The Bauchi State Government has dismissed allegations that it allocated N400 million in the 2025 budget to purchase six computers for the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), labelling the claim as “a lie from the pit of hell.”

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, the administration described the allegation as baseless propaganda aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Governor Bala Mohammed’s government.

“The proposed budget allocates N250 million for IT infrastructure, including approximately 150 computers to be distributed across the SSG office, Bauchi Environmental Protection Agency, Hajj Commission, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Service, and select secondary schools in the state,” Hammayo clarified.

He stressed that the allocation reflects the administration’s commitment to modernizing state institutions and advancing digital transformation, dismissing the claim of N400 million for six computers as “preposterous and unfounded.”

Hammayo further accused critics of fabricating the narrative to undermine the administration’s developmental strides, stating that Bauchi State remains focused on delivering progressive governance despite attempts to derail its mission.

She said, “The preposterous narrative of N400 million for six computers is nothing more than a lie from the pit of hell, concocted by detractors rattled by the administration’s remarkable developmental achievements. Their failure to come up with something remotely credible reveals their desperation and outright ineptitude. Bauchi State will not be swayed by these antics but remains steadfast in its mission to deliver impactful, progressive governance for its people.”

The government reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and impactful reforms, urging the public to disregard what it called “intellectually bankrupt propaganda.”

President Bola Tinubu has decorated Nurudeen Yusuf, his aide-de-camp (ADC), with his new rank of colonel.

The president decorated Yusuf on Thursday at the State House, Abuja.

Yusuf was appointed Tinubu’s ADC in April 2023 before his inauguration on May 29.

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, said the president described his ADC as a “reliable officer, deserving of elevation in rank”.

The presidential spokesperson quoted Tinubu as saying that he envisions the ADC achieving greatness in his military career.

Onanuga said Yusuf, formerly a lieutenant colonel, was promoted to the rank of colonel by Nigerian Army promulgation AHQ MS/G1/300/252/2 on December 19, 2024, noting that the rank’s seniority became effective on September 22, 2023.

“You all know Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf. He carries a lot of responsibilities. I am joyous that the military authorities have promoted my ADC,” the statement reads.

“He is worthy of the promotion, and I am very happy for him. Nurudeen is a diligent and reliable officer with the right temperament. I believe he will go farther and farther in his profession.

“We are with you. We love and really care about you. We will continue to do so. Character defines man, and it has defined you. With your promotion, you are highly respected. From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you. We thank God for you.

“May God bless our armed forces and keep them safe.”

The presidential spokesperson added that Tinubu commended the ADC’s wife for “keeping the home front steady, calm, and reliable” during his service.

Yusuf expressed gratitude to the president for trusting him as his ADC and reaffirmed his loyalty.

“I stand here today filled with immense gratitude and humility as I reflect on this remarkable occasion of my decoration with the rank of Colonel in the Nigerian Army,” he said.

“This moment is a personal milestone and a testament to the enduring values of the unwavering support of those around me.

“First and foremost, I thank the Almighty Allah for His grace, guidance, and blessings upon my career and life. Without Him, this day would not have been possible.

“To His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply honoured by the privilege to be granted promotion to this enviable rank.

“I wish to use this unique opportunity to restate that your leadership and trust have been a source of inspiration, and serving as your Aide-de-Camp has been a profound privilege and the highest honour of my career.

“Thank you for your confidence in me and for being here to share in this special moment.”

In attendance were AbdulRazaq AbdulRahmon, governor of Kwara; Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA); Kayode Egbetokun, inspector general of police (IGP); Christopher Musa, chief of defense staff (CDS); and Bello Matawalle, minister for state defense.

Others include Kudirat Yusuf, the ADC’s mother; Ganiyat Yusuf, his wife; and Abiodun Yusuf, his daughter.

A Federal High Court has issued a three-day summons for Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, and Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The summons relates to the proposed implementation of a controversial tax policy aimed at expatriates.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the plaintiff’s counsel, Patrick Peter, directed the Minister of Interior and the Attorney-General of the Federation to justify why the policy should not be halted. The court further ordered that the motion be served on both officials within three days.

The Incorporated Trustees of New Kosol Welfare Initiative filed a motion ex-parte, marked FHC/ABJ/CD/1780/2024, against the Minister of Interior and the Attorney-General of the Federation as the first and second defendants.

The application was submitted by a legal team led by Paul Atayi, seeking an interim injunction to restrain the defendants from implementing the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), a new taxation regime targeting expatriates in Nigeria, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

In an affidavit sworn by Raphael Ezeh, the group’s Programme Implementation Coordinator, it was disclosed that on February 27, 2024, the Federal Government announced the EEL policy.

According to reports cited by Ezeh from KPMG and other information sources, the policy mandates companies employing expatriates to pay annual levies, including $15,000 (equivalent to ₦23 million) for each expatriate at the director level and $10,000 (equivalent to ₦16 million) for each expatriate at non-director levels.

The affidavit further stated that the policy includes penalties for non-compliance, such as five years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of ₦1 million for inaccurate or incomplete reporting. Corporate entities failing to file the EEL or register expatriate employees within 30 days face fines of ₦3 million, while providing false information also attracts a fine of ₦3 million.

The plaintiff contends that the policy imposes undue burdens and has requested the court’s intervention to suspend its implementation.

The coordinator stated that any organization failing to renew the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) before its expiration would face a penalty of ₦3 million.

Ezeh described the proposed taxation regime as an anti-people policy, arguing that it would have a detrimental impact on various sectors of the Nigerian economy and act as a barrier to the nation’s economic growth.

He emphasized that taxation is a sensitive issue, requiring collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He referred to Section 59 of the constitution, which specifies that the executive arm alone cannot impose taxes on corporate entities or other citizens.

Ezeh further noted that the existing tax framework is far more favorable to expatriates compared to the proposed regime.

Ezeh alleged that the minister is about to commence full implementation of the EEL.

“If the defendants are not restrained by an order of this honourable court, they will commence full implementation of the said programme and thereby threatening the nation’s economic sustainability,” he said.

He said the plaintiff undertook to pay damages if the substantive suit turned out to be frivolous.

After listening to Peter, Justice Ekwo ordered the plaintiff to put the defendants on notice of the ex-parte application within 3 days of the order.

He said: “Upon being served, the defendants are hereby ordered to show cause why the prayers of the plaintiff ought not to be granted on the next date of hearing.”

The judge adjourned the matter until Jan. 16 for the minister and the AGF to show cause.

The Federal Ministry of Interior had earlier in 2024 postponed the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL), initially launched on February 27, 2024, to allow for further consultations with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and other key stakeholders.