The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

  • JUST IN: Tinubu honoured with chieftaincy title by Anambra traditional rulers

    JUST IN: Tinubu honoured with chieftaincy title by Anambra traditional rulers

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been bestowed with the prestigious chieftaincy title of ‘Dike Si Mba Anambra’ by traditional rulers representing all 179 communities in Anambra state.

    The title was conferred by the chairman of the Anambra state traditional rulers council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Ogalagidi, Eze Iweka III), during a ceremony held at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, on Thursday.

    President Tinubu was in the state for a one-day working visit to commission several ‘legacy’ projects completed by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    Speaking during the conferment, Igwe Iweka said, “This is a title from all the royal fathers in the 179 communities of Anambra State. The title is called ‘Dike si mba Anambra’, meaning ‘warrior from the Diaspora,’ and it is in recognition of your good works across the country.

    “We welcome you to Anambra, and we salute you for honouring our invitation. Your efforts in governance are positively impacting every nook and cranny of the country.

    “With your efforts, we have seen critical infrastructure such as key roads that connect the Second Niger Bridge as well as other projects in our communities. May God continue to offer you more wisdom to steer the ship of governance.”

    In response, President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to the royal fathers for the honour bestowed on him.

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    He said, “Our diversity must lead to prosperity; we must work together to lead Nigeria. We must commit ourselves to the development of the country.

    “I feel deeply honoured by the conferment of a chieftaincy title by the royal fathers of this state. Today is not only historic, but one which I will forever treasure for the rest of my life.”

    The event was graced by several dignitaries including the National Security Adviser, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu; Ogun State Governor, Chief Dapo Abiodun; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Abia State Governor, Alex Otti; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; and Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

  • Kanu’s broadcasts led to killing of Jonathan’s ex-aide, retired judge, others – Witness tells court

    Kanu’s broadcasts led to killing of Jonathan’s ex-aide, retired judge, others – Witness tells court

    A Federal High Court in Abuja heard on Thursday that the broadcasts made by the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, led to the killing of a former Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak, and others.

    An official of the Department of State Services (DSS) said this as he resumed his testimony as the second prosecution witness in the ongoing terrorism trial of Kanu.

    The witness, who said he was part of the DSS’ team that investigated the complaint made against Kanu by the then Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, said the defendant’s broadcast also led to the killing of a retired judge, Justice Stanley Nnaji and an intending military couple, Sergeant Audu Lucas, Private Glory Matthew.

    The witness said Kanu, in one of his broadcasts, ordered his followers to enforce a sit-in at home in all South-Eastern states, and as a result, many people who went out of their houses on that day were killed.

    He said investigation revealed that Sergeant Lucas and Private Matthew were not only killed by those who were enforcing Kanu’s sit-at-home order, but they were also beheaded.

    The witness said investigation also revealed that before killing Gulak, those enforcing the sit at home directive by Kanu, blamed him (Gulak) for coming out on a day their leader asked people not to go out of their homes.

    He added that, from their investigation, they found that Kanu founded IPOB and ESN, which is the armed wing of IPOB, and that he was the leader of both groups.

    “We were also able to establish that he (Kanu) founded Radio Biafra through which he made inciting comments like the killing of police officers and burning of property,” the witness said.

    He added that they also found that Radio Biafra was not registered in Nigeria and that, owing to Kanu’s broadcast, police stations in Cele and Ilasa (both in Lagos) were burnt by his followers.

    The witness said investigation also revealed that about 100 luxury buses, belonging to the Lagos State Government and part of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos State, were burnt as allegedly directed by Kanu in one of his broadcasts.

    The witness added: “He (Kanu) not only called for the killing of security officers, he called for them to be beheaded, which they (his followers) did.”

    He said their investigation revealed that Kanu’s agitation for Biafra was to secede the states of southeast and part of Benue and Kogi states from Nigeria, adding that the defendant “called for the establishment of the state of Biafra by any means possible, including war.”

    Earlier, the video recording of the session where investigators, including the witness, interrogated Kanu and obtained a written statement from him, was played in court.

    The witness identified Kanu in the video as well as two of his lawyers who were with him during the session, including Alloy Ejimakor.

    During interrogation session, which, took place under a convivial atmosphere, as Kanu, his lawyers and the DSS official were seen throwing banters and laughing intermittently, Kanu confirmed being the founder and leader of IPOB and ESN.

    At a point during the interaction session, Kanu sought and was granted permission to ease himself. He went into the restroom, returned a moment later, and the interview session continued.

    Kanu said he was not directly involved in the day-to-day running of both organisations (IPOB and ESN), which he said were managed by their states’ coordinators.

    The defendant also said, in the video, that he made broadcast in respect of the EndSARS protest and other broadcasts on Radio Biafra.

    He said the protest in Lagos during the EndSARS protest was outside the Biafran territory and that the destruction witnessed during the protest could not have been due to his broadcast.

    Kanu said he does not have authority over his members, adding that if he had authority over them he would not have subscribed to referendum, he would have just pronounced Biafra into existence.

    In the video, Kanu denied that IPOB is responsible for the violent attacks in some parts of the south east and the killings witnessed, adding that “IPOB is a peaceful movement. The IPOB is a non-violent movement.”

    Kanu, who said he facilitated the establishment of ESN, explained that the organisation was necessitated by the killings of the people of the South East.

    Read Also: DSS reveals how Nnamdi Kanu was arrested as prosecution opens case, calls first witness 

    He added, “If you look at what was happening in our land, that was what gave rise to ESN. If our people cannot go to the farm, and people are killed on their land, do you sit down and do nothing?

    “People can no longer go to the farm; people can no longer carry out their economic activities.”

    Kanu faulted the invasion of his house by armed soldiers, which he said accounted for why he left the country for fear of being killed.

    He argued that the invasion was unnecessary and also faulted the manner he was arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria.

    At the conclusion of the witness’ examination in chief, lawyer to the defendant, Paul Erokoro (SAN), sought an adjournment for the defence to cross-examine him.

    Following agreement by lawyers to parties, Justice James Omotosho adjourned till May 14, 21, and 22 for further hearing.

  • PDP loses three more federal lawmakers to APC

    PDP loses three more federal lawmakers to APC

    Three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the House of Representatives from Katsina State on Thursday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    This brings to 27, the number of lawmakers in the 10th Assembly to have changed parties since it was inaugurated on June 13, 2023.

    Out of the figure, 24 members have dumped either the PDP or Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to join the APC, one dumped the Labour Party to join APGA while two other LP members joined the PDP. 

    The three members who resigned their membership of the PDP at Thursday plenary are Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai (Bakori/Danja); Aliyu Illiyasu (Safana/Butsari) and Salish Yusuf Majigiri (Mashi/Dushi). 

    In his letter read at plenary by Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, Majigiri said he was leaving the PDP as a result of the “chronic crisis without cure” affecting the PDP at the national level. 

    He said he was left with no choice than to seek an alternative platform to advance his political career and ensure adequate representation of his constituents. 

    Read Also: Ekiti PDP defies court order, holds local govt congress

    He said he was also convinced by the transparent leadership style of the Katsina Governor as well as his all-Inclusive governance and accountability. 

    Illiyasu said he was leaving the PDP because of irreconcilable differences bedeviling the party, making it impossible for him to adequately represent his people. 

    Dabai lamented that the PDP has been in crisis since 2022 and all efforts to address the crisis has failed, affecting members of the party.

    The defection was witnessed by Katsina governor, Umar Dikko Radda; former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema and other top officials of the APC in Katsina State. 

  • BREAKING: Court dismisses Multichoice’s suit against FCCPC over price hike

    BREAKING: Court dismisses Multichoice’s suit against FCCPC over price hike

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the suit by Multichoice against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for restraining it from effecting price increase.

    In a judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the suit constituted an abuse of the process of the court having been filed after a similar suit was filed on the issue by one Festus Onifade, with Multichoice and FCCPC as parties in the suit.

    Justice Omotosho noted that an earlier suit filed by Onifade before the same Federal High Court in Abuja, and in which Multichoice is a party, was still pending before Multichoice decided to file this separate suit.

    The judge said Multichoice could ventilate the issues in the suit filed by Onifade by simply filing a counter claim rather than filing a separate suit.

    Read Also: Meta, WhatsApp to appeal Tribunal’s ruling on FCCPC’s $220 million fine

    The judge proceeded to decline jurisdiction and dismissed the suit.

    However, Justice Omotosho went ahead to determine the case on the merit and held that since Nigeria runs a free market economy, the FCCPC lacked the power to interfere in the decisions of private companies to fix their prices.

    The judge held that  under Section 88 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, it is only the president of the FRN that can regulate prices in a regulated industry and for essential goods, not the kind of services being rendered by the Multichoice where consumers have choices.

    Justice James Omotosho held that the FCCPC has no business querying how companies fix their prices in a free market economy.

  • NAF boosts air power against terrorists with nine fighter jets

    NAF boosts air power against terrorists with nine fighter jets

    • 49 more aircraft coming
    • Badaru: terrorists’ leaders among 13,543 killed

    Terrorists and bandits are in for tough times with the acquisition of nine new fighter jets by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Forty-nine more fighter aircraft are expected to join the fleet, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said yesterday.

    He said NAF strikes killed 3,496 terrorists in the Northeast since June 2023, with more than 121,000 insurgents and their families surrendering to security forces.

    Also yesterday, Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said security forces have stepped up the battle against insurgency.

    Badaru said over 124,408 insurgents surrendered in the past two years, while 13,543 terrorists and bandits, including some of their prominent leaders and commanders, were killed by combined security forces.

    According to him, some of the neutralised terrorist commanders include Abu Bilal Minuki, Haruna Isiya Boderi, Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi, Kachallah Kabiru, Kachallah Azailaru, and Alhaji Baldu.

    Air Marshal Abubakar spoke during a lecture he delivered at the Air Force War College in Makurdi, Benue State.

    Badaru and Idris spoke during the seventh edition of the Ministerial Briefing in Abuja.

    Air Marshal Abubakar stressed that the targeted investments by the Tinubu Administration have significantly bolstered NAF’s operational capabilities.

    He said: “These acquisitions will further expand the service’s capacity to execute complex missions and maintain momentum in ongoing air operations.”

    He said last year, the NAF flew over 4,500 hours across 2,304 sorties, executing nearly 2,000 counterinsurgency missions.

    “Additionally, over 2,600 anti-banditry sorties were carried out, resulting in 4,670 hours of flight time.

    “In support of efforts to combat economic sabotage, the NAF conducted 366 sorties targeting crude oil theft and illegal refining, amassing more than 1,450 hours of flight time.

    Read Also: NAF trains army personnel on aviation fuel handling 

    “These figures are not mere statistics; they represent real missions, real risks, and real outcomes.

    “Through the strategic deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic air power, we have disrupted oil theft syndicates and secured critical infrastructure,” he said.

    He cited recent data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showing a 13 per cent increase in crude oil and condensate production in Q4 2024.

    He attributed the growth to effective air operations and security collaboration.

    Air Marshal Abubakar urged the next generation of Air Force leaders to embrace strategic command challenges.

    “Your leadership, professionalism, and resolve will determine the Air Force’s ability to meet current and future security threats,” he said.

    Idris: security top on Fed Govt’s agenda

    Idris said strengthening national security is top on the Tinubu Administration’s agenda, which he added explains the huge investment in acquisitions of modern equipment.

    “The Tinubu Administration has demonstrated this resolve not merely through words, but through concrete actions – including the acquisition of advanced platforms and armaments, enhanced intelligence gathering, intensive training and retraining of personnel, and strategic global partnerships.”

    The minister urged the media to support the military in the discharge of its responsibility.

    He said: “The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices.

    “Our armed forces are not only respected by global allies but also feared by those who threaten our collective peace.

    “It is equally important to recognise that the fight against insecurity is not limited to kinetic approaches.

    “It is also a battle for the hearts and minds of our people – one that terrorist groups are actively exploiting through propaganda, especially on social media platforms.

    “I, therefore, call on our media professionals and editors to be discerning in their reportage.

    “We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave.

    “We must take them off the front pages and accurately report them as the criminals they are, without glorifying their acts or giving credence to their false narratives.

    “These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such.

    “Let us remember that responsible and patriotic journalism is essential to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria – one that holds promise not just for our nation, but for the stability and development of the entire West African sub-region and the African continent at large.”

    Badaru: military not inferior to terrorists

    Badaru faulted claims by federal lawmakers that terrorists have the upper hand over military troops.

    The criticism followed attacks on military bases in Borno.

    The lawmakers had claimed that the attacks showed Boko Haram and ISWAP were better equipped.

    But the minister attributed the attacks to terrorists’ irregular warfare tactics aided by local informants, not military inferiority.

    Badaru said: “That is absolutely not true. We have much more sophisticated weapons and much more sophisticated drones.

    “The issue is, this war is not a conventional war. It is like a guerrilla war. They watch us, they have informants around us. They give them information.

    “They don’t have more equipment than we do. We have much more. We have much more sophisticated equipment.”

    The minister said over 17,469 suspected criminals were arrested in two years, while 9,821 kidnap victims, including women and children, were rescued across the country.

    “Cast your mind back to two years ago. People could not travel from Abuja to Kaduna, Birnin Gwari to Kaduna, Abuja to Lokoja, and so many other roads freely.

    “But today, the story is different. Nigerians are now travelling freely,” he said.

    Badaru attributed the resurgence to infiltration of terrorists from neighbouring countries as a result of rising insecurity in the Sahelian region, especially in Niger, Mali, Cameroun, Republic of Benin and Chad Republic.

    He said the use of drones by terrorists was no cause for alarm as they were civilian drones modified for surveillance, not military-grade or weaponised ones.

    Badaru said 10 of 53 companies under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) have started producing military hardware, including drones, aircraft parts, and protective gear, as part of efforts towards self-sufficiency.

    “We are working to see if we can sustain a section in Ajaokuta that will support our efforts to make DICON more vibrant,” Badaru said.

  • Labour Party suspends Otti, Kingibe, others

    Labour Party suspends Otti, Kingibe, others

    • Nenadi faction seeks financial probe
    • Governor: Abure a clown looking for crown

    The Labour Party (LP) leadership crisis escalated yesterday.

    Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) suspended LP’s only governor, Alex Otti (Abia State), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha (Abia Central) and three House of Representatives members.

    Also suspended indefinitely are, Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra), leaders of the LP caucus, Amobi Ogah (Isuikwato/Umuneochi Constituency, and Seyi Sowunmi (Ojo Constituency).

    Otti dismissed the suspension as a ruse.

    He described Abure as clown looking for crown.

    Their suspension, according to the National Secretary of the Abure faction, Alhaji Umar Farouk, followed the recommendations of the five-man disciplinary committee set up by the National Executive Committee (NEC) headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, to investigate allegations of indiscipline against them.

    But the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) headed by Senator Esther Nenadi-Usman, which rejected the suspension, unfolded plans to probe Abure and his factional NWC.

    It is a new twist to the protracted crisis that had led the litigation that also took tolls on the platform. Although the Supreme Court ruled that the party should resolve the crisis because it is a party affair, the two factions have failed to close ranks.

    Otti and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, belong to the Nenadi-Usman camp.

    Last month, Lamidi Apapa, who is the Deputy National Chairman (South), challenged both Abure and Nenadi-Usman to a duel, claiming that he is the authentic acting chairman.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is also laying claim to the leadership of the party. NLC President Joe Ajaero said last week that the NEC meeting of the NLC will ratify the series f actions the Labour centre will take to retain the party, which it registered.

    However, Farouk said in a statement that the NWC did not suspend Nenadi-Usman because she is not an LP member, but a member of the Obidient movement.

    The statement reads: “The National Executive of the party met today May 7th, 2025 and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the party’s constitution has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.

    Read Also: Labour Party tussle moves to INEC

    “Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect: Dr. Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi

    “By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC and security agencies among others are to take note.

    “It will surprise Nigerians and party faithful that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party. First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party, being not a card-carrying member of the party.

    “We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore, not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party.

    “Again, we are aware that Ms Usman recently in a well televised occasion, in cohort with a former Kaduna State governor, joined another political party where she pledged loyalty to the party. We are clearly confused where Nenadi Usman’s loyalty lies.

    “The party leadership is also surprised that Nenadi Usman is talking about corruption. Nigerians are already aware of all the EFCC cases against her and we expect Ms Usman to come out and explain to Nigerians the story…”

    Rejecting plans by the NCC to probe Abure, Farouk added: “The party’s financial records are straight and it will interest the members of the public to know that the party’s audited account has been published.

    “INEC being the regulatory body sent their external auditors to audit the party’s account and they gave a clean report and as well commended the party for its financial transparency.

    “It is on record that among the comity of Political Parties in Nigeria, Labour Party financial records was adjudged to be among the best.”

    The NWC also distanced itself from the coalition talks with other opposition parties.

    Farouk said: “The party has since taken a position on the issue of coalition and we want to reiterate that the party is not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger. “Like we have earlier stated, the protagonists of the coalition; those driving the agenda lack the capacity, the character and competence to midwife such a political arrangement.”

    He added: “These are people who have failed to manage one political party, how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests. Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as stand alone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter.”

    Abure should learn politics, says Ogah

    Ogah, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, dismissed the suspension as a ruse, saying that Abure should go and learn the rudiments of politics.

    He said: “Abure should know that I stand with my governor, Dr. Alex Otti. Where ever my governor stands is where I will stand. Politics is not played based on sentiments. I think Abure should do and learn politics. That is all I will say for now”.

    Ogene, leader of  LP Caucus in the House of Representatives, said he will react to the development today.

    He said: “Let me give him space today. I will react to it tomorrow.”

  • Black smoke signaled no Pope elected on day 1

    Black smoke signaled no Pope elected on day 1

    The first round of voting yesterday failed to produce a new Pope.

    Black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, an indication that the process will continue today.

    Before the 133 cardinal electors moved into the Conclave, a remark by 91-year-old Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, saying “auguri e doppi,” which could mean either “congratulations twice” or “best wishes twice” to Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin –  set tongues wagging that he is favoured to become the next Pontiff.

    Sistine Chapel and history of Conclave

    At 4:30 p.m. local time, 133 cardinals processed from the Vatican’s Pauline Chapel into the Sistine Chapel. After the papal master of ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, declared extra omnes (“everyone out”), the doors of the chapel were sealed and conclave voting began.

    It is in the famous Sistine Chapel that the election of the new pope will take place – and have done so since the 15th Century.

    The last conclave, in 2013, elected Pope Francis after just five rounds of voting, making it one of the quickest decisions in modern times.

    In earlier centuries, disagreements sometimes caused conclaves to stretch on for months.

    Read Also: Cardinals enter Conclave to elect 267th Pope

    After the voting has taken place, the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square – and those watching around the world – will wait for the moment smoke comes out of the Sistine Chapel chimney.

    Black smoke means more voting will take place tomorrow. White means we have a new pope.

    The longest conclave ever went on from 1268 to 1271 – when Pope Gregory X was elected after an almost three-year process.

    The shortest conclave lasted just 10 hours and ended with the election of Pope Julius II in 1503.

    In modern times, the last few have all been done within two or three days.

    Cardinal Re on the task before the electors

    Yesterday, Dean of the College of Cardinals, Re, who said the funeral Mass for Pope Francis 11 days earlier, gave the homily at the service in St. Peter’s Basilica known as Pro Eligendo Pontifice (For the Election of the Pontiff). He weighed in on the two poles of unity and diversity, which in debates on the future of the church have come to represent the split between conservative and progressive views.

    In his homily, Re said the readings issued “a strong call to maintain the unity of the church on the path traced out by Christ to the apostles,” recognizing the cardinals who want a new pope to counter the division — some say “confusion” — they believe Francis introduced by welcoming dissenting voices.

    But Cardinal Re also admonished the traditionalists that the conclave must aspire to a “unity that does not mean uniformity, but a firm and profound communion in diversity, provided that full fidelity to the gospel is maintained.”

    In a break from the last two Masses preceding the conclaves in 2005 and 2013, Re did not mention the previous pontiff by name in his homily, only mentioning Pope John Paul II’s comment on the cardinals’ responsibility to put the pontificate in “the right hands.”

    Re instructed the cardinals to pray that they would be led to pick a pope, “who knows how best to awaken the consciences of all and the moral and spiritual energies in today’s society,” a nod to the cardinals’ discussions about evangelisation, as well as the church’s engagement on social issues, during the general congregations.

  • Alleged coalition against Tinubu ‘political hallucination’-Presidency

    Alleged coalition against Tinubu ‘political hallucination’-Presidency

    The Presidency on Wednesday dismissed ongoing speculations about a surging political coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing the narrative as nothing more than a “political hallucination.”

    A post by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, posted on his verified X stated: “To say a political coalition is surging when in fact no one is interested in it is a political hallucination.”

    The Presidency pointed to the clear disinterest expressed by major political figures and institutions in any such alliance. 

    “The Governors’ Forum of PDP said they are not interested, the NWC of PDP said same. Peter Obi recently said he is not in any coalition talks, Labour Party people said they are not interested,” Bwala wrote.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s diversity can propel greatness with unity, equity, justice – Ohanaeze PG

    In contrast, the Presidency highlighted the growing strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that the party has been attracting key opposition figures, including high-profile defectors.

    “Meanwhile in contrast, the party surging is APC; receiving defectors left, right and centre including a former vice presidential candidate of PDP in the 2023 elections,” the statement added.

    “It is not a coalition, but hallucination,” Bwala concluded.

    The Presidency reaffirmed that President Tinubu remains focused on delivering his Renewed Hope Agenda and is not distracted by speculative political manoeuvring.

    According to the Special Adviser, the administration remains confident in its widespread support across the country and views the current political climate as favourable to its ongoing reforms and governance agenda.

  • JUST IN: Senate passes two Tax Reform Bills, defers others till Thursday

    JUST IN: Senate passes two Tax Reform Bills, defers others till Thursday

    …retains VAT at 7.5%,

    The Senate on Wednesday passed two out of the four Tax Reforms Bills transmitted to it for approval last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The passage of the bills followed the presentation of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance and the adoption of its recommendations by the Senate during plenary.

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (APC – Niger East) presented the report.

    The four Bills are: Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025.

    However, the two Tax Reform Bills passed by the Senate are: the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025.

    The four Bills were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for further legislative action after their second reading by the Senate on Thursday November 28, 2024.

    The Bills had generated heated debate in the polity, thereby forcing the Senate to defer legislative work on them, including organising a public hearing.

    However, following wide consultation by the Senate with critical stakeholders and the intervention of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the clauses containing the proposals for VAT collection and administration, which had generated a lot of criticism, were amended.

    The recommendations of the NGF led to the continuation of legislative work on the Bills by the Senate after a long delay.

    Among others, the Senate adopted the retention of the Value Added Tax at 7.5 per cent.

    On the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Senate adopted the recommendations of the committee, which states that, “The objectives of this Bill should be amended as follows:

    “To provide for a legal, institutional, and regulatory framework for the administration of taxes and revenue accruable to the Government of the Federation, as prescribed by the National Assembly.

    “Clause 4 of the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill 2025 – functions of the Nigeria Revenue Service should be amended as follows:

    “Assess persons, including corporations, companies, and individuals chargeable with tax, other than individuals, resident in any state of the Federation or the Federal Capital Territory.

    “In collaboration with the relevant Ministries and Agencies of Government, subject to the approval of the Senate, review the tax regimes and promote the use of taxation to develop, stimulate,e and grow economic activities;

    “Adopt measures to identify, trace, freeze, confiscate or seize proceeds derived from tax fraud or evasion, in line with the provisions of this Bill;

    “Clause 7 (1a) of the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill 2025 should be amended as follows:

    ‘The Chairman of the Board, who shall be the President; and (b) Executive Vice Chairman, who shall be the head of the Revenue Service and subject to confirmation of the Senate.’

    “Clause 13 (2) of the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill 2025 should be amended as follows:

    ‘The Secretary shall be a lawyer, or a chartered accountant or a chartered secretary who shall not be less than the rank of a Deputy Director.’

    Read Also: Senate to consider report on tax reform bills on Wednesday

    “Executive directors should be appointed to the Board of the Service. We propose that the relevant clause be amended as follows:

    “The President shall appoint six Executive Directors for the Service, each representing a geopolitical zone on a rotational basis among the states in the zone in alphabetical order, provided that the Executive Vice Chairman and an Executive Director shall not come from the same state.

    “The timeline for reporting by the service should not exceed three months after the end of the preceding year.”

    In addition, the Senate also adopted the recommendation of its Committee on Finance on the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill with the title: “A Bill for an Act to provide for the assessment, collection of, and accounting for revenue accruing to the Federation, Federal, States and Local Governments; prescribe the powers and functions of Tax authorities, and for related matters.”

    The Senate adopted the recommendation on the sharing formula for VAT which states that,”(a) 10% (VAT) to the Federal Government; (b) 55% to the State Governments and the Federal Capital Territory; and (c) 35% to the Local Governments.

    “The amount of VAT revenue standing to the credit of states and local governments shall be distributed among them on the following basis: (a) State Governments: (i) Equality – 50%, (ii) Population – 20% and (iii) Place of consumption – 30%; (b) Local Governments (i) Equality – 70% and (ii) Population – 30%.

    “Change the word ‘derivation’ to ‘place of consumption’ to provide clarity.

    “Penalties for the following offences were amended as follows: Failure to register: (a) N100,000.00 in the first month in which the failure occurs; and (b) N50,000.00 for each subsequent month in which the failure continues.

    “Failure to file returns: (a) N200,000.00 in the first month in which the failure occurs, and (b) N50,000.00 for each subsequent month in which the failure continues

    “Failure to keep books: On request by the relevant tax authority, fails to provide any record or book prescribed in this Act shall be liable to pay an administrative penalty of (i) in the case of a person other than a company, N10,000.00, and (ii) in the case of a company, NI00,000.00.

    “Failure to remit tax deducted at source or self-account: A person who fails to comply with subsections (1) and (2), shall, on conviction for any of the offences under this section, in addition to the administrative penalty, be liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years.”

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio who presided at plenary, commended his colleagues for painstaking job and for staying till about 5.30pm to consider the two Bills.

    He said the Senate would consider and pass the remaining Bill which include the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2025.

    In his remarks during the consideration of the report on the Bills, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, during the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance, commended the Senate for passing the Bills despite the disagreements that greeted their introduction at the onset.

    Barau said: “It is time to congratulate the entire Senate and in particular the Committee on Finance and the Elders Committee for the wisdom and leadership that has been shown in these bills. Initially, there were disagreements and there were rancors here and there.

    “But the Senate, standing on its position as the highest assembly in the land, decided to establish this committee, the Special Committee to look at all those areas of contention and hear the views of religious leaders, regional organisations, and other stakeholders.

    “Now, thank God, the committee, also in its wisdom, sat with all, had a very robust public hearing, and got to where we are now. And thank God, all these areas have been resolved.

    “This is the beauty of democracy. I’m proud to be a member of this Senate for the maturity that has been shown in dealing with this matter. Now, today, we are all on the same pedestal, agreeing on this issue. Religious leaders, NGOs, Nigerian Governors Forum, and the rest.  Now we are on the same page.

    “I congratulate all of us, particularly the Special Committee. You have done a wonderful job. I’m proud of you. I’m proud of the leadership for exhibiting the wisdom to set up this committee in the first place.”

  • JUST IN: Labour Party suspends Otti, Sen Kingibe, four others

    JUST IN: Labour Party suspends Otti, Sen Kingibe, four others

    …challenges Nenadi to speak about her plea bargain with EFCC

    The leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) took another dimension on Wednesday with the suspension of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, over alleged anti-party activities.

    The party also announced the suspension of five of its elected lawmakers in the National Assembly for the same reason given above.

    The suspended lawmakers include: Senator Ireti Kingibe; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.

    The National Secretary of the Julius Abure led faction, Umar Farouk Ibrahim announced their suspension in a statement on Wednesday.

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party had on May 2 set up a five-man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi; Ibrahim, the National Secretary, and three others to investigate Governor Otti and any other party members over allegations of anti-party activities.

    Read Also: Labour Party now a failing enterprise, says Ozigbo

    “The Disciplinary Committee has concluded its assignment and has submitted its report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today, May 7th, 2025, and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution, has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.

    “Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect.

    “Dr. Alex Otti; Senator Ireti Kingibe; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; Hon. Amobi Ogah; Hon. Seyi Sowunmi

    “By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions, including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies, among others, are to take note,” the statement said.

    The party said the name of the caretaker committee chairman set up by the former presidential candidate of the party Peter Obi led faction, Nenadi Usman was omitted from the list of the suspended members because she is not a member of the party.

    The statement added: “It will surprise Nigerians and party faithful that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party. First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party, being not a card-carrying member of the Party. We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction, being not a member of the party.

    “Again, we are aware that Ms Usman recently in a well-televised occasion, in cohort with a former Kaduna state governor, joined another political party where she pledged loyalty to the party. We are confused about where Usman Nenadi’s loyalty lies.

    “The party leadership is also surprised that Nenadi Usman is talking about corruption when indeed she is the headmistress of corruption. Nigerians are already aware of all the EFCC cases against her, and we expect Ms Usman to come out and explain to Nigerians the story behind her Plea Bargain with EFCC and all the properties she allegedly forfeited. She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption.

    “In any event, the party’s financial records are straight, and it will interest the members of the public to know that the party’s audited accounts have been published. INEC, being the regulatory body, sent their external auditors to audit the party’s account, and they gave a clean report and also commended the party for its financial transparency. It is on record that among the comity of Political Parties in Nigeria, the Labour Party’s financial records were adjudged to be among the best.

    “Finally, the party has since taken a position on the issue of coalition, and we want to reiterate that the party is not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger. Like we have earlier stated, the protagonists of the coalition, those driving the agenda, lack the capacity, the character, and competence to midwife such a political arrangement. These are people who have failed to manage one political party; how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests? The Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as a stand-alone party, and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter.”