News
Atiku once depended on me to counter Obasanjo – Sowore
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore has revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar used to send him documents to fight his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo when they were in office.
He said he got the documents through Garba Shehu, the current Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari who was a Special Assistant on Media to Atiku.
Sowore revealed this during a recent interview with Arise TV while reacting to Atiku’s allegations levelled against him that he usually leaves Nigeria after an election and knows nothing about power generation.
According to the rights activist, he has only contested for the office of President once in 2019 and has never left the country since then.
Sowore said: “He mixed up a number of things. I think he is losing memory, otherwise, he would have known, that I have never, at any point, left the issues concerning Nigeria. In fact, for him and others, I was a source of news while they were in office – that means in the government.
“In fact, when Garba Shehu used to work with him as SA, they used to send me documents from the inside. I’m revealing it from the first time so as to counter Obasanjo in those days when they were in each other’s neck.”
Speaking further, Sowore said: “My first time contesting in Nigeria was 2019 and I’ve not left since then. I’ve not left. I’ve been here since that time. But, he has left each time he contested. This is going to be his seventh time contesting.
Entertainment
Father of late singer Mohbad credits improved life to divine, spiritual assistance
Joseph Aloba, father of late singer Mohbad, reveals his life improved significantly after his son’s passing, attributing it to divine help
Joseph Aloba, the father of late Nigerian singer Mohbad, has shared how his life has seen a remarkable improvement since the tragic passing of his son in September last year.
Speaking in an interview with media personality Akin Abolade, Aloba expressed gratitude for the unexpected blessings he has received, which he credits to the combined influence of Mohbad’s spirit and God.
In the emotional interview, Aloba revealed that Mohbad had made significant plans to support him, but these ambitions remained unfulfilled due to unforeseen circumstances before the singer’s untimely death.
However, he stated that since Mohbad’s passing, he has experienced an outpouring of support from well-wishers who have provided him with essential items, including a car.
“Let me just say yes, my life got better after Mohbad’s death because he is my friend. He had it in plan to do many things for me, but they didn’t allow him to do them,” Aloba explained.
“After his death, it was the spirit of Mohbad, and that of God combined together that began to send people to assist me. Even the car and everything I have now, it was people that gave them to me, and it is beyond ordinary.”
Reflecting further, Aloba noted that the assistance he now receives mirrors the intentions his son had for him. He added, “Those were the things he was meant to be doing for me, but they didn’t allow him to do them.”
The late Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, passed away under mysterious circumstances in September 2024, leaving fans and the Nigerian music industry in mourning. Investigations into the cause of his death remain ongoing, with many still seeking answers.
Education
Kogi State Governor abolishes tax clearance policy for student enrollment
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo ends the controversial tax clearance policy, ensuring students’ education rights remain protected
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has ordered an immediate halt to the policy requiring parents to present Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) for their children’s enrollment in state-owned tertiary institutions.
This decision follows public outcry and protests led by civil society groups, who argued that the policy infringed upon the right to education.
Announcing the directive during a media briefing in Lokoja, the Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Alhaji Sule Enehe, stated that the move reflects the governor’s commitment to accessible education.
“The governor responded swiftly to public concerns, emphasizing that education must remain accessible to all Kogi State students,” said Enehe.
The policy, introduced to encourage tax compliance, drew criticism for potentially denying access to education for students whose parents were unable to provide TCCs.
With the directive now revoked, students can register and gain admission without the previously mandated requirement.
Enehe, however, reminded residents of their constitutional duty to pay taxes, noting that non-compliance could restrict access to benefits such as bursary allowances.
He added, “Parents must play their part by paying taxes to support state education and other social amenities.”
Highlighting further reforms, Enehe disclosed that KGIRS has ramped up efforts to eliminate illegal tax practices. Since the crackdown began, 43 illegal tax collectors have been prosecuted, while several corrupt staff members have been dismissed.
To streamline operations, the revenue service has digitised tax payment systems, allowing individuals and businesses to fulfil their obligations more efficiently.
KGIRS reported steady revenue growth in recent years, with collections rising from ₦17 billion in 2021 to ₦27.7 billion in 2024.
The service has set an ambitious target of ₦35.1 billion for 2025, aiming to sustain the state’s developmental initiatives.
Governor Ododo’s administration continues to prioritise education, as seen in the establishment of three state-owned universities.
The governor’s directive aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational access for Kogi State students.
This decisive action signals the government’s resolve to balance tax compliance with the constitutional right to education, fostering both development and inclusivity.
News
Nigeria’s inflation rate climbs to 34.80% in December 2024
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate has risen to 34.80% in December 2024, driven by increased demand during the festive season. The report highlights ongoing economic challenges despite a slight month-on-month decrease
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate surged to 34.80% in December 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
This marks a slight increase from 34.60% in November, driven by heightened demand for goods and services during the festive season.
The year-on-year comparison shows a significant 5.87 percentage point rise from 28.92% in December 2023, pointing to a persistent inflationary trend.
However, month-on-month inflation decreased marginally, falling to 2.44% in December from 2.64% in November 2024.
Urban areas experienced a more pronounced inflation rise of 37.29%, while rural areas saw an inflation rate of 32.47%.
Despite this, the month-on-month decrease offers a sign of easing inflationary pressure. Analysts emphasise the need for effective monetary and fiscal measures to stabilise prices and address the persistent economic challenges.
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