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Taxation Debate: Adebayo Demands Transparency in Revenue Allocation

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Prince Adewole Adebayo

Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has raised critical questions about Nigeria’s tax system, calling for greater accountability and a focus on citizens’ welfare.
Speaking during a public engagement, Adebayo criticized the ongoing debates on tax reforms as disconnected from the realities faced by Nigerians.
“The issue is not just about new tax bills but about accountability for the trillions already collected. Before introducing new taxes, let us ask: where is the money from petroleum, solid minerals, and other sources?” Adebayo queried.

Adebayo also expressed concern about the increasing tax burden on ordinary Nigerians, particularly with value-added tax (VAT) hikes on essential goods.
“The poor are being squeezed while the political class enjoys extravagance. Raising taxes on essentials is unjust when previous revenues remain unaccounted for,” he said.

Adebayo highlighted the gap between revenue collection and public service delivery, noting that while the government collects significant sums daily, the average Nigerian continues to struggle.
“Every day, the government collects more money than some West African nations generate in a year. Yet, Nigerians remain hungry and underserved. Where is the transparency?” he asked.
He criticized the focus on intergovernmental tussles over tax revenues, describing it as irrelevant to the suffering masses.
“The debate over whether Abuja or state governments should hold more tax revenue is a fight among the elite. Nigerians care about results, better schools, healthcare, and roads not about who controls the funds,” he added.

Adebayo urged the government to revisit constitutional principles designed to guide the allocation and utilization of resources. He emphasized the need for a leadership ethos that prioritizes public welfare over personal gain.
“The Constitution provides a framework for equitable governance, but it is being ignored. Leaders must redirect funds toward improving lives, not luxuries,” he stated.
He urged citizens to demand accountability, noting that sustainable development requires ethical governance and effective resource utilization.
“Nigerians must not only ask for better policies but ensure their leaders are accountable. The focus should be on meeting citizens’ basic needs, not enriching a select few,” he concluded.

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Politics

APC Considers Suspending Aishatu Binani Over Meeting with Atiku

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Aishatu Binani

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly considering suspending its 2023 Adamawa State gubernatorial candidate, Senator Aishatu Binani, over her recent meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at her residence in Abuja.

According to reliable sources within the ruling party, the APC hierarchy is concerned about the political implications of the meeting, which some party insiders perceive as an act of disloyalty.
While official reasons for the potential suspension remain unclear, it is believed that Binani’s engagement with Atiku, a leading figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), may have influenced the party’s stance.

There has been no official confirmation from the APC, but sources suggest discussions are ongoing at the highest levels of the party. More details are expected to emerge in the coming days

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Obidient Movement Debunks Rumour of Merger with ADC, Reaffirms Support for Peter Obi

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Tanko Yunusa

The Obidient Movement has debunked reports claiming it has joined the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), labeling the news as misleading and false.

In a statement issued by Hon. Chidiebere Darlington Anyanwu, Personal Assistant on Media & Publicity to Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the movement, the leadership clarified that it has not aligned with any political party or coalition.

The disclaimer followed the circulation of a video showing members of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) in a meeting with the ADC’s national leadership.
The movement stressed that COPDEM is merely a support group and does not represent or have the authority to negotiate on behalf of the Obidient Movement.

Reaffirming its commitment, the statement assured supporters that the movement remains focused on working with critical stakeholders and like-minded Nigerians to advance the vision of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi.

“This propaganda is a deliberate attempt to undermine and derail the activities of the Obidient Movement, which remains solidly behind Peter Obi in the pursuit of a new Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

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LP tackles Atiku over allegations of N50M Bribe, challenges him to Provide Proof

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***Says Party Is Not on APC’s Payroll

The Labour Party (LP) has strongly denied allegations that its leadership received a N50 million bribe from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as claimed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party said it was not aware of any bribe payments to opposition leaders and had never received funds from individuals, organizations, or governments outside its own membership.
The LP expressed shock and disbelief at Atiku’s statement, which was made during a national conference on strengthening democracy in Abuja.
The former Vice President had alleged that the APC government was offering opposition party leaders ₦50 million each to undermine democracy.
“We are shocked that a high-caliber politician like Atiku Abubakar, who has contested elections all his life, would make such a reckless, unfounded, and unguarded statement without proof.
“If he has concrete evidence, he should present it instead of relying on mere gossip from unnamed sources,” the statement read.

The party emphasized its commitment to transparency and integrity, stating that it had run a frugal administration with internally generated funds and had not received financial support from external bodies, including its own elected representatives.
Reiterating its role as Nigeria’s most formidable opposition party, the Labour Party stated that it had remained steadfast in challenging the ruling government and had been at the forefront of the most serious political campaign in the 2023 general elections.
“Our leadership has never been on any payroll. Salaries and payments in government are public records that can be easily verified. Atiku should focus on his own party rather than making baseless allegations that undermine the sacrifices of the opposition,” the party added.
The statement also stressed the importance of a strong opposition in a democracy, warning that attempts to discredit opposition parties weaken democratic institutions.
The Labour Party challenged Atiku to provide concrete evidence to back his claims, warning that if he fails to do so, Nigerians may begin to see his statements as politically motivated and lacking credibility.
“If Atiku cannot provide proof, Nigerians will be forced to take his words with a pinch of salt. He should be careful with generalized allegations that diminish the role of the opposition in a democracy,” the party concluded.

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