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Tag: Godswill Akpabio

  • What I asked Tinubu before he became president – Akpabio

    What I asked Tinubu before he became president – Akpabio

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that he asked President Bola Tinubu what he will do about the situation of the country ever before he became Nigeria’s president.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Akpabio to have said the president told him he was determined to change the situation of the country.

    Akpabio stated this on Tuesday at Ikot Ekpene during his constituency briefing/empowerment programme.

    He said the country’s economy was in a bad state when the president came into power in May 2023 and that Tinubu is working very hard to fix it.

    Akpabio stressed Tinubu was determined to fix the economy and touch the lives of Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or party affiliations.

    “President Tinubu met a very bad condition on ground; nobody envied him; he said he was determined to change the situation; let us encourage him to change the situation.

    “We believe that at the end of the day, we will move the country forward. He did it in Lagos before; he will do it again in Nigeria; just give him time; he will take us to our El Dorado.

    “I want us to know that Nigeria was on life support when the people voted Tinubu to become the president.

    “One day I asked him, Mr President, after becoming the president and seeing the level of economy that Emefiele left behind, are you excited? He said, well, I’m determined to change the situation,” he said.

    Akpabio also stated that the president had touched many lives through continuous constituency projects across the country.

    He also said that the regional commissions recently established by the Federal Government were aimed at developing the regions and empowering people.

    According to Akpabio, the president has shown so much love to the South-East by giving a key ministry – ministry of works – to them and signing the South-East Development Commission bill into law.

    “South-East has lots of ecological problems; it has very poor roads, just like the South-South and Mr President decided to give us the ministry of works in addition to other key ministries, even the petroleum and gas ministry,” he said.

    Akpabio used the occasion to distribute bags of rice, cars, generating sets, deep freezers, tractors, tricycle vans, mini-buses, motorcycles, sewing machines and make-up kits.

    The senate president also disbursed N200,000 to 2,000 undergraduates, among other empowerment items.

    He said that the gesture was supported by the president to thank the people for their votes and supports.

    He commended Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa  Ibom for his peaceful disposition and for extending hands of friendship by sending 1,000 bags of rice to the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in the state.

  • Tax bills: We’ll not kill any of your reforms – Akpabio assures Tinubu

    Tax bills: We’ll not kill any of your reforms – Akpabio assures Tinubu

    In reference to the tax reform bills currently undergoing legislative processes for passage into law, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured President Bola Tinubu that the National Assembly (NASS) will not kill any of his reforms.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Akpabio gave Tinubu the assurance on Wednesday when the President presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill before a Joint Session of the National Assembly.

    In his welcome speech entitled, “A Call to Unity and Progress”, Akpabio lauded Tinubu for the tax reform initiative, saying:

    “The four tax reform bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024. These represent a monumental shift in our fiscal landscape.

    It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics. I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully,” he said.

    Akpabio stressed the initiative marked the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

    “These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development,’’ he said.

    2025 budget: Speaker Abbas backs tax reform bill

    Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas said Nigeria’s low tax revenue remains a major constraint to national growth.

    Abbas said this at the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to him, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, currently at approximately 10.9 per cent for 2024, is among the lowest in Africa, significantly below the continental average of 15.6 per cent.

    He said  that Nigeria’s VAT collection efficiency at approximately 20 per cent was below the near 70 per cent efficiency achieved by South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, and Zambia.

    “In comparison, South Africa’s tax-to-GDP ratio stands at 25.4 per cent, while Rwanda and Ghana, with much smaller populations, report ratios of 15.1 per cent and 14.1 per cent, respectively.”

    He said that Nigeria’s fiscal realities warranted critical reflection, adding that in spite of being Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, the 2024 national budget of 36.7 billion dollars remained modest compared to other countries.

    This, he said, included South Africa, with a budget of 160 billion dollars for its 60 million citizens; Egypt, with 110 billion dollars for 110 million people; Algeria, with 60 billion dollars  for 45 million people.

    Others included Morocco, which allocated 50 billion dollars for its 37 million residents.

    Abbas said addressing these challenges required urgent and comprehensive tax reforms to broaden our tax base, improve compliance, streamline administration, and reduce reliance on borrowing.

    He said the lawmakers would continue to work with the Tinubu administration to ensure that such reforms were equitable, effective, and considerate of the needs of vulnerable populations.

    He said the national assembly had engaged stakeholders to address concerns raised on the tax reform bills, fostering trust and cooperation.

    “I have personally led numerous high-level meetings and consultations with state governors and other key stakeholders on this issue, achieving positive outcomes.”

    He further said that Tinubu’s 2025 budget represented a crucial step toward economic recovery and sustainable development.

    The speaker expressed confidence that the President’s reforms would soon deliver tangible benefits for all Nigerians while commending him  for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

    He commended the profound sacrifices made by Nigerians over the past year, stating that the removal of fuel subsidies, rising inflation, and adjustments to economic policies had created challenges.

    According to him, these sacrifices are necessary for building a stronger, self-reliant, and prosperous nation.

    “I urge all Nigerians to remain resilient and united in our collective pursuit of a brighter and better Nigeria.”

    He assured the President of the lawmakers’ commitment to support the successful implementation of the 2025 budget.

    “This is not merely your budget; it is a national project requiring collaboration across all arms of government.

    “We will work to ensure its timely passage, provide legislative support for critical reforms, and conduct robust oversight to guarantee transparency and efficiency in its execution.”

    He said  there was  need to approach 2025 by embracing the realities with determination.

    This, according to him, is by stabilising prices, boosting agricultural productivity, expanding infrastructure, and investing in education, healthcare, and security, which remain paramount priorities.

    He said that  to strengthen national unity and build trust, it remained essential for the government to communicate its achievements effectively Nigerians.

  • Akpabio to Tinubu: “Warn your Ministers who disrespect the National Assembly”

    Akpabio to Tinubu: “Warn your Ministers who disrespect the National Assembly”

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to caution his Ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments who have formed the habit of disrespecting the National Assembly (NASS).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Senate President made the appeal on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2025 budget proposal by President Tinubu.

    Senator Akpabio stressed the importance of the need for the Ministers and the heads of extra-ministerial departments to respond promptly to requests from the NASS whenever they are invited, particularly during this period, to come and defend their sectoral allocations.

    Akpabio further stressed that the invitation often extended to the Ministers and the heads of extra-ministerial departments was in the exercise of legislative oversight.

    “They should not see invitations as a nuisance. They should know that any invitation is constitutional and we also have constitutional powers to take further actions when they refuse to appear.

    “So, Mr President may wish to caution some of the Ministers who are intransigent and who do not give respect to this hallowed chambers. The only place that shows democracy in the world is the National Assembly.

    “For those who disregard invitations from the National Assembly are not democrats, and therefore, have no place in your government,” the Senate President told President Tinubu.

    Akpabio went further to say: “In spite of all achievements, Mr President and my dear compatriots, it is not yet Uhuru. We are light years away from where we ought to be.

    “Some rivers remain to be crossed. The pains Nigerians feel now are mainly the pains of hardship occasioned by reforms. Let’s look at those pains as the pains of childbirth. Immediately a child is born, rejoicing starts with the smile of the child. I urge Nigerians to be patient to cooperate with you and maintain faith in your vision.

    “Mr President, you cannot be everywhere. We are your eyes in the 469 constituencies. We the distinguished Senators and all members of the House of Representatives are your eyes in our constituencies and every corner of this nation.

    “When our constituents struggle to afford rice, and they cannot, they come to us. When their shoes pinch as a result of wear and tear, and they cannot replace them, they come to us.

    “Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that we help you at the grassroots level. Let no one attempt to bring the counsel of Ahithophel to bear that constituency projects are bad.

    “So, I want to take a moment to appreciate the tireless efforts of National Assembly members who struggle on a daily basis to use their personal finances in order to help Mr President when he is not available”.

  • Akpabio’s aide tenders apology for congratulating Governor Eno on wife’s death

    Akpabio’s aide tenders apology for congratulating Governor Eno on wife’s death

    An aide to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Uduak Udo has tendered an apology over his remark regarding the death of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno’s wife Patience Eno.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports Udo during a public outing committed a blunder after he “congratulated” Eno on the death of his wife.

    Recall, Mrs Eno died on September 26 from an undisclosed illness and was buried on November 29 at Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

    “Let me congratulate his excellency, the governor of the state, over the demise of his dear lovely wife,” Udo had said.

    The statement elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media, many criticising the senate president’s aide for making such a blunder

    Reacting, Udo via his social media issued an formal apology, clarifying that he intended to commend the governor for organising a befitting burial for his wife.

    “This was a clear case of a verbal slip,” Udo said in a Facebook post. “This occurs when there is a disconnect between the thoughts in your mind and your utterance.”

    He further extended apologies to the governor,  the Senate President, his family and friends for any embarrassment caused.

    “I apologise to Governor Umo Eno over this inadvertent error. I offer my sincere apologies to my principal, the President of the Senate, whose office has been erroneously linked to this mistake,” he said.

  • Tax bills: We will not betray Nigerians – Akpabio assures

    Tax bills: We will not betray Nigerians – Akpabio assures

    The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, says the National Assembly will prioritise the interest of all Nigerians in considering the tax reform bills.

    Akpabio made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja at a roundtable on the four tax reform bills organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

    He said that the bill before the National Assembly represented a critical step forward in modernising Nigeria’s tax system.

    He explained that the bills, when passed into law, would ensure a more equitable distribution of the tax burden among all Nigerians.

    According to him, these bills aim to enhance efficiency, improve revenue generation, and ultimately, build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria for all.

    Akpabio acknowledged that the introduction of the bills had been met with some misunderstanding and politicisation by certain segments of the society.

    The senator said that the misunderstandings should not be seen as a setback, but rather as a testament to the growing democratic maturity of the country.

    “As your representatives, we want to assure our compatriots that the members of the National Assembly have heard your voices.

    “We stand here, not as adversaries, but as partners in the quest to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

    “We know that we have the unwavering trust of the Nigerian people, and we will never, ever, betray that sacred trust in the performance of our duties.

    “Let us use this moment to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a National Assembly that is pro-people, pro-democracy, and pro-progress.

    “As the great Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” My friends, together, we can make the impossible, possible with this tax reforms,” he said.

    He commended the organisers for the initiative saying that NILDS had consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering constructive dialogue and serving as a bridge between the legislature and the Nigerian people.

    Earlier, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said that the importance of an efficient tax system to national development was a public knowledge.

    He said that one of the challenges Nigeria faced as an emerging economy was the presence of several policy and institutional weaknesses that created loopholes in the tax system.

    According to him, this singular challenge remains one of the pitfalls of effective public financial management in Nigeria.

    The director-general said that there was an urgent need for tax reforms in the country saying that it was long overdue.

    Sulaiman explained that contrary to the fears expressed by many, the tax reforms were designed to reduce the burden of taxation of all people by the government.

    The DG said that it would also make the tax system more progressive and less regressive while  simplifying the tax system by making it more accountable and understandable.

    He said that the controversies surrounding the bills underscored the need for a fair and balanced tax system that mirrors the specificities of the Nigerian society.

    “Therefore, as Nigerians continue to debate the merits and demerits of the tax reform bills, it is imperative to create the platform for engagements by all stakeholders towards passing a law that lays a strong fiscal and revenue foundation for sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.

    “It is expected that the discussions today shall cover the main reforms contained in the tax reform bills, explore the extant legal and institutional challenges inherent in the current tax system and the interventions of the tax reform bills within prevalent social, political, and economic context.

    “The core objective of today’s engagement therefore, is to explore perspectives on the potential short and long-term benefits and risks of reforms contained in the new tax reform bills.

    “I hope that deliberations at this roundtable form the crucible for policy recommendations that will be taken into cognisance during the passage of the bill into law,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, provided answers to the many misconceptions on the bills.

    Oyedele said that the tax bills carried reforms that were important for the growth and development of the country which Nigeria could not afford to lose.

    He said that one of the most debated section of the bills was on the VAT sharing formula which the existing formula was being challenged in court by two states of the federation.

    Oyedele said that the bills sought to correct it as it would be chaotic if states were allowed to collect VAT because it would not augur well with businesses in the country.

    The chairman said that the bill did not have any clause to merge existing agencies saying that the bills sought to enhance collaboration.

    He also a said that contrary to opinion held by some group, the bills did not have any clause to task the poor.

    The chairman said that the bill, when passed into law, would exempt low income earners from paying Personal Income Tax as well as small businesses.

    He said that on the long run, all Nigerians would be better for it as they would be beneficiaries of the reforms.

  • Key highlights revealed as Senate approves 2025-2027 MTEF/FSP

    Key highlights revealed as Senate approves 2025-2027 MTEF/FSP

    The Senate, on Tuesday, approved the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

    The approval was sequel to presentation and adoption of the report of Joint Committee on Finance, National Planning and Economic Affairs at plenary in Abuja.

    The report was presented by the Chairman of the committee, Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger).

    Highlights of the approved recommendations of 2025-2027 MTEF/FSP include: approval of projected oil benchmark prices of $75.3 per barrel for 2025, 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.

    The senate also approved the three-year projection for domestic crude oil production, which had a significant increase from 1.78 million barrels per day in the preceding year to 2.6, 2.1 and 2.35 for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

    It equally approved the projected exchange rate of N1,400 to one dollar for 2025, 2026 and 2027 fiscal years, subject to review in the early 2025, based on monetary and fiscal policies.

    The upper legislative chamber approved the projected inflation rates of 15.75 per cent, 14.21 per cent and 10.04 per cent for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

    It further approved the projected Gross Domestic Product (GPD) growth rate of 4.6 per cent, 4.4 per cent and 5.5 per cent for 2025, 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.

    Given the criteria on review of the framework for revenue and expenses, the approved 2025 budget proposed spending stood at N47.9 trillion, of which N34.82 trillion was retained.

    New borrowings, which stood at N9.22 trillion, consisting of domestic and foreign borrowings, were also approved.

    While debt service was valued at N15.38 trillion, pensions, gratuities and retirees’ benefits stood at N1.443 trillion, and fiscal deficit at N13.08 trillion.

    The senate approved the projected capital expenditure of N16.48 trillion, exclusive of statutory transfers which stood at N4.26 trillion, while the sinking fund was projected at N430.27 billion.

    Another approval was the projected total recurrent non-debt of N14.21 trillion and special intervention for recurrent and capital of N200 billion and N7 billion.

    It further approved issuance of promissory note programme and bond issuance to settle outstanding claims and liabilities of the Federal Government to state governments.

    The senate also approved a quarterly investigative hearing with revenue generating agencies to track their compliance with Fiscal Responsibility Act and reprimand clear contravention of the act.

    The upper legislative chamber equally approved that Committee on Finance and Customs initiate an investigative inquiry into operations of import duty exemption certificate programme, with focus on import waivers, its impact on revenue losses by the Federal Ministry of Finance and Nigerian Customs Service.

    The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks after the passage of the expenditure framework, commended members of the joint committee and other lawmakers for their legislative inputs, leading to the approval of the 2025, 2026 and 2027 MTEF and FSP.

  • Restrict yourself -Akpabio cautions senator drooling over Bianca Ojukwu during ministerial screening

    Restrict yourself -Akpabio cautions senator drooling over Bianca Ojukwu during ministerial screening

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday cautioned Osita Ngwu, a Senator representing Enugu West District for his remarks on the appearance of ministerial nominee Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu during her screening at the Senate.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain presented her credentials for Minister of State for Foreign Affairs after the Senate President Akpabio opened the floor for questions.

    During Bianca Ojukwu’s presentation, Senator Ngwu who couldn’t keep to himself, started complimenting her beauty, which drew a swift rebuke from Akpabio, who immediately redirected the focus back to the nominee’s professional qualifications.

    “Mr President, the beautiful nominee standing before us,” the lawmaker said.

    “Restrict yourself to the resume. Forget this word beautiful,” Akpabio interjected jocularly. “She didn’t put in the VC that she is beautiful. The CV says beautiful Bianca.”

    Responding, Ngwu then proceeded to laud the profile and competence of the nominee.

    On his part,  Senator representing Abia South District, Enyinnaya Abaribe, said Biance’s competence and ability to perform was not in doubt.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for nominating the “mother” of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a minister. “By bringing an APGA person to be a minister has already started a unity government and national integration,” Abaribe said.

  • FG files 6-count charge against 9 people over Akpabio’s impeachment rumour

    FG files 6-count charge against 9 people over Akpabio’s impeachment rumour

    The Federal Government has filed a six-count charge against nine defendants over allegations bordering on disseminating false information on the recent rumour about the impeachment of Senate President Godwil Akpabio.

    The charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/555/2024, was filed at a Federal High Court in Abuja on Oct. 21 by the Deputy Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation, A. A. Yusuf.

    Recall that the defendants were alleged to have published the false information on Oct. 16 that the Department of State Services (DSS) laid siege to the National Assembly with a view to effect the impeachment of Akpabio.

    The FG sued the Incorporated Trustee of Order Paper (on whose online platform the false information was allegedly published), Oke Epia (Founder/Publisher and Executive Director of Order Paper), and Tony Okeke Ofodile (Head of Operations) as 1st to 3rd defendants.

    Also joined as 4th and 5th defendants are Edna Bill Ulaeto (Admin/Finance Executive) and Elizabeth Atime (National Assembly lead reporter, author of report).

    Others are Regina Udo (Coordinator of Programmes), Leah Twaki (Social Media Executive), Idongesit Joseph Ekoh (Admin Support) and Edoesomi Sharon Omonegho (National Assembly correspondent) as 6th to 9th defendants respectively.

    In count one, the prosecution accused the Order Paper (Incorporated Trustee), of Suit C12, Halima Plaza, Plot 1496, Balanga Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, through its agents; Oke Epia, Tony Okeke Ofordile, Edna Bill Ulacto, and Elizabeth Atime, and others at large, of publishing a false information via its online platform.

    They were said to have on or about Oct. 16 alleged that “the DSS laid siege to the National Assembly over plans to impeach the Senate President, which you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 24(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under the same section.”

    The defendants and others at large, in count two, were alleged to have intentionally published defamatory statements regarding the DSS and the Sen. Akpabio, on their online platform.

    The case is yet to be assigned to a judge as at the time of filing the report.

  • AGN place Akpabio’s alleged ‘side chicks’ on watchlist

    AGN place Akpabio’s alleged ‘side chicks’ on watchlist

    The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has placed on watchlist several Nollywood actresses fingered to have had romantic relationships with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    In July, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that an Instagram blog alleged that Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Nancy Isime, and Ini Edo were involved in affairs with Akpabio, but the senate president denied the allegations.

    In a memo captioned INDEFINITE SUSPENSION- HALIMA ABUBAKAR on Friday, the AGN confirmed that the actresses are on its “watchlist” and are being “investigated” by its secret panel.

    The memo reads in part, “On behalf of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, I commend the professional and incisive work done by members of the secret investigative panel.

    “However, some female members on the watchlist are being investigated by the secret panel, especially in the recent release of names purported to have had dealings with the Senate President.”

    TNG understands that AGN also announced the suspension of popular actress Halima Abubakar for “news of extramarital affairs linked with highly placed individuals in society and Nollywood stars”.

    The AGN said a two-year-long investigation uncovered Halima’s “involvement in slandering the film industry”.

    It added that the actress will face the national disciplinary committee to determine her full punishment.

  • Impeachment threat: Akpabio denies DSS invasion of NASS

    Impeachment threat: Akpabio denies DSS invasion of NASS

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has denied the invasion of the National Assembly by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged impeachment move.

    Akpabio, who made the refutal at the Wednesday’s plenary, said that the allegation reported on the social media that the DSS invaded the national assembly was not true.

    He said: “It has just been brought to my attention by one of us that there is a fake news trending on the social media that the DSS surrounded the national assembly with possible impeachment of principal officers.

    “There is no limit to social media. We are here sitting down and doing your work very peacefully, oblivious of the mischief that is going on behind us.

    “This is what we pass through on a daily basis. It’s either they use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to inject something to turn it around in order to drive traffic. I understand that they are being paid by YouTube.

    “But I hope the public is aware that this is total fake news and that the chamber is very stable and that there is no issue of impeachment,” Akpabio said.

    He thereafter referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Special Duties to investigate and report its findings within 24 hours.

    “Sen. Shehu Kaka, Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, investigate and report back to us as soon as practicable,” he said.