Nigeria has witnessed a flurry of significant events in recent times, shaping the country’s socio-political landscape. From President Bola Tinubu’s 63rd Independence Day speech to the controversy surrounding the Rivers State local government elections, the nation has been engaged in intense discussions on governance, economy, and unity as all this topic top Nigerian newspapers.
Additionally, the federal government’s decision to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel and cooking gas, a proposed bill to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s rotational presidency proposal have dominated the national discourse.
President’s Independence Day Speech
President Bola Tinubu’s 63rd Independence Day speech emphasized Nigeria’s progress and challenges, stressing unity, compassion, and brotherhood. He outlined key initiatives, including security reforms, economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. The President acknowledged the country’s struggles but expressed optimism about its potential.
Tinubu said this in his Tuesday nationwide broadcast commemorating the country’s 64th Independence Day anniversary. According to him, the present administration is “committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens.”
The speech highlighted the administration’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. “My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired. We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.”
President Tinubu pledged to address pressing issues, such as insecurity, corruption, and economic inequality. He urged Nigerians to put aside political differences and work together towards a better future, fostering a sense of national pride and shared responsibility.
President Tinubu, meanwhile, announced plans for a National Youth Conference, set to take place over 30 days, as part of his administration’s broader agenda to empower Nigeria’s youth.
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Meanwhile, The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, calling it a missed opportunity to address the urgent issues plaguing Nigeria.
In a press statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the opposition party described the speech as “lethargic” and filled with “false performance claims” that fail to resonate with the struggles of everyday Nigerians. According to the PDP, the speech did not tackle the pressing economic and security challenges created by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-a government, for which Nigerians are suffering.
Tinubu’s 2027 Poll Comment
President Bola Tinubu’s recent comment on the 2027 elections has sparked intense debate and speculation. Tinubu on Saturday said his administration currently is not thinking of next election holding in 2027, but the posterity of the next generation.
President Tinubu made this known during the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West Zone Assembly, which took place at Eko Hotels, Lagos, and hosted by the Chairman, South West Governors’ Forum and Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The president, who was represented by his Chief of Staff (COS), Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, explained that he was also pained due to the hardship in the land, but quickly assured that things would turn out better.
According to him, with a very tough decision taken by his administration, there is light at the end of the tunnel, the time will come “when we will all thank him for the decision. “The President has asked me to convey his message. He knows he has taken a very tough decision. He sees the light at the end of the tunnel. The time will come when we will all thank him for the decision. The president said I should let you know that he is not thinking of the next election, but the next generation.”
While the President’s statement was cryptic, analysts interpret it as a hint at his party’s strategy for the upcoming polls. The comment has fueled discussions about succession plans, party dynamics, and the future of Nigerian politics.
President Tinubu’s comment has also raised questions about the opposition’s preparedness and potential candidates. As the political landscape evolves, Nigerians await clarity on the President’s intentions and the implications for the country’s democratic process.
October 1 Protest
The October 1 protest, coinciding with Nigeria’s Independence Day, drew attention to various socio-economic issues facing the nation. Demonstrators expressed frustration over unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and poor governance. The protest highlighted the urgent need for addressing these challenges and ensuring a better quality of life for Nigerians.
Organizers and participants called on the government to prioritize accountability, transparency, and inclusive decision-making. As Nigeria navigates its complexities, the protest serves as a reminder of the need for collaborative efforts between citizens, civil society, and the government.
Rivers LG Poll
The local government elections in Rivers State on Saturday were filled with controversy, including allegations of irregularities and protests from opposition parties. The elections shed light on the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral process, such as voter suppression, violence, and manipulation.
The Action Peoples Party (APP) won 22 chairmanship seats in Rivers State, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara defying all odds to conduct the elections despite protests from members of the PDP and APC. The police refused to provide security, citing a ruling by the Federal High Court.
Fubara, at a press conference in Port Harcourt, warned the Inspector General of Police to be conscious of his role and accused the Nigeria Police Force and its Rivers State command of attempting to steal election materials.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan compared the current political crisis in Rivers State to the crisis in the old Western region and called on security agencies to intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Supporters of the APC and PDP, loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, engaged in massive protests in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the LG elections in the state. There were reported incidents of explosions at the state secretariat of the APC in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LG council, while the results of the Etche LGA chairmanship seat and the 319 councillorship positions across the state were still being collated by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Bill to Repeal FIRS and Establish NRS
A proposed bill seeks to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and establish a new revenue service, aiming to improve tax administration and address fiscal policies. The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, aims to streamline revenue collection, reduce leakages, and enhance transparency.
The proposed National Revenue Service (NRS) would consolidate revenue collection agencies, ensuring more efficient management of Nigeria’s finances. NASS, on Thursday, confirmed receipt of four tax reform bills transmitted by President Tinubu for consideration and quick passage.
The outcome of the legislative process will be crucial in shaping Nigeria’s tax regime.
FG Removes VAT on Diesel and Cooking Gas
The Federal Government has exempted a range of various energy products, including diesel, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), also known as cooking gas, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and electric vehicles, among others from value-added tax (VAT).
The announcement was made by Mohammed Manga, Director, Information and Public Relations in Federal Ministry of Finance via a statement on Wednesday. The decision aims to alleviate economic burdens on citizens, particularly low-income households. The move responds to concerns about rising costs of living and energy prices.
The VAT removal is expected to reduce the financial strain on businesses and individuals, stimulating economic activity. However, experts caution that the impact will depend on implementation and complementary policies.
Atiku’s Rotational Presidency Proposal
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has put forward a series of constitutional amendments to the National Assembly, including a bold proposal for a rotational presidency between Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
In a letter dated August 30, 2024, and addressed to Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Atiku outlined his recommendations aimed at strengthening the country’s democratic framework.
The recommendations are aimed at addressing key pitfalls in the current electoral laws and promoting a system that fosters national unity and fair competition for political offices. One of the key highlights of Atiku’s proposals is the introduction of a rotational presidency, which would ensure the office alternates between the North and South, with each zone serving a single six-year term.
This measure, Atiku argued, will promote equity and national unity in the highest office of the land.
“The office of the president shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the Federation on a single term of six years, flowing between the North and South,” Atiku stated in his proposal, recommending amendments to Section 130(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
As Nigeria navigates its complexities, Atiku’s proposal has added a new dimension to the national conversation on power sharing and unity.
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