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Tax Reforms Bills: Tinubu not against North – Former House of Reps Speaker, Dogara

Yakubu Dogara, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has called on northern Nigerians to refrain from criticizing President Bola Tinubu over the proposed tax reform bills.

Speaking during a town hall discussion on Channels Television, Dogara emphasised that the proposed reforms mark a significant step forward and that Tinubu should not be viewed as anti-north.

“I want to talk to my brothers in the north; I don’t think this is the time for us to begin to condemn the president and to begin to say that on account of these bills, he is anti-north.

“I want to remind us that the president has done something that is significant and if he can pursue this to the end, it will be that there is no northern leader of my lifetime that has done what the president has done for the north.”

He encouraged the people of the north to view the tax reforms as an opportunity, particularly highlighting the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development.

According to Dogara, this new ministry has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for the region. He also pointed out that the north could thrive independently, even in the absence of the value-added tax (VAT).

“The creation of the livestock ministry is the global business around that; the global market size of dairies, of beef. In the next three years, we will rise to about $2.5 trillion,” Dogara said.

“So if in the north, we are able to organise ourselves in such a way that we can honour just 5 percent of this global market size of diaries and beef, I tell you, that gives us $250 billion.

“We don’t need VAT from any state in Nigeria to survive. The North can survive on its own. We are the most endowed part of Nigeria and don’t joke about it.

“If you are in doubt, find out from Australia how much they are raking from just mining minerals. There’s gold everywhere in the north. We have all the resources. We can survive.”

On October 3, President Bola Tinubu called on the National Assembly to review and pass four crucial tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. In a significant shift, the president also proposed repealing the existing law that established the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and replacing it with the Nigeria Revenue Service.

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), representing the 19 northern states, swiftly expressed its opposition to the proposed reforms.

During a meeting with the Northern Traditional Rulers Council at the Kaduna Government House on October 28, the governors collectively urged the National Assembly to reject any legislation perceived as detrimental to the interests of the northern region.

They emphasised the importance of ensuring that national policies and programs are implemented in a way that guarantees fairness and prevents the marginalization of any region.

In response to these concerns, the presidency sought to reassure the Northern governors on October 31, clarifying that the proposed tax reforms were not aimed at disadvantaging any part of the country.

The administration affirmed that the reforms were designed with the overarching goal of enhancing the well-being of all Nigerians and improving the efficiency of the national tax system for the benefit of every region.

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President Tinubu assures Nigerian Soldiers of continued support for their Welfare

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President Tinubu assures Nigerian Soldiers of continued support for their Welfare

President Bola Tinubu gave officers and troops in the Nigerian Army reassurance on Thursday that their wellbeing would always come first and that it would never be jeopardised.

This pledge was given by the President at the opening of the recently built “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks” in Abuja, which bears his name.

Tinubu explained that the barracks project reflects the federal government’s ongoing dedication to improving the welfare of the armed forces, including providing suitable office and residential accommodations.

He stressed that ensuring troops’ needs are met is vital for maintaining their readiness and success in fulfilling their duties and securing victories in the field.

“You are our heroes and I thank you for what you have been doing for this country.

“I commend the Chief of Army Staff for his foresight in developing the remarkable barracks for our courageous men and women.

“We appreciate the officers and personnel who contributed in various ways to the timely completion of this project,” said the President.

President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuously allocate resources toward improving the welfare of soldiers, highlighting that the dedication and sacrifices of the military are deeply appreciated.

He stated, “What you all are doing for us is truly remarkable, and the best way we can show our gratitude is by offering continued support to the men and women in uniform.”

The President also praised the leadership of the Nigerian Army for its vision in initiating and completing the new barracks project in a remarkably short time. He honored the late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for his significant contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army.

In his speech, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, emphasized the army’s unwavering commitment to upholding the constitution of Nigeria and supporting the nation’s growing democracy.

He assured the President of the army’s steadfast support for the Tinubu administration’s efforts to enhance the country’s socio-economic and security landscape.

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Policing roles demand empathy, compassion – Egbetokun reminds new Officers

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Policing roles demand empathy, compassion – Egbetokun reminds new Officers

The Inspector-General of Police IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, said the role of a police officer required empathy and compassion towards the civilian population.

Egbetokun stated this during the Passing-out Parade of the 2022 Recruit Constable Intake, held at the Police Training School, Eleyele, Ibadan.

The IGP, represented by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi, urged the 346 newly graduated police constables to avoid all forms of lawlessness and temptation.

“You are to uphold the honour of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

He informed the graduates that policing required the highest level of professionalism, integrity, adhering to the rule of law and established procedures.

“Your role demands empathy and compassion towards the civilian population, especially the vulnerable while maintaining firmness and fairness in all interactions.

“Remember the uniform you wear and the office you hold are symbols of trust and responsibility; never to be exploited for intimidation or perversion of justice,” he said.

Commending President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transform the police, he said the constables would bridge the gap of manpower shortage in the police and further improve the country’s security.

According to him, they will be deployed to their various local government areas to augment law enforcement efforts in the fight against crime at the grassroots.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, expressed his gratitude for the successful completion of the mandatory training programme.

Argungu reminded the constables of the nation’s security challenges, calling for partnership with other security agencies to tackle the challenges.

According to Argungu, represented by the commission’s Head of Department, General Service, Mr Solomon Jubrin, the constable’s office is dignified and deserves all required respect.

“I charge you to go out and reciprocate the government’s good gesture and strive to work in partnership with other security agencies to eliminate or reduce the security challenges currently facing Nigeria.

“Let me inform you that the commission will closely monitor your activities from today and will not hesitate to sanction anyone who deviates from the time-tested established police rules of engagement,” he said.

The Commandant, Police Training School, Eleyele, Ibadan, ACP Suleiman Ishola, said the constables’ six-month intensive training had made them grounded in police duties.

Ishola further said the recruits had been found worthy in character and learning, having also satisfied all requirements for appointment as police constables.

The event featured an inspection parade, march past parade, riot drill demonstration and presentation of awards to the overall best recruit. (NAN)

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Major General Oyinlola assumes duty as GOC, 3 Division, Commander, OPSH

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Major General Oyinlola assumes duty as GOC, 3 Division, Commander, OPSH

Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola has assumed duty as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

Oyinlola took over from Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who has been posted to the National Defence College, Abuja.

He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for finding him worthy to head 3 Division and OPSH.

He promised to sustain the successes achieved by his predecessor and ensure lasting peace in Plateau and other areas of responsibility.

Earlier, Abubakar congratulated the new GOC and commander over his appointment.

Abubakar, who described the security situation in Plateau and environs as complex, said that hence the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle it.

“The dynamics of the security situation in Plateau is complex and necessitates the integration of both kinetic and non-kinetic to tackle it.

“The situation on the Plateau is different; you will find yourself mediating in conflicts among communities, particularly between herders and farmers

“The operations here are peoplecentric; we have made personal sacrifices to keep the state peaceful and I know you will do more.

“I have no doubt that you have all it takes to handle the complex security situation in Plateau and environs,” the former GOC said.

Abubakar thanked the officers and men of the division and OPSH, for the support and cooperation given to him throughout his tenure and urged them to support his successor.

He also thanked the government and people of Plateau for supporting him to discharge his duties diligently and called on them to extend same to his successor.

Abubakar called on heads of other security agencies to collaborate and support the new GOC and commander to succeed in his assignment in the Plateau. (NAN)(www.nannews)

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