News
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.
Ex-presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has said it is possible to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election if the opposition gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) close monitoring.
Momodu made the remark during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, stressing that removing President Tinubu from office is not impossible.
According to the politician, who recently announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition needs candidates with the political strength and capacity to challenge the ruling party.
“I don’t know why people think it’s impossible that Asiwaju is not removable. Trust me, as long as we give INEC close marking, and that is why you need candidates who will be able to generate the firepower,” he said
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony took place at the National Arcade in Abuja on Thursday
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and other dignitaries attended the event.
Vice President Shettima at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, January 15, 2026
The dignitaries were led to the cenotaph in a solemn march by soldiers, where they laid a wreath in remembrance of the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Prayers were also conducted for the living and fallen heroes who fought gallantly for global peace and national integration.
The prayers were led by the Director of Chaplain Services (Protestants) Army, Colonel Rev. B.P. Nyam; followed by the Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, Group Captain H. Idris; and finally, the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R.C. Diala.
Following the prayers, a minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, immediately followed by the firing of the artillery gun.
The wreath-laying ceremony, which involves the placing of flowers at a memorial site, then commenced at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Leading the wreath-laying ceremony was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who solemnly proceeded to lay the wreath, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.
Next to lay wreaths were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Following them, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, laid her wreath, immediately succeeded by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abbas Salaheeden, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cameroon.
The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector General of Police also participated in laying wreaths to honour the fallen heroes.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) is observed annually on 15 January. It serves to honor veterans of World War I and II, as well as the Nigerian Civil War, and to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
News
Armed Forces Remembrance Day: HoR minority caucus honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, say “your sacrifices not forgotten”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The House of Representatives Minority Caucus commemorate with Nigerians on 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, says their sacrifices cannot be forgotten.
This was contained in a commemorative message signed on behalf of the caucus leadership by the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Ogundu Chinda stating that:
“Today, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives joins the rest of the nation in solemn reflection as we honour the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces (past and present) who laid down their lives in defence of our country.
“On this Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we remember with deep gratitude those who paid the ultimate price to preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and democratic ideals.
“Their selfless service, often rendered in the face of grave danger and personal loss, remains a powerful reminder that our freedoms were hard-won and must never be taken for granted.
“We also salute our wounded heroes and veterans whose sacrifices did not end on the battlefield, as well as the families of fallen soldiers who continue to bear the pain of loss with quiet strength and dignity.
” Your resilience embodies the true spirit of national service, and the nation owes you an enduring debt of gratitude.
“As a Caucus, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
“This includes sustained advocacy for improved welfare packages, adequate equipment, mental health support, timely pensions, and the fulfilment of all statutory obligations owed to those who have served our nation with honour.
“At a time when our country continues to confront security challenges, we urge renewed national unity, responsible leadership, and collective resolve to support our Armed Forces, not only in words, but through concrete policies and actions that strengthen morale, accountability, and professionalism within the security sector.
“May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in perfect peace. May their sacrifices continue to inspire us to work tirelessly for a safer, more just, and more united Nigeria.
“We remember. We honour. We will never forget.
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VP Shettima, Akpabio, Other Dignitaries Commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance
Armed Forces Remembrance Day: HoR minority caucus honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, say “your sacrifices not forgotten”
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