Jaba LG 2024 PDP Congresses: Fed. High Court Dismisses Case Against PDP, INEC by aggrieved party members

Bomba Dauda

Honourable Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court Kaduna Division has dismissed the case filed against the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), PDP (Kaduna State) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the plaintiff, Mrs. Lami Tanko of PDP Samban ward and five others who sought the court to set aside the 18th September, 2024 PDP Ward and LG congresses in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to the lead counsel of the Defendants, Barr. Kasai Jesse Arung of Zon Zon Attorneys, the plaintiff: Lami Tanko of Samban ward; Tere Shittu of Fada ward; Godwin Sati of Sab-Chem ward; Abashiya Fidelis of Fai ward; Solomon Adamu of Daddu ward and Raphael Ibrahim of Chori ward approached the court, prayed that it set aside the 18th September, 2024 ward and LG congresses.

He added, Hon. Justice Hauwa’u Buhari in her judgement yesterday, 25th November, 2014, said, the court has no jurisdiction over the case. She further stated that the parties involved should explore the internal mechanism of the party to resolve the issue.

For the benefit of hindsight, across the 23 LGAs in Kaduna State, Jaba was the last to conduct its congresses because the Returning Officer for the 27th July, 2024 congresses in Jaba, Mr. Joseph Bagudu, said, he was hoodwonk and the result sheets were carted away by Hon. Henry Mara. It led to the prolonged back and forth within the party in Jaba LG, which resulted to the rescheduled congresses of 16 September, 2024 where 17 officials in 10 wards of Jaba LGA were elected and the Returning Officer, Barr. Simon Yakubu Arabo expressed satisfaction over the processes of the election process and were returned elected.

It is on record that Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, member representing Jaba/Zango-Kataf Federal Constituency and Hon. Henry Mara self-isolated themselves and their supporters from participating in the rescheduled congresses, but later went to court asking the court to set aside the outcome of the congresses, which was yesterday dismissed by Hon. Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division.

Speaking to Gurara Accord after the court judgement, PDP Chairman of Jaba LGA, Hon. David Bijiri Sabastine urged all the aggrieved PDP members to toe the line of peace and join the wider community of the party to chart a new course. As a family, we should learn to solve our crisis internally rather than heading to the court, exposing our dirty linings. No crisis is too complicated for the party to handle through its internal resolution mechanism.

The immediate past Speaker of Jaba Legislative Council and the running mate to Engr. Mamuda Ladan, the Jaba LG PDP flag bearer in the 2024 chairmanship race, Hon. Danladi Amos bared his mind on the excitement that overwhelmed him. “I can’t explain how I’m feeling with this judgement. This is a win for democracy because the outcome of 2024 PDP congresses in Jaba LG are the true reflection of people’s will.”

CHAIRMAN KADUNA FORWARD: UBA SANI COALITION SUPPORT GROUP TASIU MUSA HAILS IGABI STAKEHOLDERS FOR SUPPORTING RT HON YUSUF IBRAHIM ZAILANI’S SENATE CANDIDACY

In a significant show of political unity, Tasiu Musa, Chairman of the Kaduna Forward: Uba Sani Coalition Support Group, has commended the stakeholders of Igabi for their decisive support for the 9th Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani FCNA, to contest for the Senate seat representing Kaduna Central in the upcoming elections.

In an exclusive interview with journalists in Kaduna, Tasiu Musa emphasized that there is no better choice than Rt Hon Yusuf Zailani to carry the flag of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He urged all constituents in Kaduna Central to rally behind Zailani’s candidacy, framing it as a pivotal move for the betterment of the state.

“With Rt Hon Yusuf Zailani in the Senate, we can expect a strong ally for our Governor, Mal Uba Sani,” Tasiu stated. “His experience and dedication will serve as a crucial helping hand in attracting both national and international development to our state.”

Tasiu highlighted Zailani’s extensive political background and commitment to service, asserting that his candidacy would not only bolster the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections but also enhance the party’s platform of progress and development. “Zailani embodies the ideals of our party, and his leadership in the Senate will ensure that our collective vision for Kaduna State is realized,” he added.

The Chairman reiterated the commitment of the Kaduna Forward: Uba Sani Coalition Support Group to uphold the ideologies and developmental projects championed by Governor Mal Uba Sani. “We are dedicated to forging a path of progress for our people, and supporting Zailani is a critical step in that direction,” Tasiu affirmed.

As the political landscape in Kaduna continues to evolve, the endorsement of Rt Hon Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani by Igabi stakeholders marks a crucial moment in the quest for effective representation in the Senate. The Kaduna Forward: Uba Sani Coalition Support Group remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that the APC emerges victorious in the 2027 elections, with Zailani leading the charge for a brighter future for Kaduna Central.

Coalition To Embark on Protest over New Tax Reform Bills

…Says alleged “Anti North” Bills are Rejected

Angry over recent open support of some northerners for the new tax reform initiative,Coalition of northern groups under aegis of Forum for Growth and Development of Arewa(FGDA) have fixed Wednesday to embark over the bills they described as “Anti-North”.

Accordingly to the Coalition , the decision to embark on the protest is to send a strong to message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of Senate and House of Representatives that the alleged”Anti North Bills” are rejected and unacceptable.

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bill to the Senate. The proposed legislation is aimed at streamlining tax collection, ensuring compliance and optimising revenue.

But in a statement signed by the Convener made available to journalists in Kaduna today said, “We have consulted widely and carried out investigation about the proposed tax reform bills and discovered that the implementation would relatively affect and “relegate the northerner region economically and commercially.”

The group which condemned House of Representatives member, Abdulmumin Jibrin, representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State for his supportive stance and endorsement of the controversial tax reform bill, said his position on the tax reform is without consideration to our backwardness and development gap between South and North.

“We therefore submit that the tax reform will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, especially considering the current harsh economic reality in the country.” It stated.

While acknowledging that the proposed tax reform could be of significant interest or benefits to those in the South, the group insisted, “We make bold to inform this backing this anti-North bill remember that an average northern is suffering now and cannot afford to dragged beyond this point of poverty line.

“North is currently facing problems insecurity,severe poverty, unemployment, and dearth of infrastructure and any move to further create a policy that will improvish us will be met with resistance.

“We are therefore calling our youths and citizens from the region to join to stop further action on the tax reform bills.” The statement “

Attack on Nuhu Ribadu , Baseless , Irresponsible says Shehu Sani 

Former lawmaker and Senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District  in 8th Senate, Comrade Shehu Sani has described the recent attack on Nuhu Ribadu as baseless and irresponsible. 

According to him, Ribadu has performed more than any past National Security Adviser in coordinating security agencies and fighting terrorism.

Shehu Dani who disclosed this in chat with newsmen the National Security Adviser has restored order; peace and relative stability in most areas of the North that have been besieged and destroyed by bandits and terrorists. 

Reacting  to remarks made by a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, on the insecurity in parts of the country, he said Ribadu has been able to coordinate a security strategy that has protected Schools in the North and guarded key roads like the Abuja kaduna road,Maiduguri Damaturu road and Kaduna Birnin Gwari road, he revealed that Most of the terrorists leaders in the North have been arrested or eliminated. 

He however recalled,  “After the catastrophic failure of the GEJ and Buhari administration to secure the North,Nuhu has relatively accomplished in the area they failed. ‘

He further stated that  “Nuhu Ribadu is a round peg in a round hole.His achievements are self evident.Under Buhari,mass killings and kidnappings was a daily tragedy despite billions stolen in the name of defense and security. 

“Nuhu Ribadu’s Performance,dedication and passion for security in the North is unmatched,unparalleled and unprecedented”.

Northern Business Professionals lists gains of Tax reforms

…Tells NASS to pass the Bill without delay

Northern Business Professionals have backed the proposed tax reform bills on grounds that the gains far outweighs the disadvantages and guarantee business development.

According to group , the tax reform bills are long awaited as they will help to stimulate the economy and establish a streamlined tax administration system; free multiple taxation and reshape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape aa well as drive economic growth and sustainability.

The President had on September 3, 2024 submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, led by Taiwo Oyedele, to review existing tax laws.

In a press statement made available to Kaduna journalists today , the Northern Business Professionals said, there is no basis to entertain any fear about the bills. Adding” If anything, Nigerians will commend Tinubu for laying a solid foundation that will ensure the fiscal stability of the country.

In the statement signed by Mal. Abubakar Mustapha Kauru ,they gave assurance that ,”When Nigerians get to know the details of the documents, they will know that the president is working to bring relief to them and their businesses.”

While noting that multiplicity of taxes is one factor that has continued to impede efficiency in Nigeria’s tax system, with a negative impact, it stated that ,” The four executive bills seek to tidy up the fiscal policy and legislation environment in the country.

Adding,”These bills seek to translate the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, chaired by Taiwo Oyedele, into an implementable legislative framework for the benefit of Nigerians.

“Though the transimission of the bills to National Assembly sparked debates in the polity about the purpose of the bills with some persons expressing fears that it might encapsulate proposals calling for a raise in tax rates in a way that will further burden the citizens.”

However it explained: “There a dire need to modernize the nation’s tax framework, the reforms in order to o consolidate tax structures, unify revenue collection,promote economic development,and provide for price transparency and monitoring of publication costs and fees.

“The greatest news is that the bills seek to offer a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes and reducing disputes, thus we urge the National Assembly to pass it without delay.”

Tax Reform Bills: Islamic Groups to Meet Wednesday To Take Stand

Amalgamation of Islamic groups under umbrella of Islamic Forum for Unity of the Ummah have concluded arrangements to meet on Wednesday to discuss the controversial Tax Reform Bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

According to the Islamic Forum, sensitive government policy, such as the proposed tax reforms needs wider consultations with stakeholders, groups and the citizens before been passed into law.

The President had, on September 3, transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration.

But in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Mallam Adam Awwal Muhammad and Secretary Sheikh Akanbi Rashidi Bolaji, Islamic Forum for Unity of the Ummah expressed concerns over the rejection of the bills by northern governors and National Economic Council recommendation for withdrawal.

The statement further said ,”At the Meeting convened by Sheikh Mustapha Al-Arabi convener, members of Islamic groups are expected to discuss the content of bills with regards to interest and economic implications as well as benefits to Muslim communities across the country and take a stand.

It also hinted that the decision to meet over the controversial tax reform bills stemmed from the concerns raised in some quarters over the new derivation-based model for VAT distribution and the contents of the bills, which the northern governors claimed did not align with the interests of the North and other subnational entities.

While noting that the bills have not been presented for a second reading where the principles of the bills will be debated, it stated, “We don’t want to be Hoodwinked into accepting a tax reform the will affect our people and their economic wellbeing,thus our decision to meet and get informed knowledge about the reforms before taking a stand.

The Forum further said:”We have read the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele, for the review of existing tax laws.

“From the document read ,we observed that the bills are the Nigeria Tax Bills are expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

” We noticed it proposes several key changes, that include a gradual increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 15% by 2030 and an adjustment in Company Income Tax, which would set a rate of 27.5% for large companies, reducing to 25% by 2026.Additionally, the bill proposes a 4% development levy on companies to fund the Student Education Loan Fund, along with a 5% excise duty on sectors such as lottery, gaming, and telecommunications.
” We hope that the issues of transparency, particularly through provisions requiring price transparency and monitoring of publication costs are upheld” .