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Southern Reps Caucus Welcomes Tax Reform Bill, Open to Dialogue
Members of the House of Representatives Southern Caucus have expressed frankness to dialogue on the proposed tax reform bills currently before the NationalAssembly.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, in Abuja, Rep. Nicholas Mutu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Bomadi/Patani federal constituency of Delta State confirmed their willingness to engage constructively.
Mutu stated: “The Southern Caucus of the House of Representatives has met and welcomed the tax reform bill with enthusiasm. At the right time, we will address the concerns raised and incorporate the people’s interests that might be missing in the bill. The bill is good for Nigeria, and we are open to discussions.
“We are not outrightly endorsing the bill; we are open to dialogue. This is the first step. We acknowledge the bill and are ready to deliberate on its contents”.
Fredrick Agbedi (PDP-Bayelsa), addressing questions on the bill’s legislative process, explained: “The National Assembly has the constitutional responsibility to review and pass proposals, whether from the executive or private individuals. This bill, signed by the president, will follow due process, including consultations with the public. As representatives, we are in constant communication with our constituents and will ensure the final law reflects their input.
“Our role is to ensure a fair, inclusive tax law. The process involves rigorous scrutiny and amendments before passage by both chambers of the National Assembly. The president will then assent to the revised bill.”
Babajimi Benson also emphasized the importance of thorough review:
“National bills often bring diverse interests to the table, but through negotiation and dialogue, we aim to reach a consensus that benefits Nigerians. The tax reform bill will undergo careful consideration to ensure it serves the people’s best interests.”
The Southern Caucus reaffirmed their readiness to contribute to a robust legislative process, ensuring the tax reform aligns with the nation’s development goals.
United States president, Donald Trump, has congratulated cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as the new Pope, Leo XIV.
In a post on his Facebook page, Trump expressed excitement over the development and described the election as an honour to the American people.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment,” he stated.
White smoke rose from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, indicating the election of a new pope.
Robert Prevost is to be addressed as Pope Leo XIV.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete a satirical apology she posted on her social media pages.
On 27 April, Akpoti-Uduaghan shared a short video in which she mockingly apologised to Akpabio, claiming it was for not allowing him to have his way with her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stated she was ‘sorry for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect’ and for rejecting the advances of the Senate President, whom she implied believed no one could refuse him.
The dispute between the two senators stems from an altercation in the Senate chamber over seating arrangements.
This led to Akpoti-Uduaghan initiating a suit that sought to stop the Senate from investigating her for alleged misconduct.
In particular, the senator asked the court to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, from taking any disciplinary action against her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was later suspended following her accusations against the Senate President, accusing him of sexual harassment.
The presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, on 4 April 2025, restrained all parties involved in the suit from making public comments about the ongoing case.
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, has filed a fresh application asking the court to direct Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete the video, arguing it violated a judge’s directive.
In his application, Akpabio’s lawyer also requested the court to order Akpoti-Uduaghan to remove the post from all her social media accounts.
Additionally, Ogunwumiju urged the court to mandate Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a written apology in at least two national newspapers and file an affidavit confirming her compliance.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra on Thursday announced that the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has officially adopted President Bola Tinubu as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Mr Soludo made the announcement at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka during the President’s working visit to the state.
According Mr Soludo, APGA and the All Progressives Congress, APC, will work together, as both parties share a common belief in progressivism.
Mr Soludo said: “Progressives are working together.”
Earlier, the President described Mr Soludo as a competent governor.
While inaugurating several major projects executed by the Soludo administration, the President described Mr Soludo as a friend and a visionary leader.
He said: “I am honoured to be here. I commend my friend, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who is a visionary and competent leader for the work he has been doing in Anambra State.”
The projects set to be commissioned by the President include Emeka Anyaoku Center at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the new Government House, the Solution Fun City, and the 8-lane Aroma–Government House Boulevard in Awka.
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