2027: PDP GOVERNORS TURN AGAINST ATIKU
Dons Eze
- October 21, 2024
TINUBU GOVT PLANS N25% TAX ON WEALTHY NIGERIANS EARNING N100M MONTHLY
TINUBU GOVT PLANS 25% TAX ON WEALTHY NIGERIANS EARNING N100M MONTHLY The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has said that 90 percent of those paying tax are those who should not be paying in the first place. He made this declaration at the 30th Nigeria Economic Summit organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Ministry of Budget and National Planning on Monday in Abuja. “People will pay tax once we decide that they have to pay. What we realise is that almost 90 per cent of people who are paying taxes are those who should not have been paying in the first place,” According to him 97 percent of those in the informal sector should be formally exempted from tax. “So that’s where we came up with the data that 97 per cent of the informal sector should be formally exempted from taxes. People do not understand where we are coming from. They’re not the ones to pay taxes. They’re just trying to survive.” He further revealed the plan of the government to tax wealthy Nigerians more. “Wealthy Nigerians earning N100million and above monthly will face a 25 per cent personal income tax rate if a new tax bill is passed by the National Assembly.” He stressed that there is a need to strike a balance by ensuring that wealthy Nigerians contribute more to the government’s revenue. “If you earn N100m a month, we are taking up to 25 per cent from the rich people. That’s because we need to balance the books,” Oyedele noted. For middle-income earners making N1.5m or less per month, Oyedele disclosed that their personal income tax obligations would decrease while those earning higher amounts would see incremental increases in their tax rates, eventually reaching 25 percent. Lower-income earners would be fully exempt from personal income tax. There have been discussions about new tax policies by the government especially with moves to multiple taxation for businesses. He added that the proposed changes are expected to take effect from January 2025, based on the passage of the bill by lawmakers.
IT’S FAKE NEWS, THERE’S NO PLOT TO IMPEACH ME – AKPABIO
IT’S FAKE NEWS, THERE’S NO PLOT TO IMPEACH ME – AKPABIO The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has debunked a viral report speculating a plot of his potential impeachment. “If they have a lot of traffic… Who ever brought out this fake news must be getting a lot of payment because of the traffic going on. I hope the public is aware that this is total fake news and the chamber is very stable and the issue of impeachment does not come up,” Akpabio said while debunking the report during plenary on Wednesday. Reports had emerged online alleging that Department of State Services (DSS) operatives stormed the National Assembly (NASS) complex on Wednesday amid a plot to impeach the Senate President. The report highlighted growing speculations that a faction of disgruntled northern senators, reportedly dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu, is attempting to revive a previous initiative to oust Akpabio from his position. It is common practice for parliaments worldwide to maintain dedicated internal security personnel tasked with ensuring order and safety within and around parliamentary premises. In addition to the internal security forces, other security agencies are deployed to safeguard lives and property in the event of any security breaches or threats that could disrupt the activities of lawmakers and staff, particularly when internal security resources are stretched. On Wednesday morning, the viral report also claimed that DSS personnel, dressed in dark suits and wearing dark sunglasses, were strategically positioned from the main entrance to the second gate and at all other access points within the premises.
POLICE CLARIFY ROLE IN RIVERS LG ELECTION
POLICE CLARIFY ROLE IN RIVERS LG ELECTION The Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, has defended the role played by the Nigeria Police Force during the recent crisis in Rivers State. The crisis which occurred before and after the election resulted in the loss of lives and property damage. Speaking at the IGP Conference with senior police officers on Monday, Egbetokun explained that the police acted professionally and in accordance with the law. “The crisis was avoidable, but we stood by the law,” he said. “We were preparing for the local government elections when a Federal High Court barred us from participating, only for a counter-order to come from another High Court.” Egbetokun revealed that the police withdrew from the election process following legal advice but later deployed personnel to maintain peace after receiving intelligence reports of planned violence. “We unsealed the local government secretariats to allow newly elected officials to assume duties,” he said. “If we had remained, we would have been accused of taking sides.” The IGP also listed the police’s achievements in fighting crime nationwide, announcing the arrest of 10,852 suspects between July and October. Additionally, he said 416 arms, 3,672 ammunition, and 178 vehicles were recovered, and 369 kidnapped citizens were rescued.
WIKE MAY FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR VIOLATING PDP RULES
WIKE MAY FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR VIOLATING PDP RULES The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hinted at disciplining Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over alleged anti-party activities. According to Umar Sani, Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, the party’s disciplinary committee, led by Chief Tom Ikimi, may sanction Wike for violating party rules. Sani said that Wike is not above the party and that the recent formation of the disciplinary committee will address his alleged infractions. “The issue has been oversimplified, with many framing it as a clash between Abubakar Atiku and Nyesom Wike,” Sani stated on Arise TV’s Morning Show. “But the real driving force is the Governors’ Forum, which had been dormant but has now awakened. The Forum is actively working to resolve the crisis.” While a court order may prevent the removal of officials, Sani noted that it does not stop the party from suspending members or imposing discipline. Recall that in September, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, revealed during an appearance on Channels Television’s programme, Sunrise Daily, that Wike has been summoned to face allegations of anti-party activities. Abdullahi stated that Wike was summoned in a letter to appear before the Tom Ikimi-led PDP disciplinary committee. He said, “Three weeks ago, we put up two committees in place, that of reconciliation and disciplinary, and Nyesom Wike is one of the persons to face the disciplinary committee, which is headed by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi. “The disciplinary committee will look into issues of anti-party activities. We’ve been receiving petitions regarding anti-party activities or sabotaging the party throughout the primary, leading to where we are now. These petitions against Wike and other party members have been aggregated and sent to the committee. “Some party members even felt that Wike shouldn’t have gotten to this level still as a member of the PDP and they have been writing to the leadership.”
NAIRA ONE OF THE WORST PERFORMING CURRENCIES IN AFRICA – WORLD BANK
The Nigerian Naira is among the worst-performing currencies in sub-Sahara Africa at the end of August 2024. The World Bank disclosed this in its latest edition of Africa’s Pulse report. Report showed that the Naira is at par with the Ethiopian Birr, and South Sudanese Pound in terms of decline in the region. The report blamed the continued increase in the demand for dollars and limited dollar inflow for Naira depreciation in the last months. According to the report, the Naira lost about 43 percent as of August. “By August 2024, the Ethiopian birr, Nigerian naira, and South Sudanese pound were among the worst performers in the region. “The Nigerian naira continued losing value, with a year-to-date depreciation of about 43 percent as of end-August. “Surges in demand for US dollars in the parallel market, driven by financial institutions, money managers, and non-financial end-users, combined with limited dollar inflows and slow foreign exchange disbursements to currency exchange bureaus by the central bank explain the weakening of the naira,” it said. DAILY POST reports that the Naira weakened significantly on Tuesday to N1658.97 per dollar from N1552.92 exchanged on Monday. In the past months, the Naira has continued to fluctuate against the dollar in the foreign exchange market despite interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Nigeria’s inflation rose to 32.70 percent in September from 32.15 percent recorded in August 2024. Despite this, the World Bank’s Economic growth in Nigeria is projected at 3.3 percent in 2024 and 3.6 percent in 2025–26.
NIGERIA’S CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF, LAGBAJA , SICK, FLOWN ABROAD FOR TREATMENT – SAHARAREPORTERS
NIGERIA’S CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF, LAGBAJA, SICK, FLOWN ABROAD FOR TREATMENT – SAHARAREPORTERS Concerns are growing among the military hierarchy over the whereabouts of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, sources told SaharaReporters.According to multiple security sources, Lagbaja’s prolonged absence from official duties has sparked controversy among top generals.Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff.The controversy surrounding Lagbaja’s absence is further fueled by reports that family members have secluded him from the public. As the situation unfolds, many are eagerly awaiting an official statement from the authorities to clarify Lagbaja’s status.Checks on the Nigerian Army social media pages show that the last public appearance of Lagbaja was on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, when he inaugurated several civil-military cooperation projects in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.Top military officers have been representing him at key events, including the Army War College Nigeria Course 8/2024 graduation dinner and award night in Abuja on October 2, 2024, where Lagbaja was supposed to be the chief host.Additionally, Lagbaja missed the combined passing-out parade of the 71 Regular Course, Army, Navy, and Air Force on September 28.This significant event saw the graduation of Direct Short Service Course 28 (Army) and Direct Short Service Course 32 (Air Force) cadets from the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).Lagbaja’s absence from these events has raised eyebrows, especially given his position as the head of the Nigerian Army.Sources told SaharaReporters that Lagbaja has also not been seen at the Nigerian Army Headquarters located at the Armed Forces Complex, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Abuja in the last three weeks.“We haven’t seen his official vehicle at his designated car park for three weeks now, unlike before,” a soldier attached to the Army headquarters told SaharaReporters.However, a top officer close to Lagbaja told SaharaReporters that he was flown abroad by his family members on a secret trip to attend to his medical needs.The officer said, “The Chief of Army Staff is nowhere to be found for many days now. He hasn’t been seen at the Army headquarters or any military function in the last three weeks. I can confirm to you that he is seriously sick and was taken to the hospital. However, his family members arranged for him to be moved out of the country for medical treatment.”“The COAS is a leader and most of the Major Generals are doing anyhow because they have no one to report to currently. Anybody can fall sick but someone needs to be in charge. I wish him a very quick recovery, I have known him since our days in Makurdi, Benue State. We were both young officers then and he was a captain,” another officer said.Also speaking to SaharaReporters, a Major said, “I don’t know whether he is sick or not, I can’t confirm that to you, but I got to know two weeks ago that he wasn’t in the country and I know he’s not back as I talk to you.“As military men, we were taught to be observant, so I noticed he was not at the October 1 Independence Day parade ground in Abuja. I asked my superiors including a general and I was told that he was out of the country. You know, it is unusual for him not to be around at that time.“Also, the 2024 promotion list of soldiers which was completed a few weeks back is yet to be signed by the COAS. I was told that the Chief of Administration cannot do it because it will escalate the COAS’s absence. Some of my subordinates who are due for promotion are already grumbling.”SaharaReporters learnt that issue has…
WORLD BANK TELLS TINUBU GOVT TO CONTINUE WITH ECONOMIC POLICY DESPITE RISING HARDSHIP
WORLD BANK TELLS TINUBU GOVT TO CONTINUE WITH ECONOMIC POLICY DESPITE RISING HARDSHIP The Vice President and Chief Economist of the World Bank, Mr Indermit Gill, has urged the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to press forward with its ongoing economic reforms, despite the significant hardships they are causing for many Nigerians. Speaking at the opening session of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES30) in Abuja on Monday, Gill highlighted the importance of sustaining the reforms to pave the way for long-term economic growth. He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its efforts in unifying exchange rates, a step seen as crucial for stabilizing the economy. However, Gill acknowledged the tough conditions many Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable, are facing due to these changes. He emphasised the need for the government to provide cost-effective safety nets to protect the most affected. “The reforms are necessary to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s economy and that of Sub-Saharan Africa. Though they are painful now, they are the key to future prosperity,” Gill stated. According to Gill, “I’m not sure whether you agree with me or not, but if this is done, it will transform the economy of Sub-Saharan Africa. “These things are incredibly challenging, but the rewards are enormous. This has been the lesson from the past 40 years, as seen in countries like Norway, Poland, and Korea. “I might say something unpopular, but Nigeria’s reforms from 2003 to 2007 were exactly what was needed; however, they weren’t sustained. The current fiscal and monetary reforms are hurting everyone, especially ordinary Nigerians, who are facing high food and transport costs.” It said, “The government must do everything in its power to protect the most vulnerable citizens from hardships because their lives, along with the lives of 110 million children, depend on it. “You must stay committed to these reforms because the future of Nigeria, and these 110 million children, is at stake. In the coming years, Nigeria’s policymakers have three crucial options. First, they should prioritize non-oil exports. “Nigeria’s current exchange rate is the most effective it has been in 20 years. It’s a significant opportunity. The country must build its foreign reserves as a buffer against oil price fluctuations. I believe Governor Cardoso is already taking these steps and should be encouraged. “Second, every vulnerable household requires government support to weather these tough times. Cost-effective safety nets should be implemented to protect the most vulnerable, funded by the savings from fuel subsidies and exchange rate adjustments. “Nigeria has an immense need for jobs. In the next decade, over 12 million Nigerians will join the workforce. Jobs must be created, particularly by attracting investments in the non-oil sector,” he added.
TRAVELLERS HAIL PETER OBI, CALL HIM “OUR PRESIDENT” AS HE CLEARS TRAFFIC IN KOGI
TRAVELLERS HAIL PETER OBI, CALL HIM “OUR PRESIDENT” AS HE CLEARS TRAFFIC IN KOGI According to an eyewitness, there had been a road block caused by angry trailer drivers and this caused traffic that extended severai miles. A police officer had allegedly shot the tyre of one of the trailers and the trailer driver, alongside his colleagues, allegedly revolted and blocked the road, refusing to move for other vehicles. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last general elections, was in the area and he left his car to plead with the trailer drivers. The driver whose tyre was destroyed reportedly let go off his anger and posed for a selfie with Obi. Other tanker drivers cleared the road and thus allowing for free movement of vehicles. Nigerians who spoke at the scene were seen hailing Peter Obi, calling him “our president” in videos shared online.
CONSTITUENTS MOVE TO RECALL HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER, UGOCHINYERE, LAUD GOV UZODINMA
CONSTITUENTS MOVE TO RECALL HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER, UGOCHINYERE, LAUD GOV UZODINMA Community and political stakeholders of Ideato Federal Constituency in Imo State, have express dissatisfaction with the incumbent member representing the constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Ugochinyere Micheal Ikeagwonu. They accused the lawmaker of being indifferent to the constituency’s plight, choosing instead, to focus on personal political interests and unwarranted attacks on the the state governor, Hope Uzodinma During a reception organized by the people to appreciate the governor’s intervention in addressing a severe erosion menace that threatened to disconnect the federal constituency from the rest of the state, a motion was moved for the recall of Hon. Ikeagwonu. Hon. Okechukwu Udenze, the representative for Ideato North in the Imo State House of Assembly, moved the motion for the recall of the federal legislator, which received overwhelming support from the people and political leaders in attendance. The constituency and its leaders lauded Governor Uzodinma for his swift action in awarding the project for the control of the erosion to Craneburg, a renowned construction company, and ensuring that work commenced without delay. They noted that despite the constituency having previously produced a governor, a senator, and numerous federal lawmakers, it was under Uzodinma’s administration that a meaningful intervention was made to address the long-standing erosion crisis. The Ideato South Council of Traditional Rulers, led by their chairman, Eze Ewuzie, received the governor and expressed gratitude on behalf of the people. In their speeches, stakeholders emphasized the governor’s selflessness and commitment to the welfare of the people, pointing out that he has no political agenda since he is not running for any office at present. The move, they said, demonstrated Uzodinma’s dedication to good governance and fair leadership, untainted by political motives. Among the dignitaries present at the event were Hon. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, the Southeast chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Hon Ikechukwu Umeh, Imo APC Organizing Secretary, Hon. Nkechi Ugwu, the Commissioner for Women Affairs; the executive chairmen of Ideato North and South, Hon. Chinonso Okparaeke and Hon. Okechukwu Okwara; as well as vice chairmen and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) chairmen of Ideato North and South. The ceremony concluded with a call for greater unity among the people of Ideato Federal Constituency as they work together to ensure the continued progress and development of the area, with leaders urging all to remain committed to the task of rebuilding and advancing the constituency.
DAMAGUM MAY STEP DOWN NEXT WEEK
DAMAGUM MAY STEP DOWN NEXT WEEK Indications emerged Tuesday that Ambassador Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been offered an opportunity to step down from his position next week.Daily Trust gathered that the decision was reached by the party’s governors yesterday in Akure, Ondo State.Sources privy to the details of the meeting and a virtual gathering held earlier on Monday, stated that the governors were rattled by the factionalisation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and resolved to unite for preservation of the party.At yesterday’s meeting, convened before the official flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign rally in Ondo State, it was gathered that the governors agreed to allow Damagum to retain his position as acting national chairman until the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24.It was gathered that Damagum and Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) were present at the meeting. Also present were the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, along with governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), among other party chieftains.Yesterday’s meeting was a continuation of the PDP Governors’ Forum’s virtual meeting which took place on Monday. During the meeting of Monday, Governor Adeleke reportedly expressed disappointment over how the crisis had led to the factionalisation of the NWC, expressing fears that it could negatively impact his bid for a second term in 2026, being the first among the party’s first-term governors to be up for a re-election.Adeleke reportedly challenged Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for not supporting the North-Central’s bid to retain the chairmanship, despite being from the zone and also a first-term governor.Mutfwang reportedly replied that based on recent developments, he was now in favour of a chairman emerging from the North-Central, following the party’s constitution to resolve the impasse.Mutfwang, alongside governors Makinde, Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), is believed to have initially opposed Damagum’s removal. This quartet is thought to be allied with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom Damagum has allegedly been supporting.However, it was gathered that Makinde, believed to be the leader of the quartet, proposed at the virtual meeting of Monday that even if Damagum were to leave, he should be given a soft landing. Consequently, the meeting was postponed to yesterday to include Damagum.It was further gathered that at yesterday’s meeting, the governors agreed that while Damagum continues as acting chairman for the next few days, NEC meeting would be used to ratify the North-Central’s nomination for the position. The NEC meeting will also discuss potential dates for a national convention.Additionally, the meeting resolved to impress on members to withdraw all pending court cases related to the party’s national leadership crisis.It would be recalled that a Federal High Court in Abuja last Friday ordered the party’s NEC and Board of Trustees (BoT) to refrain from removing Damagum as the party’s acting national chair.Justice Peter Lifu issued the ruling hours after a faction of the NWC led by Ahmed Yayari Mohammed announced Damagum’s suspension, ordering that no other person should be recognised as the PDP acting national chair until the party’s convention scheduled for December 2025.Meanwhile, in a communiqué issued by the PDP Governors’ Forum at the end of their virtual meeting on Monday, and subsequently along with the NWC members yesterday, the governors resolved that “the NWC should revert to the status quo and remain united in the interest of the party and the nation.”Based on their decision, along with consultations with the BoT, the NWC and other party organs, they also resolved that “all suspensions issued on officials across the party within the NWC have been lifted forthwith.”Recall that the Damagum-led…