The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

NDYC Calls for protection of opposition voices, others

The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has raised concerns over what it described as emerging threats to Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system and growing internal cohesion challenges within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking, National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Congress, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan at the organisation’s secretariat in Warri, Delta State, the NDYC said recent political developments warranted careful national reflection, particularly regarding the treatment of opposition voices and the stability of party structures within the country’s democratic framework.

The congress noted that comments and interventions by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State had brought renewed attention to issues of constitutionalism, institutional independence, and the role of opposition parties in a democratic setting. According to the group, such concerns reflected broader public anxieties about political pluralism and the need to preserve space for dissent within Nigeria’s political system.

The NDYC emphasised that multiparty democracy remains central to accountability and good governance, warning that actions capable of weakening opposition parties or undermining internal party processes could have wider implications for democratic stability.

It stated that political disagreement should not be construed as disloyalty, noting that a healthy democracy depends on the ability of differing views to coexist within established legal and constitutional frameworks.

Read Also: Troops recover large cache of ammunition in Maiduguri

Addressing developments within the PDP, the congress expressed concern over internal divisions, describing them as detrimental to both party cohesion and effective democratic competition.

It said sustained internal conflict risked weakening institutional structures that are essential to the functioning of opposition parties in a multiparty system.

The group also expressed concern over political tensions in Rivers State, noting that prolonged instability could affect governance, public confidence, and development in the state. It called for restraint and respect for democratic processes, stressing the importance of political actors allowing institutions to function without undue interference.

While reiterating its commitment to democratic values, the NDYC urged political leaders at all levels to prioritise dialogue, constitutional order, and national cohesion over partisan interests.

It maintained that safeguarding multiparty democracy required collective responsibility and adherence to democratic norms by both governing and opposition actors.

The congress reaffirmed its position that Nigeria’s democracy would be best strengthened through fairness, institutional independence, and respect for political pluralism.

He said: “Multiparty democracy is not a ceremonial ideal; it is the structural backbone of accountability, balance, and political choice. When opposition parties are crippled through inducement, intimidation, and internal destruction, democracy is reduced to a hollow ritual and governance becomes dangerously monopolistic. History, both local and global, warns that societies which tolerate the systematic elimination of opposition inevitably descend into instability, repression, and national decay.

“Beyond the national implications, the NDYC is particularly alarmed by the deliberate chaos being incubated in Rivers State by Chief Wike’s continued interference and destabilising influence. Rivers State, a critical economic and political nerve centre of the Niger Delta, has been subjected to needless political tension, institutional paralysis, and manufactured crises designed to undermine legitimate authority and governance.“

January 4, 2026
Okowa, Otuaro meet, pray for Delta’s peace, unity and sustained devt

In a political climate often defined by shifting loyalties and post-office rivalries, former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barrister Kingsley B. Otuaro, has once again sent a powerful message of loyalty and political maturity with a Christmas and New Year courtesy visit to the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.

Far beyond a seasonal gesture, the visit has been widely interpreted by political observers as a reaffirmation of enduring alliance, respect for leadership, and continuity within Delta State’s political family.

At a time when former officeholders frequently distance themselves from past administrations, Otuaro’s action stood out as a deliberate statement of gratitude, humility, and unwavering political identity.

The visit, now a consistent tradition since both men left office, reflected a relationship that has remained intact well beyond the corridors of power.

Otuaro served as deputy governor under Okowa from 2015 to 2023, a defining era in Delta State politics marked by major infrastructural expansion, policy reforms, and strategic political stability.

Their partnership was widely regarded as one of the most cohesive executive teams in the state’s recent history.

Read Also: Reps release CTC of Tax laws to public, describe NASS as institution of records

Sources close to the meeting asserted that discussions went beyond pleasantries, touching on governance, leadership succession, and the future trajectory of Delta State.

Both leaders reportedly reflected on the challenges of leadership, lessons learnt in office, and the need for unity and responsible politics in the post-Okowa era.

A wonderful moment of the visit was a joint prayer session, during which both men committed their families and the future of Delta State into God’s hands.

They prayed for peace, unity, and sustained development—an act that underscored the moral and spiritual foundation of their long-standing political relationship.

Political analysts viewed the visit as symbolic, reinforcing Okowa’s continued relevance as a political leader and mentor, while positioning Otuaro as a figure of discipline, loyalty, and statesmanship—qualities increasingly rare in contemporary politics.

The meeting has also sparked conversations about the role both men may yet play in shaping Delta State’s political direction in the years ahead.

Ultimately, the visit served as a quiet but potent reminder that true leadership transcends office, and that respect for mentorship and shared legacy remains a powerful currency in Delta State politics.

January 4, 2026
Campaign against drug abuse takes off in Calabar

In its quest to curtain the menace of drug abuse amongst the teeming youth population across the state, the International Society for Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), Calabar Chapter, have since began a sensitisation campaign, in Calabar, Cross River State capital.

The campaign is coming against the backdrop of a recent interception of ten tons of cannabis in Biase Local Government Area, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Justifying the need for the intervention, Ruth Ekeng, one of the Coordinators of ISSUP, said the move aims to safeguard the just concluded 2025 Calabar Carnival, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to wage an intensive war against drugs along major carnival routes.

During the exercise, the NDLEA Deputy Commandant in Calabar, Mrs. Nanny Uba, revealed that the interception of four tons of cannabis in the Biase Local Government Area just days before the festivities, was a significant victory against illicit drugs.

Read Also: Troops recover large cache of ammunition in Maiduguri

Uba, while commending Governor Bassey Otu for his proactive stance against substance abuse, specifically lauded the State Drug Control Committee recently inaugurated by the First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, who is spearheading efforts to establish a modern rehabilitation facility for the successful reintegration of victims into society.

The Chairperson of ISSUP Calabar, Mrs. Blessing Randolph, emphasised that the campaign’s presence on the carnival routes is part of a broader mission to professionalise prevention and treatment, stating that their essence is to keep Cross River State drug-free by providing the public with direct access to global standards of recovery.

Supporting this mission, advocacy leader Mr. Matthew Anake detailed a strategic grassroots approach that includes targeted outreach to market women, churches, schools, and transport unions like Keke riders.

This inclusive communication strategy utilises native languages and Pidgin English to ensure the message resonates at the grassroots level while offering direct pathways to ISSUP professionals for those in need of evidence-based treatment.

January 4, 2026
Eno pays new year homage to Akpabio, as both leaders pledge support for Tinubu

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has said that Akwa Ibom people across party lines were united in their resolve to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Pastor Eno made the declaration at the weekend when he paid a new year homage to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio in his home in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He also seized the opportunity to reiterate the support of Akwa Ibom State for the administration of President Tinubu.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Eno said he came to pay the traditional New Year homage to the President of the Senate and to thank him for his leadership and making Akwa Ibom proud at the national level.

“We pray for more wisdom upon you to keep supporting President Tinubu because you are all tied together. We also assure you that we are holding the ground at home for you. That is one assurance you need to know.

Read Also: Reps release CTC of Tax laws to public, describe NASS as institution of records

“Akwa Ibom is united for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Akwa Ibom is united for you, Chief Akpabio. In fact four days ago the youths of Akwa Ibom State held a massive rally to endorse the President, yourself and my humble self.

“Akwa Ibom is united across party lines. We may have some storms in the teacup, they will always be there. But when you look at the general outlook, you would know that the State is very united as far as 2027 is concerned,” he said.

Pastor Eno commended Akpabio for the New Year gesture of ordering the withdrawal of all cases he had instituted against those who defamed and slandered him, saying such gesture showed strength of character.

“It was Mahatma Gandhi who said that forgiveness is not for the weak but for the strong. It takes strength of character to rise above such feelings of hurt to let go of the past. So I commend you for that,” he said.

On his part, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio commended Pastor Eno for his support for President Tinubu and said the success of the President is the success of Nigeria as a country.

“We are behind you just as we support President Tinubu. His reform agenda may be painful but it is working. I want to thank you for your support for the President and also uniting the whole State to support him. We are focused on assisting the President to succeed because if the President succeeds, Nigeria succeeds.

January 4, 2026
Stakeholders endorse A’Ibom South Senator for second term

….as lawmaker floats N100m endowment fund for APC

Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District have endorsed their representative in the Senate, Senator Ekong Sampson for a second term in office.

The stakeholders of the senatorial district led by former lands, housing and Urban Renewal Minister, Chief Nduese Essien passed a vote of confidence on Senator Sampson for his effective representation and robust empowerment programmes.

They made the endorsement on the heels of a N100m million endowment fund for the All Progressives Congress (APC) floated by Senator Sampson in his senatorial district.

Sampson, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, had recently disbursed N100 million Education Grants to 500 students and 25 teachers in his area.

The stakeholders also moved to end a single tenure or replacement option in the Senatorial District and insisted on competence, experience and continuity.

The resolutions were made at the weekend in a meeting held at the Villa Marina hotel, Eket.

Read Also: Troops recover large cache of ammunition in Maiduguri

The motion for the endorsement of Senator was duly moved by the immediate past Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem and seconded by a former member representing Eket Federal Constituency Dr. Owoidighe Ekpotai.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District Elders Forum and former Member of the House of Representatives, Chief Nduese Essien described Senator Sampson as one Of the most active and articulate lawmakers in the floor Of the Senate.

Essien said, “I urge leaders of the senatorial to stop prioritising stomach Infrastructure over quality development, impact in representation and governance, empowerment and job creation for the constituents.

“Senator Ekong Sampson has done excellently well in representation which is the main purpose hẹ was sent to the National Assembly. This is just two years and as critical stakeholders, we are satisfied with his representation.”

January 4, 2026
Venezuela attack: Trump destroys world order

Yesterday was seismically significant as President Donald Trump ordered United States Special Forces nighttime operation to seize Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife. They have been flown to the US to be tried, according to the US attorney general, Pam Bondi, in US courts. Charges had previously been filed against Mr Maduro in the US in 2020. The bombing of Iran last year, the airstrike on Nigeria last Christmas, the abduction of Mr Maduro, and the torrent of threats Mr Trump issued against US traditional allies and foes alike are all indications of the upending of the rules-based global order in favour of a power-based world order. Long after the Peace of Westphalia in the 17th century had established the concept of sovereignty, among other variables, as the foundation of global peace and stability, the world order was nevertheless repeatedly broken at least four times in the past two centuries. Each time the order was broken, war followed. Mr Trump is about rounding up his first year in office; by the time he is through, it is uncertain what would be left of the global order, or how long it would take for the consequences of his disruptions and dictatorship to manifest.

Mr Trump may be picking on small and less powerful nations incapable of retaliating against the US, but by balkanising the world into two camps, pro-US and anti-US, and by first alienating his allies before taking on his enemies, the American president may be setting the stage for his country’s isolation and vulnerability. The US may have the most powerful military in the world at the moment, but until it is truly tested by near equals, no one can say whether the US military is as invincible as Mr Trump has repeatedly boasted. Until Russia took on Ukraine in 2022, few expected that even with external help Kiev could last for as much as it has done, one month shy of four years. Russia has so far failed to expand its sphere of influence, and if peace is finally brokered, it will have gained only a little territory at the cost of over 300,000 men. China is not content to maintain its huge and expanding zone of economic influence. If it makes a bid for Taiwan, there are no indications it would not be a very costly misadventure.

Read Also: Troops recover large cache of ammunition in Maiduguri

The Saturday morning attack on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, lasted barely 30 minutes before the country’s leadership was decapitated. No one is sure whether the US would make no other move, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised, or whether the ease with which the abduction took place would tempt Mr Trump into something more far-reaching and catastrophic. However, the attack followed months of sabre rattling as the American president baited President Maduro, and weeks of gunboat diplomacy that effectively shut-in an already distressed Venezuela in a crippling economic blockade. Back in 2020, in the Southern District of New York, Mr Maduro had been indicted in a US federal court on charges that included narco-terrorism and possession of weapons against the US. Additional charges might now be included in a fresh indictment. Like Panama’s Manuel Noriega who was also seized exactly 35 years ago during the presidency of George H. Bush, it is clear that no one can save Mr Maduro: he will face the charges, and he will get a guilty verdict, for the US had expended so much resources in abducting him.

But the unlawful arrest and trial of Mr Maduro is the smallest of the world’s headaches. Since the advent of President Trump, and for the past one year, the United Nations (UN) has been shunted aside, forced to reenact the dying throes of the League of Nations, its voice reduced to little more than whispers. And when it manages to speak loudly, it sermonises. It will get worse in the months and years ahead. The US under Mr Trump has forsaken soft power in favour of brute force. Unopposed, its enemies and friends alike cowering before it, the sole surviving superpower will flaunt its wealth and throw its power in everyone’s face. It may in the short term limit himself to taking on less powerful and non-nuclear countries, but ultimately it will look for formidable opponents. President Trump has no sense of history, nor even studied history, and has paid little attention to the principles that undergird the rules-based order he is dismantling. So his instincts, short attention span, and what a psychologist called his malignant narcissism, will conjure the deadly spasms the world must experience in the years ahead.

But overall, Mr Trump is a historical accident. Men like him have ruled empires, destroyed empires, and reshaped the world in ways neither they nor their successors, nor the rest of the region which they dominated, anticipated. For instance, the Assyrian Empire which peaked between 10th to 7th centuries BCE under rulers like Assurmasirpal II, Tiglath-Pilesar III, Sennacherib, Esarhaddon, and Ashurbanipal may have collapsed as a direct consequence of a 60-year megadrought experienced in the 6th century BCE, but it took only three months for Babylon to overrun it and sack Nineveh, the capital, because the empire had become weakened by a combination of many factors. Take a roll call of powerful empires and kingdoms, and observe the eerie parallel with Mr Trump’s shallow understanding of power, regional and global dynamics, and the internal factors that conduce to or corrode state power. It will be evident that the empires of the Romans, Mongols, Babylonians, Chaldeans, Persians, and the Greeks tell cautionary tales. But it takes a leader schooled in the art and dynamics of power to safeguard an empire. Mr Trump is not adept or schooled. It is a matter of time before the world and circumstances take on the might of the US.

Most condemnations of the abduction of Mr Maduro will be tame, for the prevailing unipolar world cannot withstand Mr Trump’s destructive projection of power. Nigeria was fortunate to get away with a face-saving joint attack on terrorists targets in the Tangaza forests of Sokoto State last Christmas. Had the US decided to go it alone, Nigeria would have been powerless to raise a finger. Even the Nigerian promoters of religious hegemony and ethnic exceptionalism as well as sponsors of terrorism had suddenly become deathly quiet. Had Nigeria united behind its leaders and managed its differences well, no outsider could attack. Had Venezuela united behind its controversial and flawed leader, the US would have thought twice before embarking on the crude and insane colonial exploitation it has embarked upon.

In the end, the ultimate consequence of the demolition of a rules-based global order is the rekindling of global arms race. Small and medium level countries will from now onwards strive to develop weapons capable of projecting power on such a scale that even the big powers would think twice about meddling in their affairs. North Korea did it, and has been left alone. Iran needed brilliant and circumspect leaders to do it, but it made a lot of noise, threatened genocide against Israel, and showed itself to be a regional nuisance. It will need time and perhaps change in leadership and ideology to be able to achieve military self-sufficiency and political latitude. Other ambitious countries will quietly take the lessons of history made possible in real time by the US to rearm. In the end, like every era when the world order was undermined, war will be inevitable.

January 4, 2026
Needless, partisan bickering over tax laws

Two main reasons explain the ongoing bickering over Nigeria’s new tax laws promulgated last year after intensive and bad-tempered legislative and political processes. One, few people like to pay tax. The new tax laws make evasion difficult. Two, and closely leashed to the first, financial dealings previously conducted largely outside prying tax eyes will also become difficult to hide. Indeed, before the four bills were transmitted to President Bola Tinubu mid-June, they had inspired animated discussions and disagreements among the political class, and sometimes across regional lines. Even the National Economic Council (NEC) was not left out of the turbulence, as their consideration of the bills reportedly led to sharp disagreement among officials at the highest echelons of government. But once transmitted, the president wasted no time in appending his signature on June 26.

However, some six months later, just as the January 1, 2026 implementation date loomed, a carefully orchestrated and fiercely politicised campaign to discredit the tax laws again took centre stage. The reason for the new campaign was the alleged alterations made to the laws by unnamed persons who inserted themselves between the legislature and the presidency. The National Assembly has promised to open to the public the bills they transmitted to the president as well as the gazetted copy to enable a transparent comparison. By forging ahead, the presidency seems convinced that either there were no alterations or that whatever changes were made were nothing but correction of clerical errors, or that whatever changes were noticed merely rendered the laws more readable.

Significantly, those championing the suspension of the laws, most of them politicians campaigning under the aegis of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have seized upon the fallacy that the laws would raise taxes, stymie economic recovery, and worsen hardship particularly among the poor. Knowing full well that most Nigerians have not read the laws nor, if they did, understand them, the campaigners recognise that crying wolf where there is none is always an effective tool of political mobilisation or social revolt. On top of this, no one wants to pay tax, regardless of whether the economy is stable or in recession. The adversarial campaigns have, however, achieved limited effectiveness, fortunately because it is coming outside the election year. Had the administration deferred its implementation to the end of the first quarter as some, including the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), advocated, the seemingly innocent act of procrastination would have restricted the government’s elbow room and risked weakening or derailing its political campaigns.

Read Also: Reps release CTC of Tax laws to public, describe NASS as institution of records

The four legs of the Tax Reform Act 2025 are (1) The Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025; (2) The Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025; (3) The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (NRSA) 2025; and (4) The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act (JRBA) 2025. Opponents of the laws rarely bothered about the second, third and fourth laws. They have been particular about the first one, The Nigeria Tax Act 2025. It is understandable. This Act, as the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee put it, “is the core of the reform, consolidating over a dozen federal tax laws into a single, unified statute.” It argued further that “it replaces previous laws like the Companies Income Tax Act, Personal Income Tax Act, and Value Added Tax Act, among other outdated tax laws.” The NTA not only simplifies what was a complex and misaligned tax laws, it provides relief for low-income earners and small enterprises. Even as far as VAT is concerned, the new sharing formula benefits states (55%) and local governments (35%), much more than the federal government (10%). The resurgent campaigns have been based on nothing significant, as President Bola Tinubu put it, but on the unprovable supposition that the tax laws would raise taxes.

The president was more assertive in a statement he issued before the laws took effect. According to him: “These reforms are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country. The tax laws are not designed to raise taxes, but rather to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity while strengthening the social contract…Our administration is aware of the public discourse surrounding alleged changes to some provisions of the recently enacted tax laws. No substantial issue has been established that warrants a disruption of the reform process.” Though President Tinubu rightly approved the implementation of the tax laws to begin on schedule, unwary members of the public were probably spooked by opposition falsehoods to see the tax laws as their worst nightmare. The reality is, however, different. In fact, the poor as well as small enterprises, not to talk of those who have nothing to hide, will be the chief beneficiaries.

There will of course be implementation hiccups at the beginning, but despite the stifling opposition to the reform, it should improve Nigeria’s fiscal space, ultimately enthrone tax equity, energise small and medium enterprises, and simplify the social contract by making the public more responsible and the government more accountable. What the administration should worry about is that the initial hiccups do not grow into a monster, engender gridlock, or empower detractors of the laws to make more sanctimonious noise.

January 4, 2026
Malami cuts a sorry figure

Former attorney general Abubakar Malami spent weeks in detention with the EFCC and the New Year and many more days in jail pending the determination of his bail application by a court. He was not alone. His wife and one of his sons were later remanded with him. In the previous Muhammadu Buhari administration, Mr Malami was one of the most powerful ministers, indeed a cabal all by himself. He excused tyranny, waffled over court processes, rode roughshod over governmental negotiations, and refused to speak up when the rights of murdered Nigerians were abridged. He will predictably be bitter about his ordeal, and might even believe that his circumstances were inspired by the government of the day.

Read Also: Troops recover large cache of ammunition in Maiduguri

Never in his wildest imagination would he have expected to be incarcerated for weeks on end. He probably thinks his ordeal is politically motivated, and as a governorship aspirant in the opposition his fellow travellers have encouraged his miscomprehension of his legal troubles. A third-rate lawyer himself, he seems to believe the lies. But what did he expect? The courts wait patiently for men like him, powerful people who think they are untouchable, who when they were in office connived at the raids on residences of judges and mistreatment of court officials. He will of course get his bail, but he will now be more enlightened about the transience of power and how the system ruthlessly exacts vengeance.

January 4, 2026
No battle for ADC presidential ticket

No one is certain who first mooted the fallacy that with the defection of former Anambra governor Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) there would ensue a healthy struggle for the party’s presidential ticket. Mr Obi defected only last week, while those who hungered for the ticket were either present at the party’s formation or funded the party almost entirely. To presume he stands any chance at all of picking the ticket simply because of some fanciful permutations is sheer nonsense. There will be no battle whatsoever. More accurately, Mr Obi himself knows there will not be any battle, nor if there was one, that he stood any chance.

Read Also: Reps release CTC of Tax laws to public, describe NASS as institution of records

Former president Goodluck Jonathan was briefly afflicted by that political hyperbole, leading him to saunter into the party’s informal caucus meeting one sunny day only to receive a devastating rebuff. Deflated, he sauntered out like he came in and has since not been heard from again on the subject, not even to joke about it. Mr Obi may fancy himself a modern-day pied piper, and may sometimes not know when he is fairly and thoroughly beaten in an electoral contest, but he has no illusion who his political masters are. At any rate, he had once encountered the ADC panjadra before; now he knows that they will master him once again.

After dithering for more than two years, not knowing what to do or where to go, and unsure of everything but his pet foreign statistics, he has finally berthed at the ADC. His stay in the Labour Party (LP) had become untenable, for he lacked the acumen to manage or reform complex entities, and was therefore not adding value to the beleaguered party. In the end, his clearly outsized ambition to rule Nigeria impelled him to seek refuge anywhere. For a man so feckless, returning to his vomit appeared the logical choice, indeed, the logical end. He will, as he was wont, eat humble pie before former vice president Atiku Abubakar.

January 4, 2026
Reps release CTC of Tax laws to public, describe NASS as institution of records

The House of Representatives has released to the public certified true copies of the four tax reform Acts passed by the National Assembly and signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to douse growing tension over allegations that the laws were altered.

In directing the release of the certified Acts, Speaker Abbas reassured Nigerians that the National Assembly remains an institution of records, guided by clearly defined rules, precedents, archival systems, and verification processes that safeguard the authenticity of every law enacted.

Spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi said in a statement last night that the original copy of the law passed and signed by the President has been made public while hard copies have been printed and circulated to members.

The statement read, “The House of Representatives, under the leadership of the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has released the four tax reform Acts duly signed into law by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, to Nigerians for public record, verification, and reference.

“Speaker Abbas, in concert with the Senate President, H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, directed the immediate release of the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the Acts, including the endorsement and assent pages signed by the President, following public concerns and allegations regarding purported alterations and the circulation of unauthorised and misleading versions of the laws.

“This decisive intervention underscores Speaker Abbas’ long-standing commitment to transparency, legislative integrity, and public confidence in the law-making process.

“Indeed, the attention of the House was drawn to the existence of inconsistent versions of the tax laws in circulation after a vigilant Honourable Member identified discrepancies, raised the alarm, and formally reported the matter to the House on a point of privilege. Acting promptly, the Speaker ordered an internal verification and the immediate public release of the certified Acts to eliminate doubt, restore clarity, and protect the sanctity of the legislative record.

Read Also: Troops recover large cache of ammunition in Maiduguri

“From the initiation of the tax reform process through extensive stakeholder consultations, committee scrutiny, rigorous clause-by-clause consideration, robust plenary debates, and eventual passage, Speaker Abbas has provided firm and steady leadership to ensure that the reforms were evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with Nigeria’s fiscal realities and development priorities.

“Throughout the process, Speaker Abbas consistently emphasised that tax reform must be anchored on clarity, fairness, and strict adherence to constitutional and parliamentary procedure.

“The four Acts released are: the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, The Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, The National Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025 and The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025

“These landmark legislations constitute the backbone of Nigeria’s contemporary tax reform architecture, designed to modernise revenue administration, improve compliance, reduce inefficiencies, eliminate duplications, and strengthen fiscal coordination across the federation.”

Rotimi quite the Speaker as saying that “The National Assembly is an institution built on records, procedure, and institutional memory. Every Bill, every amendment, and every Act follows a traceable constitutional and parliamentary pathway. Once a law is passed and assented to, its integrity is preserved through certification and custody by the legislature. There is no ambiguity about what constitutes the law.

“Speaker Abbas further emphasised that the House would remain vigilant and proactive in defending the integrity of its work, clarifying that the only authentic and authoritative versions of the four tax Acts are those certified and released by the National Assembly.

“Members of the public, institutions, professionals, and stakeholders are therefore advised to disregard and discountenance any other documents or versions in circulation that are not certified by the National Assembly, as such materials do not form part of the official legislative record.

“Consequently, the Clerk to the National Assembly has concluded the process of aligning the Acts – duly passed, assented to, and certified – with the Federal Government Printing Press to ensure accuracy, conformity, and uniformity.

“Hard copies of the certified tax Acts have also been produced and are being circulated to all Honourable Members and Distinguished Senators, and made available to the public, to ensure institutional clarity, uniform reference, and legislative certainty.

“The House affirms that the work of the Ad-Hoc Committee, chaired by Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara continues, in line with its mandate, to determine the circumstances surrounding the circulation of unauthorised versions of the tax Acts and to recommend measures that will prevent a recurrence and preserve the authenticity and reliability of parliamentary records.

“The House of Representatives, under the leadership of Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, transparency, and accountable governance. The House will continue to strengthen internal controls, uphold institutional discipline, and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process in the collective interest of the Nigerian people.”

January 3, 2026