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Kano Govt rejects Tinubu’s tax reform bills
The Kano State Government has described as ill-timed, the introduction of President Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Bills, rejecting it in all ramifications.
The government said the bills would do more harm than good to the people of the state.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, voiced strong opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed tax reform bills at Filin Mahaha, Kofar Naisa open theatre, where thousands of residents gathered to enjoy music and cultural displays to welcome the New Year.
He described the proposed tax reforms as “ill-timed, lopsided and inimical to the unity of the country”.
“Nigerians in general, and the North in particular, are groaning under hyper inflation and unprecedented insecurity, therefore the Presidency should pay more attention to tackling extreme poverty and hunger, especially in the northern part of the country.
“This tax reform bill is not the solution to our economic challenges. Kano State stands firmly against any policy that negatively affects the welfare of our people,” the deputy governor declared, drawing resounding applause from the crowd.
He highlighted the administration’s achievements in healthcare, education, road construction and foreign scholarship initiatives.
Additionally, he reminded residents of the Supreme Court ruling in January 2024 that confirmed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as the duly elected governor of Kano State.
The deputy governor also celebrated the reinstatement of Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II in 2024, describing it as a victory for the people’s will. He reiterated that the authority to appoint an Emir lies solely with the Governor of Kano State and urged those meddling in Kano Emirate affairs to respect the law and uphold peace.
The evening featured performances by renowned Hausa artists, creating a joyful atmosphere for families and friends.
As midnight struck, a spectacular fireworks display illuminated the Kano skyline, symbolising hope and renewal for the new year.
Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam encouraged Kano residents to remain united and steadfast, saying, “Let 2025 be a year of shared prosperity and progress. Together, we will build a stronger Kano.”
Earlier, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Yusuf Jibril Falgore, extended his New Year greetings and called on citizens to continue supporting the state government’s efforts to deliver the dividends of democracy.
The 2025 New Year celebrations showcased Kano’s rich cultural heritage and reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
Members of the Enugu State Caucus of Peoples Democratic Party, ( PDP) in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji , Rt. Hon. Martins Oke and Hon Anayo Onwuegbu have welcomed Rt. Hon. Dennis Agbo and Hon. Chidi Mark Obeta of Labour Party, (LP) to the PDP fold.
They observed that the visionary leadership of Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mba in Enugu State has ignited massive decamps and unprecedented upsurge of membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the state.
The caucus in a statement issued after the two members of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Dennis Agbo of Igboeze North/ Udenu and Chidi Mark Obeta who represents Nsukka/Igboeze South formally announced their transfer of membership to PDP at the resumption of House plenary on Tuesday said it was gladdening to receive them into the PDP fold.
They stressed that PDP in Enugu State was witnessing a great rebirth as a result of the transformative development agenda being unleashed in various sectors of the economy of the state by Governor Mba which has received global commendations.
The Enugu State caucus Leader, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji on behalf of the members further noted that Governor Mba’s investments in infrastructure, agro economy, and security among others have made Enugu State a tourist’s haven adding that with the good governance structure he has put in place, his second tenure would be a walkover.
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, along with twenty-one other former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), elected into the Assembly has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a major realignment of political stakeholders across the state.
The defection of the twenty-two lawmakers has effectively transformed the Delta State House of Assembly into a one-party legislature, as the remaining seven members were originally elected on the ticket of the APC.
Announcing the development on Tuesday during the resumption of plenary after the Easter break, the Speaker stated that the decision was the result of extensive consultations with their constituents and political leaders throughout the state.
He emphasized that the move aligned with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
While expressing appreciation to members for their contributions so far, Guwor urged the House to ensure the completion of all pending bills as the second legislative session nears its end.
He noted that the political shift towards the APC was in response to the realignment of stakeholders and the desire to align with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
“The mass defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to the All Progressives Congress was made in the overall interest of Deltans and the state,” the Speaker said.
He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations held on April 23 and which cumulated on the official reception on April 28, 2025, at the Government House and the Cenotaph, respectively.
He said: “We are fully committed to partnering with the Federal Government to deliver greater development to Deltans.
“On behalf of the House, I commend the courage and visionary leadership of our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in making this strategic and timely decision.
“As a legislative body, we stand with His Excellency in this endeavour. This renewed partnership between the state and Federal Government must be supported and allowed to flourish, so that we can begin to enjoy its benefits in the shortest possible time.”
He informed the House that he had received twenty-two letters (including his own) notifying of the change of party affiliation from the PDP to the APC.
The defection, he said, was driven by instability within the PDP’s national leadership and factional divisions within the South-South Zonal Executive Committee, leading to internal conflicts and disunity within the party.
Citing Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Speaker affirmed the constitutional basis for the defection.
“With this action, the Delta State House of Assembly is now composed entirely of members from the All Progressives Congress. We thank our constituents for endorsing this progressive course of action”.
A motion to adopt the letters of party change was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by Hon. Ferguson Onwo, who represents Isoko South II.
Speaking to journalists after the plenary, the Majority Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi reiterated that the defection was prompted by the crisis within the PDP.
“Our decision was based on the instability at the national level and the factionalization at the South-South level. Consequently, we chose to move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, in accordance with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” he said.
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