Politics
Tax Bill: Senator Ndume Criticizes APC’s Leadership, Threatens To Leave Party
Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), threatening to leave the ruling party if granted permission.
The outspoken senator cited personal grievances with the party’s direction and his opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms as reasons for his discontent.
In an interview on Channels Television on Thursday night, Ndume disclosed that his loyalty to Tinubu had prevented him from exiting the APC earlier.
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“I told you I am very close to Tinubu. I don’t want him to fail, and that is why I am taking some of these insults. If not, look, I can leave the party,” he said.
Ndume further revealed that the party leadership had indicated he could resign if he desired. “The party has even given me an offer that I can go if I want. I can apply to them to let me go if they can give me approval, and I will go,” he added.
Fallout With APC Leadership
The senator’s comments come months after he was removed as Senate Chief Whip, a move linked to his criticism of Tinubu’s administration.
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and National Secretary Basiru Ajibola had written to the Senate, urging Ndume’s removal, citing his remarks against the president.
The APC leaders advised Ndume to resign from the party if he could not align with its policies.
Although Ndume later apologized and pledged not to criticize Tinubu’s administration again, his relationship with the party remains fraught.
Opposition to Tax Reforms
Ndume also used the interview to criticize the proposed tax reform bills currently under review in the Senate, describing them as poorly conceived and detrimental to Nigerians.
He argued that the reforms would increase the financial burden on citizens by causing businesses to pass on higher tax costs to consumers.
“Even today, the price of cement goes up, and that means consumers will have to pay more. If you tax Dangote for his refined products, it means he will add that cost to the cost per litre,” Ndume said.
“So, if you’re earning below N800,000, you will not pay tax, but what about the VAT on goods these people buy? Are you helping them?”
Ndume criticized the rushed manner in which the bills passed the second reading in the Senate, suggesting ulterior motives.
“Sit down and do it comprehensively and break it down! Why the hurry? There is a big suspicion. Why the hurry? They are in too much of a hurry,” he said.
Experts Oppose Reforms
The senator disclosed that he had consulted professionals and academics, who raised significant concerns about the reforms.
“I have studied this thing. I have given it to the professionals, even the lecturers of those that are promoting it—those people that taught them. I approached some of them, and they said, ‘look, this tax reform is good, it is good to do tax reform, but not this one,’” Ndume stated.
Tax Reform Bills
The four bills in question include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and Nigeria Tax Bill.
These proposals aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax system, eliminate double taxation, and promote private sector investment.
According to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the bills, the reforms are designed to simplify the tax process, reduce the burden on small businesses, and ensure uniformity in tax revenue collection.
“Nigeria’s tax reforms bill is a significant move to overhaul the country’s tax system,” Bamidele said.
The Senate has referred the bills to a committee for further review, with a report expected in six weeks.
Former Minister of Aviation and ex-Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a temporary withdrawal from active politics.
Chidoka disclosed the decision during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
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He stated that he is stepping away from partisan politics to concentrate on his advocacy work through the Athena Centre, a non-profit organization dedicated to reforming Nigeria’s political system.
He said, “Earlier today, I sent a letter to my ward in Anambra State resigning officially from the PDP. I am leaving the PDP; I am leaving politics for some time. I am focusing on the Athena Centre.”
The former minister expressed a commitment to working alongside other Nigerians who are passionate about improving governance in the country.
“I will work in concert with other Nigerians who want us to reform the political system, to bring evidence-based governance, and to support it. So, effective today, I am no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he declared.
The Osun State Government has announced that the newly approved minimum wage of N75,554.20 for civil servants will take effect from December 1, 2024.
This decision follows the successful conclusion of negotiations between the state government and organized labour unions.
Additionally, an across-the-board pension increase of N25,000 for all pensioners has been approved, with the arrears for the new minimum wage to be paid alongside November salaries for workers.
Osun’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, emphasised that this move underscores Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commitment to ensuring a motivated and satisfied workforce.
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“This development demonstrates the Adeleke administration’s determination to maintain a happy labour force and prioritise the welfare of workers and retirees alike,” Alimi stated.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, praised Adeleke’s leadership, urging workers to reciprocate by improving service delivery and productivity.
A circular from the state’s Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina, confirmed that the new wage structure will take effect on December 1, 2024, and included one month’s arrears for workers.
The government also emphasized the need for public servants to enhance service delivery and contribute to the state’s growth.
In a pivotal move to uphold the integrity of the recently concluded local government elections, the Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has sworn in a nine-member tribunal to handle election petitions arising from the November 16th local government elections.
The ceremony took place at the Judiciary Complex in Kobape, Abeokuta, and was in line with the provisions of Section 85 (1) and (3) of the Ogun State Electoral Law.
The tribunal, composed of five men and four women, has been tasked with ensuring a fair and transparent review of the election disputes.
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In her address, Justice Dipeolu urged the tribunal members to approach their duties with diligence and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth.
“You are charged with a sacred duty to adjudicate disputes arising from this electoral process,” Justice Dipeolu said emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of their decisions.
“Your decisions will not only affect the immediate parties involved but will also influence the public’s trust in the judiciary and democracy itself.”
She called on the tribunal to uphold fairness and impartiality, quoting Lord Denning’s statement that “justice is rooted in confidence,” and stressing that the public must perceive the tribunal as unbiased and just.
She said, “You must dispense justice without fear, favour, or prejudice. Justice is not only for the appellant or the respondent; it is a three-way traffic, serving the rights of the petitioners, respondents, and society at large.”
Justice Dipeolu also highlighted the critical importance of the rule of law, urging the tribunal members to base their decisions on law, evidence, and personal conscience.
“Your mandate is to decide each case based on the law, the evidence presented, and your conscience as judges. Let no external influence sway your judgments,” she stated.
Reaffirming the tribunal’s role as the custodian of democracy, she recalled the words of Justice Niki Tobi, who urged judges to maintain integrity and not bend the law to suit powerful interests.
“Judges must remain resolute, focused, and unyielding in their quest for justice,” Justice Dipeolu noted.
Concluding her address, she prayed for wisdom and divine guidance for the tribunal members, stressing the potential of their work to strengthen democracy in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
“As you take the oath today, may you be guided by fairness, justice, and the rule of law. Your legacy will be written not in the number of cases decided, but in the quality of justice dispensed.”
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November 29, 2024 at 8:59 pm
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