News
Clark To Northern Govs: Stop Arrogance Of Power, Tax Reforms Must Go On
Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has faulted the pushback by the 19 northern governors against the tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu.
“As far as I am concerned, that tax bill must go on,” the nonagenarian said on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television.
The new tax bills introduced by the Tinubu administration have been enveloped in widespread controversy and sparked scathing criticisms and stiff opposition from many including the 36 state governors under the aegis of the National Economic Council (NEC).
The 19 governors in northern Nigeria have also unequivocally rejected sections of the bills and called for the withdrawal of the bills from the National Assembly.
Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), faulted the stance of the northern governors after NEC took a position.
“I was so shocked when I learned that the 19 governors of the north have met again. If 36 of you met, why are you meeting again? The northern governors, most of them, don’t realise what they are doing. So, the double standards, this arrogance of power must stop,” he said.
The PANDEF leader said the President needs wisdom to govern Nigeria “because certain individuals want to run this country as their own country. When they decide to share, they must ask where the money they are sharing comes from. So, you must pay tax”.
Clark also expressed displeasure over the stance of NEC on the tax bills, saying the governors and Vice President Kashim Shettima are turning the council into an executive body.
He said, “I was shocked when the 36 governors under the chairmanship of the vice president discussed that Mr President should set aside the bill for further consultation. Not only that, the 19 northern governors came together and met but they should ask themselves what have we gained for dividing Nigeria. 19 governors, 17 governors, Today you have Progressive Governors, PDP Governors. These are not helping Nigeria.
“That body (NEC) is a constitutional body set up by the constitution of Nigeria as an advisory council under the chairmanship of Mr Vice President should meet with all the governors attending but today the governors have converted that council to an executive body. They have now gone into politics.
“The question is who are they going to consult? How many times have they consulted their people? They don’t stay at home. They are always in Abuja thinking that they will get more money.”
Clark said Nigeria does not belong to the President and he should stop appointing his allies as ministers.
“I think the leadership should embrace everybody in this country…But today, you look for all your friends, whether they are competent, whether they are honest; it’s wrong.
“Nigeria does not belong to Mr President; Nigeria belongs to everybody. Every Nigerian is equal. And unless we believe that every Nigerian can rise to the top of the position, otherwise there will be no Nigeria, the problems will be there,” he said.
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
Speaker Abbas Hails Governor Bago @51
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
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