News
House softens stance on Tax Reform Bills
The House of Representatives has softened its stance on the Tax Reform Bills.
Yesterday, after a three-hour generally positive debate by members, the Bills scaled second reading and passed for public hearing.
This is unlike the situation when the Bills were sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Green Chamber in October.
Following opposition from a section of the ruling class, the House exploded in uproar over the Bills, forcing Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to dissolve the House into and Executive session after which all issues on the Bills were kept in ambiance to allow for consultations.
But at the Senate, the Bills were quickly debated and moved to the public hearing stage.
The Bills are the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
The bills were consolidated into one at the House for a seamless debate.
The proposed laws were read for the first time on October 8 but debate by the House was put on hold due to disagreement on the content of the bill, especially by Northern leaders and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Although the House engaged government officials on the benefits of the bills, Speaker Tajudeen asked members to engage in wide consultations with their constituents to pave the way for a robust debate.
Apart from some observations on certain areas of the bills that appeared not in tandem with some sections of the 1999 Constitution and a few other clauses, members unanimously okayed the bills for a second reading.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda said while opposition members supported the spirit behind the bills, some had issues with certain aspects.
Chinda noted that the bills seek to rejig the nation’s tax system for effective revenue generation. He pointed out that for every law, there must be the spirit of the letters.
He said: “We have all agreed that the spirit behind the four bills is good.‘’
But we have issues with some of the letters of the bills. Why we oppose some letters of the bills, we support the spirit and want to assure Nigerians that we will watch those letters and at the appropriate time, we will ensure that the letters are corrected in the interest of Nigerians.
“He advocated a reduction in the Value Added Tax(VAT), saying ‘’It is possible to reduce tax, while efforts should be made to tidy up all areas of conflicts..’’
House Leader Julius Ihonvbere thereafter set the tone for the debate by explaining that the bills were intended to overhaul the country’s outdated tax laws.
Ihonvbere reassured the public that the reforms would benefit ordinary Nigerians without imposing tax burdens on the poor.
While appreciating those who hold opposing views to the bills, he said their views helped strengthen the bills.
The House leader charged members to “be part of history in reforming the tax system to promote revenue growth, increase employment and better the life of ordinary Nigerians.
Minority Whip, Ali Isa commended Speaker Abass for creating an opportunity for members to engage and consult widely on the contentious parts of the bills.
Isa however expressed concern about clause 146 which encourages a gradual increase in VAT from 7.5 percent to 10 percent and later 15 percent.
News
Governor Nwifuru Suspends Commissioners of Work and Infrastructure
The affected commissioners have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession, including their official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government without delay.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has approved the indefinite suspension of the State Commissioner for Work, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development for Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi Abara, over alleged dereliction of duties.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Monday Uzor, the suspension takes immediate effect.
The affected commissioners have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession, including their official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government without delay.
No further details were provided regarding the specific circumstances surrounding the suspension.
News
Viral Video By Omoyele Sowore Involving David Umahi at Police HQ
Mr. Sowore’s attempt to dramatize this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth.
The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has taken note of a video currently being circulated by Omoyele Sowore, in which he attempts to publicly confront and provoke the Minister over a matter already before the appropriate authorities.
Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), clarified that the allegations being referenced by Mr. Sowore were made by one Mrs. Tracy Ohiri and have been in the public space since last year.
These claims, bordering on alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been repeatedly published through social media videos and writings.
It is important to state that her accounts have been inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence, a fact that has been widely observed by members of the public who have followed the matter over time.
Contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed by Sowore, the Honourable Minister did not deploy the police to settle any personal score.
The Nigeria Police Force, acting within its constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and investigate complaints, acted on a petition submitted by the Minister’s lawyer, arrested her and invited the Honourable Minister in line with standard procedure for statements.
Mr. Sowore’s attempt to dramatize this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth.
The Honourable Minister, consistent with his character and respect for due process, declined to be drawn into theatrics and calmly disengaged.
As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome.
Activism, in its true sense, is not about indiscriminate attacks on public office holders or chasing relevance. It is about integrity, balance, and a genuine commitment to justice without prejudice or personal bias.
The Honourable Minister of Works remains fully committed to transparency, respect to the rule of law, and the uninterrupted delivery of critical infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians.
He will continue to respect institutional processes and will not be distracted by calculated provocations.
News
Anambra Native Doctor Akwaokuko Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison
A popular Anambra-based native doctor, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by an Anambra State High Court.

The conviction follows his guilty plea to multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and related offences linked to ritual killings and other criminal activities.
Court documents and security sources indicate that the sentencing came after the suspect admitted guilt during proceedings, paving the way for the judge to deliver the 12-year term.
In a related development, the Anambra State Government has demolished the suspect’s shrine and related structures as part of efforts to dismantle facilities associated with the crimes.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to Akwa Okuko’s notoriety and the gruesome nature of the allegations.
Authorities say the conviction and demolition underscore the state’s zero-tolerance stance on ritual-related crimes and insecurity.
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