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KANO GOVT REJECTS TAX REFORM BILLS The Kano State Government has strongly expressed opposition to the proposed tax reform bills before the National Assembly. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who spoke through his Deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, declared the government’s position during the 2025 celebration held at the Filin Mahaha, Kofar Naisa open theatre, a statement issued by the deputy governor’s …

CATHOLIC PRIEST JAILED 11 YEARS FOR CRITICIZING GOVERNMENT A Catholic priest in Belarus was convicted on Monday of high treason for criticising the government and sentenced to 11 years in prison. This marks the first instance of politically motivated charges against Catholic clergy since Belarus gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Rev Akalatovich’s conviction comes …

TARIFF HIKE, GRID COLLAPSES, OTHER MAJOR SPOILERS IN NIGERIA’S POWER SECTOR Nigeria’s power sector has continued to face challenges, eleven years after privatisation in November 2013. The last 12 months in the Nigerian electricity supply sector witnessed three key spoilers, including at least twelve national grid collapses, over 200 percent electricity tariffs, vandalisation of Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, facilities, …

DEFECTION: WHY EXECUTIVE OFFICE-HOLDER CANNOT LOSE SEAT While interpreting Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution relating to prohibition of political activities by certain associations, the apex Court rightly held in Amaechi v. INEC (2008) 5 NWLR (Part 1080) 227, 317-318 that: “The above provision effectually removes the possibility of independent candidacy in our elections; and places emphasis and responsibility in …

SOUTH-EAST KILLINGS: EXPERTS INVITE UN, INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT, DEMAND URGENT INTERVENTION A group of distinguished international scholarly experts, clergymen and human rights crusaders have thrown their weight behind the two recent special international reports unveiled by ‘Expert-Leaders’ of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety). The two Reports unveiled on Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Enugu …

COUNTRIES THAT DO NOT CELEBRATE NEW YEAR While most countries and cultures around the world celebrate the New Year in some form, there are certain regions, communities, or groups where New Year celebrations are not observed or hold minimal significance. These exceptions usually arise due to cultural, religious, or political reasons. Here are some examples: Saudi Arabia In Saudi Arabia, …

NO SLOWING DOWN IN SPEED OF TRANSFORMING ENUGU STATE – PETER MBAH Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has assured the residents that, in 2025, there will not be any slowing down in the speed of transformation witnessed by the state in 2024. Mbah stated this in his New Year message on Tuesday, reiterating his commitment to inclusive development and …

HURRAY! HISTORY RETURNS TO PRIMARY, SECONDARY SCHOOLS Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has announced the return of history studies in Nigerian schools. According to him, President Bola Tinubu has mandated the return of Nigerian History as a subject in primary and secondary schools. The Minister said this on Tuesday when he was featured as a guest on Channels Television’s End-of-Year …

El RUFAI’S CHIEF OF STAFF, BASHIR SAIDI ARRESTED Bashir Saidu, the chief of staff to a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been arrested by Operation Fushin Kada, formerly Operation Yaki, on Tuesday. It was gathered that Mr Saidu, a top political ally of Mr El-Rufai, was rounded up by the operatives of the anti-banditry police outfit at …

NIGERIANS HOPEFUL IN 2025 ON REJUVENATED ECONOMY AMID ACUTE HARDSHIP The commencement of domestic production of petroleum products by Dangote Refinery, the restart of Port Harcourt, and Warri Refineries is a glimmer of hope amid the despair Nigerians faced in 2024. In the past 12 months plus, Nigerians have struggled to cope between economic hardship and hope inspired by President …