Politics
Presidency To Zulum, Others: ‘Stop Misinforming, Misleading The Pubic On Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills’
The Presidency has responded to criticisms over the perceived haste in advancing the Tax Reform Bills, emphasizing that the legislation is the product of over 14 months of rigorous work by more than 80 experts from across Nigeria.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, clarified the extensive groundwork behind the reforms via a statement on Monday. He warned against delays, citing the two-decade legislative stagnation of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as a cautionary tale, which resulted in significant economic losses.
Ajayi underscored the urgency of the bills, which aim to address Nigeria’s fiscal challenges by streamlining tax administration and creating a conducive environment for businesses. He dismissed claims that the reforms were rushed, describing such allegations as “disingenuous.”
“The Tax Reform Bills are the product of 14 months of extensive work by over 80 professionals drawn from every part of the country. It would be backward thinking to suggest a delay, as Nigeria cannot afford the economic setbacks that plagued the PIB for 20 years,” Ajayi stated.
Despite the Presidency’s defense, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum expressed reservations about the expedited legislative process. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Zulum advocated for a more deliberate approach, warning that a rushed bill could have long-term implications, especially for northern states.
“Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this tax reform bill is receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully to ensure it benefits future generations,” Zulum cautioned.
Ajayi refuted allegations that the reforms would disadvantage certain regions or lead to the dissolution of key government agencies such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA. He explained that the bills propose consolidating multiple taxes into a single levy to reduce the tax burden on businesses while ensuring these agencies remain funded through budgetary allocations.
“It is a misrepresentation of facts to suggest that changing an agency’s funding source amounts to scrapping it. The reform aims to phase out obsolete practices and streamline tax administration for economic growth,” he clarified.
Ajayi appealed for a fact-based discourse on the reforms, urging stakeholders to participate in upcoming public hearings organized by the National Assembly. He stressed the importance of leaders providing informed guidance to avoid polarizing the country.
“What is never in doubt is the imperative of changing the existing tax laws and administration that have become obsolete. Leaders should ensure their public utterances on this matter are measured to avoid heating the polity,” Ajayi concluded.
The Presidency assured Nigerians that the reforms aim to address fiscal challenges, attract investments, and set the stage for sustained economic growth while ensuring equity and fairness in implementation.
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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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