Politics

Tinubu hails governors for backing tax reform bills

Published

3 months ago

January 18, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed his gratitude to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently being reviewed by the National Assembly.

In a statement issued on his behalf by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, President Tinubu praised the governors for their exemplary leadership and their role in fostering unity across the nation.

He highlighted their efforts in overcoming regional, ethnic, and political differences to drive Nigeria’s progress.

“Thursday’s productive consultation between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a notable example of collaboration between the Federal and State governments,” the statement read.

The President extended special praise to the NGF Chairman, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for his effective leadership in rallying support among his fellow governors for the tax reform bills, which are aimed at revitalizing the national economy and improving Nigeria’s investment climate.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and other groups whose cooperation helped resolve the controversies surrounding the bills.

President Tinubu reiterated that the primary goal of the Tax Reform Bills is to serve the nation’s poor and promote national interests by enhancing Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and attracting both local and foreign investments. He emphasized the importance of updating the country’s outdated tax laws to achieve these objectives.

The President also commended the dialogue between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform, stressing that it exemplified the value of constructive discussions in addressing differing viewpoints.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the governors to foster economic growth, national unity, peace, and stability, while urging other stakeholders with ideas to participate in the ongoing legislative process at the National Assembly.

Finally, President Tinubu called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of these critical bills, enabling the country to quickly realize the benefits of the proposed reforms.

Politics

Mahama suspends Ghana’s chief justice over misconduct allegations

Published

10 hours ago

April 22, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Gertrude Torkornoo is Ghana's third female chief justice

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John Mahama, Ghana’s president, has suspended Gertrude Torkornoo, the country’s chief justice, over allegations of misconduct.

In a statement on Tuesday, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the presidential spokesperson, said the council of state took the decision after three persons filed a petition against the chief judge.

Ofosu said allegations against Torkornoo include tampering with court records and misuse of public funds.

“In consultation with the Council of State, it was determined that a prima facie case has been established and that Torkornoo would be suspended while she is investigated,” the statement reads.

The president has also given the suspended chief justice 10 days to respond to the allegations and has set up a five-member investigative team to look into the issues.

The investigative committee is being led by Gabriel Pwamang, a supreme court justice. The panel also includes former auditor-general, Daniel Domelevo.

Torkornoo, 61, was appointed in June 2023, becoming Ghana’s 15th chief justice and the third woman to hold the post.

While past judicial leaders have left through retirement or political upheaval, her suspension is the first time a sitting chief justice has faced formal investigation through a constitutional process.

Mahama, who took office in January, has promised a crackdown on graft in the country.

Politics

38 Years in Politics, Have you heard ‘I stole any money? My Wife Has No Personal Car -Rotimi Amaechi ‎

Published

10 hours ago

April 22, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Rotimi Amaechi

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‎the former governor of Rivers State, has made headlines by emphasizing his integrity in a career that spans 38 years in Nigerian politics. In a candid interview with Daily Sun, Amaechi stated, “Have you heard ‘I stole any money?’”
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‎Amaechi, who began his political career at the age of 22, reflected on his longevity in the field, now at 60 years old. He expressed pride in his reputation, saying, “I have been in politics for nearly four decades, and I have maintained a clean record.

What scandals have you heard of me? My life has been transparent.”

He highlighted that despite his high-profile roles, including serving as the Minister of Transportation and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, he has remained free from any accusations of corruption.
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‎In a remarkable revelation, Amaechi shared that his wife does not own a personal vehicle. “My wife doesn’t even have a car.

I have to provide my backup car for her to drive,” he noted, reinforcing his message about living a modest lifestyle despite his political stature.

“It’s not that we can’t afford it; it’s just how we choose to live our lives.”
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Politics

Killings: Niger Governor, Bago imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew in Minna

Published

11 hours ago

April 22, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State

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Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has imposed a 6pm to 6am curfew in Minna, the state capital, following a rise in attacks and killings.
The restriction also applies to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators.

The decision was announced at a security stakeholders’ meeting involving traditional rulers and security agencies.

Medical emergencies are exempted from the curfew.

The governor instructed local leaders to document visitors to their areas and warned that any house found harboring criminals or drug cartels would be demolished.

This comes amid a resurgence of thuggery and violence in the city.

He further gave the Security Directives ;

EXECUTIVE ORDER ON THUGGERY ACTIVITIES WITHIN MINNA BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE 22/04/2025

1. ANYONE FOUND IN POSSESSION OF ANY WEAPON INCLUDING KNIVES AND STICKS SHOULD BE TREATED AS AN ARMED ROBBER AND IF KILLED THE PARENTS MUST PAY FOR THE BULLET BEFORE RELEASING THE CORPS

2. ANYONE KEEPING DREAD-LOCK HAIR SHOULD BE ARRESTED AND SHAVED

3. THERE IS IMMEDIATE CURFEW FOR KEKE NAPEP AND OKADA WITHIN MINNA FROM *6PM TO 6AM*

4. ANYONE GOING TO SEEK FOR BAIL OF THUGS FROM POLICE STATION SHOULD ALSO BE ARRESTED

5. ANY MAI-ANGWA, HAKIMI OR VILLAGE HEADS HARBOURING THUGS SHOULD BE DETHRONED AND ARRESTED

6. ANY HOUSE FOUND WITHIN MINNA SELLING ANY KIND OF ILLICIT DRUGS SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED AND OCCUPANTS ARRESTED

7. SPECIAL COURT SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE CHIEF JUDGE OF NIGER STATE TO HANDLE THUGGERY CASES FOR SPEEDY JUDGEMENT AND SUBSEQUENT IMPRISONMENT

8. ANGWA DAJI AND BARKI SALE AREAS SHOULD BE PLACED ON SERIOUS SECURITY WATCH

9. HENCEFORTH OPERATION FLUSH IS NOW DIRECTLY UNDER THE OFFICE OF MR. GOVERNOR.

10. ANY VEHICLE COMING INTO MINNA AND CAUGHT WITH ILLICIT DRUGS SHOULD BE CONFISCATED INTO GOVERNMENT PROPERTY……