****Abba Moro Leads Charge Against Unconstitutional Removal of Chief Judge

The Nigerian Senate has taken a firm stand on the ongoing constitutional crisis in Benue State following the controversial removal of the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, by the State House of Assembly.

Leading the charge, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro decried the move as an illegal affront to the Nigerian Constitution.
During a heated session, Moro, alongside other lawmakers from Benue, condemned the action, emphasizing that only the National Judicial Council (NJC) has the constitutional authority to remove a Chief Judge.

The Senate resolved to back the NJC in its constitutional role, invite the Speaker and Majority Leader of the Benue Assembly for explanations, and refer the matter to its Judiciary Committee for further investigation.
A motion to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution to take over the affairs of the State Assembly was, however, rejected.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the bipartisan approach to the issue, noting that even APC senators from Benue joined Moro, a PDP senator, in defending constitutional order. The Senate urged swift resolution to prevent further escalation, especially following reports of arson at the State High Court premises.

The Judiciary Committee has been mandated to report back within two weeks as the nation watches closely how this legal battle unfolds.

The Senate Committee on Finance has scheduled a two-day public hearing on four critical tax reform bills aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s tax administration and enhancing government revenue.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Sani Musa, made this announcement after a briefing on Wednesday regarding the role of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) in managing the federal government’s assets.
He acknowledged MOFI’s efforts in implementing economic reforms and highlighted areas for improvement, which the institution has committed to addressing.
Following the briefing, the committee held a closed-door session, where members unanimously agreed on key aspects of the upcoming public hearing, scheduled for February 24 and 25, 2025.

Senator Musa said the hearing, which will be open to all stakeholders, will focus on Joint Revenue Board Establishment Reform Bill, Nigerian Revenue Services Bill, Nigerian Tax Administration Bill and the Nigerian Tax Bill 
He emphasized that these reforms aim to streamline tax collection, improve efficiency, and boost government revenue to support infrastructure, education, and economic development.
“We are committed to ensuring a transparent and inclusive legislative process. This public hearing will provide an opportunity for stakeholders—including government agencies, business leaders, tax professionals, and civil society organizations—to contribute to shaping Nigeria’s tax future,” he said.

The Senate has extended invitations to several key institutions, including Federal Ministry of Finance,Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),Attorney General of the Federation, Ministry of Trade and Investment,National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Religious and professional bodies among others.

“These bills, submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024, have successfully passed their second readings in both chambers of the National Assembly and are now set for public scrutiny,” Senator Musa noted.

Senator Musa reassured the public that all concerns will be addressed, adding that extensive consultations have already taken place with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth and effective tax reform process.
“This is a national assignment, and we want to hear from all Nigerians. The goal is to implement a tax system that works for businesses, individuals, and the government,” he stated.
He further explained that the proposed tax reforms align with President Tinubu’s vision to strengthen Nigeria’s economy and enhance revenue generation without overburdening citizens.
“We believe these reforms will create a more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly tax system that will ultimately drive economic growth,” Senator Musa said.

The public hearing will take place at the National Assembly, Abuja, and will be open to all interested parties. The Senate encourages submissions from individuals and organizations with insights on improving Nigeria’s tax administration.
Senator Musa assured that the National Assembly remains independent in this process.
“President Tinubu has made it clear that he will not interfere. It is our duty as legislators to enact laws that will benefit the country economically,” he affirmed.
With this announcement, the Senate is calling on Nigerians to actively participate in shaping a fair, effective, and sustainable tax system for the country’s future.

Summons Ribadu, Heads of NIA, DSS, Others

The Senate has launched an investigation into allegations that funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are being used to support terrorist activities, including those of Boko Haram.

Following a motion by former Majority Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Senate resolved to invite key security officials, including, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed and Head of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye

The probe follows allegations by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, who claimed during a recent U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing that USAID has been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged lawmakers to follow due process and await briefings from Nigeria’s security agencies before taking further action. He also warned against relying on unverified reports circulating on social media.

Leading the debate, Senator Ndume emphasized the gravity of the allegation, especially in light of recent concerns raised by Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, about foreign sponsorship of Boko Haram.

“Over the years, Boko Haram’s operations and funding sources have remained a mystery,” Ndume said. “The devastation they have caused—bombing the UN building in 2011, attacking the police headquarters in Abuja, and killing thousands—has led to mass displacement and tarnished Nigeria’s image globally.”

He called for the federal government to establish an inter-ministerial committee comprising the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs, along with security agencies, to investigate the claims and recommend appropriate actions.

Additionally, he proposed forming a Senate ad hoc committee, including members from committees on Judiciary, Defense, National Security, and Foreign Affairs, to liaise with authorities and assess the allegations.

Supporting the motion, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) argued that a full debate on the issue in plenary would be inadequate. He suggested summoning security heads for a closed-door session instead.

“The Senate needs to be briefed first by our security agencies before any further steps are taken,” Ningi said.

Senate President Akpabio agreed, reiterating that much of what appears on social media is unreliable.

“When I read this issue on social media, I was skeptical. Social media is often filled with misinformation and speculation,” Akpabio stated. “We must hear directly from our intelligence agencies before drawing conclusions.”

The Senate adopted the amended resolution to summon security officials, although no date has been set for their appearance.