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Reps to Consult Experts on Tax Reform Bills — Deputy Spokesman
The Nigerian House of Representatives has announced plans to consult with tax experts regarding the implications of the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
Mr. Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesman of the House, revealed this in an exclusive interview with *The PUNCH* in Abuja on Wednesday.
President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council recently introduced four executive bills aimed at simplifying tax processes, establishing a unified revenue service, and easing financial obligations for both businesses and citizens. These reforms follow a months-long review of the country’s existing tax laws, led by the Taiwo Oyedele committee, which was inaugurated in August 2023. The committee’s recommendations were incorporated into the four executive bills, which were submitted to the National Assembly in September 2024.
However, last week, all 36 state governors requested the withdrawal of the bills to allow for further consultations. This followed earlier opposition from 19 state governors who argued that the bills contradicted the interests of the North and state governments.
Despite the governors’ stance, the Presidency has maintained that the bills should be debated in Parliament, leaving room for potential amendments by lawmakers.
Agbese emphasized the House’s commitment to engaging with the public on the bills through Town Hall meetings. “We will bring in experts to examine the bills line by line and gauge what Nigerians think about them,” Agbese said. “As the People’s House, under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abass, we will ensure that the citizens’ input is central to our decision-making process.”
House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda also commented on the matter, revealing that the Minority Caucus had already started work on the bills before the position of the 36 governors was made public. He explained that the caucus had formed a team led by the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Iduma Igariwey, to develop a position paper. This will be discussed within the caucus ahead of the second reading of the bills.
Chinda assured that the Minority Caucus’s stance would prioritize the national interest. “We do not oppose citizens paying taxes, but we believe in avoiding excessive taxation, which could harm the economy. We advocate for reducing public sector overhead costs and improving welfare for the lower class to bridge the economic gap,” he said.
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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden, marking another step in his efforts to target political opponents.
In a post on his Truth Social platform Tuesday, Trump criticized what he called an excessive security detail for Hunter Biden, claiming he had up to 18 agents protecting him. He also announced that Ashley Biden’s security detail, reportedly consisting of 13 agents, would be withdrawn.
“Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden… will be taken off the list,” Trump wrote.
Federal law grants lifelong Secret Service protection to former presidents and their spouses, while their children receive coverage only until age 16. However, adult children of presidents often receive extended protection for a period of time.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed Trump’s directive, stating, “We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden. The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.”
Hunter Biden has long been a focal point of Republican criticism, with attacks intensifying after his father pardoned his tax and gun-related convictions before leaving office in January. On Monday, Trump declared that those pardons were void, a move with unclear legal standing.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has also revoked security clearances for Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the country’s COVID-19 response.
The White House defended the decision, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating in January that individuals are “not entitled to security protection and clearances for life.”
During his first presidency, Trump extended Secret Service protection for six months to his four adult children and several senior officials, a move that cost taxpayers $1.7 million, according to The Washington Post.
The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 188, details the process for the impeachment of a state governor, requiring a structured legal framework that ensures due process and fairness.
According to the provision, impeachment begins when at least one-third of the members of the State House of Assembly sign a written notice accusing the governor of gross misconduct. The allegations must be clear, specific, and detailed to avoid ambiguity.
Once the notice is received, the Speaker of the House has seven days to serve a copy to the governor and distribute the governor’s response to all assembly members.
Within 14 days, the House must vote on whether to investigate the allegations. This decision is made by motion without debate and requires a two-thirds majority to proceed. If passed, the Chief Judge of the state is mandated to appoint a seven-member panel within seven days to investigate the allegations. This panel must be composed of individuals who are not members of a legislative house, public service, or political party.
During the investigation, the governor has the right to defend himself personally or through legal representation. The panel has three months to complete its inquiry and submit its findings to the assembly.
If the panel concludes that the allegations lack proof, the impeachment process is terminated. However, if the panel finds the allegations proven, the assembly must, within 14 days, vote on the report. A two-thirds majority vote in favor results in the governor’s immediate removal from office.
This process ensures that impeachment is not arbitrary but follows a clear legal and procedural path, reinforcing democratic accountability in governance.
Asaba, Nigeria – Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed four suspected kidnappers in a gunfight and recovered an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, according to a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.
Edafe said the police had earlier arrested a suspect on March 9, 2025, while he was attempting to buy ammunition for an AK-47 rifle. During interrogation, the suspect revealed the rifle’s location, leading the police to a bush along the railway line in Agbarho. Upon arrival, the gang engaged the police in a fierce shootout, leaving four suspects with fatal gunshot wounds.
The injured suspects were taken to the General Hospital in Ughelli, where they were later confirmed dead. Their bodies have been deposited in the morgue as police intensify efforts to track down other fleeing gang members.
In a separate operation, police operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Edafe revealed that on March 12, 2025, a resident of Ibusa reported to the police that his friend’s wife had been kidnapped on March 7, 2025, and a ransom was paid. He also disclosed that he was responsible for delivering the ransom and food items to the kidnappers.
Acting on this information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ibusa mobilized a team alongside local vigilantes and stormed a bush hideout, leading to the arrest of Abdulahi Isah, a suspected member of the gang.
The suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Trump revokes security details for Biden’s children
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Four suspected kidnappers shot dead in gun battle with police in Delta
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