News
Orji Kalu Denies Alphabeta Rumors and Supports Tinubu’s Tax Reforms
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North in the National Assembly, has debunked rumors suggesting that President Bola Tinubu plans to introduce Alphabeta, a consulting firm, into the country’s tax system through the Federal Government’s new tax reform bills.
Kalu addressed these concerns during an interview with Arise Television on Monday, shedding light on the essence of the reforms.
Alphabeta, which has been linked to Tinubu from his tenure as governor of Lagos State, has sparked speculations among some Nigerians who fear its involvement could resurface at a national level.
Critics argue that Alphabeta’s role in Lagos was controversial due to its monopoly on tax revenue collection, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
However, Kalu dismissed such fears, insisting that the tax reform efforts are entirely unrelated to Alphabeta or any similar entity.
He emphasized that the reforms aim to modernize Nigeria’s outdated tax laws, which he believes are a major obstacle to the nation’s economic development.
“One of my friends called me with concerns, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plans to introduce another Alphabeta in Nigeria, just as he did in Lagos.
But that’s not the issue,” Kalu clarified. “The real matter is that Nigeria’s tax laws, alongside many of our other laws, are obsolete and need urgent updates.”
Kalu, who served as governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, is a seasoned politician with firsthand knowledge of governance and legislative processes.
He voiced strong support for the tax reform bills, describing them as a step in the right direction for the country’s financial system.
According to him, a modernized tax framework is essential for fostering economic growth, attracting investments, and reducing reliance on borrowing.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been pushing for reforms across various sectors, with tax reforms taking center stage in its agenda.
The Federal Government recently proposed a series of bills aimed at restructuring the tax system to enhance efficiency and revenue generation.
These reforms are expected to address loopholes in the current tax regime while ensuring that the system is fair and equitable for all Nigerians.
News
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Eases Travel Restrictions for Nigerians
South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa announces Nigerian can now apply for Visa to the country without submitting a passport. This announcement was made on Tuesday during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town. President Bola Tinubu was also in attendance and witnessed the announcement made.
President Cyril stated that this new process with make travelling easier for Nigerian business and tourists.
The President shared a speech during the announcement “Our efforts to create a favourable environment included simplifying the visa process for Nigerian business people travelling to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people were granted a five-year multiple-entry visa.”
News
VeryDarkBlackMan Speaks on Fate and Declares ‘Nobody Can Cancel Me’
Popular social media personality, VeryDarkBlackMan, has shared an intriguing post online. In a tweet with the hashtag #MindYouNobodyFitCancelMe and mentions of Naira Marley and Zinoleesky, he reflected on an encounter with a group he called “innocent rough men.”
He revealed that he asked the men about their situation, and they responded, “Na God hand e dey,” meaning their fate rests in God’s hands. The phrase has resonated with fans, sparking discussions about faith and resilience.
In the same post, VeryDarkBlackMan boldly declared that no one has the power to cancel him, showcasing his confidence and determination to rise above challenges. The post has drawn reactions across social media, with many admiring his fearless attitude and thought-provoking words.
News
Reps Call on Tinubu to Unfreeze NSIPA Accounts and Settle Outstanding N-Power Payments
The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action by directing the unfreezing of the accounts belonging to the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) within 72 hours.
This decision was reached on Tuesday after a motion was presented by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu and supported by 32 other lawmakers.
The suspension was a response to widespread allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the sector.
The lawmakers expressed concern that the continued freezing of NSIPA’s accounts is hindering critical programs aimed at reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
The NSIPA is responsible for managing key social intervention schemes, including N-Power, which provides skills and employment opportunities for Nigerian youth; the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), which offers microloans to small business owners and artisans; the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), designed to provide direct financial support to poor households; and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), which delivers meals to schoolchildren across the country to improve enrollment and nutrition.
During the plenary session, Ben Kalu emphasized the importance of restoring NSIPA’s financial operations, stating that doing so aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision of eradicating poverty in Nigeria.
He stressed that unlocking the agency’s accounts would ensure that these social programs remain efficient, effective, and impactful, particularly during a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardships.
The House urged the federal government to promptly release funds to NSIPA to enable the payment of outstanding stipends owed to 395,731 N-Power beneficiaries across the country.
The delayed stipends have caused significant hardship for many young Nigerians who depend on the program to sustain themselves and their families.
In addition to addressing the financial constraints of NSIPA, lawmakers called for a comprehensive review of the agency’s operations to prevent future mismanagement and ensure transparency in the use of public funds.
They noted that resolving these issues swiftly is crucial for maintaining momentum in the administration’s poverty alleviation goals and rebuilding public trust in government-led social intervention programs.
-
Entertainment17 hours ago
Davido Applauds Belgium’s Groundbreaking Move to Legalize Health Insurance for Sex Workers
-
News21 hours ago
Actor Danny Pintauro Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Scooter Accident
-
News20 hours ago
Man Plans Surgery to Restore Manhood After Wife’s Extreme Act
-
Sport23 hours ago
“I Would Have Loved to Have Everyone Available” – Pimienta Explains Iheanacho’s Bench Role
-
News23 hours ago
Peter Obi Calls for Public Debate and Transparency in Nigeria’s Tax Reform Process
-
Entertainment23 hours ago
“Nothing Burna Boy Is Doing Now Surprises Me” – Timaya Speaks On Burna Boy Predicted Success
-
News17 hours ago
Reps Call on Tinubu to Unfreeze NSIPA Accounts and Settle Outstanding N-Power Payments
-
Entertainment17 hours ago
Wizkid Becomes First African to Perform Hit Song “Troubled Mind” at British Fashion Awards