News
Fiery Confrontation in Nigerian Senate Over Tax Reform Bill.
On Wednesday, November 27, a significant confrontation unfolded in the Nigerian Senate as lawmakers engaged in a vigorous debate concerning the contentious Tax Reform Bill, which had not been included in the Order Paper for discussion.
The debate was initiated by Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, who invoked Order 12(1) to suspend Senate Rules, thereby permitting the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to provide clarifications regarding the bill. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, presiding over the session, supported this motion, leading to the approval of the FIRS chairman and other tax experts to enter the chamber.
However, this decision incited considerable frustration among several senators, notably Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who vocally opposed the motion. Ndume, visibly agitated, contended that allowing guests to speak on matters not listed on the Order Paper contravened Senate rules. He underscored the necessity of adhering to procedural protocols, cautioning that such deviations could jeopardize the Senate’s legitimacy and erode public trust.
“This is a very important matter. We should not in any way try to use the position of the Senate because the Order Paper is clear,” Ndume asserted. He further emphasized the need for a supplementary Order Paper to reflect any changes, highlighting the voices of Nigerians and the National Economic Council in the discourse.
In response, Deputy Senate President Barau firmly maintained that the Senate’s actions were consistent with its regulations, stating, “We are not here for rhetoric. We are here for facts.” This exchange escalated tensions, leading to a chaotic scene as lawmakers shouted across the floor.
Ultimately, Ndume was ruled out of order, allowing the FIRS chairman and tax experts to present their perspectives on the proposed Tax Reform Bill. This incident not only highlighted the contentious nature of the reform but also underscored the deep divisions within the Senate, reflecting the broader public debate surrounding the issue.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
