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• January 1, 2025
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Tax reform bills: Embrace dialogue, not force – Bala Mohammed to Tinubu

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has once again criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the controversial Tax Reform Bill The governor called on the President to adopt a more inclusive and consultative approach to the controversial Tax Reform Bill. Citing Tinubu’s own history of challenging the central government during his tenure as Lagos State Governor
Tax reform bills: Embrace dialogue, not force – Bala Mohammed to Tinubu

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has once again criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the controversial Tax Reform Bill

The governor called on the President to adopt a more inclusive and consultative approach to the controversial Tax Reform Bill.

Citing Tinubu’s own history of challenging the central government during his tenure as Lagos State Governor under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, as well as his role in NADECO, Mohammed urged the Presidency to prioritize dialogue over coercion in implementing policies that affect Nigerians.

Speaking on Channels TV’s 2024 in Review on yesterday, Mohammed defended his critiques of the bill, stating that it is unpopular among Nigerians and particularly with states lacking derivative earnings.

“We asked for more collaboration, but he refused and pressed on,” Mohammed said.

“Some issues—like the fact that even the NEC and some ministers were unaware this bill was heading to the National Assembly—highlight a lack of consultation.

“This isn’t a military regime. Even military leaders allowed for dissent. The President himself, as a former governor, challenged the Federal Government in those days, and the heavens didn’t fall,” he said.

Mohammed added that his criticisms come in good faith, given Tinubu’s history as a democrat who led protests against the Federal Government during his NADECO days.

However, he expressed disappointment with the Presidency’s dismissive response to his concerns.

“Even genuine advice is now seen as an affront or insult, warranting hostile reactions. This is undemocratic and uncharacteristic of Tinubu,” he said.

When asked about claims that the reforms would push states to better utilize their resources, Mohammed questioned the cost of such an approach.

“Should we die before we sit up? We need dialogue. Yes, reforms can encourage resource optimization, but even during the Buhari administration, we managed to improve our IGR through collaboration,” he noted.

“We’re not saying he doesn’t have the right to push reforms. As someone who achieved a lot in Lagos, we had high hopes for him. But midway, we’re disappointed. He’s not accommodating or willing to listen.

“He assumes his decisions are absolute, but that’s not how democracy works. He must listen to Nigerians when there’s widespread concern,” Mohammed concluded.

Tax reform bills: Embrace dialogue, not force – Bala Mohammed to Tinubu

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• January 1, 2025
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2025: UN Secretary-General seeks global action against conflict, inequality

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has urged nations to confront the pressing challenges of conflict, inequality, and climate change with urgency and unity. In the message issued on Tuesday, Guterres reflected on the difficulties of the past year while calling for decisive action in 2025. Guterres warned of a world in crisis, marked by
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The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has urged nations to confront the pressing challenges of conflict, inequality, and climate change with urgency and unity. In the message issued on Tuesday, Guterres reflected on the difficulties of the past year while calling for decisive action in 2025. Guterres warned of a world in crisis, marked by

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• January 1, 2025
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2025: Let’s unite to build safer nation, IG tells Nigerians

As Nigerians celebrate the dawn of 2025, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged citizens to actively partner with the Nigeria Police Force to create a more secure and peaceful nation. In a New Year statement on Wednesday via X by the Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IG reflected on the resilience
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As Nigerians celebrate the dawn of 2025, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged citizens to actively partner with the Nigeria Police Force to create a more secure and peaceful nation. In a New Year statement on Wednesday via X by the Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IG reflected on the resilience

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• January 1, 2025
• 27 views

Russia launches New Year drone strike on Ukraine

Russia early Wednesday morning launched a drone strike on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, injuring no fewer than three people and damaging buildings in two districts. City officials said explosions boomed across the morning sky shortly after Ukraine’s air force warned of drones approaching the city. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, air-defences were repelling an enemy
Russia launches New Year drone strike on Ukraine

Russia early Wednesday morning launched a drone strike on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, injuring no fewer than three people and damaging buildings in two districts.

City officials said explosions boomed across the morning sky shortly after Ukraine’s air force warned of drones approaching the city.

According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, air-defences were repelling an enemy attack, and that two floors of a residential building had been partially destroyed in the strike.

Klitschko added that debris had also damaged a non-residential premise in another neighbourhood.

Recall that Russia has carried out regular air strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities far behind the front line of its nearly three-year-old invasion.

Russia launches New Year drone strike on Ukraine

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• January 1, 2025
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Enemy’s plan will continue to crash, says Fubara

The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed faith in the omnipotence of God to crush self-styled enemies of the state and its people. Fubara stated this at the crossover church service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area if the state in the earlyhours of Wednesday. He
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The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed faith in the omnipotence of God to crush self-styled enemies of the state and its people. Fubara stated this at the crossover church service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area if the state in the earlyhours of Wednesday. He

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• January 1, 2025
• 25 views

Wizkid, Burna Boy, others stun fans at 2025 Lagos Countdown

Wizkid, Burna Boy, and some other Nigerian A-list artistes, on Tuesday at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos left their fans in awe as they gave mind-blowing performances during the Greater Lagos Countdown to usher in the New Year. The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture was an unforgettable
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Wizkid, Burna Boy, and some other Nigerian A-list artistes, on Tuesday at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos left their fans in awe as they gave mind-blowing performances during the Greater Lagos Countdown to usher in the New Year. The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture was an unforgettable

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