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Nigeria championing global tax reform – Tuggar
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has said that one of the highlights of the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was the UN tax resolution championed by Nigeria.
He said Nigeria put forward the tax reform on behalf of the other African countries, and that reform became institutionalised at the UN level.
“So, this is something that Nigeria championed, and others have been echoing it, saying, look, we need to look at the global system of taxation.
“It’s favouring developed countries and hurting developing countries. You’ve got these corporate giants that are from the developed Global North that are participating or making gains in the developing Global South. And they’re not paying taxes,” said Tuggar.
He said he considered it an honour that everybody was echoing the UN global tax reform championed by Nigeria.
The Minister said Nigeria also committed to the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
“We are becoming more and more involved in the G20 and the summits in particular. We were invited to India, we’ve been invited to Brazil, and the next country to chair the G20 is South Africa.
“So, rest assured, Nigeria is going to be invited, and as I’m sure you’re aware, President Tinubu is embarking on a visit to South Africa where we’ll be having a binational commission very soon.
“And it was instructive that President Tinubu’s contributions resonated at the summit with all those in attendance, including the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund,” said Tuggar.
He stated that the IMF boss commended the reforms of the Tinubu administration, its gains, and also pledged technical support, to help carrying out studies.
“They see what we’re doing, and they are very appreciative of that,” he said.
He said President Tinubu was also pushing for Nigeria to become a member of this “very powerful group in the world.
“You know, membership of the G20 takes time. It comes often by way of consensus and by being invited to participate, and then gradually you become formalised as a member.
“That’s exactly what is happening. And they can see the quality of the representation that Nigeria is giving with regards to Global South, because there’s a lot of attention now focusing on developing countries, on the Global South.
“The G20 can see clearly that there’s a need to tackle poverty, there’s a need to tackle hunger, which was the theme of the Brazilian leadership of the G20.”
Tuggar said these were the things that affected Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, more than any other region, which was why they also wanted to hear more from African countries.
He said the country with the biggest voice in Africa was Nigeria, because of its credentials, fight against racist regimes in the past and the support it had offered other Global South countries in the past.
“We’ve got the technical aid corps where we’ve been sending professionals since 1987 to African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries, and all of that.
“So, we have the credentials. And we’re non-threatening to our neighbours,” he said.
He stated that the Tinubu government would continue to do more of what it was already doing in terms of social programmes, social investment, cash transfers, education, health, and food production.
“In fact, one of the things that we were engaged in while we were here was the agreement being signed between Nigeria and Brazil on agriculture, on improved seeds, on seeds technology, so that we improve the yield.
“Brazil did here. They had a savanna that was more or less barren because the yield from it was very low in terms of agricultural output.
“But because of the research that they’d been doing for so many years, they were able to come up with a solution,” he said.
He said Nigeria would partner Brazil on research to improve agricultural yield.
He said during the summit, there were government-to-business meetings, as well as business-to-business meetings.
“We’re now looking at a bilateral air service agreement. I think about two companies are being put on the fast track to be flying because it’s eight hours.
“It’s not right that we have to fly all the way to Europe to get to this place when it’s only an eight-hour flight.
“First you fly from Nigeria to Europe, six hours, then you fly from Europe to Brazil another 10 or 11 hours. Something is not right,” said Tuggar.
He added that there was an MOU also signed, a 5 billion dollars off-take agreement for ethanol by Niger government and a Brazilian company.
He said the Niger government was partnering Indians and Brazilians to grow sugarcane the same way that the Brazilians were doing it, instead of importing from them.
“They’re going to partner with us to grow sugarcane in Niger; that would be utilised for ethanol.
“That would also give us the opportunity to earn carbon credits through it. So, it’s an entire value chain,” said the Tuggar. (NAN)
The Federal High Court has dismissed reports that the newly assigned judge in the case of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has stepped down.
The FHC, in a statement signed by the Chief Registrar, Sulaiman Hassan, on Tuesday described the report as “false and misleading.”
A publication circulating on social media had claimed that Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, was the new judge in Kanu’s case and had withdrawn, citing the illegality of his arrest.
However, in the statement, the chief registrar said the claim was “entirely unfounded, fictitious, grossly mischievous, damaging in intent and should be disregarded in its entirety.”
“The attention of Management of the Federal High Court has been drawn, with great concern, to an online reportage as above captioned.
“The court unequivocally refutes the false and misleading report, alleging that the Honourable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, OFR, has stepped down from Nnamdi Kanu’s case and made statements regarding the legality of his arrest,” the statement read.
According to Hassan, the true position is that the Justice Tsoho, in his capacity as Chief Judge, has reassigned Nnamdi Kanu’s case from Justice Binta Nyako to another (‘new’) Judge.
Hassan said, “The report referred to, is, therefore, totally spurious.
“The defence team should hence prepare to receive instructions regarding the case, as may be issued by the new judge.
“The Federal High Court strongly cautions against deliberate misinformation to mislead the public and erode confidence in the judicial system.
“We urge the general public to be wary and rely only on verified information from official court sources.
“The court remains steadfast in upholding justice through due process of the law.”
NAN reliably gathered, however, that the case between the Federal Government and Kanu had been reassigned to Justice James Omotosho, following Justice Nyako’s recusal (withdrawal).
NAN
The House of Representatives has ordered total shutdown of porn websites nationwide.
It directed the Nigerian Communications Commission to enforce the immediate shutdown of the websites in the country.
The House gave the directive during plenary on Tuesday.
The lawmakers suggested that the internet providers must block access under the new directive.
Member representing the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal constituency, Dalhatu Tafoki, sponsored the motion, calling it a step to “protect societal values.”
He said, “I would like to move a motion for the need to block internet websites hosting pornographic content and sanction the internet service providers responsible for the posting. The House notes that cyber pornography is fast becoming a global problem, and no concrete steps have been taken to cut its phenomenon in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all the major religions in the country forbid nudity and obscenity in any form. Also note that countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have passed legislation that bans pornography in their domains.
“Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings that there are psychological and sociological consequences for creating ponographic content.
“The immediate effects of doing ponographic content include a. promotion of adultery, prostitution, and other promiscuous behaviours, leading to addiction, escalation, and desensitisation, change of attitude towards oneself and family.”
The House adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure its implementation and report within four weeks for further legislative action.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass, also warned that sanctions would be imposed on internet service providers that default while lawmakers put a voice vote in favour of the motion.
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Women’s Group Apologizes to Senate President, Nigerians Over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Conduct
The Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance has issued a formal apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Nigerians over what it described as the “gross misconduct” of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the Senate chamber.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ikechukwu, expressed deep embarrassment over the senator’s behavior, stating that it undermines the efforts of women striving for inclusion and respect in governance.
“Women have fought tirelessly for inclusion in governance, proving their competence and capability. However, Senator Natasha’s actions cast a shadow over this collective effort. Instead of contributing meaningfully with dignity, she resorted to disruptive and crude behavior,” Ikechukwu said.
The group accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of engaging in a pattern of reckless conduct, which they claim has damaged the reputation of female politicians. They also referenced past controversies involving the senator, including allegations of blackmail against public figures.
Acknowledging that personal circumstances may have influenced her behavior, the group urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to use her six-month suspension to reflect on her actions and seek personal and professional reform.
“While we recognize that her upbringing may have contributed to certain traits, this is no excuse for unruly behavior. As a public figure, she must uphold values of respect, integrity, and accountability,” the group stated.
The women’s organization also reaffirmed its support for Senate President Akpabio, whom they praised for his leadership and commitment to gender inclusion in governance.
“Senator Akpabio has been a strong advocate for women in leadership, appointing many to key positions throughout his career. It is ironic and unacceptable that a woman who claims to champion female representation would disrespect a leader who has done so much for women in politics,” the statement read.
Despite condemning the senator’s actions, the group emphasized that her behavior should not define women in politics. They urged female leaders to continue demonstrating excellence and integrity, ensuring that the actions of one individual do not tarnish the progress made in increasing women’s participation in governance.
The Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for women in leadership while holding public officials accountable for their conduct.
“We remain dedicated to good governance and will not allow one individual’s behavior to overshadow the achievements of women in politics. We sincerely apologize to the Senate President and all Nigerians for this unfortunate incident,” Ikechukwu concluded.