News
Tinubu declares no going back on tax reforms
President Bola Tinubu has kicked against the recommendation of the National Economic Council (NEC) to withdraw the tax reform bills generating controversy.
The Northern Governors’ Forum had opposed the bills, saying they were against the interest of the region.
After its meeting on Thursday, NEC recommended that the bills should be withdrawn for more consultation.
But responding in a statement which Bayo Onanuga, his media aide issue on his behalf on Friday, Tinubu asked NEC to allow the process run its full course.
“President Bola Tinubu has received the National Economic Council’s recommendation that the tax reform bills already sent to the National Assembly be withdrawn for further consultation.”
“President Tinubu commends the National Economic Council members, especially Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 State Governors, for their advice. He believes that the legislative process, which has already begun, provides an opportunity for inputs and necessary changes without withdrawing the bills from the National Assembly.
“While urging the NEC to allow the process to take its full course, President Tinubu welcomes further consultations and engagement with key stakeholders to address any reservations about the bills while the National Assembly considers them for passage.”
The president said further imputes could be made during public hearings at parliament, explaining that the tax committee which put up the proposal consulted widely.
“When President Tinubu set up the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform in August 2023, he had only one objective: to reposition the economy for better productivity and efficiency and make the operating environment for investment and businesses more conducive. This objective remains more critical even today than ever before.
“The Committee worked for over a year and received inputs from various segments of society across the geopolitical zones, including trade associations, professional bodies, different Ministries and Government Agencies, Governors, traders, students, business owners, and the organised private sector.
“The tax reform bills that emerged were distilled from the extensive work of the Presidential Committee.
“The tax bills before the National Assembly aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration processes, completely overhaul the nation’s tax operations, and align them with global best practices.
News
BREAKING: FG Releases Funds For NASU Salaries, Retirees’ Benefits
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
After strike, the Federal Government has released funds to settle outstanding salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities and pay benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.
In a statement on Saturday by Bawa Mokwa, Director, Press and Public Relations, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation confirmed that payments to NASU members have commenced, with many already confirming receipt.
The statement read, “The Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salary of Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities.
According to the OAGF, the Federal Government has also released funds for payment of benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector.
“The OAGF said payments to the Non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities had commenced and many have confirmed receipt.”
The OAGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees.
On Monday, the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU embarked on an indefinite strike over its four months of withheld salary.
Since then, activities have been grounded in universities across the country.
In an earlier interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the National President of SSANU, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, did not receive salaries for four months.
He said as a result, the universities would remain completely shut down until the payments were made.
News
EndBadGovernance: Suspects deliberately fainted in court to draw negative media— IGP Egbetokun
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has alleged that six suspects who fainted in court before their arraignment on Friday, November 1, did so deliberately to draw negative media attention.
However, he said that medical help was given right away, highlighting the police’s dedication to the welfare of those in custody.
In a statement on Friday, he said: “Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to attract negative attention.
Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face
While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons. Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age.
This principle aligns with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young individuals who commit serious offences. As seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences. However, each case is approached with empathy and in accordance with human rights standards.”
News
Bill Seeking Provision Of Guidelines for Judgment Debts Payment Scale Second Reading 7
-
Metro23 hours ago
Drama in court as four kids brought for trial over end bad governance protests collapse
-
News23 hours ago
VeryDarkMan to appear in Court today over Allegations of impersonation
-
News18 hours ago
End bad governance protests: Drama in court as four kids brought for trial slump
-
Foreign19 hours ago
Billionaires, celebrities endorsing Donald Trump, Kamala Harris
-
News19 hours ago
Alleged Impersonation: Police arraigned VeryDarkMan, gets N2m bail
-
Sports7 hours ago
Messi Rules Out Coaching After Retirement
-
News7 hours ago
How we made it possible to free abducted Dr Ganiyat from bandits den – Army
-
Sports7 hours ago
Floyd Mayweather to lose his Bugatti and Ferrari after failing to pay $2.4million to a Nigerian company