First Lady of Nigeria and Senator, Oluremi Tinubu has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is committed to deepening ongoing economic reforms in the country.
In a statement titled ‘2025: a Year of Prosperity and Abundance’ on Wednesday, Senator Tinubu said the reforms will create a country where every Nigerian can thrive.
Her assurance comes following recent hardship caused by the removal of the petrol subsidy by President Tinubu upon the assumption of office in May 2023. And one of the reforms currently generating controversies across the country includes the tax reform bills.
According to her, “I express my heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty, with great hope, and an assurance in the promises for our great nation.
“As we journey through 2025, let us rise above our differences and rebuild the bridges that connect us—bridges of love, respect, and understanding. It is a year to invest in one another; to nurture our youth and protect the dignity of our elders; and to create a country where every Nigerian can thrive, regardless of where they are born, what they believe, or what language they speak.
“I assure you all that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is truly committed to and is already undertaking deepening reforms that will unlock our nation’s economic potentials.
“Let us stand together, lifting each other up, and ensuring no one is left behind. Together, we can build the Nigeria we all desire. Together, we will”, she assured.
I cannot be threatened – Bauchi Gov to Presidency
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, sent an unequivocal reply to the Presidency on Tuesday, saying he stands by his comment on the proposed tax reforms by President Bola Tinubu, and cannot be intimidated.
The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, while speaking on Channels Television‘s 2024 Year-End Review programme, cautioned that the Presidency should not be arrogant, but listen to the people, saying that the proposed tax bills, if passed, would have “concomitant effects” and threaten the survival of the sub-nationals and impoverish them.
According to him, “I cannot be threatened as a governor. I stand by my comments. It is not meant to malign, insult or to do anything to the contrary other than mean well.
“We believe that as the leader of the federation and all other federating units, they should listen to us, not to be arrogant and showing some elements of impunity that whatever happens, they would go ahead”, he said.
Mohammed faulted what he termed the Presidency’s “undemocratic” stance on the tax bills, adding that even those with military backgrounds would have listened to the people and addressed the areas of suspicion and mistrust in the proposed piece of legislation.
He said some states should not be allowed to die, because they do not have the headquarters of companies in Nigeria.
Mohammed had criticized Tinubu’s tax bills in the National Assembly, claiming that they are skewed to favour one region above another. He claimed the bills amounted to “calls for anarchy” and warned that Tinubu would see “our real colour” if the legislations were passed.
The presidency subsequently asked the governor to withdraw his comment, describing it as “inflammatory rhetoric and direct threats toward the federal government”.
Mohammed and his 18 colleagues in Northern Nigeria had unanimously rejected the proposed tax reforms of the President which has courted controversy since its introduction in the parliament but Tinubu has insisted that the tax reforms have come to stay.
