News

Tax Reform Bills: Drama In Senate As Tinubu’s Economic Team Attends Plenary

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2024

There was a mild drama Wednesday at the National Assembly, Abuja, as the Senate attempted to allow members of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team into the chamber.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), had moved for suspension of Order 12 to allow for visitors into the chamber.

Bamidele said, “Tax experts and consultants as well as the Director-General of the Budget Office and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Tax, Zacchaeus Adedeji, were to attend the plenary to explain the Tax Reform Bills in detail to lawmakers.”

However, immediately after the submission, the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP), stood up and read from the Order listing the titles of those who were allowed into the Senate plenary according to the Senate’s rules.

Ningi said such a conversation was more appropriate at the committee level and should be handed over to the finance committee and, maybe appropriations, to interface with the team.

In response, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North) explained that the Senate suspended its rule to allow for openness and let Nigerians watch the live proceedings and listen to the debate on the Tax Reform Bills.

He, thereafter, asked the Senate leader to address the order he came under.

Bamidele, in response, said, “Mr President, I listened to the Point of Order raised by the most distinguished, highly respected, well-revered former leader of the House and of the Senate, distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi.

“Mr. President, let me clarify. My motion was for suspension, not invocation of Order 12. Order 12 talks about those who are privileged to speak in this hallowed chamber, as well as the exceptions that can be granted.

“But when a motion is moved for suspension, it means that the rule does not apply again. In addition, sir, for our working relationship, let me also amend my motion by saying that in addition to my motion for the suspension of Order 12 on floor privileges, I’m also coming under Order 1B, which says in all cases where there’s no specific provision or rule, the Senate shall regulate its procedure.

“So, Mr President, let it be said that my motion is based on both the invocation of Order 1B of our rules, as well as the suspension of Order 12 of our rules. Nigerians need to know, and we also want to know. Let’s hear these people.”

Upon his explanation, the deputy president then put the question to a voice vote, after which he hit the gavel in favour of the ayes.

Shortly after, Ndume stood up and said such an important matter should have been highlighted on the Order Paper and since it wasn’t a Supplementary Order Paper, it should be printed or stepped down for another legislative day.

Barau, after explaining, said they should avoid rhetoric and face facts, after which he ruled Ndume out of order.

A moment after members of the economic team were allowed into the plenary, Ndume stood up and raised another Point of Order stating that the Deputy Senate President describing his comment as “rhetoric” was an insult.

He said, “I, therefore, demand an apology from you.”

In response, Barau laughed and said rhetoric wasn’t an insult, and it wasn’t directly in response to his comment but a general statement.

Once again, Barau ruled Ndume out of order.

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

5 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

20 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
‎
‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
‎
‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎