Television Nigerian

Critics voicing concerns about the tax rules have been criticized by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy.

He denied requests for the delay in an interview with Punch, stating that the law was “unstoppable” and would go into force on January 1, 2026.

Onanuga dismissed calls for suspension as being at odds with “right-thinking Nigerians,” calling the reforms “revolutionary” and claiming that the new system will increase tax collection for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The National Assembly has passed the law,” he stated. The President has given it his approval. Additionally, some people are only now realizing that they ought to have voiced their complaints long ago.

“The law cannot be stopped.” By God’s grace, the implementation will start on January 1st, 2026. There’s nothing to be afraid of. The majority of our various taxes will be harmonized by this development, and low-income workers will not be subject to taxes.

However, some argue that it ought to be put into practice. It is evident that they do not have the same views as conservative Nigerians.

It is a ground-breaking law that will benefit all Nigerians by increasing tax income. It’s too late to voice an objection if they say we shouldn’t implement. The current legal system is inexorable.

“Anyway, it’s already being implemented.”

The administration claims that President Tinubu’s recent signing of four substantial tax reform bills into law represents the biggest change of Nigeria’s tax structure in decades.

The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act are among the laws that are administered by the Nigeria Revenue Service.

The legislation will go into force on January 1, 2026, after a six-month transition period for system alignment and public education.

Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, has called for an end to what he called the politicization of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy after a book on his life and tenure was recently released.

The book, Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, has rekindled tensions among his former inner circle and spurred new discussion about the late president’s record.

El-Rufai expressed concern in a statement issued on Wednesday that the book launch event mirrored the same divisions that existed during Buhari’s lifetime. He observed that while other allies who were just as close to the late president were noticeably absent from the book event, one camp was heavily represented.

He warned that some of the attendees at the book launch were longtime opponents of Buhari who now occupy powerful positions in the government and gave flattering but phony praises.

El-Rufai argued that many who previously held his administration accountable for almost all of Nigeria’s problems now seem willing to rewrite history, possibly in order to avoid taking accountability for the country’s current shortcomings.

He continued by saying that certain people who were honoring Buhari’s passing did not have his regard or trust during his lifetime.

The statement said, “A careful look at those who dominated the book launch revealed the same factional lines that existed during Buhari’s lifetime.” It also said that the venue selection and selective participation raised concerns about whether the former president’s legacy is being shaped to serve special interests rather than historical truth.

The former governor expressed worry that many of the admissions ascribed to the late president appear one-sided and unfair, especially because Buhari is no longer living to answer. He acknowledged that he has not yet read the book and that some media accounts may lack context.

He cautioned against “distorting, rather than preserving, a complex leader’s legacy by using selective anecdotes to explain his thoughts and motivations.”

El-Rufai went on to say that although Buhari was not flawless, a significant portion of his administration’s flaws were caused by the deeds and shortcomings of a strong inner circle, which included officials, advisors, and relatives who did not always share the president’s dedication to honesty and public service.

According to the statement, “Buhari himself remained, to the end, a man of deep faith, personal discipline, and unquestioned patriotism,” and “those now invoking his name for self-justification should reflect on whether they can claim the same standards.”

El-Rufai, a former minister, advised Nigerians to let history judge Buhari impartially, free from opportunism or revisionism, and warned against selectively narrating his life and times.

He concluded with a prayer: “May Allah grant him eternal rest.” He said, “The truest way to honor him is not through selective storytelling or trying to exhibit new-found love, but by upholding the values he embodied: simplicity, integrity, humility, and service to Nigeria with all he had.”

In response to recent remarks about the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that were ascribed to the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), the Concerned Northern Elders have distanced themselves, denouncing the position as unrepresentative of the goals and interests of the North.

The group said it felt obligated to address the country in the interest of truth and accountability in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Dr. Nasir Manguno. It warned that staying silent in the face of what it called intentional misrepresentation would amount to endorsement.

The elders contended that the NEF’s stated opposition to the FIRS, its Executive Chairman, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform initiatives does not align with the common ideals and aspirations of Northern stakeholders.

They said that the NEF had lost its moral stature and had strayed from its original purpose as a council of wisdom to become a platform for political dissatisfaction and opposition narratives that were shaped by outside forces. The group contends that genuine elder statesmanship must be based on integrity, vision, and the welfare of the country rather than entitlement-driven privileges or adherence to antiquated systems.

The statement praised the FIRS Executive Chairman’s leadership, pointing out that the agency has continuously surpassed income targets, increased non-oil revenue production, and implemented technology-based, data-driven strategies to eliminate long-standing revenue leakages. It further stated that the period in which influence ensured exemption from tax duties has ended due to a renewed dedication to equity and accountability.

These improvements, according to the Concerned Northern Elders, are quantifiable and show Nigeria’s potential when professionalism replaces inertia. They assert that opposition to such reforms frequently originates from people who are uneasy about efficiency and transparency.

Regarding President Tinubu’s larger economic goal, the group claimed that the administration took over an economy that was weakened by reliance on fuel subsidies, opacity, and inconsistent compliance. It described the President’s adoption of challenging but necessary measures as crucial milestones toward a long-term economic recovery.

The elders emphasized that revenue reform should not be seen as punitive but rather as a fundamental component of national development, pointing out that no country advances by shielding elites from civic duty or placing the burden of governance on the poor.

Additionally, they affirmed their support for the Memorandum of Understanding carried out by the FIRS leadership to strengthen interagency collaboration, integrate data platforms, and eliminate duplication. They contended that frameworks that foster institutional strength and transparency ultimately benefit the North as well as the nation at large.

The organization addressed what they called “acts of political sabotage,” noting that fresh attacks on the FIRS seem to correspond with political realignments by opposition groups looking to capitalize on discontent in the region. The North will not be mobilized for partisan purposes, they cautioned.

The statement claims that rather than recycled narratives and inherited excuses for poor performance, the region’s true goals continue to be the creation of jobs, infrastructural development, educational advancement, and accountability. According to the elders, accomplishing these objectives calls for strong institutions, equitable taxation, and fearless leadership.

The group emphasized that history ultimately rewards reformers, not obstructionists, and reaffirmed its support for the FIRS Executive Chairman, President Tinubu’s economic reforms, and public officials dedicated to the national interest above the comfort of the privileged.

“The North is not against reform. The statement said, “It rejects failure and will not be dragged backward by voices financed to fear progress.”

Nine days after being detained, 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members were ultimately freed from Burkina Faso thanks to high-level diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to the source, the announcement was made soon after a Nigerian delegation headed by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, wrapped off discussions with President Ibrahim Traoré and other Burkinabè officials in Ouagadougou.

Senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the NAF Headquarters made up the delegation, which was tasked with using conversation to find a constructive and peaceful solution to the issue.

The engagement was intended to promote mutual understanding, defuse tensions, and secure the release of the detained NAF personnel while reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols, a senior official familiar with the mission told Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency reporter in Lake Chad.

Nigeria prefers diplomacy and neighborly involvement, according to the delegation. According to the source, the visit was intended to boost confidence and reinforce shared responsibility in tackling the intricate security issues facing the Sahel.

The official noted the long history of cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and said that the Nigerian delegation also communicated Abuja’s unwavering commitment to regional security cooperation, communication, and respect for international norms.

Nigeria and Burkina Faso have long worked together on security training, intelligence sharing, and regional stabilization initiatives, especially in the battle against violent extremism and terrorism throughout West Africa.

The smooth resolution of the incident, according to officials, will strengthen bilateral understanding and support regional efforts to advance peace, stability, and security.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a message of sympathy and brotherhood to President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso through Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

According to reports, both nations were looking into methods to improve regional and bilateral cooperation.

Tuggar delivered the message on Wednesday at a meeting with President Traoré in Ouagadougou, where talks centered on collaboration in a number of areas, including security and counterterrorism.

Following the discussion, the minister stated that Burkina Faso and Nigeria had long-standing relationships and shared security concerns, adding that the goal of the engagement was to strengthen neighborly relations and mutual understanding.

We discussed cooperation in a number of areas. Tuggar added, “We also talked about the Nigerian plane that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.

He expressed Nigeria’s remorse for the event and admitted procedural flaws in the authorization process for the aircraft’s entry into Burkina Faso’s airspace. He also emphasized Abuja’s respect for international aviation standards and Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.

Additionally, the minister disassociated the Federal Government from statements made by a Nigerian political party representative who claimed that Nigerian military soldiers were mistreated in Burkina Faso.

“We express our sincere regrets to the Burkina Faso government and clearly dissociate ourselves from those comments,” Tuggar stated.

Tuggar praised President Traoré and his administration for their fraternal spirit and the way they treated the passengers when they were in Burkina Faso.

He added that discussions included more extensive regional initiatives to combat violent extremism and terrorism, pointing out that Burkina Faso has achieved significant accomplishments in counterterrorism measures.

In order to address common security issues, the minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to ongoing communication, regional solidarity, and improved cooperation with Burkina Faso and other nations in the subregion.

Aliko Dangote, the chairman of Dangote Group, has filed a suit against Ahmed Farouk, the managing director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).

According to reports, Dangote charged Farouk with financial irregularities and wrongdoing.

In the December 16 petition, Dangote called for Ahmed to be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted for allegedly living above his means while working for the government.

The ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), received the petition.

Dangote accused the NMDPRA MD of paying more over $7 million up front for his four children’s education in several Swiss institutions over a six-year period without providing proof of a legitimate source of income.

In order to support his claims and have the anti-graft agency verify them, Dangote listed the four children and their Swiss schools along with the amount spent for each.

He said that Farouk Ahmed was exploiting the NMDPRA’s power to embezzle and redirect public funds for personal benefit and the pursuit of private interests at the expense of the Nigerian people, causing recent unrest and protests from various organizations.

Dangote further asserted that Farouk Ahmed worked in Nigeria’s public sector throughout his adult life and that the sum of his earnings over the years was not even close to $7 million, allegedly taken from the public coffers to pay for his teenage children’s education overseas.

“There is no question that the aforementioned facts regarding abuse of office, violation of the public officer code of conduct, corrupt enrichment, and embezzlement are egregious acts of corrupt practices for which your Commission (ICPC) is statutorily empowered under section 19, of the ICPC Act to investigate and prosecute,” stated Dangote.

“A person who is successfully prosecuted under section 19 of the ICPC Act faces a five-year prison sentence without the possibility of a fine.” We boldly declare that the ICPC is strategically positioned alongside the sister agencies to prosecute financial crimes and other offenses related to corruption, and that the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders upon proving a prima facie case.

In light of the aforementioned, we urge the Commission, led by you, to look into the allegations of corruption and abuse of authority against Engineer Farouk Ahmed and to prosecute him if necessary.

“We have no reservations that the Commission will act decisively to ensure that justice is done and the good image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is protected, as this is a matter that is in the public domain.”

By upholding the President’s authority to dismiss elected governors and state assemblies under a state of emergency, the Supreme Court has been accused by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of turning the President into a “constitutional tyrant.”

The party cautioned in a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, its National Publicity Secretary, that despite the ruling’s academic nature, it sets a dangerous precedent and concentrates excessive power in the Presidency in a way that threatens democracy in general as well as Nigeria’s federal system.

According to the ADC, Nigeria’s democracy and federalism are seriously threatened by the ruling.

It cautioned that constitutional dictatorship does not always result from military takeovers and that it frequently develops gradually as leaders gradually undermine democratic institutions and norms.

The entire statement said: “The Supreme Court of Nigeria’s ruling, which gives the President the authority to suspend elected governors and state assemblies during a state of emergency, has alarmed the African Democratic Congress (ADC).” Even while the decision seems harmlessly academic, it could mark a turning point in our democratic evolution and permanently change the character of our democracy.

The President has the “discretion to determine the measures required to restore peace and security” following the declaration of a state of emergency in any state, per the ruling of the Supreme Court. Essentially, the President is free to implement whatever “extraordinary measures” if he believes they are required to bring peace back to that state.

The top court’s stance clearly implies that the President of Nigeria or his representatives might easily create a security situation in any state where the governor is thought to be “unfriendly” and then suspend the governor and the State House of Assembly. Even though the same ruling states that “no arm or tier of government is constitutionally superior to another,” the ruling’s obvious implication is that the President has complete influence over state governors’ political behavior. Thus, the ADC views this ruling as a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy and federalism.

Examining the protections outlined by the highest court as balances against abuse of presidential authority highlights the tremendous risk inherent in this ruling. Judicial scrutiny, parliamentary oversight, and proportionality are some of these protections.

“Proportionality is obviously out of the question when faced with a president who will stop at nothing to hold onto power, even completely destroying opposition parties, as Nigerians have seen under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since taking office. Second, legislative monitoring is equally unlikely given the President’s successful takeover of the National Assembly and the legislature’s disgraceful reduction to a mere appendage of the Presidency. Lastly, with regard to judicial review, this same ruling has eliminated any uncertainty regarding the type of review that is now feasible when the nation’s top court decides to give precedence to the letter of the law above its spirit, which is specifically meant to avert the very risk that the Court has now approved.

The Supreme Court has unintentionally contributed to the imposition of constitutional dictatorship on Nigeria through this type of “judicial review,” a perilous form of authoritarianism in which those in positions of authority take advantage of legal frameworks and constitutional flaws to amass and solidify absolute power.

The ADC wants Nigerians to be aware that military takeovers are not the only way that constitutional tyranny may emerge. As we have seen over the last two years, it frequently develops slowly as leaders incrementally undermine democratic institutions and values. It is now painfully obvious that neither the judiciary nor the legislature can be trusted to stop this decline.