The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the extension of the implementation of the capital component of the 2024 budget from 31 December 2024 to 30 June 2025.

Leader of the House, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, laid the report of the report of the bill seeking the extension as the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply to consider it.

It is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to extend the implementation of the Capital Component of the Appropriation Act, 2024 from 31 December, 2024 to 30 June, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2023)”

Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who announced the adjournment of plenary to January 14, 2025, urged members to work hard in their various to ensure that the prompt passage of the 2025 budget upon resumption.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) on Thursday condemned in strong terms the suspension of 18 local government chairmen and councillors in Edo state by the House of Assembly.

Governor Monday Okpebholo had accused the suspended chairmen of disobeying his instructions by allegedly refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.

However, the ALGON’s National Executive Council (NEC) and its Board of Trustees (BoT) on Thursday jointly condemned the decision saying the governor and lawmakers did not give the council chairmen fair hearing to defend themselves.

The association at an emergency meeting in Katsina state, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, emphasising the need to respect the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed by the nation’s constitution and recent ruling by the Supreme Court.

“ALGON views this suspension as a setback for democracy and abuse of power, particularly since the chairmen were not given a chance to defend themselves.

“This suspension is invalid. It contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment granting local governments autonomy,” the ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Hamisu Anani, in a statement said.

Anani stated that if the Edo State House of Assembly’s decision was right, it would not have generated criticisms across the length and breadth of the country.

“This suspension is unconstitutional; it is null and void.

“ALGON is hereby urging the Edo State House of Assembly to reverse the decision and respect the rule of law to strengthen democratic governance.

“ALGON also appeals to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt this abuse of power,” the statement said.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the National Assembly to suspend work on the tax reform bills to allow for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers.

The congress criticised its exclusion from the formulation process of the bills, describing it as “unacceptable and a violation of the principles of tax justice.”

This position was outlined in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held in Owerri, Imo State.

The document, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, was made public on Thursday in Abuja.

It said: “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) emphasizes that the primary aim of taxation is to generate revenue for running the government. However, the justification of any tax system lies in its impact on the lives of the people. A fair and equitable tax system must prioritise fiscal discipline, transparency, and effectiveness in the use of tax funds to deliver tangible benefits to the citizenry.

“The NLC strongly asserts that discussions on taxation in a serious nation cannot exclude those who bear the brunt of the tax burden. The exclusion of organised labour in the formulation of the current Tax Bill is unacceptable and undermines the principles of tax justice. If labour is not at the table, it is effectively on the menu.

“The Congress demands that the Tax Bill currently before the National Assembly be halted for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers. The politicisation of the Bill and alienation of key stakeholders is worrying and robs it of its capacity as an effective tool to revamp the economy and develop our nation. We must go back to this basic. Only through inclusive dialogue can we ensure a just and equitable tax system that benefits all citizens.”

The NLC also lamented the scarcity of cash in circulation, calling on the Federal Government to intervene to rectify “this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights.”

“The NEC expressed grave concern over the persistent cash scarcity in Nigeria, describing it as an unfortunate and exploitative burden on the already struggling populace. The Council noted that Nigerians are being forced to forfeit 5% of their funds each time they access cash, an unacceptable situation that exacerbates the economic woes faced by millions. The impact of this on small businesses and other informal Economy operatives is huge as the situation poses serious disproportionate challenge to the poor and struggling workers and masses.

“The NLC demands immediate government intervention to rectify this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights. We expect the Central Bank Governor to take steps to ensure that cash is made available to the citizenry to enable small business transactions and stimulate Economic growth,” the communique said.

On security, the Congress called on the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevailed.

“The NEC raised alarms over the worsening insecurity in the country, referencing disturbing reports that Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransom this year alone across 51.8 million recorded crime incidents. 614,937 Nigerians lost their lives while 2,235,954 others were kidnapped within one year. This appalling state of insecurity underscores the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevails. Majority of the citizens who either lost their lives or are maimed as a result are workers,” the communique added.

While acknowledging the overwhelming suffering endured this year, the NLC urged citizens to find moments of hope, resilience, and togetherness during the festive season.

“NEC urged citizens to be united to co-create a better nation in 2025. Resolving to build collective power would create needed synergies to successfully engage all the retrogressive forces holding our nation down and forge a breakthrough next year.

“NEC therefore reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers and the broader Nigerian populace. And finally, once again applauded the Government on the donation of the CNG buses but reminded it of the need for the outstanding buses to be handed over as pledged. It further reiterated its commitment to working with others to build our nation while remaining steadfast in its mission to protect the collective interests of workers and to champion a future rooted in justice, equity, and national progress,” the Congress said.

It condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor of Edo State for allegedly orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat.

“The NEC strongly condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor of Edo State in orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat. This brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers.

“The NEC therefore, resolved to give the Edo State Government and the Police a deadline of 14 working days, up to January 8, 2025, to vacate the Secretariat premises, return all confiscated properties to the Congress, and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities. Failure to comply will compel the Congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defense of workers’ and trade union rights,” the communique added.