Drama in Senate as FG officials defend Tinubu’s tax reform bills

Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele has said Nigeria still uses the stamp duty law of 1939.

He stated this at a session with the Senate to discuss the tax reform bills.

He said, “Many of the laws we have today, we inherited from our colonial masters. For example, the Stamp Duty Law is a law of 1939. In 1939, the world had not envisaged that there would be the Internet. Trying to apply a law of 1939 in 2024 does not show that we are a people that are ready for the next generation.”

Oyedele explained that there is a need to write new tax laws as the old ones no longer apply in 2024.

“Because of this, we decided that instead of amending our old laws that we inherited from our colonial masters, why don’t we write new ones for ourselves. This has been done in many countries across the world,” Oyedele stated.

He also said that the committee is trying to harmonise many taxes into fewer high-revenue-yielding ones.

“This is what led to us trying to harmonise so many taxes we have in Nigeria into a few high-revenue broad-based taxes and eliminate those taxes that impose a burden on our poorest people and small businesses so they can have the opportunity to thrive.

“It is when our people are prosperous, that they will have the ability to pay taxes. Our findings reveal that the fiscal system we have today inhibits growth in my private sector experience before my current role, I was involved for over a decade in looking at tax systems in more than 180 countries worldwide and I can tell with all forms of responsibility, Nigeria’s tax system is one of the most backward in the world.

“This cannot help us with our vision of a great country, which is what we desire and truly deserve. We also found out that the Government can do much better in terms of the priority and quality of spending as well as how we borrow in addition to issues around harmonisation of taxes,” he said.

It would be recalled that Oyedele is leading the charge for the controversial proposed Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bill as President Tinubu had in October sent the tax reform bill, which he said aligns with ongoing financial reforms of the Federal Government to the National Assembly.

Ogun Wages War Against Fake Mobile Advertisers, Imposes N5m Fine On Permit Offenders

The Ogun State Signage and Advertising Agency has placed a fine of N5 million on anyone caught with fake mobile advert permits in the state.

The agency’s General Manager, Mr Fola Onifade, disclosed this at the unveiling of the 2025 mobile advert permit for the state held at the agency’s office in Abeokuta, the state capital on Wednesday.

Onifade said that just like Oyo and Lagos states, Ogun has also migrated from the printed stickers for the mobile advert permit to e-stickers, saying that this has greatly helped to reduce the incidence of counterfeiting and other activities aimed at sabotaging and shortchanging the government.

He said, “The emergence of e-stickers has greatly reduced the incidence of counterfeiting and the activities of the miscreants. We have been able to reduce the incidence of fake stickers and where this occurred, we were able to identify and deal with it immediately.

“Another challenge that we have also been able to overcome is getting stickers from other states. Some people bring stickers from other states to come and market here. We are ready to cooperate with states that have similar rates to our own but where there is a great discrepancy, we will feel that such effort is directed at swindling the state. We won’t allow it.

“Our rate is N13,500; some states charge as low as N6,500. It would be unfair to allow them to come and sell such in the state. We are ready to cooperate with states that charge similar rates like ours.”

For those who have perfected the act of faking these stickers, Onifade said, “Let me assure you that all hands are on the deck that you don’t succeed in this act of sabotage. The officers of the agency will be all out to check these sabotaging acts and ensure that such people are arrested and punished.

“In addition to daily enforcements, the agency will also carry out unannounced quarterly enforcement and anybody found wanting for non-compliance would be seriously sanctioned. The fine is N100,000, and when a fake sticker is found on your vehicle, the fine is N5m.”

Onifade pleaded for the cooperation and support of the companies and partners working with the agency to record another success story for the 2025 mobile advert permits.

Some People Want Me Dead, Says Ex-President Obasanjo

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has said he’s hale and hearty even though some people want him to die, News360 Nigeria reports.

Speaking in Osogbo during the inauguration of the Old-Garage/Oke-Fia Road reconstructed by Governor Ademola Adeleke, Obasanjo said those who wanted him dead were spreading rumour of his death in the social media.

He said “I heard the rumour that I was dead. I saw it in the social media. I quickly told my children and my relations that it was not true and that I’m alive. Those that want me dead, that is their wish but God still keeps me alive.”

Obasanjo lauded Adeleke for his performance in Osun and charged the governor to keep up the work.

On his part, Adeleke assured the people of the state that his administration would complete all the ongoing projects.

“My dear people of Osun state, our administration has constructed over 120 kilometers of roads across the state. Two major flyovers are also progressing to completion at Osogbo while works are progressing at the Ile Ife Flyover and Ilesa dualisation.

“I have redirected our efforts and plan at the completion of Iwo-Osogbo road. We have added the dualisation of Odoori – Adeeke Road inside Iwo to be executed in two phases. The first phase will reach Post -Office and Oluwo Palace while the second phase will take off from Post Office to Adeeke Junction.

“I want our people to note for the record that for all our projects and programmes, we did not obtain any loan. We only block leakages in the state finance and employ local content to moderate project cost and enforce high standards.

“For the second half of our government, I reassure all sons and daughters of Osun State that the government under my leadership will complete all ongoing projects. We will continue to address the infra and social needs of our people. We will strike a balance between hard and soft infrastructure.”

T-Pain is Temporary, Not Tinubu-Pain, Says Doyin Okupe on Arise TV

Dr. Doyin Okupe, former Presidential Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has clarified the meaning behind the trending nickname “T-Pain,” often associated with President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Okupe explained that the term does not signify “Tinubu-Pain” but rather symbolizes “Temporary Pain,” referring to the economic and structural reforms under the current administration.

“There is a reform that is going on, and with reforms, there must be temporary pain. If there is no pain, there is no gain,” Okupe said during the interview.

His comments come amidst widespread public criticism of the economic challenges Nigerians are facing, including subsidy removal, rising inflation, and increasing cost of living. While some have humorously coined “T-Pain” to reflect the hardships attributed to Tinubu’s policies, Okupe insists the struggles are part of a broader effort to restructure and stabilize the economy for long-term benefits.

Okupe’s remarks on Arise TV underline the government’s expectation that Nigerians endure short-term discomfort for future prosperity, a message that has sparked mixed reactions across the country.

Tinubu’ll end insecurity in Southeast –FG

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to eradicate insecurity in the Southeast and across Nigeria.

Speaking during an operational visit to Enugu, Badaru emphasized that a secure environment is essential for fostering business growth and societal peace, underscoring the administration’s focus on addressing the region’s security challenges.

“There is a renewed determination to intensify our efforts against all forms of insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership,” Badaru stated in a press release issued by the Ministry’s spokesman, Henshaw Ogbuike, on Saturday.

The Defence Minister urged military personnel to ramp up their operations in combating insecurity in the Southeast. He highlighted the administration’s significant progress over the past year in addressing nationwide security threats, pledging a continued commitment to achieving peace.

While in Imo State, Badaru met with Governor Hope Uzodimma to acknowledge his support for military operations in the region. “We are determined to end insecurity in Nigeria,” the Minister assured.

Badaru’s visit coincides with the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, in Finland on terrorism-related charges. Ekpa has been accused of orchestrating violence in the Southeast, including enforcing sit-at-home orders and coordinating activities of unknown gunmen.

The Federal Government views Ekpa’s arrest as a step towards dismantling the roots of terrorism in the region and restoring stability to affected areas.

Police hunt for woman for allegedly pushing 65-year-old neigbour to death in Ogun

The police command in Ogudu says it is hunting for a woman, who allegedly fought and hit the head of a 65-year-old Morenike Oladega against the wall and she died in Ipokia area of the state.

SP Omolola Odutola, the Spokesperson of the command, made this known, in a statement, on Saturday in Abeokuta.

Omotola said that the tragic incident was reported by one Ibrahim Oladega about 4:20p.m on Nov. 21

The woman (names withheld) was alleged to have pushed the deceased, who hit her head against the wall during the fight and collapsed.

Omotola said that the suspect had since taken to her heels, adding that efforts were on to arrest her.

She said the deceased had been deposited at the General Hospital, Ilaro morgue for autopsy.

According to her, on Nov. 21, about 6:20 p.m, one Ibrahim Oladega, a resident of Isunba Street, Ipokia, reported the incident at the police station.

Omotola said that Oladega told the police that earlier that day, around 4:20 p.m, the deceased had an argument with the suspect.

“This confrontation escalated into a fight during which the deceased was pushed, causing her to hit her head against a wall and collapse.

“Upon receiving the report, detectives were dispatched to the scene, where they found the victim lying on her back.

“A photograph was taken, and her body was transported to the General Hospital in Ipokia, where she was pronounced dead by a medical doctor,” she said.

Odutola explained that preliminary investigations were ongoing, and the case would be transferred to the State Criminal and Investigation Department in Abeokuta for further investigation.

I’m Qualified To Be Lagos State Governor, Those Who Have Governed Are Not Better Than Me – Obasa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has boldly stated that those who have previously served as governors of Lagos State, from Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the incumbent Babajide Sanwo-Olu, are not better than him. He asserted his qualification and readiness to contest for the governorship if he decides to do so.

Speaking on Thursday, Obasa addressed speculations surrounding his political ambitions, making it clear that while he possesses the experience and capacity to govern Lagos State, his current focus remains on strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) and mobilizing support for the party.

“If I decide to contest for governor, I will do so from Agege,” Obasa affirmed. “I do not lack the local validity or the experience to lead Lagos State. Those who have served as governors, from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, are not better than me.”

Obasa attributed rumors about his governorship aspirations to “political detractors” misinterpreting his efforts to consolidate party support.

“My primary concern has been to solidify the party in Lagos, ensuring that we maintain our connection with the people,” he said.

Although the Speaker stated he has not given serious thought to the governorship race, his remarks have sparked renewed interest in his potential candidacy for the state’s highest office. Observers suggest that Obasa’s comments may indicate an eventual declaration of intent as he continues to expand his political influence across Lagos State.

I’m Qualified to Be Lagos State Governor, Those Who Have Governed Are Not Better Than Me – Obasa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has boldly stated that those who have previously served as governors of Lagos State, from Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the incumbent Babajide Sanwo-Olu, are not better than him. He asserted his qualification and readiness to contest for the governorship if he decides to do so.

Speaking on Thursday, Obasa addressed speculations surrounding his political ambitions, making it clear that while he possesses the experience and capacity to govern Lagos State, his current focus remains on strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) and mobilizing support for the party.

“If I decide to contest for governor, I will do so from Agege,” Obasa affirmed. “I do not lack the local validity or the experience to lead Lagos State. Those who have served as governors, from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, are not better than me.”

Obasa attributed rumors about his governorship aspirations to “political detractors” misinterpreting his efforts to consolidate party support.

“My primary concern has been to solidify the party in Lagos, ensuring that we maintain our connection with the people,” he said.

Although the Speaker stated he has not given serious thought to the governorship race, his remarks have sparked renewed interest in his potential candidacy for the state’s highest office. Observers suggest that Obasa’s comments may indicate an eventual declaration of intent as he continues to expand his political influence across Lagos State.

Oyo Civil Service Recruitment: 15,000 Candidates To Sit For Computer Based Exam

The Oyo State Government has said about Fifteen Thousand candidates will sit for its forthcoming Computer based test for recruitment into different cadres in the civil service.

The Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alh. Kamoru Abiodun Aderibigbe disclosed this today in Ibadan at his office.

According to him, the examination will hold from Monday, November 25, 2024- Thursday, November 28, 2024.

He said approval was given by Governor Seyi Makinde for about Nine Hundred (900) Officers to be recruited into over 60 Cadres across MDAs in the Mainstream of the Civil Service.

Speaking further, the Chairman said out of Twenty-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-Five (22,235) applications received by the Commission, Fifteen thousand were qualified to sit for the CBT.

Aderibigbe said the recruitment is unprecedented in the history of Oyo State, as there has never been a time in the last two decades when such recruitment was done, as it has always been on cadre basis.

“For instance, the present administration had recruited 60 Environmental Health personnel in 2020, 692 Education Officers, 30 state Counsel in the same year, while 19 officers were recently recruited for the Ministry of Lands.”

“As for the ongoing process, 22,235 applications were successfully submitted into the State government job portal out of which roughly 15,000 which is about 67% were qualified for recruitment into the cadres for which they have applied in line with the scheme of service and the parameters stated in our Tribune advertisement of 7th October, 2024”, he said.

Consequently, Alh. Aderibigbe said similar cadres have been grouped to sit at the same centre, stressing that applicants have been divided into two groups of examining for competence.

Those seeking employment as Education Officers, Environmental Health personnel, Social Welfare and Youth will sit CBT at the Arch. Bamidele Samson CBT Center, Opposite UCH, on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th November, while others will sit for theirs at the Distance Learning CBT Center, Ajibode, Ibadan, on Thursday, 28th November, 2024.

He said invites are already being sent to successful applicants, advising applicants yet to get invite, to visit the Oyo State Government portal and refresh if qualified by all the parameters stated in our publication.

Aderibigbe advised applicants to come to the examination centre at the indicated time on their individual invitation Slips, with printed copy of their application form and invitation Slip.

While thanking Governor Seyi Makinde for the very rare oportunity to lift many youth out of poverty to prosperity with employment of thousands, Aderibigbe appealed to applicants to be good ambassadors of the State.

Traffic Offenders To Face Full Wrath Of Law As Oyo Govt Approves Additional 14 Mobile Court Vans

In its effort to quicken the dispensation of Justice in Oyo State, the State Government has continued to fortify the legal and security arms.

To this end, the twelfth Executive council meeting has approved the provision of an additional 14 Mobile Court Vans and Security Vehicles for the newly established Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority headed by Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.)

This was made public in a statement issued from the office of the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.

The Commissioner recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had said that Justice delayed is Justice denied, hence the provision of legal empowerment to the Rule of Law Authority to expedite judgement and sanction law breakers on the spot.

The Executive Council also approved the procurement of equipment for the improvement and integration of security agencies communication network.

In the same manner, the Council approved the branding of 42 vehicles for Operation Burst and Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, OYRTMA.

The Commissioner recalled that early in the year, over 100 vehicles with communication gadgets were procured for Amotekun and Operation Burst, including the Military and the Police.

Food Security: NEC Approves $5 million Cassava Support Initiative For Oyo State

A $5 million Cassava Support Initiative is set to be launched in Oyo State in the coming days, with the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, expected to preside over the ceremony.

The decision was among the key resolutions reached at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting, chaired by the Vice President, was attended by state governors and other senior officials, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul Raheem Adebayo Lawal.

The initiative aims to enhance cassava production in Oyo State, positioning the state as the nation’s hub for cassava farming while promoting food security across the country.

Addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity, NEC also directed the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to revive all non-functional tractors and farm equipment nationwide. States were urged to collaborate closely with federal efforts to ensure these goals are achieved.

Additionally, the council announced December 5 as the date for signing a contract for the Special Agro-Processing Zone project. This multi-million-dollar project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), is designed to boost agricultural production and processing capabilities, further advancing food security in Nigeria.

The meeting underscores NEC’s commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges and fostering sustainable economic growth across the country.

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