Politics
Reps Hold Closed-door Session to Discuss Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills
The House of Representatives has entered into a closed-door session to deliberate on the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
The ongoing meeting is designed to foster a consensus among lawmakers as they prepare for the upcoming debate on the bills. The session is crucial in addressing any concerns or opposition that may arise during the discussion of the proposed reforms.
A lawmaker from the All Progressives Congress (APC) revealed that the closed-door session is intended to ease tensions and encourage support for the bills ahead of the formal debate. While not all lawmakers are fully convinced about the content of the bills, there is a general recognition that the government’s intent is to improve the nation’s economy. The aim of the session is to garner enough backing for the tax reforms, which are viewed as pivotal to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal policies.
The Tax Reform Bills, transmitted to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024, are part of the government’s ongoing effort to overhaul the country’s tax system. These proposed reforms are based on the recommendations of the Taiwo Oyedele-led tax reforms committee and are designed to modernize and simplify Nigeria’s tax structure.
The four key bills under discussion include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which sets the fiscal framework for taxation in the country. This bill outlines the broader principles and rules governing tax collection and administration. Another crucial bill is the Tax Administration Bill, which aims to streamline the legal framework for tax collection, reduce disputes, and ensure greater efficiency in tax administration.
Additionally, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill seeks to repeal the existing Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act and replace it with the Nigeria Revenue Service, a new body that would take on a more comprehensive role in managing the country’s revenue collection. The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill is also part of the package, and it proposes the creation of a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman, both of which would provide greater accountability and resolve tax-related disputes.
These bills are considered critical for improving Nigeria’s tax system, increasing revenue generation, and ensuring a more transparent and efficient approach to taxation. However, lawmakers’ deliberations are expected to focus on the finer details of the proposed changes, with the aim of ensuring that the reforms align with the best interests of the economy and the welfare of Nigerian citizens. The outcome of these discussions will shape the direction of the country’s tax policies for years to come.
Politics
Breaking: Diri Orders Autopsy on Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death, Warns Against Politicisation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Saturday while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Reacting to the incident, the governor condemned what he described as widespread misinformation and speculation on social media, warning against any attempt to politicise the deputy governor’s death.
“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the passing of our dearly beloved deputy governor,” Diri said.
“If anyone truly loves him, this is the time to show it. I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media.”
The governor further urged the public to focus on mourning and honouring the late deputy governor, noting that the state government had declared three working days of mourning in his honour.
“If anyone is issuing statements to eulogise him, let it end there. Let us mourn him because Bayelsa State is in a mourning mood,” he added.
Governor Diri also called for unity and love among the people, reminding them of the inevitability of death.
Speaking during the condolence visit, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a committed and dedicated individual who played a key role in the activities of his foundation.
“For me, he was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programs,” Jonathan said, adding that Ewhrudjakpo worked tirelessly in that role, even more than when he served as deputy governor.
The founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has said he will never take part in partisan politics, not for even billions of naira.
He stated that no amount of money, including “$1 billion,” (1.4 Trillion naira) would make him join politics.
Oyedepo made this known during an impartation service at Shiloh 2025 held at the church’s headquarters in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
He explained that partisan politics is not part of his life’s calling and that is why he has chosen to stay away from it.
In his words: “In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?
“Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it is off my course.”
The bishop also said the world is in urgent need of God’s intervention because of the times we are living in.
According to him, believers are being trained as an end-time army to bring solutions to national and global problems, similar to what biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel did.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
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