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Mubarak Bala: Appeal Court Reduces Atheist’s Blasphemy Sentence to 5 Years

Published

6 months ago

May 14, 2024

In a significant development, the Nigerian Court of Appeal in Kano has reduced the 24-year blasphemy sentence of Mubarak Bala, an atheist and President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, to five years. Bala was initially sentenced in April 2022 by a Kano State High Court for allegedly committing blasphemy against Allah and Prophet Muhammad.

Bala’s arrest in 2020 sparked widespread attention, and his subsequent sentencing drew international condemnation. His legal team, led by James Ibor, appealed the sentence, arguing that it was excessive and violated the law.

On Monday, the Court of Appeal reduced Bala’s sentence to five years, citing that the initial sentence was “against the law.

While Bala’s legal team welcomes the reduction, they are eager to review the full judgment, expected to be published later this week. The team also seeks clarification on the court’s position regarding Bala’s challenge to the jurisdiction of the court, despite his guilty plea.

Humanists International, a global organization advocating for human rights, has been closely following Bala’s case. They believe Bala has been targeted for his peaceful exercise of freedom of religion and expression and urged the Appeal Court to quash his conviction and facilitate his immediate release.

The reduced sentence is seen as a positive development, but concerns remain about the broader implications for freedom of expression and religious beliefs in Nigeria. As the case continues to unfold, many will be watching closely to see how the legal system addresses these critical issues.

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Nigeria Struggles With 6% Tax GDP Ratio – Speaker Abbas

Published

1 hour ago

November 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…say Reps has not take any definitive position on tax reform bills

….as presidency say bills not designed against any region

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed concerns over Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, which currently stands at a mere 6 per cent.

The Speaker noted that this figure was significantly below the global average and the World Bank’s recommended minimum benchmark of 15 per cent necessary for sustainable development, despite Nigeria being Africa’s largest economy.

Abbas stated this at an interactive session on Tax Reform Bills at the National Assembly Complex on Monday in Abuja.

He stated, “Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, struggles with a tax-to-GDP ratio of just 6 per cent, far below the global average and the World Bank’s minimum benchmark of 15 per cent for sustainable development. This is a challenge we must address if we are to reduce our reliance on debt financing, ensure fiscal stability, and secure our future as a nation.”

The Speaker highlighted the importance of the proposed tax reforms in diversifying Nigeria’s revenue base, ensuring equity, and fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation.

“The proposed tax reform bills aim to diversify our revenue base, promote equity, and foster an enabling environment for investment and innovation. However, as representatives of the people, we must approach these reforms thoughtfully, understanding their potential implications for every segment of society.

Taxes should be fair, transparent, and justifiable, balancing the need for public revenue with the burdens they impose on individuals and businesses”, Abbas added.

Acknowledging public concerns and debates surrounding the bills, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need for thorough deliberation and clarification of contentious issues.

“The controversies surrounding these bills, whether in the media, civil society, or among governance stakeholders, are a reflection of their importance.

Such debates are healthy and necessary in a democracy, and this session aims to channel those discussions into productive outcomes. It is critical that we listen to diverse perspectives, ask probing questions, and seek clarity on any unclear provisions,” he stated.

He reassured Nigerians that the House has not yet adopted a position on the bills and is committed to ensuring that the final legislation serves the best interests of the nation. “The House has not yet taken a definitive position on these bills. Our role is to scrutinise them thoroughly, ensuring they align with the best interests of our constituents and the nation at large. We owe this duty to Nigerians,” he said.

The Speaker also stressed the importance of balancing national interests with the needs of citizens, reiterating that “Taxes should be fair, transparent, and justifiable, balancing the need for public revenue with the burdens they impose on individuals and businesses.”

Rep. Abbas underscored the significance of pre-legislative scrutiny as a vital parliamentary practice to resolve ambiguities and ensure alignment with constitutional provisions, and described the interactive session as an opportunity for lawmakers to engage with experts and stakeholders to better understand the potential implications of the proposed reforms.

Addressing the session, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, clarified that the proposed tax reform bills were not designed to undermine or marginalize any region.

Iyedele emphasized that the reforms aim to enhance efficiency and boost revenue allocation to states based on consumption patterns.

He explained, “Currently, under Section 40 of the VAT Act, VAT revenue is allocated 15 per cent to the Federal Government, 50 per cent to the States and FCT, and 35 per cent to Local Governments. There is no negative thinking about any region or anything.”

Oyedele outlined key aspects of the reforms, which include amendments to income tax laws to support remote work opportunities, particularly in the global business process outsourcing sector.

Other provisions include tax exemptions for small businesses with an annual turnover of N50 million or less, alongside initiatives aimed at boosting exports and promoting the digital economy to create more opportunities for Nigerian youths.

News

Galatasaray technical director opens up on nature of Osimhen’s contract

Published

2 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Naijablitznews

Galatasaray technical director Okan Buruk has confirmed the presence of a clause in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen loan deal.
Buruk explains that the January clause in Victor Osimhen’s contract allows the player to explore opportunities with various interested clubs during the January transfer window.

This statement came during an interview on the official website of the Turkish champions, where Buruk discussed various topics related to the team.

During the interview, Buruk explained that Osimhen would like to stay at Galatasaray until the end of the season.

He noted that although there is a transfer clause in force, the player has expressed his intention to stay at the club, which he reiterated from the beginning of his arrival.

He stated, “Osimhen wants to stay here until the season is over and he has said this consistently. Although there is a clause regarding January transfers, ultimately it is the player’s decision and he feels committed to staying.”

Reflecting on how the club secured Osimhen’s services, Buruk shared: “I traveled to Milan when I had the chance. Because I lived there for three years, I feel comfortable there. We didn’t talk about football during my visit; instead, we enjoyed dinner together for two days, which helped foster a good relationship. After a match against Adana Demirspor, we had a video call at the airport to discuss the options, and after careful consultation with our transfer committee and the president, we completed the transfer.”

Osimhen joined Galatasaray on the final day of the summer transfer window after negotiations with Chelsea and Al Ahly failed to materialize. He quickly adapted to his new surroundings and made significant contributions with eight goals and four assists in just nine appearances in all competitions.

Eaglespath

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Ondo: Gov Aiyedatiwa says he’s not aware of vote buying on his behalf

Published

2 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Naijablitznews

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has stated that he was not aware that his political associates bought votes on his behalf.

This is coming a few hours after he emerged victorious in all the 18 local government areas of the state.

According to report, the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was accused of vote-buying after his victory in the November 16 election.

However, speaking in an interview with Channel TV on Sunday night, the governor noted that the oppositions are using the vote-buying allegation as an excuse for their loss.

“I’m not aware of such. The opposition will want to say that to make excuses for their failure, but for us, it is what we worked for; the people have spoken through their votes.

” There won’t be any reason to buy votes because Ondo people know what they want. I’m not aware of people buying votes on my behalf.”