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Category: Governance

  • Ndume begs Tinubu to reduce fuel, food prices

    Ndume begs Tinubu to reduce fuel, food prices

    …Says Nigerians suffering, bad advisers sabotaging govt

    The senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has raised the alarm that certain fifth columnists working hard to sabotage the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Ndume said the astronomical increase in the prices of fuel, food, essential goods and services is becoming unaffordable to average Nigerians and the poor that form the majority,

    In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, Ndume said the bad elements are trying hard to pitch the people against the administration of President Tinubu by pushing for harsh reforms and bad policies instead of controlling inflation and exchange rate that are making life unbearable for Nigerians.

    The ranking senator said those who are bent on making the President look bad will stop at nothing in inflicting pains on Nigerians through the “so-called reforms until things get out of hand and the blame will be on President Tinubu.”

    While advising the administration of President Tinubu, Ndume said many families can barely meet up with daily demands in their houses as a result of the hyperinflation caused by incessant increase in the price of essential goods and services.

    Ndume said: “I personally believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians. I know this because I know what he stands for. But some of his advisers who don’t mean well for the people of this country give him wrong advise.

    I’m appealing to him to resist these bad people who want to pitch the people against his administration. The hardship these people are inflicting on Nigerians is becoming unbearable. I’m currently in Borno, and I know what I’m talking about. People are really suffering, hungry, frustrated and angry.

    In Borno State here, many families can’t even feed anymore. The untold hardship of these frequent increases in the prices is unimaginable. Farmers can not even move their farm products anymore because of the high cost of transportation.

    Those who can still do this add the cost of transportation to the prices of food items they sell, and that’s why many people can’t feed again. People can’t travel anymore. To travel by road from Abuja to Maiduguri, for instance, is a fortune. How many of our people can afford that?

    I know that President Tinubu means well for Nigerians, and therefore he should not stay back and allow a few bad advisers to destroy this country. That’s why I’m begging him to do something before it is too late. It is not good to test the patience of Nigerians, and that’s exactly what these bad advisers are doing.

    As soon as the President returns to Nigeria, I urge him to look into these issues and address them urgently. The purchasing power of Nigerians is too poor, and they can’t afford the things that are being pushed on them every day by enemies of state.”

  • Senate Advances Bill to Establish National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation

    Senate Advances Bill to Establish National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation

    In a move that further crowds up the governance architecture, the Nigerian Senate is about to pass a bill establishing a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation.

    The bill, first introduced on May 29, 2024, is designed to enhance drug awareness, curb substance abuse, and provide rehabilitation services for drug users across the country.

    The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, to Coordinate and Promote Drug Awareness, Prevent Substance Abuse, and Facilitate the Rehabilitation of Drug Users and for Related Matters, 2024 (SB. 449),” is sponsored by Senator Sani Rufa’i, representing Kano Central.

    In his presentation, Senator Rufa’i highlighted the importance of the bill, stating that it would strengthen ongoing programs aimed at drug awareness and provide much-needed support to combat the increasing drug crisis.

    According to the senator, the institute will serve as a key platform to address the pressing challenges of substance abuse in Nigeria and offer structured rehabilitation to users.

    The bill received widespread backing from other senators, including Abdul Ningi, Adamu Alero, and Peter Nwebonyi, who all spoke in favor of its swift passage. They emphasized the need for urgent action to tackle drug addiction, citing its direct link to rising crime rates, banditry, and insecurity in the country.

    The lawmakers also called for more stringent penalties, even suggesting that drug abuse should be treated as a capital offense.

    After deliberations, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, which has been tasked with reviewing the proposal and reporting back to the Senate in four weeks.

  • Kano State Promotes Teachers, Staff, New Education Initiative

    Kano State Promotes Teachers, Staff, New Education Initiative

    Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has approved the promotion of 20,542 personnel within the state’s primary and junior secondary schools, covering both teaching and non-teaching staff for the years 2023 and 2024.

     The development was disclosed by the chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Yusuf Kabir, during a meeting with various education stakeholders held in Kano on Monday.

    The promotions, scheduled for implementation in October, are part of the administration’s broader goal to enhance the welfare and motivation of education personnel across the state.

     Kabir encouraged the beneficiaries to demonstrate renewed commitment to their duties, underlining that the state government expects a positive impact on student performance and overall educational quality.

    Additionally, he called upon community leaders, Islamic scholars, and organizations to play a proactive role in advocating for school enrollment among children in their communities. 

    This step, he stated, would be crucial in ensuring that the benefits of the state’s investment in education reach as many children as possible.

    Attendees at the meeting acknowledged the governor’s consistent efforts to improve the educational system.

     They highlighted recent actions like distributing educational materials, constructing new classrooms, renovating existing ones, and providing specialized training for teachers as evidence of the administration’s dedication to uplifting Kano’s educational standards.

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  • Sokoto Offers Food Relief at 55% Discount Amidst Economic Hardship

    Sokoto Offers Food Relief at 55% Discount Amidst Economic Hardship

    Sokoto State has launched a new relief initiative aimed at providing residents with food and essential items at a 55% discount, as announced by Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

     This programme, introduced on Monday, is a response to the economic hardship intensified by the recent subsidy removal and global financial downturns.

    Governor Aliyu highlighted the inclusive nature of the initiative, ensuring that all residents, regardless of political affiliation or social status, have access to the discounted goods. 

    He emphasized the government’s dedication to distributing these items across all 244 wards in the state, making them accessible to families who need them the most.

    Additionally, the Sokoto government has taken other measures to ease the economic burden on residents. Mass transit services have been subsidized to reduce transportation costs and ensure that people can move around the state affordably.

     The governor affirmed that these palliatives are part of a broader strategy to support the population during this challenging period.

    Governor Aliyu also appealed to affluent community members and corporate organizations to support the program by providing food and essentials to the less privileged in their localities.

     This collaborative approach, he believes, would amplify the impact of the state’s efforts and create a wider safety net for those most in need.

    Chiso Dattijo, who leads the committee overseeing this initiative, expressed support for the governor’s actions, commending the approach as a proactive solution for the economic challenges faced by Sokoto residents.

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  • Supreme Court Judgement: Nasarawa State Moves to Reform LG Structure

    Supreme Court Judgement: Nasarawa State Moves to Reform LG Structure

    The Nasarawa State Government has introduced a bill to the State House of Assembly aimed at revising the local government system in line with the Supreme Court’s recent decision on local government autonomy.

    The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for a Law to Repeal and Re-enact the Establishment, Structure, Composition, Finance and Function of Local Government System in Nasarawa State, 2024,” seeks to update the current framework to reflect the new mandate.

    During a recent session, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, noted that the bill represents a move to reshape the local government structure to align with the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial independence for local councils.

     The House Leader, Hon. Suleiman Azara, presented the bill for the first reading, with the Minority Leader, Hon. Luka Zhekaba, providing support.

    The state government’s plan, as outlined by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Jonah Dizaho, includes the removal of the joint account system and the elimination of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. 

    The second reading of the bill is scheduled for October 16, 2024.

  • Honour NASS Invitations – Presidency tells MDAs

    Honour NASS Invitations – Presidency tells MDAs

    The Presidency on Monday admonished heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to honour invitations by the legislature in line with existing harmonious working relationships between the two arms of government.

    The admonition is coming 24 hours after the Senate committee on Ethics , Code of Conduct and Public Petitions threatened issuance of a warrant of arrest against those ignoring its invitations .

    In a statement, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters , Senator Basheer Lado, said collaboration between the two arms of government is very critical for actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

    He said : ” The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is built on the premise of quick and efficient governance, one that brings tangible democracy dividends to the people without delay.

    “A critical part of realizing this vision involves a proactive, respectful, and transparent relationship between government bodies and the Senate in its oversight role.

    “The Office has noted some concerns that some agencies may not have consistently adhered to Senate invitations or requests for appearances before committees.

    “While we acknowledge that competing official engagements may sometimes make it challenging for agencies to respond promptly to Senate invitations, it remains essential that these opportunities for engagement are prioritized to demonstrate our continued collective commitment to accountability and good governance.

    “Engaging with Senate committees is an important opportunity for agencies to showcase their dedication to public service and accountability, while further reinforcing the people’s confidence in government”.

    He added that his office will continue working for the very important constructive collaboration between Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies, and the National Assembly, particularly its Senate committees, as a cornerstone of good governance and accountability

  • FG Set to jack up Value Added Tax

    FG Set to jack up Value Added Tax

    The federal government has put forward a proposal to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 10%. 

    This proposal is encapsulated in an executive bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly. 

    Reports indicate that the government plans to implement further increments, targeting a VAT of 12.5% by 2026, increasing to 15% starting in 2030. 

    The legislative document outlines a gradual increase in VAT rates across several assessment years. 

    Earlier discussions around VAT included insights from Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, who previously stated the necessity for a VAT increase.

     In contrast, Finance Minister Wale Edun had clarified that the VAT rate had not yet been modified.

    In addition to the VAT hike, the bill also suggests a reduction in the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) from 30% to 27.5% by 2025, with a further decrease to 25% in 2026. 

    Small businesses with annual turnovers below ₦20 million will not be subject to this tax. 

    The document further stipulates that companies falling under certain categories with an effective tax rate below 15% must pay an additional tax to meet that minimum threshold. 

    This measure aims to bolster compliance among larger corporations.

    Furthermore, the federal government recently published new withholding tax regulations, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, as part of its ongoing tax reform agenda.

     These proposed changes reflect the government’s intention to adapt the taxation framework to stimulate economic activity while managing fiscal responsibilities.

  • Details of meeting between oil Marketers, DSS Emerge

    Details of meeting between oil Marketers, DSS Emerge

    The Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi, addressed the grievances of Nigeria’s oil marketers regarding rising petrol prices and outstanding debts owed to them.

     This meeting followed a significant increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which reached N1,030 per liter due to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) adjustments.

    Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, provided insights into the discussions held. 

    He noted that the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, agreed to issue bulk purchase licenses to the marketers, allowing them to procure petrol directly from Dangote Refinery. 

    Additionally, the NMDPRA committed to releasing N10 billion to settle outstanding debts owed to the marketers. 

    Ukadike stated that the DSS’s involvement was crucial in addressing the marketers’ concerns over high petrol prices and financial challenges within the oil and gas sector.

     He encouraged members to continue their operations while the situation is being resolved.

    The backdrop of this intervention comes after the marketers threatened to halt operations due to the ex-depot price set by NNPC, which they deemed unmanageable compared to retail prices.

     Furthermore, the marketers raised concerns about NNPC’s debt of over N15 billion owed to them.

     The situation has intensified since Dangote Refinery commenced petrol distribution with NNPCL as its primary off-taker on September 15, 2024.

  • Ogun APC Councillorship Candidate Killed By Gunmen 

    Ogun APC Councillorship Candidate Killed By Gunmen 

    Adeyinka Adeleke, a councillorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, was shot and killed on Saturday in the Jide Jones area of Abeokuta South Local Government. 

    The incident occurred as Adeleke was attacked by assailants who arrived in a tinted vehicle. 

    Witnesses reported that the attackers not only shot him but also assaulted him with stones, leading to his death. 

    The area was thrown into chaos, with residents fleeing for safety amid the violence.

     The attack happened around 2 PM, and locals were left in shock, unsure if it was related to cult activities.

    A senior police officer confirmed the incident and noted that Adeleke’s family has opted to proceed with his burial. 

    The community remains tense following the attack, with many shops closing as fear spreads throughout the neighborhood.

  • Reps Proposes Bola Tinubu University for Nigerian Languages

    Reps Proposes Bola Tinubu University for Nigerian Languages

    The House of Representatives has initiated plans for the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages. 

    This follows the first reading of a bill sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight other members. 

    The proposed institution aims to promote the study of Nigerian languages and cultures.

    READ ALSO: COST OF GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

    According to the bill, the university will provide higher education opportunities in Nigerian languages to individuals of all backgrounds. 

    It also outlines that the President will conduct regular visits to oversee university affairs and ensure proper governance.

    The proposed university seeks to offer a range of academic programs, including diplomas and higher degrees, focusing on skills relevant to Nigerian languages.

     Its goal is to cultivate professionals capable of effectively using these languages for national development.

    In addition to academic programs, the university aims to facilitate research, outreach, and community services related to Nigerian languages. 

    It will also build connections with other institutions engaged in language training and research.

    The bill will be scheduled for a second reading in the coming weeks.