Tinubu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu is currently hosting a closed-door meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and leaders from Ogoniland’s four Local Government Areas at the Council Chamber of the State House.

Observers noted the arrival of the delegation led by Fubara, which includes notable figures such as Senators Lee Maeba, Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, Barry Mpigi, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Ledum Mitee, and Prof. B. Fakae.

Around 2:45 pm, the official vehicle of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was seen arriving at the venue.

Key federal officials at the meeting include National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.

Although the meeting’s agenda has not been officially disclosed, it is widely speculated to focus on the Ogoni clean-up project and discussions about resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

The Federal Government has raised concerns over the prolonged suspension of oil activities in the region, emphasizing its impact on the nation’s economy.

The Niger Delta Development Commission’s Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, previously expressed concern over the conflicts that halted oil exploration in Ogoniland, which have led to significant losses in national revenue amidst growing energy challenges.

Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations has demanded $1 trillion for the Niger Delta’s environmental clean-up and compensation for livelihood losses before crude oil production resumes.

In a joint statement, groups including Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation criticized the government’s plan to restart oil production, describing it as neglecting environmental justice.

The coalition also referenced a 2011 UNEP report that documented widespread environmental damage in Ogoniland caused by oil exploration, citing severe pollution of land, water, and air.Further updates on the meeting are expected.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu gas shown his appreciation to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

President Tinubu lauds the governors for their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide, transcending regional, ethnic, and political barriers to advance Nigeria’s development.

Thursday’s productive consultation between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments.

He extends special commendations to the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for successfully galvanising support among his peers for these transformative tax bills to rejuvenate the national economy and enhance Nigeria’s investment climate.

He also commends the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and all other groups that made the bipartisan resolution of the controversy stirred by the tax bills possible.

President Tinubu shows that the primary aim of the Tax Reform Bills, which is pro-poor, is to promote national interests, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy, and attract both local and foreign investments.

He said updating the country’s outdated tax laws is essential to this endeavour.

The President notes that the dialogue between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform shows the power of constructive conversation in resolving differences.

President Tinubu regards the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and affirms his commitment to partnering with them to promote economic growth, national harmony, peace, and stability.

He also encourages other stakeholders with ideas and suggestions for refining the Tax Bills to engage with the ongoing legislative process at the National Assembly.

President Tinubu also urges the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process for these crucial bills so that the country can swiftly reap the benefits of the reforms.

By Uzair Adam

The federal government has expressed disappointment over recent remarks by Emir Sanusi II, describing his statements as counterproductive to the nation’s efforts to address economic challenges.

In a strongly-worded statement, the presidency criticized the Emir for what it described as a failure to prioritize national interests over personal grievances.

The statement reiterated that Nigeria is at a critical juncture requiring bold and decisive reforms to overcome deeply rooted economic problems.

The administration stated that the reforms being implemented are difficult but essential for ensuring the country’s long-term stability and growth, aligning with positions the Emir had previously supported.

“It is noteworthy that these reforms, including the unification of exchange rates and the removal of the fuel subsidy, have started yielding measurable progress.

“Investor confidence has improved, foreign reserves are increasing, and resources freed from the subsidy removal are being redirected to critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare,” the statement read.

The government further quoted Emir Sanusi, who recently acknowledged that the hardships Nigerians are currently facing are a “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management.”

However, the statement expressed dismay at what it perceived as a shift in the Emir’s stance due to personal and partisan considerations.

“His Highness, given his expertise in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine these reforms.

“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders,” the statement added.

The government noted that these reforms have also contributed to reducing the country’s debt service-to-revenue ratio, creating a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has declined to give assent to the bill establishing the Federal University of Education located in Numan, Adamawa State.

The President gave reasons for his decision in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday in Abuja.

Correspondent Kunle Ojo reports that in the letter which was read during plenary, President Tinubu said his decision stems from unresolved land discrepancies and constitutional issues regarding disposal rights.

Akpabio however assured that other minor concerns raised would be addressed in due course.