News

Reps Condemn Inhumane Treatment Of Super Eagles In Libya, Call For Investigation

Published

2 months ago

October 16, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has condemned in its entirety the inhumane treatment, frustration of the Super Eagles and its delegation by the Libyan Football Federation/Libyan Government.

The House also urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately invite the Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria for questioning on the Maltreatment of the NIgeria Super Eagles contingent to Libya.

The lawmakers also directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to make an official complaint to Confederation of African Football, CAF and Federation of International Football Association, FIFA for the dehumanization of the Super Eagles players and NFF contingent by the Libyan Authorities on the 13-14″ of October in Libya.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the “Urgent Need To Condemn The Inhumane Treatment Meted Out To Super Eagles Consent At Libya Airport”, moved by Rep. Kabiru Amadu on Tuesday at plenary.

Leading the debate on the motion, Rep. Amasdu explained that, the Super Eagles of Nigeria was expected to play a return match fixture of the Africa Cup of Nation qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Tuesday, 15″ of October 2024 after they were defeated by the Super Eagles 1-0 at Uyo, Akwa-lbom, Nigeria.

The motion reads: “Also note that, the Super Eagles of Nigeria flew to Libya on Sunday 13″ October 2024 to play the return match of the qualifiers at the Martyrs of February Stadium, Benghazi, Libya at 8:00 PM onthe Tuesday 15” October 2024.

“Further note that among the Super Eagles contingent are House of Representatives members led by the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Sports and also the Deputy Governor of Edo State, members of NFF Board and the entire crew of NFF.

“Concerned about the frustrating 18-hour ordeal faced by the super Eagles of Nigeria at Al-Abraq International Airport in Libya, where they were left stranded on arrival at 14:00hr on Sunday 13” of October 2024 till the team and the contingent departed from the airport, after 18 hours.

“Also concerned that, the team and the delegation were en-route to Benghazi in Libya, before their aircraft was unexpectedly diverted mid-flight to AlAbraq, a small Airport typically reserved for hajj operations.

“Disturbed, that despite diverting the flight to a small Alrport with little or no amenities, the Libyan authorities did not allow the team to get out of the Airport or move to their hotel, no access to the Internet, no food, the Airport

was cordoned and they were held hostage for 18 hours”.

The lawmaker expressed worries that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a statement on Monday, 14th October 2024 NFF decried the chaotic situation and inhuman treatment meted out to the super Eagles and the entire contingent, unable to reach their hotel In Benghazi, which Is three hours away from the Airport.

“Cognizant that the fatigued and frustrated players resolved not to play the match any longer due to the hostilities by the Libyan Football Federation/Libyan Government”, Amadu said.

The House unanimously adoption the motion and mandated its Committee on Sports and Foreign Affairs to investigate the incident and report back for further legislative action.

News

Nigeria Needs Comprehensive Reforms To Expand Its Tax Base – Speaker Abbas

Published

6 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…say we’re consulting stakeholders to address concerns of 4 tax bill

…assure NASS will ensure equity, protection of vulnerable Nigerians

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has said that Nigeria needs “comprehensive tax reforms to broaden the nation’s tax base.

Speaker Abbas stated this while delivering the votes of thanks during the presentation of the 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly by President Tinubu, said that the leadership of the House has commenced a series of engagements with the relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised on the four tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He reiterated the commitment of the House, and indeed the National Assembly to ensure equity and the protection of vulnerable Nigerians.

He said, “Nigeria’s low tax revenue also remains a major constraint. Our tax-to-GDP ratio, currently at approximately 10.9 per cent for 2024, is among the lowest in Africa, significantly below the continental average of 15.6 per cent. In comparison, South Africa’s tax-to-GDP ratio stands at 25.4 per cent, while Rwanda and Ghana, with much smaller populations, report ratios of 15.1 per cent and 14.1 per cent, respectively.

“Even our VAT collection efficiency – at approximately 20 per cent – is notably below the near 70 per cent efficiency achieved by South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, and Zambia.”

“Addressing these challenges requires urgent and comprehensive tax reforms to broaden our tax base, improve compliance, streamline administration and reduce reliance on borrowing.”

Speaker Abbas, therefore, stated the preparedness of the National Assembly to work with the President Tinubu-led administration towards achieving the required reforms.

“The National Assembly will continue to work with your administration to ensure that such reforms are equitable, effective, and considerate of the needs of vulnerable populations.

“To this end, we have engaged stakeholders to address concerns raised on the tax reform bills, fostering trust and cooperation. I have personally led numerous high-level meetings and consultations with state governors and other key stakeholders on this issue, achieving positive outcomes”, he added

According to Speaker Abbas, the reforms by the Tinubu administration have “disrupted the status quo, sparking resistance from vested interests.”

He added: “Yet, these courageous measures underscore your resolve to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.”

“The National Assembly stands ready to support these reforms through legislative backing and to facilitate public engagement for greater understanding and acceptance.”

He stated that collaboration between the three arms of the government remains essential to achieving the shared objectives.

News

TALL Forcast: 2025 Budget will bring down inflation to 15%, dollar to N1,500-Tinubu

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has said that the 2025 budget forecasts that inflation will decline from current 34.6% to 15% next year.

He said this during his presentation of the N47.9 trillion 2025 budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The President also said that the exchange rate will improve from approximately N1,700 per dollar to N1,500.

According to Tinubu, “this is an ambitious but necessary budget to secure our future.”

“The Budget projects inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6 per cent to 15 per cent next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately 1,700 naira per US dollar to 1,500 naira, and a base crude oil production assumption of 2.06 million barrels per day,”Tinubu said.

He said the budget projections are based upon observations such as reduction of petroleum products importation, increased export of finished petroleum products, bumper harvest driven by enhanced security, reducing reliance on food imports, among others.

Tinubu listed highlights of the budget to include defence and security – N4.91tn, infrastructure – N4.06tn, health – N2.4tn, education – N3.5tn, among others.

Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship following incessant increase in inflation and volatile exchange rate that has seen dollar exchange as high as N1,700 in recent days.

On Monday, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 34.60% in November 2024 from 33.88% in October 2024.

The November inflation rate showed an increase of 0.72% points compared to the October 2024 inflation rate, according to NBS’s latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and services.

“On a year-on-year basis, the Headline inflation rate was 6.40% points higher than the rate recorded in November 2023 (28.20%). This shows that the Headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in November 2024 compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., November 2023),” the Bureau said.

Significantly, food inflation rate in November 2024 was 39.93% on a year-on-year basis, 7.08% points higher than the rate recorded in November 2023 (32.84%).

News

Finally, PDP Flushes Out Suspended National Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has formally announced the expulsion of the suspended National Vice Chairman (NVC) of the party in the Southeast, Mr. Ali Odefa from the party.

Ali Odefa was suspended from the party on September 11, 2024 by the Ward Executives of the party for his engagement in various anti party activities. The Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki while ruling on suit NO: FHC/AI/CS/182/2024 further affirmed the suspension on November 29, 2024.

Announcing the expulsion of Mr. Odefa at a well- attended press conference on Wednesday, the Acting Chairman of the PDP Oguduokwor, Hon. Onyedikachi Herbert Ovuta flanked by other Ward Executives stated that the expulsion of the erstwhile NVC follows the recommendation of the Party’s disciplinary committee that affirmed the allegations of anti-party activities leveled.

According to the party chairman, “The expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa follows the report, findings and recommendations of the Ward Disciplinary Committee of the party which is in line with the provisions of the party constitution.”

The party announced that Mr. Ali Odefa by the virtue of his suspension, therefore “ceases to be a member of the party.”

The party’s statement reads in part:

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oguduokowor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State hereby announce the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa, the suspended National Vice Chairman of the PDP, South East Zone from the party which takes immediate effect.

“The expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa follows the report, findings and recommendations of the Ward Disciplinary Committee of the party which is in line with the provisions of the party constitution.

“Recall that Chief Ali Odefa was suspended from the party by the Ward leadership on 11th September 2024.

“Consequent upon the judgement of the Federal High Court Abakaliki in suit number FHC/AI/CS/182/2024 which affirmed the suspension of Chief Ali Odefa, the Disciplinary Committee of PDP Oguduokwor Ward after their sittings on the above subject matter unanimously recommended that Chief Ali Odefa the Suspended PDP National Vice Chairman South East Zone be expelled from the party.

“The Executive Committee of PDP Oguduokwor Ward on 11th December 2024 after receiving the report, findings and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee of PDP Oguduokwor Ward unanimously approved the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa from the party which is compliance to section 58(1) and section 59(1) of the PDP constitution.

“Henceforth Chief Ali Odefa, seizes to be a member of our party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)