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Emergency rule: No lawmaker was induced, its passage followed legislative process-Minority Leader, Chinda
..says tax reform bills were roundly tabled
…on PDP imbroglio, advise party chieftains to obey court order
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rep Kingsley Chinda, has strongly defended the recent passage of the Tax Reform Bill, rubbished allegations of financial inducement in the approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State, and called for internal discipline within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the Supreme Court ruling on its national secretaryship dispute.
Chinda made these remarks while speaking with members of the National Assembly New Media Forum, who paid him a congratulatory visit in his office at the National Assembly on Wednesday to celebrate his birthday.
Addressing concerns over the tax reform process,Rep. Chinda emphasized that the bill underwent rigorous scrutiny to ensure it served Nigerians’ best interests. He stated that the opposition played a critical role in reshaping the legislation to make it more people-friendly.
“We saw that the bill, as originally presented, was not favorable enough for Nigerians. We engaged stakeholders, including governors, state assemblies, and religious groups, to address contentious areas before passing it,” he said.
He maintained that while the bill is not perfect, it is a significant improvement and a step towards a more effective tax system.
Commenting on the ongoing leadership tussle within the PDP, Chinda criticized the misinterpretation of the Supreme Court judgment, which upheld the legitimacy of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.
He urged party members to respect the ruling and avoid unnecessary confusion.
“Judgments are not given for convenience; they must be respected. Our national legal adviser is in the best position to interpret the ruling, and it should not be misrepresented by party officials for personal interests,” he warned.
On the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Chinda dismissed allegations that lawmakers were bribed to approve it.
He explained that the decision was based on security concerns and followed due legislative process.
“We had an executive session where members were given classified security information about the situation. It was not about money; it was about preventing loss of lives and stabilizing the state,” he stated.
He also refuted comparisons between the Rivers crisis and the recent disturbances in Lagos, noted that the Rivers situation involved a direct conflict between the executive and legislative arms of government, making it more volatile.
“Declaring a state of emergency is not a routine action it is based on necessity. In Lagos, the crisis was short-lived and confined to the legislature, unlike Rivers, where the standoff threatened governance and public order,” he explained.
Speaking on the growing distrust in the judiciary, Chinda argued that the crisis of confidence extends beyond the judiciary to all sectors of the country, including the media. He called for responsible journalism and fact-based reporting.
“The media must prioritize investigative journalism instead of spreading unchecked social media reports that fuel misinformation and division,” he said.
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a gigantic birthday card to the Minority Leader by members of the National Assembly New Media Forum, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to national development.
With these clarifications, the Minority Leader reaffirmed his commitment to responsible opposition, emphasized that constructive engagement, rather than public clashes, remained the most effective way to achieve legislative success for Nigerians.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Honarable (Alhaji) Saheed Audullahi Mosadoluwa, the Chief Executive of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited has extended birthday greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on his 73rd birthday, wishing him good health and long life in order for the country to benefit from his “excellent leadership.”
In a message to mark the 73rd birthday of the President, the businessman commended Asiwaju Tinubu for making “sustained efforts to overcome the many problems of the country,” while wishing him many happy returns of the day and thanking him for creating an enabling environment for Nigerian entrepreneurs to succeed in their pursuits.”
Hon. Mosadoluwa who is also the founder of Royal Crystal Airways, New Horizon Aviation Agency, Ibile Auctioneer & Recovery and Ibile Food Security Farm City Limited in a statement issued on Saturday, was quoted as saying, “President Tinubu is a goal getter with keen interest of assembling technocrats in his team, courageous, audacious, passionate, patriotic nationalist and committed to the progress, growth, and development of Nigeria without looking back.”
The Oyo town-born businessman added, “President Tinubu’s financial wizardry and economic intellect is unparalleled and he is no doubt a grandmaster of progressive politics in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“When he came into power in 2023 his administration met Nigeria’s economic turmoil, widespread poverty, and rising unemployment, however President Tinubu impressively turned the tide by implementing bold reforms to stabilise the economy.
“The withdrawal of the unsustainable fuel subsidy and the unification of the FOREX market were pivotal steps, redirecting funds to critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These measures have reduced petrol importation to a considerable percentage and boosted investor confidence, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange the top-performing bourse globally.
“On this auspicious day Mr. President, all of us at Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited we say happy glorious birthday to you sir. May you celebrate more, in overflowing happiness and good health. Your Excellency, congratulations sir.”
News
Just in: 2025 Ramadan Fasting Ends As Sultan Of Sokoto Confirms Sighting Of Moon For Eid-el-Fitr
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad, has announced that the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan fasting has been sighted.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that the Sultan made this known in a broadcast on Saturday.
The Sultan said they received reports of sighting from Borno, Zazzau, Dutse, Maru, among other places within the country.
The Sultan, who is president of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSIA), said, “Today marks the end of the Ramadan fasting and Sunday, March 30, is the Eid-el-Fitri celebration”.
Details shortly….
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has paid glowing tributes to the President of Nigeria, National Leader of All Progressives Congress APC and former Governor of Lagos State, Senator (Asiwaju) Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as he celebrate his 73rd birthday.
Olokode-Ayelabola, a resident of the Republic of Ireland who mobilised and campaigned for President Bola Tinubu during the February 2023 presidential poll is a behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional, in a congratulatory massage to the septuagenarian described him as a visionary and transformative president.
She said the Nigerian leader who is also the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, has remained a Colossus and a phenomenon in the annals of the ruling party and the nation’s political history.
Kemi also noted that the exceptional political career and service of Tinubu, has inspired so many people and has produced many successful leaders in the country.
She continued to disclose further that the APC National Leader is an icon, bridge builder and a patriotic elder statesman who believes in the development, unity and corporate existence of Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, I feel so elated and fulfilled to join other well meaning Nigerians across the globe to felicitate with you on your 73rd birthday. You are indeed an incredible leader with a large heart who has continued to be a major player in the Nigerian politics through your broad-minded and examplary leadership style.
“So many people owe their successes to your magnanimity and accommodating nature. You are truly a legend, an astute politician with uncommon intellect. It is my prayer that your tireless commitment to addressing governance challenges, fortifying national security, and mitigating economic hardships continue to inspire vista of hope and resilience among Nigerians”, she said.
Kemi prayed for more years in good health and wisdom for the president, to continue to serve Nigeria and humanity by extention.
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