Uncategorized – Page 30 – News Facts Daily

Tax Reform Bills: Islamic Groups to Meet Wednesday To Take Stand

Amalgamation of Islamic groups under umbrella of Islamic Forum for Unity of the Ummah have concluded arrangements to meet on Wednesday to discuss the controversial Tax Reform Bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

According to the Islamic Forum, sensitive government policy, such as the proposed tax reforms needs wider consultations with stakeholders, groups and the citizens before been passed into law.

The President had, on September 3, transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration.

But in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Mallam Adam Awwal Muhammad and Secretary Sheikh Akanbi Rashidi Bolaji, Islamic Forum for Unity of the Ummah expressed concerns over the rejection of the bills by northern governors and National Economic Council recommendation for withdrawal.

The statement further said ,”At the Meeting convened by Sheikh Mustapha Al-Arabi convener, members of Islamic groups are expected to discuss the content of bills with regards to interest and economic implications as well as benefits to Muslim communities across the country and take a stand.

It also hinted that the decision to meet over the controversial tax reform bills stemmed from the concerns raised in some quarters over the new derivation-based model for VAT distribution and the contents of the bills, which the northern governors claimed did not align with the interests of the North and other subnational entities.

While noting that the bills have not been presented for a second reading where the principles of the bills will be debated, it stated, “We don’t want to be Hoodwinked into accepting a tax reform the will affect our people and their economic wellbeing,thus our decision to meet and get informed knowledge about the reforms before taking a stand.

The Forum further said:”We have read the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele, for the review of existing tax laws.

“From the document read ,we observed that the bills are the Nigeria Tax Bills are expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

” We noticed it proposes several key changes, that include a gradual increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 15% by 2030 and an adjustment in Company Income Tax, which would set a rate of 27.5% for large companies, reducing to 25% by 2026.Additionally, the bill proposes a 4% development levy on companies to fund the Student Education Loan Fund, along with a 5% excise duty on sectors such as lottery, gaming, and telecommunications.
” We hope that the issues of transparency, particularly through provisions requiring price transparency and monitoring of publication costs are upheld” .

CERSDOV, UNFPA Complete 3-Day Advocacy Training for Women-Led Organisation On SRHS, Child Marriage, Others

By Ojo Sola

Centre for Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV) has successfully completed a three-day advocacy methods and tools training for women-led Non-governmental organizations, focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHS), Child Marriage (CM), Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Gender Equality, powered by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The training, held from Wednesday to Friday, November 6-8, 2024, at CERSDOV Shelter, located at Ahmad Mohammed Makarfi Road, Hayin Dogo, Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government area of Kaduna State, brought together diverse Women-Led NGOs working at community levels.

Taking the participants through some of the sessions, Managing Director of CERSDOV, Prince Adefarakan Adedayo Yusufu, harped on the need for paradigm shift to policy implementation and strategies that will eradicate early marriage due to its many disadvantages to girls.

Early marriage and child marriage is any marriage carried out before the age of 18 years before the girl is physically and mentally mature.

He therefore called on the government at all levels, working with the National and States Assembly, to rise to the occasion and harmonize all laws necessary to ensure girls are protected against early marriage and other social vices that hinder their progress.

Speaking on the sideline of the training, Executive Director of CERSDOV, Prof. Hauwa’u Evelyn Yusuf, noted that, the training aimed at improving the capacity of women-led NGOs in Kaduna, Gombe and Akwa Ibom States, focusing on enhancing their advocacy method and tools so that they can better advocate on the advocacy that they are already into.

“We have taken them through sexual and gender based violence, sexual and reproductive health rights, child marriage and gender equality and equity, and our purpose for doing this is to enable them to reach out to communities, enlightening our ward on the need to give special attention to both the girls and the boys, to improve our ability to reduce or even curb gender based violence.

“Our partner, UNFPA has four pillars and one of them is gender equity and gender based violence. So, UNFPA is collaborating with us because at CERSDOV, one of our major pillars too is curbing sexual and gender based violence.

“This training is concurrently running in Kaduna, Gombe and Akwa Ibom States after which we are not just leaving the participants, we are going to follow them to communities where they work for advocacy and awareness creation on the need to curb these issues”, she said.

Reproductive Health Analyst, UNFPA in Kaduna, Dr. Elvis Evboreni, remarked that, his organization was working around sexual and reproductive health, women empowerment, gender equality among others.

“We are happy to collaborate with CERSDOV in this project, aiming at empowering communities.

“With this, we wish to develop a women focused organization in Kaduna State because there are social issues in this part of the country around family health that we need to join hands to address.

“We have been supporting the state in family planning, maternal health issues like child marriage which is hindering a lot of girls from realizing their potentials.

“So, we need to improve the environment we work to change the norm that will lead to inclusive environment – including persons with disability and this is why local NGOs working on these issues are key in making our communities safe for all”, he noted.

Programme Officer, UNFPA at Planning and Budget Commission, Kaduna, Jamilu Ladan hinted that, CERSDOV competed with several other organizations before being selected to lead this project.

“We will continue to do our best to ensure a well implemented project that gives everyone the the opportunity to realize their potentials in Kaduna State in line with the current administration of Governor Uba Sani”, he maintained.

Some of the participants at the training share their experiences, just as they promised to work collaboratively with one another to ensure the success of the project.

To Aisha Usman, “when I came in on the first day of this training, I was like, these are the things I knew but I don’t know how to talk about them in my community engagements.

“But now, I have a better understanding on how to approach the issues in such a way that the issues are reduced.

“Secondly, I always thought that persons with disability are only those on wheelchairs, not knowing that I am also one of them until I learned during this training that if I cannot read without glasses, I’m disabled. So, we will do more with this new knowledge”, she promised.

Another participant who is the Director Programmes, Arrida Relief Foundation, Shehu Umar noted that, “If we have three or four other persons doing what CERSDOV is doing in Kaduna, the humanitarian work will go far because many non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations don’t have the skills.

“So we have to support CERSDOV and I believe that after this training and subsequent engagements, we will have desired results”, he said.

A representative of Association of Persons with Physical Disability at the training, Aisha Salizu, thanked the organizers for including them in the training.

“I am very happy with the training CERSDOV conducted because they included persons with disability. The trading was helpful in what we do.

“So, I want to thank CERSDOV and UNFPA for showing significant interest in gender issues”, she said

Analysts say trainings like this are crucial because it ehances the skills and knowledge of women-led NGOs in advocating for SRHR, CM, GBV, and gender equality, enabling them to effectively address these issues.

It strengthens the capacity of women-led organizations to advocate for policy changes, influence decision-makers, and hold governments accountable for protecting women’s rights and fosters collaboration and networking among participants, creating a supportive community that shares best practices and resources among others.

“NDDC Boss Under Fire: Youths Demand Ogbuku’s Immediate Removal”

The National President of Nigeria’s Unemployed Youths Association (UYAN), Ebi Clifford Zuofa, has called for the swift removal of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director, Sam Ogbuku, citing gross incompetence, negligence, and disregard for the region’s welfare ¹.

After a tense town hall meeting with South-South representatives in Kaduna, Zuofa lambasted Ogbuku for the NDDC’s catastrophic failure to address Niger Delta’s crippling poverty, corruption, and underdevelopment. “Ogbuku must go,” Zuofa emphasized, highlighting that since Ogbuku took office, Niger Delta has seen no development and no reduction in joblessness ¹.

UYAN’s concerns are backed by alarming statistics, revealing that 87% of Nigeria’s poor people reside in the Niger Delta, and the region has the second-highest out-of-school children after the North ¹. Zuofa stressed that endemic corruption is devouring resources in the Niger Delta, evident in the NDDC’s performance.

Key Demands:

Immediate Removal of Ogbuku: UYAN demands Ogbuku’s removal due to gross incompetence and negligence.
Protest Actions: The group threatens massive protests in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other cities if Ogbuku remains in office.
Adherence to NDDC Act: UYAN insists Delta State should produce the next NDDC boss, as Ogbuku’s tenure has expired.

Next Steps:

UYAN plans to collaborate with northern groups to pressure the Federal Government into providing a conducive environment for employment opportunities ¹. With over 3 million youths registered for NDDC’s Project HOPE initiative, the region’s development and job creation remain pressing concerns ².

The NDDC boss has previously faced criticism, but also received praise from notable figures like former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, who commended Ogbuku’s achievements in the region ³. However, UYAN’s demands underscore the urgent need for effective leadership and development in the Niger Delta.

Increasing Islamic Scholars Join In Condemning Governor Lawal’s Approach to Security

Renowned Islamic scholar and prominent figure, Professor Mansur Sokoto, has joined other Islamic clerics in issuing a stern warning to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, urging him to abandon political rhetoric and address the festering security crisis engulfing the state with immediate and decisive action.

In a scathing statement released in a video clip, Professor Sokoto criticized Governor Lawal’s lack of commitment to tackling the issue, accusing him of shirking responsibility and indulging in blame-shifting tactics.

Professor Sokoto, a respected figure known for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Zamfara people, expressed profound concern over the deteriorating security situation. He minced no words in emphasizing the gravity of the crisis, highlighting the pervasive fear, displacement, and loss of life that have become a grim reality for countless residents. “Governor Lawal,” Professor Sokoto asserted, “cannot afford to ignore the escalating violence and suffering.

The buck stops with him, and he must act swiftly and decisively to protect the lives and property of his constituents.”
Professor Sokoto pointed out that Governor Lawal, fully aware of the state’s security challenges before assuming office, has failed to demonstrate the necessary leadership and commitment to addressing the crisis.

“It is time for Governor Lawal to move beyond mere political discourse and engage in tangible actions that can demonstrably improve the security situation,” Professor Sokoto stated.
The Professor further condemned Governor Lawal’s persistent efforts to shift responsibility onto others.

“The governor cannot continue to blame his predecessors or external forces while neglecting his own duty to provide security for his people. This is a grave betrayal of the trust placed in him by the citizens of Zamfara,” he asserted. He pointed out that the Governor’s continued emphasis on political posturing and public pronouncements, devoid of concrete action, has only exacerbated the situation.

Professor Sokoto’s criticism extends to Governor Lawal’s apparent disregard for the pleas and advice of religious leaders. “The Governor has seemingly ignored the warnings and appeals of Islamic scholars, including myself, who have consistently urged him to prioritize the welfare of his people.

The lack of responsiveness to our calls is deeply concerning,” he lamented. He urged the Governor to embrace the fear of God and prioritize the well-being of the people he has been elected to serve.
The Professor’s statement underscores the urgency of the situation and the moral imperative to address the security crisis head-on.

The people of Zamfara are desperate for concrete action, not empty promises or finger-pointing. Professor Sokoto’s bold call for decisive leadership from Governor Lawal serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of those in power. It remains to be seen if the governor will heed the warnings and take the necessary steps to bring peace and security back to the state.

CONCLUSION

Professor Mansur Sokoto’s unwavering call for decisive action on the security crisis in Zamfara state stands as a powerful indictment of Governor Dauda Lawal’s leadership.

The scholar’s message underscores the grave consequences of inaction and the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the multifaceted challenges facing the state. As Professor Sokoto aptly highlighted, the buck stops with the Governor, and the people of Zamfara deserve a leader who prioritizes their safety and security above all else. It remains to be seen whether Governor Lawal will heed the warnings and step up to the daunting task of restoring peace and order in the state.

NNPCL: CSOs Pass Vote of Confidence on Mele Kyari’s Management, Says Recent Protest Meant To Disrupt Ongoing Reforms

Coalition of Civil Society Organisations under aegis Good Governance Initiative For Development (GGID) have dismissed the recent protest against Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as a sponsored job to blackmail and descredit all efforts made to return the oil sector on right path of growth and development.

According bro the Coalition, the latest clamours for removal of Kyari,who has helped President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda score huge wins in the petroleum sector is unnecessary.

Recalled that Some groups had mobilized other civil society groups to shut down the National Assembly complex on Tuesday with the Kyari-Must-Go protest.

The anti-Kyari protesters are demanding the immediate resignation of the NNPCL boss by the Presiden Bola AhmedTinubu.

But in a statement by the Coordinator of the Good Governance Initiative For Development, Comrade Yunusa Kabir Mohammed, the group said the call for Kyari’s resignation is nothing short of a blackmail of the NNPC boss who has engineered efforts that have made products available to Nigerians.

“This is undoubtedly sponsored by mischief makers who were bent on discrediting President Tinubu’s petroleum reforms agenda for the benefit of the masses.” It added .

While describing the protest as a clear case of internal sabotage orchestrated by individuals that are threatened by Kyari’s success, it dismissed the accusations raised as baseless and motivated by corrupt interests seeking to undermine the significant progress made in the oil and gas sector.
The statement reads : “Kyari’s leadership has driven crucial reforms, such as the transition of NNPC into a limited liability company, enhancing its financial viability and operational efficiency. Noting his resolve to tackle oil theft through strategic partnerships with security agencies has contributed significantly to enhancing Nigeria’s revenue base.

“Why do we allow anyone sabotage kyari’s genuine commitment to creating sustainable downstream sector, despite the challenges of fixing the refineries and efforts that have made products available to Nigerians.

“We express disappointment in those who have sought to discredit management of NNPCL , suggesting that the calls for Kyari’s removal are orchestrated by individuals benefiting from the previous corrupt practices in the sector.

“We therefore urge President Bola Tinubu to reject their demands because the reforms Kyari has implemented are essential for the continued development of the sector and the nation’s economic stability.

“It is obvious that the motivations behind this protest seem deeply entrenched in personal interest rather than collective welfare. The protests are based on misleading narratives and serve to undermine the significant reforms Kyari has implemented.”

“We stand in firm support of Mele Kyari and appeal to the President not to yield to these unfounded demands,as the nation cannot afford to reverse the gains made in the oil sector.”

Civil Society Groups Rally Behind NNPC Chief Amid Calls for Resignation

By Peter Yusuf

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CCSOs) of Nigeria has written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging him to address the recent calls for the resignation of Alhaji Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The coalition considers these calls unjustified and potentially harmful to Nigeria’s economy and democracy.

Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPC has achieved remarkable milestones, including facilitating independent power projects, road maintenance, and significant blockage of revenue leakages, resulting in increased revenue for Nigeria ¹. These accomplishments demonstrate his exceptional leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

Ambassador Abdul DanBature, Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL), signed the letter on behalf of the coalition, stressing that the APC Solidarity Forum’s actions appear driven by political motivations rather than genuine concerns for the nation’s well-being.

The coalition demanded that Akpabio:

Condemn Unwarranted Attacks: on Alh. Mele Kyari and the NNPC
Investigate Motivations: behind these calls for resignation
Prevent Interference: in NNPC’s operations

They also requested Akpabio ensure the APC Solidarity Forum is held accountable for their actions and that the nation’s interests are protected ¹.

Frank Welcomes Tinubu’s Order Releasing Detained Minors, Urges FG To Compensate Victims

*Urges him to reverse “bad” economic policies

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, described President Tinubu’s directive on the release of minors arrested and detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests as a step in the right direction.

Frank who made this assertion in a statement in Abuja, however, urged the President to equally order the release of all detainees being held for exercising their constitutional right to protest against bad policies of government because the “President is known to have embarked and led series of protests during the pro-democracy struggle and in 2012 when the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan removed fuel subsidy.”

He urged the President to equally reverse some of his bad economic policies like the floating of the naira and outright removal of fuel subsidy which have brought untold hardship in the country and worsened the condition of living of majority of Nigerians.

He expressed commitment to commend the President when he takes a positive step in governance and criticize him when his action is against the wellbeing of the generality of Nigerians.

He called on the Federal Government to compensate the minors, after release, for violating their fundamental human rights and cruelty meted on them by the police who detained them for over three months under dehumanizing conditions without trial.

Frank said: “We warmly welcome President Bola Tinubu’s decision to order the immediate release of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests from detention.

“The President’s action acknowledges the concerns of Nigerians and the international community regarding the treatment of protesters, especially minors.

“However, we also call for accountability and reform within the intelligence community.

“The fact that minors were detained for over 90 days without prompt attention from the President’s office raises concerns about the effectiveness of our intelligence agencies.

“We urge the President to investigate this lapse and consider replacing intelligence chiefs who failed to bring this matter to his attention.”

He demanded that the probe ordered by the President should start from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Commissioners of Police in-charge of Kano and Kaduna states who arrested the minors.

“This probe must not be swept under the rug, we shall monitor to ensure that the findings are made public and appropriate sanctions meted out to officers found to be complicit,” he said.

Besides, to ensure adequate justice for the victimised and oppressed minors, he urged the Federal Government to provide financial assistance to their families, offer the minors scholarships and enroll them in reputable boarding schools to help them overcome their traumatic experiences.

“The minors should also be availed the services of professional counsellors to address any emotional or psychological distress.

“By taking these steps, we can begin to heal the wounds of the past and build a more just and compassionate society for all Nigerians,” he said.

AYCF President Slams Arrest and Trial of Minors in #EndBadGovernance Protests

By Emmanuel Okorie

The President General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima, has strongly condemned the arrest, detention, and trial of minors under 18 for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests. Shettima described the government’s actions as unacceptable and a clear violation of children’s rights.

Shettima emphasized that these malnourished and frail children, who are advocating for an end to hunger and suffering, should not be used as scapegoats by the government. Instead, he urged the Federal Government to address the root causes of hunger and hardship in the country. “The government should focus on arresting hunger and hardship, not children who are legitimately asking for a better future,” Shettima stressed [1).

The AYCF President’s statement comes after reports of minors being detained for over 90 days and facing trial for alleged treason. He called on the government to stop further trials of these minors, emphasizing that such treatment of harmless, impoverished, and malnourished children is unacceptable.

Shettima also highlighted the international embarrassment caused by Nigeria’s actions, pointing out that these children should be in school, building a future for their country, rather than facing trial. This incident has sparked concerns about the protection of children’s rights and the government’s response to peaceful protests in Nigeria.

The #EndBadGovernance protests began on July 29, 2024, with demonstrators demanding an end to economic hardship and bad governance in Nigeria ¹. The protests escalated on August 1, 2024, when Nigerian security agencies attempted to quell them, resulting in casualties and arrests.

Key Concerns:

Protection of Children’s Rights: The arrest and trial of minors under 18 for participating in peaceful protests.
Government Response: The use of force to quell protests and the detention of harmless, impoverished, and malnourished children.
International Embarrassment: Nigeria’s actions have sparked international concern and criticism.

The AYCF President’s statement has added to the growing calls for the government to address the root causes of hunger and hardship in Nigeria and to protect the rights of all citizens, including children.

Sen.Shehu Sani Urges FG To Release Minors Arrested During Protests

By News Desk

Senator Shehu Sani has strongly condemned the involvement of minors in protests, describing it as “most unfortunate and shameful” for Nigeria’s democracy. The former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial zone in the 8th Senate, urged the federal government to withdraw charges against the minors and return them to their states.

Sani, also a human rights activist, expressed his concerns via his social media handle, stating: “The arrangement of those minors for their participation in protest is most unfortunate and shameful for our country’s democracy. The FG should withdraw the charges against them and return them back to their states.”

Senator Danjuma Laah Exonerated: Allegations of N390M Misappropriation Unfounded

By: Musawa Ado

Kaduna, Nigeria – Senator Danjuma Laah, the immediate past Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District at the 8th Assembly, has been cleared of allegations of misappropriating N390 million meant for Zonal Intervention Projects and Capital Projects in his zone.

A recent publication on Metro Daily online titled “Former Sen. Laah in Murky Waters over N390M Kaduna South Senatorial District ZIP, Capital Project Funds” alleged that Senator Laah collected the funds via Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) 14 months after losing his seat.

However, Alh. Yahaya Suleiman, former aide to Senator Laah on Project Monitoring, described the allegations as “fake news” and “highly malicious and libelous.” He clarified that Senator Laah never carried out any contract or was directly or indirectly linked to any companies that executed constituency and capital projects during his tenure.

Clarifications:

Senator Laah’s major mandate was to ensure project execution and quality based on contract specifications.
There is no location as “Zangon Kataf – Kwali road” in Kaduna South Senatorial Zone.
The National Livestock Training Center, Kachia project, was never included in Senator Laah’s constituency projects.
MOFTREH CONSTRUCTION Nigeria Ltd executed the Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Of Kwoi – Kafanchan Road, with no links to Senator Laah.

Suleiman challenged anyone with contrary facts to produce evidence, emphasizing that Senator Laah is a philanthropist committed to his people’s progress and well-being.

Investigations and Next Steps

The ICPC, not EFCC, is responsible for investigating National Assembly members’ constituency and capital projects. Suleiman urged the writer to approach ICPC with a petition instead of spreading false information.

Senator Laah is considering legal actions against the perpetrators of this malicious story.

The former Senator’s commitment to transparency and accountability remains unwavering, and he will continue to serve his people with integrity.

Verification Efforts

Efforts to verify the authenticity of Metro Daily’s publication revealed that the address provided does not exist. The contact number provided was also unreachable.

Conclusion

The allegations against Senator Danjuma Laah are baseless and malicious. The Senator’s dedication to his people and commitment to transparency remain unshaken.