The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday swore in three judges who were previously overlooked by former Governor Godwin Obaseki in May 2024.

In his address during the ceremony in Benin City, Okpebholo explained that the swearing-in of the three judges was part of his commitment made during his inauguration.

He said that despite the National Judicial Council’s recommendation of eight candidates for the position, only five were appointed under the previous administration, leaving out three individuals who had been fully cleared by the NJC.

“Today, I have the privilege of righting this wrong,” Okpebholo stated, emphasizing that no one should be excluded or discriminated against for personal reasons or lack of political backing.

The new judges sworn in include Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe.

Justice Osa, who spoke on behalf of the others, expressed gratitude to the governor and pledged to serve impartially, ensuring justice is delivered without bias.

In addition to the judicial appointments, Okpebholo also announced the reinstatement of the lecturers from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were dismissed by the former administration in March 2023.

These lecturers, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), had been sacked by the Special Intervention Team (SIT) set up by Obaseki’s government, following their demand for unpaid salaries and other entitlements.

The governor, through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, confirmed that the sacked lecturers would be reinstated immediately.

The statement affirmed the governor’s belief in justice, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law.

The ASUU Chairman at Ambrose Alli University, Cyril Onogbosele, welcomed the reinstatement, calling it a just and positive development.

He highlighted that the decision had been a long-standing demand, with promises made by the former governor in March 2023 that had not been fulfilled.

Seriake Dickson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, has assured that the National Assembly will pass the controversial tax reform bills, despite opposition from various groups.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Dickson emphasized that the bills would be approved just as the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was passed, adding that there would be no catastrophic consequences when the tax bills are ultimately enacted into law.

The tax reform bills were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu on October 3, 2024.

The bills, which aim to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal institutions, align with the President’s broader development goals for the country.

However, they have faced significant backlash from various stakeholders, including state governors, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and lawmakers.

While the Senate has already passed the bills for a second reading, the House of Representatives has yet to act on them.

Dickson, a former Governor of Bayelsa State, dismissed concerns that the planned public hearing on the bills could lead to chaos without adequate consultations.

He urged critics of the bills to attend the hearings and present evidence-based arguments if they have concerns about any specific provisions of the proposed legislation.

Dickson also pointed out that, similar to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the tax reform bills would pass without any adverse effects.

He recalled how lawmakers reduced the proposed 10% in the PIA to 3% and yet, “heaven did not fall.” He also highlighted the need to review the current tax-sharing formula, which he noted benefits other states, like Lagos, at the expense of Bayelsa.

Dickson stressed that the new tax laws present an opportunity to correct such imbalances and ensure that taxes from goods and services consumed within a state are returned to that state.

While acknowledging concerns from states worried about a reduced share of revenues under the new formula, Dickson emphasized that the process should be guided by facts and national interest rather than emotional sentiments.

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has expressed support for the ongoing tax reform efforts in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful and transparent approach.

The proposed tax reforms, which have already passed their second reading in the Senate, include several bills such as the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024-SB.583, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024-SB.584, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024-SB.585, and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024-SB.586.

Despite the passage of these bills, they have sparked significant debate, with critics alleging that the government is unfairly targeting certain regions, particularly the North, potentially undermining vital government initiatives.

In response, Obi stated that tax reform is a necessary undertaking, but it must be approached with careful consideration and an emphasis on public trust.

He highlighted the importance of robust public discussions on the reforms, calling for a public hearing to ensure that Nigerians from all walks of life can provide input.

Obi emphasized that such reforms should never be rushed and must undergo thorough scrutiny to reflect the diverse views of the populace.

He stressed that tax reform should not only focus on increasing government revenue but also consider the broader implications for the country’s development and the well-being of all regions.

Furthermore, Obi called for the government to engage in a public sensitization campaign to ensure that the people understand and support any policy changes.

The Nigerian House of Representatives has indefinitely suspended the debate on the Tax Reform Bills initially scheduled for Tuesday, December 3.

This decision was communicated through a memo signed by Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Clerk of the House, which cited the need for further consultations on the matter.

The suspension follows mounting opposition from 73 northern lawmakers, including 48 members from the North-East, 24 representatives from Kano, and former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who now serves as the representative for Sokoto South Senatorial District.

On October 13, President Bola Tinubu presented four tax reform bills to the National Assembly, following recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, led by Taiwo Oyedele. These bills aim to review and amend existing tax laws and include:

1. A Bill to establish a Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to streamline revenue administration and resolve disputes.

2. A Bill to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act, replacing it with the Nigeria Revenue Service Act, which would centralize the powers of assessment, collection, and revenue accounting for the federal government.

3. A Bill to define the powers of tax authorities for the assessment, collection, and management of revenue across federal, state, and local governments.

4. A Bill to consolidate tax legislation and introduce the Nigeria Tax Act to address income, transactions, and instruments taxation.

The indefinite postponement comes as the House seeks to address concerns raised by lawmakers before proceeding with the debate.

Jesutega Onokpasa, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed deep concern over the rising food prices and the growing hunger crisis in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Onokpasa described the government’s response as alarmingly out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

In an interview with Arise News on Monday, Onokpasa said the hunger situation in the country is both embarrassing and disappointing, especially given President Tinubu’s campaign promises to alleviate hunger.

“President Tinubu promised us that if we helped him get into power, he would ensure a massive increase in food production to feed Nigerians.

However, we are now seeing this shocking level of complacency while food prices continue to soar,” Onokpasa said.

He expressed his disbelief at the administration’s apparent indifference to the skyrocketing prices, adding, “I don’t know what has happened to Asiwaju. As a Catholic, I will offer prayers for him. Whatever is happening, may God deliver him from it.”

Onokpasa further questioned the government’s priorities, saying, “How can you be the president and allow food prices to continue rising? If we can’t reduce the price of fuel, can’t we at least feed the people?”

He also criticized President Tinubu’s reluctance to invest in agriculture, a sector that could help address the country’s food security issues.

“Nigerians are hungry, and it is shameful that President Tinubu appears to be detached from the reality of the people’s suffering,” Onokpasa concluded.

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are urging members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to gather two-thirds support to convene a meeting and address critical issues affecting the party’s progress.

A former National Secretary of the party, Umar Ibrahim-Tsauri, and a senior party member, who requested anonymity, expressed expectations that PDP governors would rally two-thirds of the NEC members to call for a meeting to resolve concerns related to party unity and future direction.

Their concerns stem from the delay in convening an NEC meeting by the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, which they believe could impede efforts for reconciliation and hinder the party’s restructuring.

During the 98th NEC meeting on April 18, party leaders had approved the establishment of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee, as well as the organization of ward and state congresses.

Additionally, the North Central caucus was tasked with consulting on Damagum’s potential replacement.

The 99th NEC meeting, initially scheduled for August 15, was first postponed to October 24, 2024, then to November 28, 2024, before being postponed indefinitely.

In response, the PDP Governors Forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has instructed Damagum’s National Working Committee (NWC) to organize the meeting by the first week of February 2025.

According to the PDP’s amended 2017 Constitution, Section 31(5) states that “The quorum of the National Executive Committee shall be two-thirds of the membership drawn from at least two-thirds of the zones in the federation, and a simple majority shall pass any motion.”

Ibrahim-Tsauri emphasized the urgency of holding the meeting, stating, “The NEC meeting was set for November 28. Although the reasons for postponing it were valid, many of us did not expect further delays. We now suggest holding it in early February. While it may have been inappropriate to hold the meeting on the 28th due to the Akwa Ibom Governor’s wife’s funeral, it could have been rescheduled a few days later.”

He added, “The constitution is clear: the party chairman calls the NEC meeting. If the chairman refuses, two-thirds of the membership can compel the chairman to hold the meeting.”

The anonymous party leader also voiced frustration over the delays, saying, “The way the party is being managed now, it’s time for NEC members to come together, mobilize the necessary two-thirds, and call for a meeting to resolve urgent matters.

The meeting has been delayed multiple times because some individuals don’t want it to happen. Those who care about the party’s future must summon the courage to call for the meeting with or without Damagum.”

He further asserted, “The party is bigger than any individual, and it is time to stop waiting for those who are preventing progress for selfish reasons.”