Uba Sani is his mentor, adding that they still keep in touch.
Bello revealed this in a video interview hosted by Yaya Abba, titled, ‘With Shuraim’’.
He recalled how two of his friends influenced his move to work under Sani while he was a serving Senator in the 9th Senate.
Bello noted that Sani’s first reaction was that he (Bello) would turn down the offer, citing the notion that people have regarding the children of “big men.”
“I think working with Senator Uba Sani taught me the politics that fits this country,” adding that he had a great influence on his knowledge of the politics of legislative representation.
“He’s still my mentor, we talk every day. After he (Sani) emerged as the APC candidate to replace my father, he told my father he wanted me to run for the Reps,” he said.
He noted that his membership in the Green Chamber wasn’t his father’s call, adding that he (the father) “never campaigned for me.
“But Senator Uba Sani was adamant that I had learnt a few things while working in the 9th Senate as a senior legislative aide. That was the step towards me running,” he added.
Bello stressed that he’s aware of his responsibilities as the representative of his constituent, saying, “For me, where I’m from, I feel I’m genuinely responsible for every individual that’s in Kaduna North.”
The lawmaker stated that while he still feels the pressure of legislative representation, he remains grateful for the achievements of his office so far, including initiatives towards improving the education and health of his constituents, among others.
Bello equally noted that his online presence had made people misjudge his person, saying he was seen as a “poster boy of arrogance.”
The lawmaker stated that people needed to understand the thin line between criticism and hatred.
“My first baptism of public service was when my sister died in 2011 in London. Somebody sent me a comment when someone said ‘he hopes she burns in hell twice,” adding that his leadership role has availed him of control on his social media comments.
Sani had revealed that his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, left a debt of $587 million, N85 billion, and N115 billion in contract liabilities.
Meanwhile, the governor, through his spokesman, Mohammed Shehu, has said that Sani would not reply to another of El-Rufai’s sons, Bashir, who took to X to attack the governor over the state’s debt profile.
Bashir, on his social media handle, accused Sani of shying away from his responsibility by always staying away from the state and hibernating in Abuja.
The young El-Rufai accused the governor of surrounding himself with a retinue of incompetent aides appointed for political patronage.
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PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU TEXT OF THE 2025 BUDGET
News
Netizens Slam Lawmakers As They Sing Tinubu’s Anthem At Budget Presentation
Netizens slam lawmakers after they were sighted singing “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took the stage to present the 2025 national budget.
The incident, which is in a viral video clip, showed the lawmakers singing the song, which has become synonymous with Tinubu’s political supporters.
The gesture, however, has ignited outrage among Nigerians, who questioned its appropriateness in light of the country’s current economic challenges.
Many critics took to social media to express their disappointment, describing the act as insensitive and unprofessional. They argued that lawmakers should focus on addressing pressing national issues, such as a inflation, unemployment, and hardship, rather than engaging in political theatrics with Tinubu during a crucial budget session.
“What kind of leadership did we vote for? Instead of scrutinizing the budget and ensuring accountability, they’re busy singing praises,” one commenter wrote.
Others questioned the mandate the lawmakers you were celebrating, with some accusing them of being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. “What mandate are they standing on when the citizens are struggling to make ends meet?” another critic remarked.
The 2025 budget presentation, meant to outline the government’s financial plans and priorities for the year, has now been overshadowed by this controversy, with many calling for lawmakers to prioritize governance over partisan loyalty.
Read some netizens’ reactions as lawmakers sings for Tinubu during budget presentation;
@emeka: This is really problematic 🤣🤣
@agwai: This is the reason the president don’t do well in Nigeria because the people around him feed him with lies. And praise him when things is not good. Just clapping
@abyusuf: The lawmaker’s rendition of “On Your Mandate” should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us that it’s time to take a closer look at the people we’ve elected to represent us.
@danleety: I now believe there’s serious disconnect between the lawmakers and their constituents.
News
Tax Reforms: Those criticising it lack knowledge -Akpabio
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has flayed critics of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms as lacking an understanding of what the initiatives were truly about.
Akpabio disclosed this during his remarks at the presentation of the 2025 budget estimate by President Tinubu to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
He said, “Your Excellency, we commend you on your groundbreaking tax reform initiative. The four tax reform bills—the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024—represent a monumental shift in our fiscal landscape.
It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics. I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully. This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.”
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