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- January 17, 2025
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Tinubu commends governors for backing tax reform bills
President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, thanked members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly. He lauded the governors for “their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed
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President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, thanked members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly. He lauded the governors for “their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed
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- January 17, 2025
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US Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban, effective in two days
The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that will ban TikTok in the United States, potentially denying the video-sharing app to 170 million users within two days. In a significant defeat for TikTok, the court ruled that the law does not violate free speech rights and that the US government had demonstrated legitimate
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The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that will ban TikTok in the United States, potentially denying the video-sharing app to 170 million users within two days. In a significant defeat for TikTok, the court ruled that the law does not violate free speech rights and that the US government had demonstrated legitimate
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- January 17, 2025
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Proposed tax reform may kill TETFund, says ASUU
The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has said that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund may go into extinction if the National Assembly passes the tax reform presented by the executive arm of government. The Zonal Coordinator of the Zone, which is made up of nine universities in Edo, Delta and Ondo
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The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has said that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund may go into extinction if the National Assembly passes the tax reform presented by the executive arm of government. The Zonal Coordinator of the Zone, which is made up of nine universities in Edo, Delta and Ondo
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- January 17, 2025
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Gunmen kidnap ex-AIG Odumosu’s wife in Ogun
The wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has been abducted from her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the abduction in a statement released to PUNCH Online on Friday. The victim was reportedly abducted by four masked men who attacked her, pulled her
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The wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has been abducted from her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the abduction in a statement released to PUNCH Online on Friday. The victim was reportedly abducted by four masked men who attacked her, pulled her
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- January 17, 2025
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Arewa youths tackle Northern govs over U-turn on tax reform bills
The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, on Friday condemned what it termed the recent “volte-face” by Northern Governors regarding the Tax Reform Bills. AYCF National President, Yerima Shettima accused Northern governors of betraying the trust and disservice to the people of the North. In a statement he signed, Shettima demanded accountability from the Northern governors
Arewa youths tackle Northern govs over U-turn on tax reform bills
The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, on Friday condemned what it termed the recent “volte-face” by Northern Governors regarding the Tax Reform Bills.
AYCF National President, Yerima Shettima accused Northern governors of betraying the trust and disservice to the people of the North.
In a statement he signed, Shettima demanded accountability from the Northern governors over their decision on the tax reforms.
He wondered why the sudden change after the Northern hovernors initially presented a united front against the proposed tax reforms, citing concerns about their potential negative impact on the already struggling Northern economy.
According to Shettima: “After generating needless controversy and misleading the public, these governors have inexplicably capitulated to the reforms.
“The AYCF, from the outset, has maintained that these reforms, despite potential short-term challenges, are essential for Nigeria’s overall development. We view the governors’ actions as a betrayal of the trust placed in them, a demonstration of their incompetence in managing their states’ affairs, and ultimately, a disservice to the Northern people.
“This press statement outlines our deep concerns and calls for accountability.
“The Northern Governors initially presented a united front against the proposed tax reforms, citing concerns about their potential negative impact on the already struggling Northern economy.
“This stance, while arguably understandable given the region’s socio-economic challenges, was fundamentally flawed. Their arguments lacked substance and failed to acknowledge the vital role of robust taxation in funding essential public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“Instead of engaging constructively with the government to address specific concerns and negotiate amendments, they chose to employ divisive rhetoric, fueling public unrest and hindering national progress. This approach reveals a lack of foresight and strategic planning, highlighting their failure to effectively represent the interests of their constituents.
“The sudden and unexplained shift in their position, without any apparent concessions or amendments achieved, casts serious doubt on their integrity and raises questions about the motives behind their initial opposition.
“We recognize that effective taxation is the cornerstone of a functioning and prosperous nation. While we acknowledge the need for sensitive implementation to minimize hardship, particularly amongst vulnerable populations, we firmly believe that the benefits of these reforms significantly outweigh any potential drawbacks. Increased tax revenue will allow the government to invest heavily in critical sectors, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Nigerians, including those in the North.
“The Governors’ initial opposition, therefore, not only hampered national progress but also demonstrated a disregard for the long-term welfare of the very people they are elected to serve. Their actions appear driven by short-sighted political considerations rather than a genuine commitment to the development of the North.
“The Northern Governors’ opposition to the tax reforms cannot be divorced from their wider failures in managing their respective states. Many Northern states grapple with persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and a lack of basic amenities. This chronic underperformance stems from several factors, including poor governance, corruption, and a lack of effective resource allocation. Instead of focusing on these critical issues and finding innovative ways to improve the lives of their citizens, the governors chose to deflect attention by focusing on the tax reform debate. This suggests a deliberate attempt to shift blame for their own failures onto the Federal Government.”
The AYCF National President contended that the governors’ initial opposition was a distraction tactic, an attempt to mask their incompetence and avoid accountability for their shortcomings, adding that “the hasty reversal of their position further strengthens this argument”.
“The Northern Governors’ actions constitute a clear betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Northern people. By initially opposing the tax reforms and then conceding, they have demonstrated a fundamental lack of respect for the electorate. They engaged in misleading rhetoric, playing on public anxieties to garner support for their position, only to abandon it without explanation.
“This manipulation undermines the democratic process and erodes public confidence in leadership. The AYCF calls upon the Northern Governors to provide a clear and transparent explanation for their change of heart. The people deserve to know the reasons behind this abrupt shift and whether any concessions were made that would compromise the effectiveness of the tax reforms.”
However, Shettima reiterated AYCF’s unwavering support for the tax reform bills, saying: “We believe that these reforms are crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, and we condemn the Northern Governors’ inconsistent and ultimately deceitful actions.
“Their failure to effectively manage their states and their manipulation of public opinion highlight a systemic problem of governance within the region. We call for greater accountability from these governors and urge them to focus on their primary responsibilities: improving the lives of the people they represent through good governance and effective resource management.
“The hasty surrender to the tax reform bills without meaningful engagement or a transparent explanation constitutes a disservice to the North and a betrayal of the public’s trust. The AYCF will continue to advocate for policies that promote sustainable development and economic progress for all Nigerians, and will remain vigilant in holding our leaders accountable for their actions.”
Arewa youths tackle Northern govs over U-turn on tax reform bills
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- January 17, 2025
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Kogi gov promises reforms to transform healthcare
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has unveiled reforms aimed at revolutionising the state’s primary healthcare system to deliver high-quality and accessible healthcare services. Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement on primary healthcare revitalization held in Lokoja, the state capital, on Friday, Ododo, represented by his Deputy, Joel Salifu, announced the introduction of periodic spot checks on
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Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has unveiled reforms aimed at revolutionising the state’s primary healthcare system to deliver high-quality and accessible healthcare services. Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement on primary healthcare revitalization held in Lokoja, the state capital, on Friday, Ododo, represented by his Deputy, Joel Salifu, announced the introduction of periodic spot checks on
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- January 17, 2025
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Shun shortcuts to success, Oyo agency DG tells youths
The Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development has urged youths to shun shortcuts to success but rather embrace hard work. The Director-General of the Agency, Dr Morohunkola Thomas, made the statements on Friday when he received the Junior Chamber International members who paid him a courtesy visit at the OYMASED office, Bodija, Ibadan, the
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The Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development has urged youths to shun shortcuts to success but rather embrace hard work. The Director-General of the Agency, Dr Morohunkola Thomas, made the statements on Friday when he received the Junior Chamber International members who paid him a courtesy visit at the OYMASED office, Bodija, Ibadan, the
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- January 17, 2025
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Trump’s economic plans could spark inflation in US, IMF warns
Donald Trump’s economic plans risk reigniting US inflation, the International Monetary Fund chief economist, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, told AFP just days before the president-elect is set to return to the White House. Trump’s proposals to increase tariffs and restrict immigration could constrain the supply side of the economy and drive up prices, Gourinchas said in an
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Donald Trump’s economic plans risk reigniting US inflation, the International Monetary Fund chief economist, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, told AFP just days before the president-elect is set to return to the White House. Trump’s proposals to increase tariffs and restrict immigration could constrain the supply side of the economy and drive up prices, Gourinchas said in an
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- January 17, 2025
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Bamiloye warns of ‘fake rapture’ plot to mislead believers
Renowned Nigerian Christian filmmaker and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Pastor Mike Bamiloye, has cautioned believers about a “fake rapture” plot allegedly devised by scientists to confuse and distract people from the actual event foretold in Christian prophecy. Referencing a Facebook post with the caption, “The extraterrestrial invasion is imminent, it will take 10,000
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Renowned Nigerian Christian filmmaker and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Pastor Mike Bamiloye, has cautioned believers about a “fake rapture” plot allegedly devised by scientists to confuse and distract people from the actual event foretold in Christian prophecy. Referencing a Facebook post with the caption, “The extraterrestrial invasion is imminent, it will take 10,000
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- January 17, 2025
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Oyo prince Ladigbolu urges unity, support for new Alaafin
One of the top contenders for the throne of Alaafin of Oyo, Ismail Bukola Ladigbolu, has called on his kinsfolk from the Agunloye Ruling House to unite and support the newly appointed monarch, Oba Akeem Owoade, for the progress and betterment of the ancient town. The PUNCH reports that threats, opposition, and litigation have followed
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One of the top contenders for the throne of Alaafin of Oyo, Ismail Bukola Ladigbolu, has called on his kinsfolk from the Agunloye Ruling House to unite and support the newly appointed monarch, Oba Akeem Owoade, for the progress and betterment of the ancient town. The PUNCH reports that threats, opposition, and litigation have followed
