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Tag: Arewa group

  • Arewa group urges governors to emulate Ebonyi’s N150,000 Christmas bonus to workers 

    Arewa group urges governors to emulate Ebonyi’s N150,000 Christmas bonus to workers 

    In the spirit of Christmas, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has called on state governors across Nigeria to follow the example of Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru in prioritizing worker welfare and bonuses. 

    Governor Nwifuru recently announced a generous Christmas bonus of N150,000 for each state worker, a gesture praised by many.

    The announcement was made through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, who confirmed that the bonus would be disbursed to beneficiaries before 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. 

    The ATT applauded Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to worker welfare, urging other governors to adopt similar initiatives to boost morale and improve the well-being of their workforce during the festive season.

    Excited by this development, the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, in a statement said: “This is the type of personality we want to have as our leaders, who consider and reconsider the situation of his people at a time like this when Nigerians are celebrating with families and friends”.

    “The Ebonyi governor has taken the right decision and direction and we therefore urge other State governors across the country to follow suit.

    Read Also: Nigerians to value lives

    “We at Arewa Think Tank want to use this opportunity to extend our warmest greetings to Governor Nwifuru in this great and important season in the Christian Calendar. It is a season of joy, of good tidings, of love and of looking out for those who may have fallen on the rough edges of life.

    “We have noticed that as soon as Governor Nwifuru assumed office he started hitting the ground running and working furiously to translate into practical and measurable terms according to his campaign promises. We therefore urge him to keep it up.

    “It’s heart-warming and wonderful excitement to us, for bringing Christmas cheers to the workers through the payment of this mouth-watering bonus.

    “Apart from this bonus, we want to advise that the governor should also pay special attention to the workers and also ensure that he creates the enabling environment for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, (SMEs) which is the engine of growth, in any economy to thrive.

    “Continue to tackle those critically important kitchen-table issues, which affect families and as well continue to pay down gratuities to the retired workers, and ensure that education and health facilities are given top priorities.

    “This is a season of joy and goodwill. We therefore call on all Nigerians to continue to live in peace and unity and eschew tendencies that seek to divide us. As we have been saying: Politics is long gone. It’s now time for governance. We should bury and throw into the trash Can, the cards of hatred, and stop demonizing our leaders and symbols of authority.

    “Our leaders across the country should continue to flow with the waves of love and unity and remember to reach out to those who may have fallen on the rough sides and patches of life.

    “Let us as citizens arise together and work to extend the frontiers of love for our collective growth, development, and progress. We wish our Christian brothers and sisters Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance”. The statement said.

  • Arewa group drums support for Tinubu’s Tax Bill

    Arewa group drums support for Tinubu’s Tax Bill

    The Coalition of Arewa Groups, comprising 300 organisations across 19 northern States, has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s tax bills. 

    The group said the endorsement comes after a thorough examination and exhaustive consideration of the proposed legislation during a meeting in Kaduna on Friday.

    In a statement co-signed by Alhaji Usman Abubakar

    and Obadiah Amos, the group commended President Tinubu’s vision to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal framework, promoting economic growth and sustainability. 

    The Coalition also applauded the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, for clarifying the bill’s details through media engagements. 

    The group urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, ensuring timely implementation.

    “We, the Coalition of Arewa Groups, comprising 300 organizations across the 19 northern states, gathered in Kaduna on Friday to deliberate on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax bill,” the statement said. 

    “After thorough examination and exhaustive consideration, we unequivocally endorse the proposed legislation. 

    “Our endorsement is premised on the understanding that the tax bills are designed to consolidate taxation frameworks, promote economic growth, and ensure sustainability.

    “The Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax reforms, headed by Taiwo Oyedele, has presented a comprehensive bill to the Federal Executive Council. 

    “This bill aims to harmonize multiple taxes and levies, unify revenue collection functions, and modernize the tax system. We commend President Tinubu’s vision to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal framework.

    “Key provisions of the bill include a gradual increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 15% by 2030. Company Income Tax will be set at 27.5% for large companies, reducing to 25% from 2026. 

    “A 4% development levy will be imposed on companies to fund the Student Education Loan Fund. Additionally, a 5% excise duty will be applied to lottery, gaming and telecommunications services.

    “We applaud the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, for clarifying the bill’s details through media engagements. His efforts have significantly contributed to public understanding. We pass a vote of confidence in the FIRS Chairman and express our full support for President Tinubu’s tax bills.

    Read Also: Tinubu reappoints Prof. Mustapha as NBRDA D-G

    “The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to the nation’s prosperity. We believe these measures will foster economic development, enhance revenue generation, and promote Nigeria’s growth. 

    “Our support for the tax bills is grounded in our conviction that they will ultimately benefit the Nigerian people.

    “Furthermore, we acknowledge the importance of transparency in the tax system. The bill’s provisions for price transparency and monitoring of publication costs and fees are particularly noteworthy. This level of transparency will contribute to establishing fair and reasonable prices for publishing services.

    “In conclusion, we reaffirm our endorsement of President Tinubu’s tax bills. We urge the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, ensuring its timely implementation.“

  • Arewa group seeks Tinubu’s intervention over Katsina road project

    Arewa group seeks Tinubu’s intervention over Katsina road project

    A sociopolitical group in the North, the Arewa Coalition Group for Security and Human Rights has sought the intervention of President Bola Tinubu on the cancellation of the Katsina-Kankara-Dutsima- Mararaba-Kankara Road project in Katsina.

    The group expressed sadness over the ‘ cancellation of the project’ cutting across about seven local governments. It claimed it was done in bad taste by the government.

    Its National coordinator,Mallam Ibrahim Muhammad lauded the initial speed and diligence demonstrated by the contractor who had promptly mobilized to site upon the award.

    Read Also: No need for protest because I’ve heard your call – Tinubu tells Nigerians

    He spoke at Arewa House, Kaduna at a news conference on Tuesday.

    The group urged the Federal Government to restore of the contract to the local contractor , Vipan Global Resources Limited and urged it to go back to site .

    Muhammad said the restoration of the contract would restore the confidence of the people of the state a well as the North in the government of President Tinubu.

    The group also appealed to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, governor Dikko Rada and former governor Aminu Masari and Presidential aide, Ibrahim Masari, Muhammad on behalf of his group to ensure work continues on road.