News
Tax Reform Bills: Tinubu moves to gather Northern Support
President Bola Tinubu has initiated extensive outreach to northern elites and the political class in a bid to garner support for the passage of contentious tax reform bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
Overview of the Bills
The tax reform bills,introduced in October 2024, include:
The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024
The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill
The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill
The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill
These proposals aim to reform Nigeria’s tax administration and enhance revenue collection systems. However, they have faced significant resistance, particularly from northern governors who argue that the reforms could disproportionately affect their regions and hinder economic development.
Tinubu’s Strategy
Presidency insiders revealed that President Tinubu has employed a multifaceted approach to address concerns raised by stakeholders, particularly from the northern political elite. This includes private consultations, strategic dialogue, and discreet “back channel” negotiations.
A senior official, speaking to The Punch anonymously, noted, “The President has been engaging with northern elites both individually and in groups, even prior to the holiday season.”
Another source disclosed that Tinubu is leveraging alternative methods to address objections to the bills, stating, “He is using every available channel to ensure that the contentious aspects of the bills are clarified and resolved.”
Northern Governors Remain Opposed
Despite Tinubu’s outreach efforts, northern governors have maintained their opposition. They insist that the bills should be withdrawn to allow for broader consultation and revisions. The governors argue that the proposed reforms could:
Increase the tax burden on their states,
Stifle economic growth, and
Exacerbate financial hardship for citizens.
The federal government, however, has defended the reforms as necessary steps to:
Boost Revenue Generation: Diversify income streams and reduce reliance on oil.
Modernize Tax Administration: Streamline revenue collection for efficiency and transparency.
Public Reactions
The proposed reforms have sparked heated debates nationwide. While proponents argue that they are essential for Nigeria’s fiscal sustainability, critics contend that they could lead to increased taxation and worsen the economic struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
As the debate intensifies, President Tinubu’s ability to navigate these challenges and secure buy-in from critical stakeholders will significantly influence the bills’ passage and their broader implications for Nigeria’s economy.
News
How God Turned Me From Almajiri Pupil To NNPC CEO – Mele Kyari
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has attributed his career progression to the grace of God as he celebrates his 60th birthday on Wednesday, January 8.
Kyari, whose journey began as an Almajiri pupil, reflected on his extraordinary rise from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company. In a heartfelt post shared on his social media, Kyari expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he has received, particularly from former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu, who allowed him to serve in crucial roles within the nation’s energy sector.
He wrote:
“Allah, by His grace, spared my life to this exceptional day, making it my 60th year from birth, even much earlier on the Hijri calendar. I am profoundly grateful to my country for giving me the opportunity to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company. Even more particularly, I deeply appreciate the exceptional privilege given to me by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.”
Kyari acknowledged the significant events and challenges he has faced throughout his life, describing his experiences as a mixture of good and bad times, triumphs and setbacks, and joys and pains—emphasizing that only the grace of Allah could explain his journey.
Reflecting on the milestone, he shared:
“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I spent to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes and many more that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain. At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing.”God Turned Me From Almajiri Pupil To NNPC CEO – Mele Kyari
Kyari also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to his family, friends, associates, and colleagues at NNPCL for their unwavering support throughout his career. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family, particularly due to his demanding role, and asked for forgiveness from anyone he may have unintentionally or inadvertently hurt.
“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good. My deep appreciation to my family, friends and associates, my colleagues at work and my teachers (westernGod Turned Me From Almajiri Pupil To NNPC CEO – Mele Kyari and of Almajiri extractions), and many unmentioned people who account for many of my accomplishments, unconditional support and my overall wellbeing. This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”
Kyari’s 60th birthday marks not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of his significant contribution to Nigeria’s energy sector, where he has led the transformation of the NNPC into a major player in Africa’s energy industry.
News
Elon Musk May Acquire English Premier League Giant
Elon Musk, father of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has confirmed that his son has expressed interest in buying Liverpool Football Club, though he stopped short of confirming any actual purchase plans.
In an interview, when asked about rumors connecting Elon Musk to the potential acquisition of the Premier League club, Errol initially deflected the question, saying, “I can’t comment on that. They’ll raise the price,” followed by a laugh. However, he later admitted, “Oh, yes. But that doesn’t mean he’s buying it. He would like to, yes, obviously. Anybody would want to – so would I!”
Errol Musk also noted the family’s personal connection to Liverpool, adding, “His grandmother was born in Liverpool, and we have relatives there. We were fortunate to know quite a lot of the Beatles because they grew up with some of my family. So, we are attached to Liverpool, you know.”
While Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the current owners of Liverpool FC, have not made an official statement regarding the matter, the acknowledgment of Elon Musk’s interest adds fuel to the ongoing speculation. However, no formal negotiations have been confirmed.
Elon Musk, currently the richest person in the world, is well known for owning major companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). He is also a prominent figure within the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
News
Tinubu splits Nigerian college of aviation into six campuses across Nigeria
…as Akure, Ilorin, Ebonyi others get campus
President Tinubu has split the Nigerian College of Aviation, Zaria – Kaduna State into 6 campuses with 1 in each geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
SEE LOCATIONS:
1. Akure (Southwest);
2. Osubi (South-South);
3. Ebonyi (Southeast);
4. Ilorin (North Central); and
5. Yola (North-East).
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