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Tax Reform Bills Offer 55% To States In New Sharing Formula

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The Senate has passed for second reading the Tax Reform Bills, a set of four legislative proposals. Among other things, they seek to increase the Value-Added Tax (VAT) distributable to states to 55 percent while reducing the Federal Government’s share to 10 percent.

The new legislative regimes also proposed zero VAT on exports and essential commodities, and to reduce company income tax from 30 to 25 per cent among others.

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While the bills were referred to the Committee on Finance to carry out other legislative action, it was tasked to invite all the stakeholders to a public hearing to address all areas of concern and report back to the Senate in six weeks.

These far-reaching initiatives were contained in the lead debate of Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele on the Tax Reform Bills.

The Federal Executive Council, FEC, had proposed the Tax Reform Bills comprising the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

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The bills elicited interests among lawmakers and stakeholders across party lines, a situation that led the leadership of the Senate to invite Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele and Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji to brief its plenary.

Leading debate at the plenary, Bamidele reeled out far-reaching proposals contained in the Tax Reform Bills, which according to him, aim at simplifying the tax landscape, reducing the burden on small businesses and streamlining how taxes are collected.

Tax exemptions

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On tax exemptions, Bamidele pointed out that those whose salaries are not more than the minimum wage are exempted from Pay As You Earn, PAYE, deductions.

He also said small businesses with annual turnover of N50 million or less “are equally exempted from payment of taxes,” a key pro-business initiative that encourages job creation; deepens ease of doing business and incentivises more investments.

Similarly, the Senate Leader explained that there is a proposed huge reduction in company income tax from the current 30 per cent to 25 per cent that will last for at least two years.

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He said: “As part of a deliberate attempt to curtail the incidence of double taxation and multiplicity of taxes and levies, multiple taxes hitherto paid by companies under various tax heads namely 2.5 per cent education tax, and 0.25 per cent NASENI tax have been harmonized into a development levy of 2 per cent, which by 2030 will be applied to fund the newly established student loans scheme which will benefit many Nigerian youths.

READ ALSO: Why I’m Against Tax Reform Bills — Ndume

“Unlike what is obtainable under the existing tax regime whereby the Federal Government takes a lion share of VAT revenues, it is proposed that the sharing formula should allow state governments share 55 per cent of VAT revenue from the current 15 to 10 per cent sharing formula.

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“However, local governments’ share of VAT revenue remains unaffected. Relatedly, basic items consumed by Nigerian households such as food items, medical services and pharmaceuticals, educational fees, electricity etc. are exempted from VAT.

“Again, as part of efforts to ease the administration of income taxes and levies across the Federation, there is a reasonable effort made to consolidate core tax statutes and related tax legislations,” Bamidele explained.

Pro-poor proposals

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Contrary to misrepresentations in the public domain regarding the intendment of the Bills under consideration, Bamidele explained that the bills contained innovative and people-oriented proposals as part of government’s deliberate fiscal and tax reform measures to cushion the effect of ongoing broader economic policies such as the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, renewed efforts to implement cost-reflective electricity tariffs in the power sector, etc on Nigerian citizens.

In his contribution, former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) claimed that his problem is about timing and the issue of derivation.

He added that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) must be amended before the Tax Reform Bills could take effect, therefore calling for its immediate withdrawal.

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Ndume observed: “I am not against the reform, my problem is timing and the issue of derivation make the reform contagious. The 1999 Constitution has to be amended before the bills can be effective.”

However, Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Monguno (Borno North) expressed strong objection to Ndume’s submissions, asking the Senate to disregard it and pass the bills for second reading.

Monguno urged the Senate to pass the bill into second reading, advocating that all areas of concern will be addressed at the public hearing stage.

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After the exhaustive debate to which Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa and Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology, Senator Seriake Dickson meaningfully contributed, the Senate unanimously passed the bills into second reading following Monguno’s final position.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills Pass Second Reading At Senate

Bills referred to committee
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Committee on Finance led by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), to carry out other legislative action, invite all the stakeholders to a public hearing to address all areas of concern and report back to the Senate in six weeks.

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Senator Akpabio said that during the public hearing experts will be invited as well as Governors under the aegis of Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, assuring that at the end of the day, “the Senate will give to Nigerians and the country what is good.”

How senators passed bills for second reading

Prior to debate on the bills, the Senators had gone into a closed-door session from 11.55am to 12.42pm.
The resolution of the Senate was sequel to presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bills by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

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After lead debate presentations, most of the senators, who made contributions like Senators Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) and Senate Whip, Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) supported the bill.

However, former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) kicked against the reform bills.

Ndume kicks

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Ndume said: “Reforms are necessary if we have to move forward. I am not against reforms. And I am not against these reforms, tax reforms. My problem is the timing. The timing, as it is today, when you talk about reforms in Nigeria, whether good or bad, they’re misconceived.

“There are four or three things there. But, as you said, the time for that would be at the public hearing or when we pass it for second reading. But let it be on record that my problem with the bills is the timing. Number two, the issue of derivation made the reform contagious, contaminated, and contradictory in some cases. Because the Constitution has to be amended in order for some of these proposals to be effective. I’m glad we are doing a constitutional review. So even if it means reviewing the constitution. This is the general principle.

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

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“As you said, or as the Senators decided, we should not throw away the baby with the bath water. I would have preferred we remove the baby and throw away the water, and that is to go with what the governors and NEC proposed: that these bills should be withdrawn, they are not saying that the bills should be killed. You withdraw the bill, bring it back to the National Assembly again after getting the buy-in of the governors and NEC and even our traditional rulers.”

“In conclusion, Mr. President, the third problem I mentioned is the people through the governors and then and the traditional rulers say that the bills should be withdrawn, make some necessary amendments. And then bring it back and we can pass it in 24 hours. That is my position, Mr. President.”

Monguno disagrees with Ndume
Supporting the bills, the Senate Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) said: “With all due respect to Senator Ndume, I beg to disagree with you that these bills should be withdrawn first and consultation should be held with the Nigeria Governors Forum and traditional rulers.

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“We have a procedure which is clearly and ambiguously stated in our Rule book for the process of lawmaking. And the Constitution, in a very clear and unambiguous tab, gave us the power to regulate our proceedings in Section 60. Pursuant to Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, we get these rules to ourselves in order to guide our proceedings. And then the process of lawmaking is very clear and unambiguous as per this book. That second reading, it will be now transmitted to the Committee for Public Hearing. In the course of the public hearing, Nigerians of all walks of life, of all groups, will come and aggregate, including the governors and traditional rulers, are free to come and ventilate their opinion.”

On his part, Senator Dickson said: “Tax revenue is something that I fully support. I am aware that some issues have been raised, and that is legitimate in a country of diverse people, cultures, and expectations. All we are expected to do is to harness all of these and enact laws in the national interest, which I believe, following our rules.

“At the committee stage, during the public hearing, anybody who has anything to say will be invited to say it, as the Chairman of the Committee has said. Now, there are issues I am concerned with. Some of these issues that have been raised are also as a result of insufficient consensus-building and consultation prior to the introduction. It’s understandable.

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READ ALSO: Tinubu Rejects National Economic Council Advice, Vows To Continue With Tax Reforms Bill

“As a former governor, while some governors were interested in some of these, some expressed concerns. That is legitimate. That consultation should have taken place. And I believe between now and at the end of our legislative activities, more consultations will happen. But that does not detract from the essence of the legislation that have been sent to us.

“For example, there is emphasis on derivation according to taxation. And the attempt now is to encourage states to be productive.

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“I am concerned about where I come from, from the experiences you and I have, where oil workers are flown onto oil platforms in Eket and Ibeno in Akwa Ibom, or flown into Bonny and other areas in River State, or flown into Brass in Bayelsa, and in the Southern Niger area, and in Delta State, in Ogoni and Forcados.

“We are interested that this is an opportunity for the taxes from those oil workers to be calculated and paid to the oil-producing states where those activities are generated. Now the gains are being calculated and paid where the head office is located, as has been the case, where the tax is registered.

“And from the general principles underlying this bill, there is a move and a commitment by the executive to address that issue of revenue derivation, to ensure that payee taxes, even for the oil workers that are flown in and flown out every day after their work, be calculated and paid. If that is done, it is a good move that should be supported.

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“When we get to the committee stage, we’ll look at the specific details but there’s nothing wrong in saying that the telephone calls that are made in Bayelsa or Akwa Ibom or Sokoto or Kano, the VAT on those things that are consumed, be calculated and paid to those states. And we are told that that is the essence of these bills. And there’s nothing wrong about it.

“Because VAT is a consumption tax, it is not a production tax. Those who are in the states who consume services, the VAT accruing to those should be calculated and paid. I’m sure when we look at the details, we’ll see whether there’s enough mechanism to guarantee transparency and accuracy in terms of administration.”
VANGUARD

 

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Top 3 Trustworthy Platforms To Buy YouTube Views

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YouTube is bigger than ever, counting roughly 2.53 billion active users in 2025, which means more creators and brands are competing for the same attention every day. Growing only by posting consistently can feel slow because you are fighting against volume, algorithm shifts, and short viewer attention spans. That is why many channels buy YouTube views to spark momentum, reach a wider audience, and reinforce social proof safely and transparently. The key is choosing providers that prioritize quality, gradual delivery, and real engagement while protecting your account and payment data. In this review, we highlight three platforms that meet those standards based on current features, pricing, delivery practices, guarantees, and support. Our picks focus on different strengths so you can match the service to your goal, whether that is the most realistic delivery, the lowest cost, or advanced specialization.

Contents

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The Best Places to Buy YouTube Views in 2025

1. Buy Real Media — Go-To for Real YouTube Views

Pricing examples and delivery times

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Pros

Cons

Customer review summary

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2. Media Mister — Best Option for Cheap YouTube Views

Pricing examples and delivery times

Pros

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Cons

Customer review summary

3. GetAFollower — Great for Location-Targeted Facebook Likes

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Pricing examples and delivery times

Pros

Cons

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Customer review summary

Our Selection Process for YouTube Views Providers

Real user delivery

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Security measures

Competitive pricing

Customer feedback

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Money-back guarantee

Customer support

What You Gain by Buying YouTube Views

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Faster visibility without losing authenticity

Stronger social proof that attracts organic interest

More control over campaign strategy

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Time savings that you can reinvest in content

How to Buy YouTube Views the Right Way

Frequently asked questions

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What is the best site to buy YouTube views right now?

Is buying YouTube views safe?

How fast will views arrive after I order?

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Do I need to share my YouTube password?

What payment methods are accepted?

Get More Eyes on Your Content

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The Best Places to Buy YouTube Views in 2025

Below are the three platforms we vetted this year, with each pick chosen for a different primary strength.

1. Buy Real Media — Go-To for Real YouTube Views

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Buy Real Media puts realism first with a menu of real YouTube view types that mirror how audiences actually discover videos. You can choose standard views for general reach, high retention for deeper watch sessions, Shorts views for vertical clips, or specialized options like live stream and Premiere Waiting views to build hype before a release. The platform also supports region-focused campaigns, which are useful when your topic is country-specific or you are targeting local customers. The ordering flow is simple and keeps the focus on the content link and quantity, which makes it easy to repeat across multiple uploads.

What stands out is how much control you have over matching the view type to the moment. Launching a trailer as a YouTube Premiere and want the room to look active when the countdown hits zero, or going live and need concurrent presence to kickstart chat activity, there are options for those exact cases.

The site highlights secure checkout, live chat help, and clear documentation, which adds confidence if you are new to this workflow. Overall, Buy Real Media is ideal for creators and brands who care about lifelike pacing and format fit rather than chasing the absolute cheapest price. The result is a steadier engagement pattern that supports long-term channel health and credibility.

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GetAFollower has earned press mentions in The NWI Times, The Kansas State Collegian, and other credible sources.

  • Pricing examples and delivery times
  • 10000 YouTube views at $140.00 (7-9 days)
  • 25000 YouTube views at $348.00 (10-12 days)

Pros

  • No password needed
    100% Money-back policy
  • Dedicated live chat support
  • SSL secure checkout
  • 60-day refill warranty

Cons

No phone support listed
Customer review summary
Customers often mention quick starts, simple checkout, and helpful guidance in chat for choosing the right view type. Many highlight that delivery looked steady and natural, which is what they wanted for credibility. Overall sentiment on the product pages trends positively with repeat buyers.

2. Media Mister — Best Option for Cheap YouTube Views

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If you are prioritizing cheap YouTube views, Media Mister is a strong fit thanks to frequent low entry prices and broad package ranges. The company has operated for years and covers most major social platforms, but on YouTube, it offers a familiar, streamlined flow that makes one-time and automatic purchases straightforward. The site emphasizes customer support through live chat and email and outlines guarantees clearly, which helps first-time buyers feel confident even at lower price points. You also get a wide mix of payment options, including major cards, popular mobile wallets, and common cryptocurrencies via a recognized processor.

READ ALSO:YouTube Star, Ben Potter Dies At 40 After ‘Unfortunate Accident’

Media Mister also talks openly about pacing and gradual delivery to avoid sudden spikes. That language aligns with how cost-conscious buyers often want to scale, starting with small, slow campaigns before dialing up. While the interface is simple, you can still tailor basics like target country and service type to better match your audience. For teams watching every dollar, that combination of clear pricing, flexible payments, and conservative pacing is appealing. The platform’s affordable packages make it easy to test different approaches across your catalog without overcommitting, which is helpful if you are iterating on thumbnails, titles, or new video formats.

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  • Pricing examples and delivery times
  • 2500 high retention YouTube views at $89.00 (2-4 days)
  • 5000 YouTube live stream views at $131.00
  • Pros
  • Only provide the channel or video URL
  • Full refund guarantee
  • Excellent customer support
  • Gradual delivery options to keep growth looking natural
  • Multiple payment methods, including cards, wallets, and crypto
  • Cons

Large orders can extend the total delivery time

Customer review summary

Shoppers commonly call out the low starting prices and the ability to pay with a preferred method, which makes testing easier. Many report that rollouts are steady rather than instant, which they see as a good sign for realism. Support is described as responsive on chat for basic questions about pacing and quantities. Feedback suggests repeat usage for channels that post weekly or more.

3. GetAFollower — Great for Location-Targeted Facebook Likes

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GetAFollower is the pick when you want targeted YouTube views and tighter control over how views arrive. Beyond standard packages, the site offers high retention views, live stream views with selectable watch time windows, automatic views that trigger on new uploads, and Shorts-specific packages. That variety lets you match the boost to the exact content format and campaign timing. The platform also emphasizes gradual delivery, sometimes called drip feed, which is useful if you want growth to look organic across longer stretches.

Ordering is straightforward and does not require login credentials, only the public URL or handle for the content you want to promote. Payments are processed through trusted gateways with options for major cards, modern wallets, and crypto, so teams can use what works with existing policies.

Support is available by contact form, email, and a live chat widget for quick questions, and the site outlines refund terms on service pages, so expectations are clear. Put together, GetAFollower suits creators and marketers who focus on precision, whether it is warming up a live broadcast, pacing a series of uploads, or pushing a vertical clip. The specialization helps you run different playbooks without juggling multiple providers.

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READ ALSO:Health Misinformation: YouTube Begins Verifying Videos By UK Doctors

  • Pricing examples and delivery times
  • 10000 YouTube views at $140.00 (7-9 days)
  • 10000 YouTube views at $140.00 (7-9 days)
  • Pros
  • Country targeted YouTube views
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Good customer support
  • Drip feed delivery process
  • Safe payment process
  • Cons

Support is only available during business hours

Customer review summary

Buyers often point to the wide variety of YouTube view options as the reason they choose this site. The gradual pacing notes are viewed positively by users who want growth to look consistent over time. Many appreciate that pricing tiers cover standard views, live stream, Shorts, and automatic views, which simplifies planning. Support is described as helpful for clarifying delivery windows and package selection.

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Our Selection Process for YouTube Views Providers

Real user delivery

We looked for language on each official product page that emphasizes realistic, natural-looking rollouts and view types that align with real usage, such as live, Shorts, and high retention.

Security measures

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All three sites display secure checkout messaging and list mainstream payment gateways that are widely used in e-commerce. We verified that each supports major card networks and popular digital wallets, which indicates modern fraud controls and buyer protections at the processor level.

Competitive pricing

We compared the smallest available packages and starting prices shown on the official pages. Our goal was not to pick only the lowest sticker price but to balance cost with realistic delivery and safeguards.

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Customer feedback

We considered the on-site review widgets and common themes in customer comments, such as perceived speed, ease of checkout, and clarity of instructions. While star ratings vary by product page, repeat purchase signals and positive notes about pacing and support were consistent across these providers.

Money-back guarantee

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We looked for clear refund or money-back language and any retention warranty that protects your order after delivery.

Customer support

Live chat or fast email support can make a big difference if you need to adjust pacing or clarify delivery windows. Each site provides a chat option or a responsive contact channel directly on the product or contact pages.

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What You Gain by Buying YouTube Views

Faster visibility without losing authenticity

A controlled boost helps new uploads escape the zero-view loop and get initial traction that can trigger more impressions. When delivery is paced to look natural, the engagement profile remains realistic and supports continued discovery. Over time, that early push can compound as real viewers start sharing and returning to your channel.

READ ALSO:Asake, BNXN, Other Africa Creators For YouTubeBlack Voices 2023

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Stronger social proof that attracts organic interest

View counts are a public signal that many people use to judge whether a video is worth their time. A higher counter can lift click-through rates, which leads to more watch time and better placement in recommendations. That positive cycle makes it easier to earn subscribers and community engagement over weeks and months.

More control over campaign strategy

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Quality providers let you choose view types such as normal, high retention, live stream, or Shorts so you can match the boost to the content. Some also offer location options or automatic plans that trigger with each new upload. This flexibility helps you test and optimize without reinventing your workflow.

Time savings that you can reinvest in content

Instead of spending hours chasing early views, you can focus on better scripts, thumbnails, and editing. Outsourcing the initial seeding means you publish more consistently and iterate faster, which is what ultimately drives sustainable growth. Over the long term, that workflow advantage compounds across your catalogue.

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How to Buy YouTube Views the Right Way

Define your goal for the video, such as reach, watch time depth, or live presence.

Choose the view type that matches the goal, such as high retention, live stream, Shorts, or standard.

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Start with a small package to learn pacing and confirm the fit for your channel.

Check the provider’s guarantee, refill terms, and expected delivery window.

Place the order using a trusted payment method and keep your receipt.

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Monitor YouTube Analytics for impressions, CTR, and average view duration as delivery progresses.

Scale gradually if results look natural and align with your publishing cadence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best site to buy YouTube views right now?

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Buy Real Media is our top pick to buy YouTube views because it offers realistic pacing with multiple view formats, plus clear guarantees and live chat for guidance.

Is buying YouTube views safe?

It is safe when you use reputable providers that pace delivery naturally and use secure checkout with recognized payment gateways.

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How fast will views arrive after I order?

Delivery depends on the package and type, with examples ranging from minutes for Premiere Waiting views to multi-day or multi-week drip schedules for larger orders.

Do I need to share my YouTube password?

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No, legitimate services only ask for a public video or channel URL and never request login details.

What payment methods are accepted?

All three sites accept major cards and digital wallets, and two support crypto through established processors for added flexibility.

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Get More Eyes on Your Content

Competition on YouTube is intense, so a smart promotion plan can be the difference between a video that stalls and a video that takes off. The providers above offer safer ways to add that spark while giving you control over pacing, formats, and support if you need help. Buy Real Media is our top recommendation as the overall best platform for purchasing YouTube views, while Media Mister wins on price, and GetAFollower stands out for specialization. Pair any paid boost with consistent, high-quality content, and you will build a foundation that lasts.
(TRIBUNE)

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Trump Considering Deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia To Uganda

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The Trump administration is weighing the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda in the coming days, according to a notice from the Department of Homeland Security sent to his lawyers on Friday.

The notice, disclosed in a court filing in Abrego Garcia’s human smuggling case in Tennessee, came shortly after his release from criminal custody pending trial on federal charges. His lawyers accused the government of attempting to use the deportation threat as a tactic to “coerce” him into a plea deal.

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Let this email serve as notice that DHS may remove your client, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, to Uganda no earlier than 72 hours from now (absent weekends),” the notice stated.

Officials had previously suggested that Abrego Garcia, who was unlawfully deported to El Salvador earlier this year before being returned to the US in June, could face deportation to a third country.

READ ALSO:Trump, Putin Make No Breakthrough On Ukraine Deal, End Summit

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However, it was unclear until Friday whether the administration would allow his trial to conclude before initiating removal proceedings.

Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, one of Abrego Garcia’s attorneys, described the move as “retaliation” by the government.

“The government’s decision to send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda makes it painfully clear that they are using the immigration system to punish him for exercising his constitutional rights,” he told CNN.

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Under an order issued last month by US District Judge Paula Xinis, officials must provide Abrego Garcia and his legal team with at least 72 business hours’ notice before any deportation to a third country, giving him time to raise potential claims of torture or persecution.

READ ALSO:Russia, Ukraine War: Trump Rules Out Immediate Ceasefire, Pushes For Peace Deal

Court filings submitted on Saturday revealed that earlier in the week, the government had proposed a deal under which Abrego Garcia would plead guilty to two federal charges and be deported to Costa Rica after serving his sentence.

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Costa Rica had confirmed willingness to receive him as a refugee or grant him legal status, according to a letter from its government to the US embassy.

His attorneys said the offer was renewed Friday evening, giving him until Monday morning to accept or lose the option permanently.

READ ALSO:Trump Slams US Museums For Focus On ‘How Bad Slavery Was’

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His defence team argued that the deportation threats and plea offers highlight a pattern of “vindictive and selective prosecution” against Abrego Garcia, who previously challenged his deportation to El Salvador. They urged Judge Waverly Crenshaw to dismiss the case.

“There can be only one interpretation of these events: the DOJ, DHS, and ICE are using their collective powers to force Mr. Abrego to choose between a guilty plea followed by relative safety, or rendition to Uganda, where his safety and liberty would be under threat,” his lawyers wrote.

It is difficult to imagine a path the government could have taken that would have better emphasized its vindictiveness,” they added. “This case should be dismissed.”

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UK To Bar Criminals From Football Matches, Pubs, Travel Under New Policy

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The United Kingdom (UK) has unveiled new sentencing powers that will ban criminals from pubs, concerts, and sports matches as part of its Plan for Change.

According to a statement available on the UK government website on Sunday, Judges will be able to curtail offenders’ freedoms with driving limits, travel bans, and restriction zones confining them to specific areas.

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The release, which quoted Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “Widening the range of punishments available to judges is part of our Plan for Change to cut crime and make streets safer.

“When criminals break society’s rules, they must be punished. Those serving their sentences in the community must have their freedom restricted there too.

READ ALSO:

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These new punishments should remind all offenders that, under this Government, crime does not pay.

“Rightly, the public expect the government to do everything in its power to keep Britain safe, and that’s what we’re doing.’

The UK government further explained that the changes will toughen up community punishments to deter reoffending and force offenders back onto the straight-and-narrow.

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“As part of the Government’s work to do everything in its power to keep Britain safe, offenders coming out of prison and supervised by the Probation Service will also face similar restrictions and an expanded mandatory drug testing regime,” the statement added.

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The government also explained that criminals without known drug habits will, in the future, face this scrutiny, not just those with a history of substance misuse.

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Offenders who break the rules face being brought back to court or hauled back to prison as punishment, depending on the sentence they are serving.

Limited bans for Crimes amid prison congestion

Before this new policy shift, judges in the UK are able to give out limited bans for specific crimes, for example, football bans for crimes committed inside a stadium on match day, to prevent further antisocial behaviour.

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However, the Government will change the law shortly so that such bans can be handed down as a form of punishment for any offence in any circumstance.

READ ALSO:

“It will form part of wider reforms to sentencing to ensure punishments cut crime and prisons never again run out of places for dangerous offenders.

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“Over 2,400 prison places have opened since July 2024 with the Government investing £7 billion to create a total of 14,000 as the prison population increases.

“Investment in the Probation Service will also receive a huge boost with an increase of up to £700 million by 2028/29, up from the annual budget of around £1.6 billion today.”

This week, it was revealed that the number of Probation Officers has increased by seven per cent in the last 12 months, with trainee probation officer numbers also seeing a surge of 15 per cent. This follows the Government’s commitment to recruit a further 1,300 this year, in addition to the 1,000 trainee probation officers recruited last year.

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New technology, including artificial intelligence, will lighten the administrative burden and free up time for probation staff to increase supervision of the most dangerous offenders and keep the public safe.

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