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Kwankwaso Urges Tinubu to Reconsider Tax Reform Bills for Nigeria’s Benefit
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his position on the proposed Tax Reform Bills, urging him to think of the Nigerian people first.
In a post shared on his X handle, Kwankwaso reflected on the actions of past Nigerian leaders, such as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, who withdrew significant bills to safeguard the country’s interests.
He pointed out that this kind of thoughtful decision-making is necessary during difficult times, like those Nigeria is experiencing now.
“My position on tax reform is as follows: Now is not the right time to review VAT or introduce any new taxes.
Given the economic difficulties many Nigerians are enduring, such actions would be unwise and harmful,” Kwankwaso stated.
He stressed that the government’s focus should be on providing relief to the people, not imposing new financial burdens that could worsen their situation.
Kwankwaso further urged President Tinubu to listen to the National Economic Council and other respected figures who have voiced concern over the timing of these reforms.
He noted that policy decisions should be driven by the well-being of the people, not by personal agendas or political motivations.
“I strongly believe that any decision made should prioritize the common good of all Nigerians,” he added.
The former presidential candidate pointed out the historical precedence for withdrawing controversial bills in Nigeria.
He reminded Nigerians of how former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during his second term, withdrew the revenue-sharing bill, which was seen as a necessary step in the best interest of the country.
Similarly, President Jonathan, after consulting with prominent leaders, decided to withdraw a communication to the 7th National Assembly, citing national interest as the guiding principle.
Kwankwaso concluded his message by urging President Tinubu to follow suit and reconsider the Tax Reform Bills.
He emphasized that listening to the majority of Nigerians and respecting their concerns should be at the core of any decision-making process.
This, he argued, would not only benefit the nation but also reaffirm the commitment of the government to the people’s welfare.
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“You Can Still Have Subsidy Without Long Queues” — Rufai Oseni Speaks On Subsidy
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Speaks on Lagos’ Power Challenges and the Need for Change
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Declares August 20 Public Holiday in Lagos for Isese Festival
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
