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Tag: Yakubu Dogara

  • Nigeria’s future anchored on resilience, unity, bold reforms, says Dogara

    Nigeria’s future anchored on resilience, unity, bold reforms, says Dogara

    Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman, Board of the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has said the future of the country is anchored on resilience, unity, and bold reforms.

    In a message to Nigerians as the nation clocks 65 years of Independence, Dogara described Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary as “a victory of courage over fear, of hope over despair, and of resilience over adversity.” 

    He said the celebration should not only remind Nigerians of past sacrifices but also serve as a rallying cry to collectively embrace a new era of national renewal.

    He hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his transformative leadership.

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    The former Speaker commended President Tinubu for the audacity to pursue difficult but necessary reforms, noting that the removal of fuel subsidy, stabilization of the naira, and renewed focus on investment and enterprise are already reshaping the economic landscape.

    “These are not ordinary policy adjustments. They are seismic, historic reforms that are dismantling decades of decay and inertia. Though the pain of transition is real, the reward will be even greater. 

    “Nigerians must therefore summon the patience and endurance of a people destined for greatness, because the signs of renewal are already on the horizon,” Dogara declared.

    As Chairman of the NCGC, Dogara emphasized the role of the company in amplifying the administration’s economic vision by expanding access to credit for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), empowering women and youths, and unlocking enterprise across the federation. 

    He stressed that inclusive financial empowerment is the backbone of national growth and the surest path to lifting millions out of poverty.

    He issued a clarion call for unity, warning that divisive politics and sectionalism only weaken the nation’s resolve. 

    “At 65, Nigeria cannot afford the luxury of division. We must rise above narrow interests and embrace the higher calling of patriotism. Our destiny is one, and our survival depends on unity of purpose. Security challenges, poverty, and inequality will bow only when confronted by a people united in spirit and resolve,” he said.

    Dogara acknowledged the immediate hardships facing citizens but urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful. 

    “This is not a moment for despair. It is a time to believe again in the Nigerian dream. With visionary leadership, unbreakable patience, and the help of Almighty God, Nigeria will not only endure, she will flourish, becoming the true giant of Africa and a voice of influence in the world,” he affirmed.

    The former Speaker pledged his unwavering commitment to strengthening democracy, defending national unity, and advancing reforms that deliver justice, prosperity, and dignity to every Nigerian.

  • How Wike funded Bala Mohammed’s 2019 governorship election, by Yakubu Dogara

    How Wike funded Bala Mohammed’s 2019 governorship election, by Yakubu Dogara

    Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, revealed on Tuesday that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, was instrumental in funding the 2019 election campaign of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

    Responding to recent remarks by Mohammed, who accused Wike of being a transactional politician and a serial betrayer, Dogara recounted how Wike, then Rivers State Governor, directed Chief Dan Orbih to secure the PDP governorship ticket for Bala Mohammed and helped raise funds for his election campaign.

    In a statement personally signed by him, Dogara alleged that the Bauchi governor “practically knelt before Wike in Port Harcourt” to solicit financial assistance for his campaign.

    He said: “Governor Bala Mohammed’s recent outbursts against His Excellency Nyeson Wike, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory though not entirely surprising have only served to expand the vistas of ingratitude and treachery based on what I know.  

    “As I witness this gross injustice, the questions I ask myself, are: is my comfort more important than saying the truth and is my fear of conflict worth allowing harm to go unchallenged? 

    “I have learned enough over the years to know beyond reasonable doubt that in the face of situations like this, if I choose to prioritize my comfort, I will fail the victim and fail myself. This is because injustice itself is a festering wound, it only grow its worse when brushed aside.

    “As someone who knows so much because I was the provocateur of the events between the two that I will speak to, I consider my silence not just cowardice but complicity. Therefore, I am not afraid to stand alone or risk conflict. 

    “I should not be misunderstood to be defending Wike but simply stating the raw truth that I know and I really don’t give a damn if the truth makes Wike look good. I have learnt to say the truth as I enjoy my freedom from being a slave to human opinion. 

    “For starters, need I remind Governor Bala Mohammed that in 2018 PDP Gubernatorial primaries, when we were not too sure he will win because, his then major opponent, Senator  Abdul Ningi was the one who constituted the State party structure and had a bosom friend as Party chairman, it was Wike we turned  to for help. 

    “I had called Wike to plead with him to help us in Bauchi without necessarily disclosing to him that it was Bala Mohammed that we wanted delivered. His response to me, was that are you sure you are in control of the process 100 percent? I said, I wasn’t too sure and he said to me leave it to me, I will help you sort it out. 

    “To do it, Wike first of all made his bosom friend and close ally, Chief Dan Osi Orbih the Chairman of the Panel for the Primaries and said I should discuss whatever I wanted with Chief Dan. 

    “We got talking and on the eve of the Primaries, Chief Dan was in Benin city and we needed to get him to Bauchi for the assignment, it was to Wike that I turned to again and his response to me was, my brother, I have told you not to bother about this. Tell Chief Dan to come to meet me in Port Harcourt. I did just that and amazingly Wike provided the private jet that flew Chief Dan to Bauchi and out of Bauchi for the assignment. 

    “I can say without fear of any contradiction that Wike bore all expenses for the exercise. It’s therefore shocking that this so called transactional character called Wike did not place any condition whatsoever for his support.

    “That is just the beginning of the story, I hate to tell, but I must. After the emergence of Bala Mohammed as the party flag bearer and having promised to sponsor all the party candidates if he gets the ticket, we were rudely awoken to the reality that Bala Mohammed had no money for his own campaigns let alone for other candidates of the party.  

    “Initially, I thought it was some kind of a funny joke but as time went, I realized to my utter bewilderment that it was true. It turned out Bala Mohammed had lied to us about his financial capacity.  

    “So we had a meeting at my then residence at Wuse 2 Abuja to help raise money and we thought since Bala Mohammed was one time Minister for nearly 6 years, he must have built enough goodwill we could harness if we organised a fundraiser for him.

    “A committee was put in place and we spent N20 million to organize the fundraiser at the then Lady Kwai Hall, Sheraton Hotels, Abuja. 

    Before then, I had asked  Bala Mohammed to give me a list of some of the people he  had helped while he held sway as Minister for FCT.

    “He obliged me with the list and after calling just four people on the list that I know so well, what they said to me jolted me and I reserve that for some other day. But suffice to say that I knew the fundraiser will be a flop. Do, I was already thinking of alternatives. 

    “And as predicted, we had the fundraiser and to cut the long story short, all we raised from the fundraiser was a paltry N48 million and If you deduct  the N20 million invested in organising it, that leaves you with a net of N28m. I have the records and our stakeholders are there to bear witness to this. 

    “When it was obvious the masquerade will soon turn to a human being, I told our then two serving Senators who are alive and can testify that the only option we had was to go to a friend and brother, then Governor Wike for assistance. 

    “We got tickets and flew to Port Harcourt with Bala Mohammed without informing Wike that we were coming with him.  On arrival, we were ushered into the Government house and asked to take our seats and wait for the Governor who was still upstairs to join us shortly. 

    “As soon as Wike walked down the stairs to join us and saw Bala Mohammed his visage changed and I noticed he was cold to me for the very first time.  He asked us to join him at the dining room for breakfast, but excused me while those on my delegation waited. What happened next was nerve raking and humbling, I must say!

    “He was like, Speaker why did you bring Bala to my house without even caring to find out what our mission was.  I said to him, I thought he is your friend since both of you served in the same cabinet under President Jonathan. 

    “He said to me let me tell you what you don’t know. When we were ministers, Bala Mohammed allocated plots of land to all Ministers except me. He also recalled how he humiliated him when he went to see him in his office as a colleague Minister just to get an approval to increase the number of floors on a building he had in Abuja, not to beg for plot which he refused to allocate to him. 

    “He said Bala Mohammed kept him in his waiting room for hours and later sneaked out of the office. That from that day, he made up his mind never to have anything to do with him again. 

    “He added, I wish, you had told me it’s Bala you were rooting for but whatever you want I will assist you guys because I don’t say no to a brother but I assure you, you will regret your decision if Bala Mohammed becomes Governor. The rest is history. 

    “He said to me let’s join them at the dining so that I can confront  him with these issues for you to know that I am not making things up. We joined them at the dinning and Wike confronted Bala with these issues in the open and in our very presence. 

    “Bala admitted and pleaded for forgiveness assuring that he is now a changed man. The two Senators with me that day can confirm this to anyone who wants to establish the veracity of these narratives.

    “To cut the long story short, we passed the night at the Government house and the next morning Wike called and directed that his cash assistance be handed over to me to pass to Bala. I said, your Excellency, it’s better I call him so that he can collect the assistance himself least he thinks you are still angry with him. 

    “I sent for Bala and when he came Wike’s aide handed over the package to him and he collected it while almost kissing the ground. Wike therefore gave us the lifeline we needed to kick start Bala’s campaigns. 

    “If Bala has forgotten how much we left with that day, I will remind him. Wike didn’t stopped there, he gave us a private jet to ferry us back to Abuja. And I must add that was not the only time Wike helped  Bala with resources and logistics. 

    “What is baffling is that the so called transactional Wike did not demand for anything in return nor place any condition for all that he did. Believe me this is not the end of the story but let’s leave it here.

    “With all these, my question to Bala is what happens to the golden adage that you don’t attempt to break the calabash from which you once sucked honey? For Bala, power is a poison and anyone who questions how he wields it, for that reason, is an eternal heretic that must be crushed at all cost. 

    “Every sane person knows that true freedom doesn’t insist on expressing itself to the harm of others especially those that stood by you in your time of desperate need. For it is not in vain that they say, “a friend in need is a friend indeed”. 

    “Unfortunately, for those of us who know Bala too well, there is no room for debate about whether he is a rogue or mere scoundrel, as much as there is no debate about his moral bankruptcy, rooted in a contempt for truth. 

    “His mental pathology reveals a man that harbours grand delusions to the extent that he would not recognize the truth, whether about his private or political life, if confronted by it in an identity parade. As someone who is false to his friends and neighbours, it is impossible for him to be true to the public. 

    “Between Wike and Bala, Bala should be told in unequivocal terms that it is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not. It is obvious that Bala is not near anything that he is projecting to the public. 

    “When Wike was his benefactor, he said he knew Wike had done better than him and referred to him as, “ someone who is courageous, focused and determined, a person qualified and competent to help salvage Nigeria”. His words not mine. 

    Read Also: Yakubu Dogara: From critic to advocate of change

    “Now that Wike cuts off the benefits, he is a dead wood, former friend and a “transactional politician”. As a known wimp, he believes that Wike is now on the robs and he is punching so hard so that he can appropriate the glory from whatever pyrrhic victory that may ensue. 

    “Is it not ludicrous for someone who is mostly disliked for no reason other than he is shady, to call someone transactional? Time will not permit me to list those Bala has betrayed which includes his known godfather and our father, Baba Waziri, Alhaji Bello Kirfi, Elder statesman and former minister under President Shehu Shagari in the second republic. 

    “Bala represents everything but decency which I said before that I doubted he will ever have. Those who thought I was too harsh including an ally of Wike who pleaded  with me not to talk about Bala again are increasingly noticing this. 

    “I am sure they are now convinced that we cannot continue to run a therapy session for a troubled pyromaniac nay reptilian brat like this who consistently seeks to elevate himself by putting others down and who inhales rather than think before he talks. 

    “After all, it was saint John Chrysostom who said, “we must not mind insulting men, if by respecting them we offend God”. 

  • Yakubu Dogara: From critic to advocate of change

    Yakubu Dogara: From critic to advocate of change

    In the complex and often self-serving world of Nigerian politics, Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, emerges as a rare example of integrity and selflessness. He has consistently put the nation’s welfare above personal or partisan interests, embodying the true essence of patriotic leadership, ADEKUNLE YUSUF, ASSOCIATE EDITOR, reports.

    It is a sad reality that, in the chaotic world of Nigerian politics, self-serving politicians who prioritise their own interests not only dominate but often emerge victorious. Yet, amid this tumultuous political landscape, there exists a rare and honourable cadre of leaders who, when the moment demands, prioritise the interest and well-being of their nation above personal gain. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, clearly stands out as a shining example of this noble breed — a selfless leader whose unwavering commitment to his fatherland reflects a rare form of true statesmanship.

    Dogara has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape for many years. Renowned for his passionate leadership and steadfast dedication to the nation’s growth and development, his career has been marked by a continual evolution of his political views, guided by a profound sense of patriotism. From being a staunch critic of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections to becoming a vocal supporter of several policies under the Tinubu administration, Dogara’s journey embodies the essence of a true patriot—one who places national progress above partisan interests.

    Dogara’s political evolution has been anything but conventional. In the run-up to the 2023 elections, he emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of President Tinubu’s policies. Dogara went ballistic during the political campaigns, strongly condemning the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the ruling APC, which he deemed dangerous for Nigeria’s unity and future. His critique was rooted in his belief that Nigeria required stronger governance and deeper reforms, particularly in security, economic stability, and transparency. Dogara did not shy away from addressing what he saw as weaknesses in Tinubu’s platform, reflecting his steadfast dedication to ensuring that Nigeria would not falter under ineffective leadership.

    However, as the administration began its tenure and initiated key reforms, Dogara chose to reassess his stance. Recognising that Nigeria’s challenges could not be resolved through divisive rhetoric, he shifted his approach, offering support where it is justified. This change is not merely political; it stemmed from a genuine desire to see the country succeed. Dogara’s willingness to align with the government on certain policies highlights his patriotism—his conviction that national interest must always take precedence over personal or partisan agendas.

    At a time when the political landscape is becoming unnecessarily polarised over some federal government reform policies, Dogara has chosen to rise above the divisive rhetoric. He has aligned himself with issues that truly matter, ones that can bring tangible benefits to the Nigerian people as a whole. He insists that playing the ethnic or sectional card in matters of national development is a significant factor contributing to Nigeria’s current challenges. Unlike many, Dogara views issues through a pan-Nigerian lens, advocating for solutions that benefit the entire country rather than dividing it along the North-South axis, which seldom yields lasting benefits.

    Since he left the House in 2023, the former Speaker has been speaking candidly about the challenges facing Northern Nigeria and the vast economic opportunities available to it. As he addresses various issues with careful thought and analysis, he consistently demonstrates respect for opposing viewpoints. In doing so, Dogara sets a new standard for public debate in Nigeria. He encourages those who are sceptical to roll up their sleeves and put on their thinking caps, challenging them to engage in meaningful discourse rather than relying on shallow criticism.

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    A courageous patriot, Dogara has urged his fellow Nigerians in the Northern region to stop attacking Federal Government policies based on hearsay. Instead, he calls on them to take the time to thoroughly study the reforms and, where necessary, propose better alternatives. The former Speaker explained that he supports President Tinubu’s tax reform bills not because they are flawless, but because they represent the right course of action. Since the President submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration in October, there has been fierce opposition from some governors, the Northern Elders Forum, civil society organisations (CSOs), certain federal lawmakers and other Nigerians. While Dogara acknowledges that those opposed to the reforms have a right to express their views, he rejects the narrow and short-sighted stance that because they disagree with some aspects of the bills, the entire reform package should be scrapped or abandoned.

    Dogara said: “I want to talk to my brothers in the North. I don’t think this is the time for us to begin to condemn the President. And to begin to say that on account of these bills, he’s anti-North. Because I want to remind us that the president has done something that is significant. In my lifetime, if we can pursue this to the end, it will be that there’s no Northern leader of my lifetime that has done what the President has done for the North. And I will tell you, it is the creation of the Livestock Ministry.  The global market size of dairies, of beef, in the next three years, will rise to about 2.5 trillion US dollars.

    “So if in the North, we’re able to organise ourselves in such a way that we can corner just five per cent, just five per cent of this global market size of dairies and beef. I tell you, that gives us 125 billion US dollars. We don’t need VAT from any state in Nigeria to survive. We are the most endowed part of Nigeria. We have all the resources. We can survive,” he said.

    The tax reform proposal, aimed at increasing revenue generation through improved tax compliance and reforms in the tax administration system, is a crucial step toward addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges. Dogara highlighted that the country’s economic stagnation and the difficulties local governments face in accessing resources are the consequences of past poor leadership, which failed to tackle the root causes of the nation’s economic issues. By supporting Tinubu’s tax reforms, Dogara showed his understanding that Nigeria’s economic problems can only be solved through bold leadership and decisive action.

    “The question of withdrawing these bills does not arise. The National Assembly is the proper forum for debate, for contestation, for disagreement. Nothing stops the National Assembly from holding a joint public hearing on the bill between the Senate and the House of Representatives. If the Northern governors have issues, let them articulate their issues. Proffer solutions, the president has said, this is the best way I intend to achieve this.

    “We are free to disagree with the President and say, look, we disagree.  We agree with the general principles, but instead of what the President has proposed, this is our own proposal. All of us, if we are invited, should be able to avail ourselves as part of our civic duty to be at the National Assembly in order to look at all the issues that have been raised and to proffer solution,” Dogara added.

    He described President Tinubu as a leader willing to lead with courage, even at a personal cost, particularly in light of his tax reform proposals. The former Speaker emphasised that any transformational leader must be brave, noting that a true leader does not merely allow history to unfold but actively shapes it. He further argued that the absence of strong leadership is what has contributed to the country’s current state of disarray. “With what President Bola Tinubu has done, whether it’s the freeing of local government areas from the choke-hold of economic stagnation, the states had hitherto subjected them to or the groundbreaking bold tax reforms proposals he had placed before the National Assembly, I see a glimmer of hope that we may be dealing with a leader who is prepared to lead with unbridled courage even at personal cost.

    “It gladdens my heart that we are now dealing with a leader who is not avoiding stubborn tasks and is very much unwilling to put off difficult conversations. With him, courage has become a habit and that habit has the power to transform our leadership as the miracles we are desperately yearning for may well lie in the tasks and difficult conversations we are avoiding. I support the president’s tax reforms not because they are perfect, but because it is the right thing to do.

    “However, I must concede the fact that those opposed to it have the right to do so. But I do not share their jaundiced nay tenuous and puerile position that because they disagree with some aspects of the reforms, then the reforms must be withdrawn or killed. Leaders who are dedicated to reforms and progress don’t make such poor judgement calls, at all,” he said.

    Dogara’s endorsement of Tinubu’s reforms reflects his broader political philosophy, which has always been focused on finding pragmatic solutions to Nigeria’s complex challenges. Although he was once a vocal critic of the government, his shift in stance stems from a deep sense of responsibility toward the nation’s well-being. The former Speaker recognises that reforms—whether in education, taxation or governance—are vital for Nigeria’s advancement. By supporting these reforms, Dogara demonstrates his commitment to placing the national interest above personal or partisan concerns.

    The political evolution of the Bauchi-born statesman is not merely about backing specific policies, but about his overarching vision for national unity and sustainable development. He has long advocated for reforms that emphasise fiscal responsibility, transparency and inclusive governance. Throughout his career, both as Speaker and beyond, Dogara has consistently prioritised Nigeria’s collective good over partisan politics. His support for President Tinubu’s policies highlights his dedication to Nigeria’s growth and his belief in its potential. From education to economic policies, Dogara has shown that true patriotism involves backing the initiatives that will propel the country forward—regardless of their origin. His contributions to Nigeria’s political discourse reflect his unwavering commitment to ensuring that Nigeria becomes a nation where every citizen can thrive.

    Dogara’s transition from a critic to a supporter of key policies in President Tinubu’s administration is a powerful reminder of the role patriotism plays in leadership. For Dogara, being a patriot means putting the nation’s interests above personal or political differences. His advocacy for Tinubu’s education and tax reforms, alongside his support for universities as hubs of innovation, underscores his commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria. This evolution illustrates that leadership is dynamic, not static—it must evolve to meet the country’s changing needs. Dogara’s shift in support for the Tinubu administration embodies the essence of true patriotism: someone who is willing to make difficult decisions, engage in constructive dialogue, and support policies that will benefit the nation as a whole.

  • The truth in Dogara’s intervention on Tax Reform Bills

    The truth in Dogara’s intervention on Tax Reform Bills

    • By Musa Ilallah

    Yakubu Dogara‘s take on the tax reform bills, the North’s economic potential, and the way forward I watched the presentation by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives at the Channels Television town hall session on the tax reform bills with great interest, and came away very impressed by the arguments that he made. 

     Since he left the House in 2023, the former Speaker has been quiet.  Until this very impressive performance on a national stage, delivering deep truths about Northern Nigeria and the massive economic opportunity before it. He is worth quoting extensively.  He addressed various issues methodically, showing immense respect for views he disagreed with, and showing us a new standard for public debate.

      Among the issues he touched on were the allegations that President Tinubu is anti-North (false); that the Tax Reform Bills are being rushed (false). Dogara said: “I want to talk to my brothers in the North. I don’t think this is the time for us to begin to condemn the president.

      And to begin to say that on account of these bills, he’s anti-North. Because I want to remind us that the president has done something that is significant. In my lifetime, if we can pursue this to the end, it will be that there’s no Northern leader of my lifetime that has done what the president has done for the North.

      And I will tell you, it is the creation of the Livestock Ministry.  The global market size of dairies, of beef, in the next three years, will rise to about 2.5 trillion US dollars. 

      So if in the North, we’re able to organize ourselves in such a way that we can corner just 5 percent, just 5 percent of this global market size of dairies and beef. I tell you, that gives us 125 billion US dollars.

    We don’t need VAT from any State in Nigeria to survive. We are the most endowed part of Nigeria. We have all the resources. We can survive.”

    These are profound words that should be translated into local languages across the country — kudos to the former Speaker for this bold and insightful affirmation of the North’s economic potential, which can be attained with visionary and determined leadership.” 

      His words made me interested in digging deeper into the false narrative of President Tinubu being anti-North. What I found is interesting nothing could be further from the truth.   A man who holds the prestigious title of Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, and has held this title since 2006, does not get and maintain such an honour by being disdainful of a region. 

     A quick look at the President’s 19 months so far in office will reveal several landmark initiatives targeted at supporting and developing Northern Nigeria. 

      I will list some of the ones that come to mind most readily. In addition to the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, there is also the establishment of North West Development Commission, which received presidential assent in July 2024, the effort that has gone into redesigning and re-awarding the contract for the reconstruction of Section 1 (Abuja-Kaduna) segment of the Abuja-Kano Expressway.  In August 2023, the President flagged off the construction of a 1,350MW gas-fired power plant in the FCT, which, when completed, will be transformational to the economy of Northern Nigeria. 

      What of the major security gains being seen across Northern Nigeria, with dozens of bandit and terrorist leaders neutralized, major highways being secured; the launch of the N50 billion  Pulako Initiative under the oversight of the Vice President, targeting seven frontline Northern States most affected by banditry.  

    Still on the matter of security, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and both Defence Ministers have been appointed from Northern Nigeria in recognition of how critical security is to the region, in light of what it has gone through in the last decade and half.

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      There is also the flag-off of the construction of the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, with work commencing from the Sokoto end, the good progress being seen on the Kano-Kaduna and Kano-Maradi Standard Gauge Rail projects, and the Presidential approval for upgrade of Maiduguri Airport (Muhammadu Buhari Airport) to International status, with an operational take-off date of January 2025.

     Even the tax reforms will benefit the region’s people significantly.  The reforms being proposed by the President will ensure that all Nigerians earning one million Naira per annum and less will be completely exempted from PAYE tax.  This is a huge deal, and tens of millions of Nigerians, including Northerners, will benefit. The reforms also include VAT exemption on transportation, rent, petroleum products, as well as a “zero rating” of VAT on food, healthcare, education. 

     So, in essence, the biggest items that Nigerians spend their hard-earned incomes on will see reduced tax burdens and Northern Nigeria will not be left out. As Yakubu Dogara said, it is very essential for us all to familiarize ourselves with the actual details of the reform bills, instead of listening to false and misleading claims and opposition propaganda circulating on the Internet. In the former Speaker’s very frank words, “You see, all of us operate within the available light that we have. For instance, when I first heard about these tax reforms, I was merely listening to people interpret what these proposals were.

    As a matter of fact, I had not even read them myself.  So in most cases, people react to information without bothering to check if those information they have had are actually true.

    So you cannot blame a lot of people when they react this way, because they are listening to their leaders who are misinforming them, so to say.”  

    One major edge that Dogara has is that he can speak from practical experience, not just theoretically. He knows first-hand the importance of moving fast when a matter requires urgent solutions. He cited the example of the North East Development Commission Bill, which he sponsored.  “I know how hurriedly we put that bill together.  

    And then because of the level of devastation then in the Northeast, and then the parlous nature of the livelihood of the people there, everybody understood with us.

     And I believe that these tax reforms too are as important as the measures that led us to do that in the National Assembly,” he said.

     As for the demand for the tax reform bills to be withdrawn, he made a most important point.

    “The question of withdrawing these bills does not arise. 

      The National Assembly is the proper forum for debate, for contestation, for disagreement. Nothing stops the National Assembly from holding a joint public hearing on the bill between the Senate and the House of Representatives. If the Northern governors have issues, let them articulate their issues. Proffer solutions, the president has said, this is the best way I intend to achieve this.

    We are free to disagree with the president and say, look, we disagree.  We agree with the general principles, but instead of what the president has proposed, this is our own proposal.

    All of us, if we are invited, should be able to avail ourselves as part of our civic duty to be at the National Assembly in order to look at all the issues that have been raised and to proffer solution.” No piece of legislation is indeed perfect.  I would say, in my view, the Tax Reform Bills are eighty to ninety percent without blemish. 

     For the remaining 10 to 20 percent that might appear somewhat controversial, there is certainly room for further consultations, negotiations and compromises.  

    But we should not be guilty of throwing out the baby with the bath water; we should not allow a handful of imperfections to stand in the way of the greater good. 

     Let the consultations continue, but let us also be clear that at the end of the day, Nigeria will be better off with President Tinubu’s far-reaching tax reforms. .

    • Ilallah, a public affairs  analyst can be reached on @yahoo.com.
  • Tax reform: Tinubu is bold, courageous leader Nigeria needs – Dogara

    Tax reform: Tinubu is bold, courageous leader Nigeria needs – Dogara

    A former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chancellor of the Achievers University, Owo, Yakubu Dogara, says he supports the reforms embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu because ‘it is the right thing to do.’

    Dogara described President Tinubu as a leader “who is prepared to lead with unbridled courage even at personal cost.”

    Dogara, who spoke at the 14th convocation ceremony of the Achievers University, Owo, said any further delay to carry out the Tax Reform and other initiatives would mean cowardice.

    He said the country had remained stagnated in terms of advancement in its economy due to lack of courageous leaders.

    The former Speaker said the country had practiced reactionary leadership rather than leadership that is innovative and forward looking.

    According to him, “We have practiced this model of leadership that is based on weakness. It has taken us nowhere. The President’s  reforms in local government have reinforced more leadership to the third tier of government. What the President did with the local government was a master stroke.

    “To give in to a cheap argument because things are tough and he should back off is cowardice. We are having a leader who is courageous.

    “With what President Bola Tinubu has done, whether it’s the freeing of local government areas from the choke-hold of economic stagnation the states had hitherto subjected them to or the groundbreaking bold tax reforms proposals he has placed before the National Assembly, I see a glimmer of hope that we may be dealing with a leader who is prepared to lead with unbridled courage even at personal cost.

    “It gladdens my heart that we are now dealing with a leader who is not avoiding stubborn tasks and very much unwilling to put off difficult conversations.

    Read Also: About Yakubu Dogara’s passion

    “With him, courage has become a habit and that habit has the power to transform our leadership as the miracles we are desperately yearning for may well lie in the tasks and difficult conversations we are avoiding.

    “I support the President’s tax reforms not because they are perfect but because it is the right thing to do.

    “However, I must concede the fact that those opposed to it have the right to do so but I do not share their jaundiced, tenuous and puerile position that because they disagree with some aspects of the reforms, then the reforms must be withdrawn or killed.

    “Leaders who are dedicated to reforms and progress don’t make such poor judgement calls at all. A call to do nothing about the reforms was either bad politics or sheer buffoonery or a combination of both.”

  • House leadership: PDP govs split over Wike’s candidate

    The controversy sparked by the choice of minority leaders in the House of Representatives has caused a split in the ranks of governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The governors are divided over the push by their colleague, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to make his loyalist, Kingsley Chinda the House Minority Leader  instead of Ndudi Elumelu ,who is the candidate of  minority members of the House.

    Chinda is also being backed by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC).

    Elumelu was announced as Minority Leader by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila at Wednesday’s sitting amidst protest by some PDP members and the NWC of the party which proceeded, on Friday, to slam suspension on Elumelu and some of his supporters for alleged anti-party activities.

    The PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) seems alarmed by the brewing crisis, prompting it to summon a meeting for Tuesday to find solutions to the division in the House by its elected members.

    Soon after the Wednesday business in the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the BOT, Senator Walid Jibrin had accepted the election of Elumelu only for the NWC to summon Elumelu and his main supporters to come and defend their action.

    What followed was their suspension by the party.

    Investigation by The Nation shows that the disagreement between the PDP BoT and the NWC over the development in the House of Reps has spread to the ranks of the party’s governors.

    It was learnt that while some of the governors are backing Elumelu, a few others are insisting that the party’s list forwarded to the Speaker should be sacrosanct.

    Some of the PDP governors are even indifferent to the situation.

    Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has sent a congratulatory message to Elumelu, saying: “The unity and progress of Nigeria are bigger than any personal, political or religious interests.

    Read also: How PDP Reps rebuffed party, Wike, Dogara

    “I call on the leadership of the National Assembly to work for Nigeria instead of Nigeria working for them.”

    A member of the NWC confirmed the split among the governors.

    He said: “We have a challenge at hand because our leaders, especially governors are not on the same page over the choice of House Minority leaders.

    “Some have also faulted the suspension of Elumelu and six others. This division is understandable but I can tell you that most of the governors are with the NWC on this.

    “Our overriding interest is the supremacy of the party. We have got to a level that we must enforce discipline.

    “The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is just out to cause disaffection among PDP members in the House. It is a case of divide and rule.

    “If the Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan could accept APC’s list of principal officers, why would the Speaker ignore PDP’s list of minority leaders in the House?”

    A PDP governor, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “Some of us are really indifferent because we were not consulted by the NWC in arriving at the list sent to the Speaker. We have other ranking members besides Kingsley Chinda.

    “It is unfair and unjust for the National Chairman of the party to come from Rivers State and the House Minority Leader to be selected from the same state. I think we should have been more circumspect.

    “The last Majority Leader/ Minority Leader of the PDP, Leo Ogor came from Delta State. We were not expecting that out of the six states in the Southsouth, the NWC will zone the Minority Leader to either Rivers State or Delta State. The party should have been fair to other states.

    “The challenge we have is that the party’s leadership defers to a few governors as if they own the PDP. This was not the dream of the founding fathers of the PDP.”

    A member of the BOT said: “The truth is that some PDP governors are displeased with the way Governor Nyesom Wike is calling the shots in PDP because he influenced the emergence of Prince Uche Secondus as the national chairman.

    “For assisting the party to regain its rhythm before the 2019 general election, Wike deserves some praises. But his contributions should not make him the leader of PDP.

    “There was no basis for the recommendation of Kingsley Chinda from Rivers State in an opposition party which has to manage limited political offices statutorily due to it.

    “So, there is a cold war within the party from the governors to other levels. Some of us have been saying it that Secondus must watch it.

    “The BOT chairman was hasty in recognizing Elumelu without hearing from the National Chairman of PDP, Secondus. Although he has recanted, the damage is already done.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “The BOT will hold a meeting on Tuesday on the development on the choice of minority leaders.

    “We want to avert a major crisis in PDP over these House leaders. And if we do not manage the situation with tact, it could destabilize the party.”

    Notwithstanding, 111 of the 147 members of the opposition in the House have so far signed a register in favour of Elumelu.

    The PDP had nominated Kingsley Chinda, highly favoured by Governor Nyesom Wike as Minority Leader; Chukwuka Onyema (Deputy Minority Leader); Yakubu Barde (Minority Whip); and Muraina Ajibola (Deputy Minority Whip)

    But based on majority consensus by PDP members and the representatives of other opposition parties in the House, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila announced a new set of leaders.

    Those preferred by members of the opposition are Ndudi Godwin Elumelu as Minority Leader; Toby Okechukwu (Deputy Minority Leader); Gideon Gwani (Minority Whip); and Adesegun Adekoya (Deputy Minority Whip).

    Disturbed by the alleged defiance of its directive, the PDP suspended Elumelu and six others for accepting to serve outside its official list sent to the Speaker.

    The PDP accused those suspended of alleged indiscipline, insubordination and disobedience of party directives contrary to Section 58 (1) (b) (c) (f) (h) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

    A new member of the House said: “Before the election of principal officers in the Senate and in the House, we waited for weeks from PDP for direction but the party was not forthcoming on where it was headed. The only exception was ex-Speaker Yakubu Dogara who tried to guide us.

    “Having been left in the wilderness, we decided to individually make ourselves available to candidates in APC for lobbying. When it was too late, the PDP leadership now came up with some guidance.

    “Yet we were insulted that the same PDP had the temerity to raise a panel to investigate why its members in the National Assembly voted for some principal officers.

    “On the choice of minority leaders, the PDP did not consult its caucus in the House before coming up with the list it sent to the Speaker.

    “The PDP members however invoked Order 7 Rule 8 of the House to pick the minority leaders, headed by Ndudi Elumelu. The order says members from any party will meet and choose candidates for principal offices. We met, built a consensus around Elumelu and others.

    “If PDP had consulted its members in the House, it would have realized that some opposition members in the House came from a few parties too.

    “As at Saturday, 111 out of 147 House members from the opposition parties have endorsed Elumelu. No going back even if all of us are sanctioned.”

  • Bills: Rep lauds Saraki, Dogara over synergy in 8th Assembly

    A member of the 8th House of Representatives and Chairperson of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Hon. Beni Lar has lauded the Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki, and the Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara for their synergy in making the 8th Assembly remarkable.

    Lar spoke during an interactive session with House reporters at the weekend.

    She said: “I really want to thank the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara for handling the 8th House of Representatives very well.

    “I think himself and the Chairman of the National Assembly, Dr. Bukola Saraki did a good job, and there was synergy between the two legislative Houses.

    “And I know because of the synergy, we had more bills passed. About 300 bills were passed by this assembly compared to other ones.

    Read Also: Saraki’s Senate adjourns Sine Die

    “I believe that alone is a huge success recorded by the Assembly. That means the lawmakers were Serious about the business of lawmaking.”

    She said it’s important to continue with the synergy in the incoming Assembly.

    According to the lawmaker, her committee in the 8th House was successful, culminating in some agencies under her watch excelling.

    “Today, we have some of our agencies; under Ministry of Science have achieved feats they never achieved before.

    “For the first time in West Africa, we have the International Standard Organisation (ISO) certification for the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi. Because, during the appropriation process, we made sure they got molecular laboratories and all the scientific labs they needed to get the certification.” She said.

     

  • Dogara’s loyalists demand juicy committees

    Following demands from loyalists of the outgoing House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila is weighing options.

    Gbajabiamila has the choice of either bowing to the demands or going it alone in his bid to become the Speaker of the ninth House of Representatives.

    The ranking loyalists and associates of Dogara are demanding retention of the chairmanship of critical committees to back Gbajabiamila.

    Having met a brick wall in the attempts to whittle down the acceptance of Gbajabiamila, the Dogara loyalists, who are mainly in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and few All Progressives Congress (APC) members, have their eyes on the Deputy Speaker seat.

    They have also demanded that the office of the Deputy Speaker should be conceded to the group in favour of John Dygeh, from Benue State, against Gbajabiamila’s adopted Deputy, Ahmed Idris Wase.

    In the alternative, Dogara loyalists are considering Umar Bago for Speaker and Nkiruka Onyejeocha as Deputy Speaker.

    But new members of the House, who are in the majority, have prevailed on Gbajabiamila to treat all members equally without concession to any group.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that despite having audience twice with Dogara for his blessing, Gbajabiamila is facing fresh hurdles from the loyalists of the outgoing Speaker.

    It was learnt that Gbajabiamila’s supporters felt the demands of Dogara’s loyalists were at variance with the power-sharing formula of the ruling APC. They argued that key committees that will drive the economy cannot be left in the hands of the opposition in the manner Dogara did.

    It was unclear if Gbajabiamila will stick to the APC template or make concessions.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “With his campaign so far, Gbajabiamila has remained broad-minded by reaching out to all caucuses and groups in the House.

    “The only challenge at hand is on the demands of pro-Dogara returning lawmakers for the retention of the chairmanship of critical committees in order to support Gbajabiamila.

    Read Also: Nigeria must win war against violence, says Dogara

    “These committees include Finance, Appropriations, Power, Foreign Affairs, Petroleum (Upstream, Downstream and Gas), FCT, Health, ICT, NDDC and Aviation, among others.

    “They actually wanted a commitment from Gbajabiamila’s camp, which is difficult because it will amount to intimidation or coercion. The supporters of Gbajabiamila are asking Dogara’s loyalists to build trust in Gbajabiamila and his ability to be fair to all.

    “The new members-elect have prevailed on Gbajabiamila to ensure equal stake for all.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “In deference, Gbajabiamila has met Dogara twice to seek his support. The Speaker has no doubt promised to back Gbajabiamila but his actions and those of his loyalists contradict such earlier commitment.

    “I can tell you that Gbajabiamila, his supporters and APC are weighing options. Gbajabiamila’s loyalists are resisting any template that will make them drop Ahmed Idris Wase as Deputy.

    “Gbajabiamila is comfortable working with Wase than any other deputy speakership candidate propped up by Dogara loyalists and anti-party elements in APC.”

    As at press time, the concerned loyalists of Dogara were said to be working on a “Plan B” to team up with Umar Bago as Speaker with Nkieruka Onyejeocha as Deputy Speaker.

    “They want to alter the APC power equation, which the ruling party might not accept. The last strategy is to launch a massive campaign of calumny against Gbajabiamila during the last week to the election of principal officers.

    “This blackmail has started with a sponsored suit to restrain Gbajabiamila from contesting for the office of Speaker.

    “Same strategy was used in 2015 speaker ship race in which the court eventually cleared Gbajabiamila of no criminal conviction.”

  • Tribunal dismisses petition challenging re-election of Speaker Dogara

    The Governorship, National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Bauchi State, on Friday dismissed a petition filed by Dalhatu Abdulkadir of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the reelection of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The APC and its candidate, Dalhatu Abdulkadir, had on March 15, filed a petition before the tribunal challenging the reelection of Yakubu Dogara of the PDP for for Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency seat.

    Delivering her ruling, Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, held the petitioner had failed to file pre-trial notices and therefore, contravened the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

    “Up until now, there is even no subsisting motion or application filed by the petitioner before the tribunal.

    “The only option left to the tribunal is to dismiss the petition as there is nothing the tribunal could hold on to,” Abdulrahman held.

    Earlier, Abdulkadir through his counsel, D.G.Hassan, sought for extension of time.

    But Josiah Amubitan, SAN, counsel to Dogara, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition because Abdulkadir had failed to file a pre-hearing notice before the pre-trial conference

    Amubitan told the tribunal that both the petitioner and his counsel have failed to follow sequence of processes leading up to the pre-trial conference.

    He argued the petitioner had therefore, filed the petition outside the time frame stipulated by the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

    In a related development, the Bauchi National/State Assembly Election Tribunal II, also dismissed a petition filed by Yusuf Itas of the PDP, challenging the election of Bashiru Mashema of the APC for Itas Gadau State Constituency seat.

    The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice B. H. Tukur ruled that the petitioner had refused to approach the Tribunal for prehearing notice.

    Tukur, therefore, said that the action by the petitioner tantamount to abandonment of the petition as the penal would not allow extension of time. (NAN)

  • Saraki orders probe of new guidelines for journalists

    Senate President Bukola Saraki on Tuesday ordered investigation into the drafting and release of the National Assembly accreditation guidelines without the knowledge of the political leadership of the parliament.

    In a statement by his social media aide, Olu Onemola, the Senate President noted that the guidelines, which have attracted widespread condemnations from several quarters, negated his belief and commitment to unhindered operation of the media practitioners.

    It was gathered that in a bid to unravel the circumstances that led to the release of the accreditation guidelines, the Senate President wrote to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, to brief the parliament’s political leadership on the matter.

    Following the outrage generated by the release of the guidelines, Saraki and Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, have denied knowledge of the accreditation guidelines.

    Both men were said to have been rattled by the content of the guidelines and promised to unravel the authors of the document.

    It was learnt that the management of the National Assembly may have suspended the accreditation and withdrawn the guidelines due to mounting public outcry that followed its release.

    Read Also: Saraki lauds Super Falcon’s WAFU Cup victory

    Although no official statement has been released on the matter, the National Assembly Clerk was said to have directed the Director of Information, Agada Rawlings Emmanuel, who signed the guidelines, to immediately withdraw it.

    A team of National Assembly officials, comprising Emmanuel and other senior workers, have been mandated to work out acceptable guidelines for the accreditation which, it was learnt, has been suspended.

    The statement by Saraki on the need for investigation of the matter reads: “The attention of the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has just been drawn to a story that is circulating on social media about the National Assembly issuing new guidelines to journalists.

    “These alleged guidelines have not emanated from either the Senate President or the Speaker, and will be promptly investigated.

    “The public should note that the eighth National Assembly has been committed to the freedom of the press, as exemplified by its work to bringing governance closer to the people through live streams and live tweets.

    “The leadership of the eighth National Assembly believes strongly in the freedom of the press and in carrying the Nigerian public along.

    “Hence, the Senate President and all his colleagues will continue to work to ensure that these freedoms remain unhindered.”