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“Reforms Must Align with the Interests of the Vast Majority of Nigerians” – Atiku
Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria and prominent political figure, has expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing discussions about the Tax Reform Bills.
Through a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku emphasized the need for a fiscal system that is just, fair, and equitable for all Nigerians, urging that the reform process should not perpetuate inequalities between the states.
In his message, Atiku noted the widespread public discourse surrounding the tax reforms, stating that Nigerians are united in their call for a fiscal system that does not favor a select few states.
According to Atiku, it is crucial that the reforms do not inadvertently increase the disparity between the federating units.
He voiced concern over the potential for the reform bills to boost the status of certain states while unduly burdening others, further deepening the already existing inequalities.
“I have followed the intense public discourse on the Tax Reform Bills with keen interest,” Atiku began, acknowledging the nation’s frustration and desire for a tax system that serves the collective good.
He went on to emphasize that Nigerians are loud and clear in their demand for a fiscal system that upholds justice and fairness, calling for a tax structure that benefits all states equally.
Atiku also appealed for objectivity and transparency in the public hearing process being organized by the National Assembly.
He strongly believes that the hearings must be conducted with fairness and integrity to ensure that all stakeholders are included in the decision-making process.
This includes Civil Society Organizations, traditional institutions, politicians, public officials, and experts in relevant fields.
“Transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making,” Atiku said, underscoring the importance of an inclusive process that allows all Nigerians, regardless of their background or position, to contribute to the discussions.
He further called on the National Assembly to make the resolutions of the National Economic Council public, recognizing it as an important body with the constitutional mandate to advise the President on economic matters.
The National Economic Council, which Atiku referred to, plays a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies.
It is composed of the 36 state governors, the Central Bank Governor, and other key figures, making it a crucial stakeholder in Nigeria’s economic affairs.
Atiku’s call for transparency from the National Assembly reflects a desire to ensure that the final tax reform bills align with the interests of the majority of Nigerians, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked in the process.
Candidates scheduled to retake the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will start receiving text messages from today, Thursday. A total of 379,997 candidates across five South East states and Lagos are expected to resit the exam. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, confirmed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
He explained that 206,610 candidates in 65 centers in Lagos and 173,387 candidates across 92 centers in the Owerri zone of the South East were affected. Oloyede took full responsibility for what he described as a “sabotage” of the UTME and apologized to the candidates. Out of the 1.9 million who sat for the exam, more than 1.5 million scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks.
A lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Christian Okeke, has called on the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to go beyond shedding tears and take full accountability by resigning from his position.
This comes after JAMB admitted to technical issues during the 2025 UTME. Okeke criticized the decision to have candidates in some centers rewrite the exam, describing it as unfair and emotionally distressing. He insisted that only the release of the original results can truly correct the situation.
According to him, JAMB initially defended the poor outcomes, where over 1.5 million candidates scored below 200, claiming it reflected their academic ability. He argued that it took public outcry and pressure from stakeholders before the board acknowledged its failures.
He described Oloyede’s emotional apology as insufficient, saying, “Tears won’t fix the damage. His resignation is the next responsible step.” Okeke also condemned the planned resit for candidates in 65 Lagos centers and 92 across the South East, calling it an inconsiderate move that shows a lack of empathy for the affected students and their families.
Activist and president of the North Central Youth Council, Sunday Asuku, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Christian candidate in the 2027 general election.
In a statement on Monday, Asuku stressed that Tinubu’s choice of vice president could make or break his chances for re-election. He argued that selecting a Christian vice president would not only be symbolic but also a strategic and unifying move for Nigeria’s democracy.
Asuku mentioned that the 2027 elections will be a crucial test of Nigeria’s commitment to unity and inclusivity. He pointed out that the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 elections created division, and that addressing this imbalance with a Christian running mate would help strengthen national cohesion.
He went on to say that religious balance in leadership is still a vital necessity in Nigeria’s diverse society. “Tinubu has a chance to correct the mistake of 2023 and make a strong statement of inclusion. This opportunity should not be missed,” Asuku said.
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