Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has said it is unfortunate that majority of people, including some lawmakers, do not understand the contents of the tax reform bills.

He said the controversial bills were quickly passed for second reading to allow the public make comments on them.

The bills, which were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu earlier in September, have sparked reactions, especially among Northerners, who felt the legislation would further plunge the region into more economic hardship.

Northern governors, traditional leaders and other different groups have rejected the bills, saying they are inimical to the region and the nation at large.

Barau disclosed this in an interview with BBC Hausa service, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State decried that governors would not be able to pay salaries if the bills were passed into law, expressing concerns over how the bills had received urgent attention at the National Assembly.

But speaking with BBC Hausa, Senator Barau Jibrin, who has come under heavy criticisms especially on social media for supporting the bills, said the speedy passage was to enable Nigerians have room to comment on the legislation before considering the next line of action.

He said, “Because of the contents of the bills, we decided to invite experts or the people who developed them on behalf of the President to explain to us the provisions of the bills and also advise us so that Nigerians will know about it.

“The bills have to scale the second reading before they could be taken to the committee for a review. And while we could ask (the committee) questions, Nigerians who might have only watched it on the television could not have room to ask questions. That was why it was resolved that the bills would be passed for the second reading so that Nigerians would have the chance to comment, give their contributions and also ask questions.”

Asked why the bills were not first presented to the committee before passing them for the second reading, Barau said, “No, it is not done that way. It has to pass the second reading before it can be taken to the committee. The second reading is done so that the public can have room to pass their comments on it. That is why the bills were presented to the committee now so that they will review, x-ray it and tell us the contents therein.

“The second reading is not the end of the process. No, that is even where the process begins. And it was done in order to enable the public (youth, children, women, clerics and everyone) to comment and register their complaints about it,” he stated.

Responding to whether lawmakers were aware of the hardship the bills could subject Nigerians to, Barau remarked, “Nobody will do something that will have negative impact on his people. The issue now is to first know the provisions of the bills. Majority of people don’t even know the contents therein, even some of our lawmakers.

“We have to first have a grasp of the bills before they would be understood, that was why it was sent to the committee for them to review so that we know the situation. We will also invite experts to go through it, but we have not gotten to that level now.”

Hon Yusuff Abdullahi Abiodun has sent his congratulatory message the new ASIWAJU MUSULUMI OF OSOGBO LAND, ALHAJI ADEBAYO MUNIRUDEEN RAJI DALEGAN,

Osogbo Grand Imam, Sheik Musa Animashaun has appointed Alhaji Muniru Raji as the Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogboland.

The new Asiwaju is the Special Adviser on POLITICAL AFFAIRS to the Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke.

Hon Yusuf Abdullah in his press statement stated Alhaji Munirudeen Raji is not new as your past records on Islamic affairs within NACOMYO from Oyo state and to Osun state till date,

He maintained that in Osogbo Muslim community knew your encouragement value as a great islamic warrior,unbiased brotherhood system makes your name shine within the globe.

May Almighty Allah SWT keep you for his work with more wisdom, knowledge and blessings, congratulations sir . Barakalhau fih.

The appointment was convened through an official letter signed by Chief Imam of Osogboland, Sheik Musa Animashaun and presented to the new Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogboland in the early hours of Tuesday at his Ido Osun residence.

Imam Abdulsalam Akinwumi, the Chief Ladan of Osogboland, Sheik Alayo led other Imams and Alfas to present the appointment letter.

Tthe new Asiwaju Musulumi of Osogboland, Alhaji Muniru Raji expressed gratitude to Allah, the grand Imam of Osun State, Sheik Imam Musa Animashaun and the entire Osogbo muslim community for deeming him worthy of the appointment. In his words.

“This appointment comes with great responsibilities and a huge call on me to further strengthen my contribution to the continuous growth of Islam in Osogboland.

Recall on Thursday reported that at least eight people died following the boat accident in the early hours of Friday along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the recovery of 22 bodies after the boat mishap that occurred between Baro and Akwanu communities in the Agaie local government area of Niger State.

Eyewitnesses had said the boat, belonging to one Musa Dangana, was carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm labourers, on their way to the Katcha weekly market when it capsized.

The tragedy threw everyone on board into the water.

The NSEMA in a statement signed by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah in Minna, said the incident occurred on Thursday night, 28 November, 2024, at about 2am.

He stated that the boat was sailing from Ebe Community of Kogi State with a population of almost 50 passengers heading to Katcha market, when the accident occurred.

According to him, NSEMA is currently directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and other community volunteers in the area.

“Thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers, twenty-two bodies have been recovered, and eight persons have been rescued alive so far.

“Eighteen out of the 22 bodies recovered are from Kogi State, while four are from Akwanu community in Agaie LG.”

He added that a search and rescue operation was still ongoing to locate more survivors.