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Tax Reform: Gov Sule dismisses claims of rift with President Tinubu

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The governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has faulted the efforts to create a wedge between President Bola Tinubu and governors of the North over the controversial tax reform bills currently at the National Assembly, saying the governors who worked for his emergence have never and are not working against him.

Governor Sule made the disclosure on Friday while receiving a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, who visited him at the Government House in Lafia. He explained that what the northern governors called for was the need for further consultation on the tax reform bill before the National Assembly, which encompasses the Value Added Tax.

He accused some vested interests of spreading false information with the intent to cause political tension through unfounded insinuations that the northern governors were opposed to the president.

According to Sule, people who were opposed to Tinubu’s presidency are now pretending to be his better supporters more than those who fought for his victory.

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For some people making noise and saying the Northern governors are fighting the President, nobody is fighting the President. How could you fight a President who has made you look good? This is the truth. All we are saying is that some aspects of it, we need to look into it,” he said.

Sule thanked President Tinubu for enacting policies that have made governance and development easy in Nasarawa State without going into debt, saying he could not kick against a leader who has made meaningful contributions to the state’s progress.

The governor said there was a need for better understanding of some of the provisions in the tax reform bills. “We called for the withdrawal of the bills to review some aspects. They said it’s a wrong language, that amendments can be made without withdrawing the bills. I said that’s fine. I’m not looking for any trouble,” he explained.

On Value Added Tax, Governor Sule leaned on his private sector experience to impress upon its necessity for state finances.

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He explained that Nasarawa State receives over N4 billion monthly from VAT, which has been very critical for its capital projects. He expressed apprehension over possible changes in the formula for sharing VAT due to the implication for states like Nasarawa, which rely so much on such revenue with their very meager IGR.

I know more about VAT than most of those arguing about it. Having been a chief executive, I know how it is generated and used. Today, it is the lifeblood of many states. Take away VAT from FAAC and you will see how we will all be struggling to fund projects, and I must speak for my people.”.

Governor Sule thanked the CAN Chairman, Very Reverend Dr. Sunday Emma, and his team for calling on the government to create more awareness on the tax reforms. He aligned himself with the call for comprehensive sensitization to be given to Nigerians on the proposed changes.

If they do proper sensitization and address the VAT issue, I will be fully supportive of the tax reforms. But it will be difficult without that, especially for states with low IGR,” he concluded.

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Earlier, Dr. Emma had urged both federal and state governments to prioritize awareness campaigns about the tax reforms to foster greater public understanding and inclusion.

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HoR Minority Caucus decries killings in Plateau, Benue states, urges immediate presidential decisive actions

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The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed serious concerns over killings in Plateau and Benue states demanding immediate presidential decisive actions.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by leaders of the caucus, Rep Kingsley Chinda, leader, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ali Isa J.C
Minority Whip ,Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki Deputy Minority Leader ,Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
Deputy Minority Whip.

The caucus in the statement outrightly condemned the disturbing trend of killings, maiming, and kidnapping of innocent people across the country.

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” Following the killings of over 50 people in Bokkos, Plateau state; loss of many lives in twin attacks in Otukpo, Benue state, coming a few days after the Uromi, Edo state unfortunate incident, the Caucus is seriously worried about these growing acts of brigandage and unprovoked attacks on law-abiding citizens.

The Caucus is deeply concerned that with reckless abandon, deliberate disrespect for human lives, and disregard for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, these marauders inflict merciless torture, unexplainable pains, and callous killings of helpless, and defenceless Nigerians.

These gruesome murders and the shedding of the blood of innocent lives happening in quick successions in three locations across the country, stands condemnable by every conscionable Nigerian.

The ferociousness and sporadic nature of the vicious actions perpetrated by yet unknown persons remains shocking.

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Worried about the dangers this portends to the security of lives and properties of Nigerians; which is the main purpose of government, the Caucus calls on President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate, intentional, and timely decisions towards nipping the disturbing tide in the bud.

Good, he has directed that the perpetrators should be apprehended. However, given the severity of these incidents, and implications on national security, the Caucus urges the president; through the National Security Adviser to ensure that all security agencies embark on comprehensive and strategic collaboration towards arresting those involved in these heinous and gory incidents.

The government should ensure the immediate release of the numerous innocent people that were kidnapped during the dastardly incidents.

The Caucus commiserates with the government, and people of Plateau, and Benue states over the unfortunate incidents. The Caucus also expresses deep condolences to the families of the victims, and pray for the quick release of those kidnapped.

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Finally, as a responsive and responsible group of lawmakers, the Caucus promises to pursue legislative actions; where and when necessary towards finding realistic solutions to these negative developments in our country.

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OERAF held memorial lecture on conflict resolution, security/safety of community in Nigeria

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The Olotu and Rowland Ekuogbe Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) on Tuesday 8th April, 2025 held memorial lecture on conflict resolution and security/safety of community in Nigeria, in honour of late chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D, who was born on April 4th 1924 and passed on April 9th 1995.

The event which took place at the popular Ughelli Kingdom Hall, witnessed several brilliant security experts and government functionalities.

Presenting his brief opening speech, the Executive Director of Olotu and Rowland Ekuogbe Akpodiete Foundation, SPY CSP Olotu Otemu Akpodiete Ph.D (JP) revealed that over the years, the foundation has been touching lives and rendering community impact services across board.

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He maintained that his late grand father was a great community leader per excellence and until his death, he was the spoke person (Otota) of the great Ughelli Kingdom. which is why as we celebrate his remembrance, I decided to use the opportunity to impact more lives.” He added.

On his part, the guest speaker of the event, Mr Sylvester Obose, CSS,MNIIS dealt wonderously on the topic.

According to him, Mr Sylvester said the training focuses on the definition, causes of conflict, and dynamics of conflicts.

He further said that the goal was to increase participants knowledge of the concept and study of conflict and conflicts prevention.

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He concluded that the safety and security of our community is something that is of paramount importance. By implementing those measures presented to you today, everyone of us stand a better chance of making community safe and secured.

Dr Wilton T. Harry, MIS, CPP,DFCSI,FNIS, also spoke extensively on the same topic during the security training. He posited that the security of lives and properties is a collective responsibility.

The OERAF Executive Director also use the medium to register several others into the Delta State Contributory health insurance scheme.

Dignitaries present during the training were: Olorogun Major Patrick A. Egone Rtd, member Delta State Advisory Council, Chief Emmanuel Ogobene, member Delta State Advisory Council, Mr Edwin Asima, LGSC, Ughelli North Local Government, Chief. Mrs Grace Akpodiete, Deaconess Florence Enughwure, Bar. Agboka Akpodiete- Omale.

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Other highlights of the event was the organizing of raffle draws for all the communities present and Ughelli Kingdom VGN, where Erhuwarien Community in Ughelli South LGA and Ekredjebo Community in Ughelli North LGA won security communication gadgets.

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NLC Warns Abure to Step Aside, Urges LP Members to Be on Standby

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By  Gloria Ikibah

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to Julius Abure, following the Supreme Court ruling on April 4, 2025, which declared the tenure of Mr. Abure and his National Working Committee (NWC) as expired and no longer legally recognized.

Despite the court’s clear ruling, Mr. Abure has continued to release statements insisting he remains the chairman of the Labour Party (LP). The NLC has strongly condemned his actions, describing them as “an affront” to the rule of law and the authority of Nigeria’s highest court.

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In a statement signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Congress accused Abure and his supporters of “crass disdain for decency” and warned that the patience of Nigerian workers and genuine LP members is wearing thin.

“The current affront of Mr. Julius Abure and co-travellers against the law… has convinced those who doubted our earlier position that Mr. Julius Abure and the few miscreants following him have sworn themselves to utter impunity,” the statement read.

The NLC also debunked allegations that it was planning to attack Labour Party offices, calling such claims false and a distraction from the real issue of compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.

“We use this medium to put every Nigerian worker, Labour Party member, and patriotic citizen on alert. We will no longer condone the antics of inconsequential characters like Mr. Julius Abure,” Ajaero said.

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He added that the NLC and its allies would not stand by while the rule of law is undermined and urged all genuine members of the Labour Party to prepare to “peacefully repossess all offices of Labour Party nationwide.”

According to the statement, the NLC Political Commission and concerned stakeholders will soon issue directives on how this will be carried out. They also called on security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police and the DSS, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and support the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s judgment.

The statement also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully comply with the court’s ruling by removing all traces of Mr. Abure and his team from its records.

To resolve the current leadership crisis in the Labour Party, the NLC said the remaining institutional members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) are expected to appoint an interim leadership and organize a Special National Convention, as prescribed by the party’s constitution.

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“A word is enough for the wise!” Ajaero added.

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