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Tax Reform bills: Inheritance Tax Sparks another Controversy as Sule Lamido Calls It “Un-Islamic”

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Sule Lamido

***Buba Galadima warns of political consequences if Tinubu goes ahead with the bills

Former Jigawa State Governor and ex-Foreign Affairs Minister, Sule Lamido, has strongly opposed the proposed taxation on inheritance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, calling it a violation of Islamic principles. Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Lamido urged the President to adopt a more inclusive approach in implementing economic policies, warning that high-handedness could undermine national trust.
Lamido emphasized that Tinubu, as a Muslim, should be aware that Islamic law explicitly prohibits taxation on inheritance, as the Quran dictates clear guidelines for the distribution of a deceased person’s wealth. “There is no way you can tax money that is meant for inheritance. It is illegal, against God, and against the Quran,” he stated.
He explained that in Islam, inheritance funds are primarily meant to settle debts and be distributed among rightful heirs according to divine instructions. Any attempt by the government to impose taxation on such wealth, he argued, would be a direct interference with religious doctrine and an unjust burden on bereaved families.
Beyond the inheritance tax, Lamido criticized Tinubu’s broader economic policies, particularly the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, which he described as an “arrogantly executed” decision that worsened economic hardship for Nigerians. He urged the President to learn from past backlash and adopt a more consultative and transparent leadership style.
“Leadership requires engaging with the people, explaining decisions, and carrying citizens along. When policies are imposed without proper explanation, it breeds resentment and mistrust,” he warned.
Lamido also dismissed suggestions that opposition to the tax reforms should be met with threats, advocating instead for dialogue and understanding.
He urged the President to foster unity by ensuring that policy decisions align with both economic realities and cultural values.
The proposed tax reform bills, including inheritance taxation, have sparked significant debate across religious and political circles. Many see it as an unfair policy that contradicts deeply held religious beliefs, especially in a predominantly Muslim country like Nigeria.
As criticism mounts, Lamido’s comments highlight the urgent need for Tinubu’s administration to re-evaluate its approach and engage religious and community leaders in policymaking.
By prioritizing dialogue, transparency, and respect for religious laws, the government may avoid further alienation from the citizens it seeks to serve.
Veteran politician Buba Galadima has warned of dire Consequences if Tinubu Proceeds with the Tax Reform Bills as he was alleged to have boasted.
Against the backdrop on the 36 state Governors have now embraced the reform after some ammendments he cautioned President Tinubu against moving forward with the controversial tax reform bills, warning of significant political and social consequences should they become law.
Speaking on the matter, with the Guardian Galadima emphasized that every political decision carries ramifications that cannot be ignored, particularly when it concerns the welfare of the people.
When asked,
“Paradventure Tinubu goes ahead with the tax bills and they are signed into law, what will happen? I’m not God, so I can’t say for certain, but everyone knows that political issues have political consequences,” Galadima said.
He questioned the necessity of imposing additional hardships on Nigerians already grappling with economic strain. “The truth is, who is the tax bill meant for? It’s for the people. If the people say, ‘It may be good for tomorrow, but now it is not good for us,’ a wise leader should pack it aside for now,” he advised.
He criticized the government’s approach to decision-making, arguing that the current system often prioritizes those who “shout the loudest” rather than addressing the needs of the most affected. “Is this how we are going to build a nation? No, not at all,” he stated.

Galadima also highlighted concerns over a lack of inclusivity in the tax reform process. He accused the committee responsible for the bill, led by Taiwo Oyedele, of failing to consult governors from across the country. According to him, only the governor of Lagos State was engaged in discussions, making the process appear skewed toward a single region’s interests.

“Every governor, apart from some from the southwest, believes the financial system of the country is controlled by one tribe. There’s suspicion that justice won’t be served, even if the intentions are good,” Galadima alleged.

The outspoken politician also drew parallels to historical events, warning that Tinubu’s policies could align Nigeria with external forces that have historically sought to undermine its unity.
He specifically cited France’s influence in West Africa and its alleged role in destabilizing Nigeria since the Berlin Conference of 1884.

“France has always been at the forefront of dismembering Nigeria. They failed in the past, but now they see an opportunity through Niger, and Tinubu seems to be following their lead,” Galadima remarked.

He pointed to similar moves under former military ruler Sani Abacha, which ultimately led to Nigeria’s financial struggles with Paris. “People don’t follow history,” he lamented.
Galadima concluded by urging the president to tread carefully, warning that aligning with foreign powers or implementing unpopular policies could deepen divisions within the country. “The suspicion is that he himself might be trying to dismember Nigeria. With his antecedents, people see a match,” Galadima said, calling for wisdom in decision-making.
As the bargaining power for the North Galadima pointed to the role the region played in delivering victory for Tinubu in the 2023 general election with over 6m votes out of the total 8,794,726 votes nationwide, that made him to secure 36.61%.
A suble reminder that it holds the ace as far as 2027 election is concerned.
According to the Independent National Electoral commission(INEC)’s declaration Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored total Votes of 6,984,520 (29.07%) to come second, Peter Obi of the Labour Party scored total Votes of 6,101,533 (25.40%) and
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the NNPP scored total Votes 1,496,687 (6.23%) to take the fourth position.
So the president can go ahead with his threats to pass the bills Galadima seem to be saying but with a reminder that there are political consequences.
Galadima speaking further said,
“I would also like to emphasize that this government was elected by the people from this part of the country. Why the North can criticize Tinubu’s Tax bills is because this administration secured over six million votes from the North, compared to just 2.7 million from the entire South.
“I don’t want to divide this discussion into ‘South’ and ‘North’; we should all approach these matters in clear, unified terms. If anyone from this part of the country criticizes the policies of the government, it is because they have a stake in it—they contributed to its establishment.”

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Osun on Edge: Timi Frank Warns of APC Plot to Force State of Emergency

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Bola Tinubu and Timi Frank

Political tension is at a boiling point in Osun State as violent clashes between supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over local government control turn deadly.
Amid the unrest, former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Timi Frank, has sounded the alarm, accusing the APC of orchestrating chaos to justify a federal takeover of the state.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Frank called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and rein in Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, whom he accuses of fueling the crisis. According to Frank, Oyetola and his allies are deliberately stoking violence in a bid to make Osun ungovernable for Governor Ademola Adeleke, creating grounds for a state of emergency declaration.

“Their major target is to declare a state of emergency because they know that if elections are held today, Governor Adeleke will still win,” Frank stated. “So they want to abort his second term through crisis and violence.”

The crisis stems from a contentious Court of Appeal ruling, which both the APC and PDP interpret differently regarding the reinstatement of sacked local government chairmen. While Governor Adeleke has insisted that security concerns make their return impossible, Oyetola has vowed to enforce the ruling through legal channels.

The APC National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, escalated tensions further by suggesting on live television that the Federal Government should consider declaring a state of emergency in Osun to curb the violence.
Frank, however, sees this as a calculated move to use federal might to undermine Adeleke’s administration.

“We call on the people of Osun to stand with Governor Adeleke and resist this political coup disguised as a crisis,” Frank urged. “This is nothing but an attempt to take Osun by force because APC knows they can’t win the state through the ballot box.”

As uncertainty looms, Osun residents watch closely to see whether the Federal Government will step in to douse the flames or if the crisis will spiral further, threatening the state’s stability.

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At 2025 Munich Security Conference, Natasha champions Call for Gender Equity

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L-R. European Union’s Commissioner for Preparedness Ms. Hadja Lahbib , the president of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, Sanam Anderlini CEO International Civil Society Network, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and Sanna Marin Ex Prime Minister of Finland.

Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, has called for greater gender equity in global security and governance.
She made this strong appeal at the 2025 Munich Security Conference (MSC), where she joined world leaders to discuss the challenges facing women in leadership and peacebuilding.

Speaking on a high-profile panel alongside Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, and EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, Akpoti Uduaghan stressed the urgent need for inclusive governance and gender-sensitive security policies.

“The exclusion of women from decision-making isn’t just unfair—it’s a security risk. To build lasting peace, women must not only be at the table but leading the discussions that shape our future.”

A statement from her media office on Sunday in Abuja highlighted the senator’s concerns over the growing global backlash against women’s participation in leadership, warning that this trend threatens long-term stability and development.
Bringing an African perspective to the discussion, Akpoti Uduaghan shed light on the systemic challenges Nigerian women face in politics, ranging from intimidation to exclusion and political violence.
She called for stronger policies to protect women and create an enabling environment for their active participation in governance.
“The backlash against gender inclusivity in politics and security is not just a setback for women; it is a setback for global development.
“The world must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to ensure that women are not just included in peace and security discussions but are given equal opportunities to lead and influence policies.”
The MSC panel, moderated by a senior policy expert, saw a robust exchange of ideas on gender-based discrimination, political violence, and the role of women in conflict resolution.
President Osmani shared insights from Kosovo’s experience in advancing women’s leadership.
Sanna Marin pointed to the Nordic model of gender inclusivity as a global benchmark.

Commissioner Lahbib reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to integrating women in crisis preparedness and security frameworks.
As the conference wrapped up, there was a unanimous agreement that reversing gender regression requires policy reforms, international cooperation, and sustained efforts to empower women in governance and security.

Senator Akpoti Uduaghan’s participation at MSC 2025 reinforces her growing influence as a global advocate for women’s rights, governance reform, and inclusive security policies. Her message was clear: a just, stable, and peaceful world cannot be achieved without women at the forefront of decision-making.

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Nigerians Demand Probe into Alleged USAID Funding of Boko Haram

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Boko Haram

Prominent Nigerians, including diplomats, military officials, and government representatives, have called for a thorough investigation following allegations by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.

Perry, a Republican lawmaker from Pennsylvania, made the claim during a congressional hearing on government waste, stating that USAID channels approximately $697 million annually to groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda. His remarks, captured in a viral video, have sparked widespread reactions in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, recently expressed concerns over the funding sources of terrorist groups operating in the country, emphasizing that foreign currencies have been found on captured insurgents.

Reacting to Perry’s claims, former Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil and Argentina, Dele Cole, called for a detailed investigation, questioning whether such funds were given directly to Nigerian entities. Former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, urged the government to engage with international partners to verify the allegations and take necessary action if proven true.

Retired Brigadier General George Emdin described Perry’s claims as longstanding suspicions within security circles, while Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, suggested that Nigeria and other affected nations should seek compensation from the U.S. for the devastation caused by terrorism.

However, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, advised caution, emphasizing that Nigeria should await concrete evidence before making formal diplomatic moves.

With the allegations fueling concerns over foreign aid oversight and national security, there is growing pressure on the Nigerian government to investigate the claims and ensure that international funds do not contribute to sustaining terrorism in the country.

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