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The Peoples Democratic Party has accused the Presidency of planning to rig the September 21 governorship election in Edo State in favour of the All Progressives Congress. According to the PDP, in a statement by its Edo State Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, the Presidency has released a sum of $2m to compromise officials of the Independent
Qatar has agreed to kick Hamas out of its country following a request from the US to do so. CNN reports that US officials informed their Qatari counterparts about two weeks ago that they must stop giving Hamas refuge in their capital. The report states that Qatar agreed and gave Hamas notice about a week
Qatar agrees to kick out Hamas out of country
Qatar has agreed to kick Hamas out of its country following a request from the US to do so.
CNN reports that US officials informed their Qatari counterparts about two weeks ago that they must stop giving Hamas refuge in their capital.
The report states that Qatar agreed and gave Hamas notice about a week ago.
“Hamas is a terrorist group that has killed Americans and continues to hold Americans hostage,” a senior administration official told CNN.
“After rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, its leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner.”
However, a senior Hamas official stated that reports of Qatar agreeing to expel Hamas officials from Doha were baseless and a pressure tactic.
The official added that similar claims had been previously circulated without supporting evidence.
“What was reported in the Israeli media about Qatar agreeing to expel Hamas from Doha following a US request has no basis and is merely a pressure tactic. This has been repeated without any evidence,” the Hamas official told CNN on Saturday.
According to CNN, Qatar has been a major player in efforts over the past year to try to secure a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
This, it said, is because senior members of the militant group are based in Doha, adding that major negotiations had taken place in the Qatari capital for that reason.
Meanwhile, Fox News Digital reports that Qatar has grown increasingly frustrated with “political exploitation” from all sides involved in the Gaza peace talks.
The Arab nation, according to the report, insisted that they informed Hamas they were no longer welcome in their nation without the help of the Biden administration.
Qatar agrees to kick out Hamas out of country
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said that the Green Chamber is yet to take a stand on the tax reform bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. Abbas disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while declaring open an interactive session on the proposed bills. The bills
Reps yet to take stand on tax reform bills – Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said that the Green Chamber is yet to take a stand on the tax reform bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
Abbas disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while declaring open an interactive session on the proposed bills.
The bills are: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
The Speaker noted that the four bills represent critical proposals from the executive to expand Nigeria’s tax base, improve compliance, and establish sustainable revenue streams for the nation’s development.
Abbas explained that the purpose of this session is to provide lawmakers with a comprehensive understanding of the proposed bills.
According to him, it is designed to deepen our appreciation of their provisions, commence constructive dialogue on contentious or controversial areas, and build the consensus necessary to produce versions of the bills that align with the interests of the executive, the legislature, sub-national governments, and the Nigerian people. Importantly, this session will help us identify areas needing amendment, clarification, or improvement and consider the compatibility of these bills with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other extant laws.
Abbas emphasized that tax reforms are a cornerstone of the House Legislative Agenda because of their central role in achieving sustainable economic growth and development.
He stressed that in every modern state, taxes are the bedrock of public revenue, providing the resources required to deliver education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
Abbas noted, “Yet, Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, struggles with a tax-to-GDP ratio of just 6 percent—far below the global average and the World Bank’s minimum benchmark of 15 percent for sustainable development.”
“This is a challenge we must address if we are to reduce our reliance on debt financing, ensure fiscal stability, and secure our future as a nation.”
The Speaker said the proposed tax reform bills aim to diversify the country’s revenue base, promote equity, and foster an enabling environment for investment and innovation.
He added, “However, as representatives of the people, we must approach these reforms thoughtfully, understanding their potential implications for every segment of society.”
“Taxes should be fair, transparent, and justifiable, balancing the need for public revenue with the burdens they impose on individuals and businesses.”
“Let me be clear: the House has not yet taken a definitive position on these bills. Our role is to scrutinize them thoroughly, ensuring they align with the best interests of our constituents and the nation at large. We owe this duty to Nigerians.”
Abbas said the controversies surrounding these bills—whether in the media, civil society, or among governance stakeholders—are a reflection of their importance.
Reps yet to take stand on tax reform bills – Abbas
The Kwara State Customs Command, has generated N3.371b between June and July, 2024. Operatives of the command also intercepted 1,153…