Politics
Tax Reform Bill: Invitation of Experts By NASS In Order – Akpabio
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the National Assembly did the right thing, by inviting tax experts into the chambers to brief lawmakers on the nitty-gritty of the proposed tax reform bill.
He also stated that after listening to the professionals, lawmakers and even members of the public, who watched the submissions of the experts, would have seen the need for the bill to be supported.
Akpabio spoke while receiving in courtesy, the leadership of the Association of Nigeria Delta Monarchs of Nigeria (ANDMON), led by His Royal Majesty, Captain Okurakpot in his office on Wednesday.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio saying during the visit,” we had some contentious bills that the public seem not to understand. We felt we can’t go into them unless we do proper education of the people. I want to thank the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the hearing from experts today on the floor of the Senate.
“I also thank the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass for doing same last week, by inviting experts to brief them on the tax reforms and the way forward on tax administration in the country. I believe that after today’s session, those who had some misgivings about the bills will support it.”
Speaking further, Akpabio said, “I thank our royal fathers for coming here to see what we are doing to make Nigeria a better place for all of us. I also thank you for using your positions and influence to maintain peace in the Niger Delta region, which has equally led to increase in oil production.
“Before now, our inability to meet up with OPEC quota was largely due to militancy in the area, which also led to oil producing companies leaving the region after making a lot of profits. This should not be allowed to continue again.
According to Akpabio, ” there is therefore the need for concrete policies to be put in place to guard against oil pollution and environmental degradation by oil companies in future areas of oil exploration.
“Government is very committed to the clean up of Ogoniland and completion of the East-West road for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta region,” he stated
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the Association, Captain Okurakpot, thanked Akpabio for receiving them saying, “we thank you and your colleagues for receiving us. We are here to declare our support for your leadership of the National Assembly and to also tell you that we are happy and well pleased with your achievements as the Senate President. Meeting you today has afforded us the opportunity to rub minds with the Federal Government through your office.
” We want us to be seen as partners in progress in tackling insecurity in the oil producing area, through collaborations in the Petroleum sector, which would ensure employment opportunities for our teeming youths, thereby stopping them from criminal activities.
“As an association with offshore connections and sponsorships, we are well positioned to assist the government in the area of oil production, solar and wind electrical installations, intended to maintain peace in the oil producing region because government cannot do everything for its citizens.”
By David Owei, Bayelsa
Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within the ADC ahead of the 2026 state elections, his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has disclosed.
Responding to media publication and enquiries, the Spokesperson affirmed that Governor Adeleke remains in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is going to win, with wide margins, the 2026 governorship elections on the platform of the PDP.
The statement reads further: “Our attention has been drawn to news reports and media enquiries about the imminent defection of Governor Adeleke to the ADC or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race. There is no truth in those publications and speculations.
“First of all, we, the PDP Osun, have already adopted and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, so there is no alliance with ADC.
“Secondly, Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win with a wide margin in 2026.
“The Osun electorate supports Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance since he came to office. That good work is still ongoing and Osun people are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing Governor Adeleke in 2026”, the Spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Governor Adeleke urges PDP members to forge ahead with the ongoing strengthening of the party structures across all levels to prepare for fresh victory next year”, the statement from the Spokesperson concluded.
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The umbrella body of Ijaw Elders, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has rejected the Bill in the Senate seeking to permanently elevate the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive Co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council.
The INC said the move would be at the expense of apex traditional rulers from other ethnic nationalities and geopolitical divides.
The Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James (OON) said, in a statement on Sunday in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government area of Bayelsa State, the proposal is a continuos infringement on Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.
Alabo Nengi James describes the provision of the Bill as unacceptable and against the Rights of the indigenous People across tribes, Religion, Culture and Customs.
He said the Bill should be reviewed to include clauses such as No permanent Chairmanship for Sultan and Oni only must be allowed in the ongoing bill being discussed in the Senate.
He advocates that the National Assembly should allow the National Council of Traditional Rulers to Appoint their Leadership themselves, rotationaly and based on Federal Character.
“Include the Role of Traditional Rulers into the Constitutio and No Traditional Ruler from another tribe or religion is superior to another.”
“The National Assembly should Step down the Provocative and dehumanizing offensive Bill that will cause a serious rift and breach of peace in Nigeria.”
Chief James called the attention of the Senate President, Rt. Hon. Godswill Akpabio, urging him to immediately step down what he termed a “highly insensitive and dangerous bill.”
He emphasized that traditional rulers across the country must be given equal recognition and should be allowed to choose their national leadership through internal mechanisms that reflect rotational leadership and the federal character system.
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