The Senate is set to pass the tax reform bills forwarded by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly today (Tuesday), The PUNCH has learned.
This development was confirmed by two prominent senators who requested anonymity, as they were not authorised to speak on the matter.
“This should have been done last week had the Rivers State of emergency issue not come up,” one source explained. “But certainly, the four bills will be approved tomorrow.”
Efforts to reach the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, for confirmation were unsuccessful.
At the time of filing this report, Adaramodu neither answered calls nor responded to text messages seeking clarification.
The imminent Senate move comes just two weeks after the House of Representatives approved the four controversial tax reform bills.
The bills include the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill.
This followed a clause-by-clause review of all relevant amendments at the Committee of the Whole.
Some of the notable amendments include the retention of the Value Added Tax rate at the current 7.5 percent, instead of a staggered increase, and the extension of income tax exemptions to specific agricultural businesses and military officers.
Two weeks ago, the Senate conducted a two-day public hearing on the tax reform bills at the National Assembly.
The hearing gathered key stakeholders from the nation’s economic and financial sectors to discuss and refine important fiscal policies.
In attendance were prominent government and industry figures, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari; members of the Federal Executive Council; heads of relevant agencies; and the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, among others.
Last week, the House of Representatives passed the same bills. With the concurrence of the Senate, the bills will next be transmitted to Tinubu for signing into law.
Ekiti State University (EKSU) in Ado-Ekiti has dismissed 13 staff members for misconduct, including abandonment of duty, sexual harassment, and other breaches of the institution’s rules.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ayodele, disclosed this during a press conference held on Monday ahead of the university’s 29th convocation ceremony.
Professor Ayodele stated that the disciplinary action is part of efforts to maintain order and ensure accountability within the university.
According to him, the administration has taken firm steps to address acts of indiscipline among both staff and students.
The decision to sack the staff members followed investigations that revealed various offences.
Three staff members were found guilty of neglecting their duties, one was dismissed for sexual misconduct, while others were punished by being barred from leadership roles for three years.
Additionally, nine staff members had their appointments terminated, and 21 others were given formal warnings.
As part of preparations for the upcoming convocation, Professor Ayodele shared details about the number of graduating students.
A total of 16,446 students from the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic sessions will graduate, with 200 students earning first-class degrees.
Further classification of degrees showed that 5,406 students achieved second-class upper division, 9,076 earned second-class lower division, and 1,295 were awarded third-class degrees.
Four students graduated with a pass. Higher degrees will also be awarded, including 162 PhDs, 242 master’s degrees, and 61 postgraduate diplomas.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the support of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for increasing the university’s monthly subvention from ₦260 million to ₦410 million. He noted that the additional funding has helped the university clear outstanding staff salaries and allowances, boosting staff morale and ensuring a more stable academic calendar.
The convocation ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
…Commemorates women’s month through its 5 for 5 Promo
Reinforcing its reputation as a pro-women and inclusion-driven bank, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has disbursed a total of N11,000,000 to 131 women across Nigeria in the women’s month draw of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo. The highly anticipated draw took place on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Aba, Nigeria.
Introduced in 2021, the 5 for 5 Promo is Wema Bank’s dedicated avenue for rewarding its customers for their active loyalty to the brand, its products, and offerings. Over the course of 3 seasons, the 5 for 5 Promo disbursed over N150,000,000 to 2,378 Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, returning bigger than ever for season 4 with a N135,000,000 cash prize. Since the season kicked off in October 2024, Wema Bank has disbursed over N50,000,000 to its customers across daily, weekly and monthly draws. For the 5th monthly draw in March, the Bank took a thoughtful step, disbursing the total N11,000,000 cash prize to an all-women pool of winners.
Among the 131 winners from the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Women’s month draw were OGECHUKWU PATIENCE ANI from Aba where the draw held, VANESSA CHIAMAKA OGBONNA from Lagos and MUBARAKAHT ABISOLA ALOWONLE from Bodija; all of whom won N1,000,000 each. Others included 8 individual domiciliary account holders who won N250,000 each, 40 women who won 100,000 each and 80 who won N25,000 each. The women’s month draw closed out excellently, financially empowering Nigerian women from across the country as the women’s month draws to an end.
Congratulating the lucky winners, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni (FCIB), firmly reiterated the Bank’s commitment to empowering women to thrive in all aspects of their lives. According to him,
“Wema Bank was founded on the precept of empowerment. Since 1945, we have carried on this legacy, promoting financial inclusion for the indigenous people of Nigeria and empowering our people with the resources they need to thrive. But for us, this journey has not been a one size fits all”.
“In recognition of the gap that exists in gender equality, we have been intentional about creating tailored opportunities for women through our women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, and our vast range of customised solutions and initiatives designed for women. We have simply leveraged the 5 for 5 Promo as one more way of supporting our women, this women’s month. For us, it’s all about impact, and we are delighted to have put smiles on the faces of Nigerian women from all across the country. That is the joy for us”.
“To the 131 women who emerged winners, I say a hearty congratulations to you, and I take this opportunity to also thank you for choosing Wema Bank and continuing to trust our services. We do not take it for granted. For 80 years, we have pulled all stops to deliver the best quality of impactful banking to the people of Nigeria, and I boldly reaffirm that we will never relent in providing a rewarding, fulfilling and empowering banking experience for every customer of Wema Bank”, Oseni concluded.
From its grand commemoration of International Women’s Day to giving out N11,000,000 to women in the 5 for 5 Promo, disbursing billions of Naira in loans and financial support to providing market access for women, among other intentional acts of impact; Wema Bank continues to prove itself a financial institution that is truly committed to empowering women.
The Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo is open to both new and existing customers of Wema Bank. Any Nigerian from any part of the country can qualify to participate by meeting the minimum requirements of funding their Wema Bank/ALAT accounts and actively transacting.
The Lagos State Government on Sunday said it was set to close Olusosun and Solus landfills within the next 18 months as part of measures to maintain a clean city.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed this, also countered the claim that Lagos smells, as recently posited by a corps member.
The government said it would close the landfills to transition them into modern Transfer Loading Stations where waste would be sorted, compacted and redirected to recycling facilities.
According to the government, the move is part of the comprehensive approach to ensure a clean, resilient, and livable city, dispelling viral insinuations that the state is smelling.
In a statement on Sunday, the commissioner insisted that “Lagos is not ‘smelling,’ it is evolving toward sustainable waste processing, modernised landfill management, cleaner waterways and structured sanitation systems.”
He said, “The present administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains steadfast in its commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable city through strategic environmental initiatives.
“Waste and sanitation challenges in a rapidly growing mega city like Lagos require structural solutions, not sound bites or political rhetoric.”
Other measures undertaken by the state government, according to Wahab, include the installation of over 50 air quality monitors across the state at strategic locations to capture industrial, transport and household emissions.
Wahab said in line with the state’s THEMES plus Agenda, the government had expanded waste collection services to hard-to-reach communities, and in partnership with Ibeju Lekki Local Government, tricycle compactors had been introduced to provide waste collection services on a pay-as-you-go model in areas with non-motorable roads.
He said Lagos is also advancing its Waste to Energy project in Epe that would process 2,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily and generate 60-80 megawatts of electricity, contributing clean energy to the Lagos power grid.
The commissioner stated that as part of the street sanitation exercise, 15,000 street sweepers were deployed daily across highways, inner roads and markets, as well as stronger enforcement of environmental laws.
“In addressing open defecation, the state is embarking on continuous sensitisation and the construction of an additional 150 public toilets, which will be complemented by another 250 to be built through a public-private partnership,” Wahab explained.
A former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Adolphus Wabara, on Sunday, faulted President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Wabara insisted that Tinubu’s actions violated the fundamental principles of Nigeria’s Constitution and called for immediate reversal.
The development comes as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project filed a lawsuit against Tinubu, challenging the legality of his decision.
The President, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, slammed the state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu and members of the state House of Assembly.
He also appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), as sole administrator for an initial period of six months.
The proclamation was ratified by the National Assembly on Thursday.
Defending his action, the President insisted that the state was drifting toward anarchy due to the frosty relationship between Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly members loyal to the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Many Nigerians, including the opposition members and PDP governors, former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, condemned what they termed an unconstitutional order in Rivers.
Wabara, in a statement he issued on Sunday, described the decision as unconstitutional and a grave assault on democracy.
“This action is a gross violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, the foundational legal document that guarantees the rights of Nigerians to participate in the democratic process, and a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law.
“It is an attack on the very essence of our Republic. It’s an action that deserves the strongest condemnation and corrective action by all well-meaning Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community.
“In my capacity as the Chairman of BoT of our great party, the PDP; and a former Senate President, I, Senator Adolphus Wabara, call for the reversal of this assault on our democracy.
“It’s sad and disheartening that Mr President ignored my earlier advice to ignore those calling for emergency rule in Rivers State,” he said.
He said the proclamation reminded Nigerians of the era of military dictatorship in the country.
“President Bola Tinubu’s action only reminded Nigerians of the better-forgotten era of military dictatorship.
“The people of Rivers State exercised their democratic rights in electing their leaders, including the governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly.
“These leaders were not appointed by the President or any other authority, but were chosen by the people to represent their interests,” he added.
Wabara said the President could only declare a state of emergency in specific circumstances such as war, insurrection, or other situations that threatened the integrity of the nation, adding that the situation in Rivers did not meet the constitutional criteria for such a declaration.
“The constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials.
“Such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.
“The President’s decision to replace democratically elected officials with an un-elected sole administrator is nothing short of a democratic travesty.
“It is a stark reminder of the fragility of our democratic institutions and the persistence of authoritarian tendencies by the President,” he added.
He condemned the National Assembly, which he advised must not be seen as a rubber stamp.
“They should engage Mr President and find a way to adopt a Doctrine of Necessity to salvage the situation and must defend our democracy and protect the rule of law,” he said.
In a suit brought by Yirabari Israel Nulog; Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal; and Gracious Eyoh–Sifumbukho, who are members of its Volunteers’ Lawyers Network in Rivers State, SERAP challenged the legality of Tinubu’s decision.
Joined in the suit as defendants are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas (retd.).
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/558/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the plaintiffs are seeking: “an order setting aside the suspension of the democratically elected officials in Rivers State by President Tinubu while proclaiming a state of emergency in the state.”
The plaintiffs also seek “an order setting aside the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as the sole administrator of Rivers State.”
In the suit, the plaintiffs argued that: “The rule of law would be a mere figure of speech if the people’s right to participation can be arbitrarily suspended or violated.”
It was filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by their lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN).
“The suspension is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s obligations under article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and articles 2, 3 and 4 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.”
“The combined provisions of sections 1(2), 14(1)(c), 176(1) (2) and 305(1) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution create a delicate balance of rights and responsibilities, balancing the exercise of the President’s power against the people’s right to participation in their own government, and the notion of respect for the rule of law,” the suit read.
The Federal Government says it will learn power generation and transmission from Egypt which it described as a role model in the sector.
The government also has reaffirmed its commitment to rural development through improved electricity access,
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this during a recent meeting in Abuja with the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad.
A statement by Adelabu’s spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, said on Sunday that the meeting centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy expansion, with a focus on renewable energy and rural electrification.
Adelabu commended Egypt’s achievements in the energy sector, describing the country as a role model in energy infrastructure development.
He expressed Nigeria’s interest in learning from Egypt’s experience in energy generation, transmission, and distribution, adding that the success in Egypt led to the engagements with Siemens with a view towards stabilising Nigeria’s power sector.
“Egypt has made remarkable strides in energy transformation, and we are eager to collaborate and learn from your expertise. Our goal is to ensure reliable, stable, and affordable energy access for all Nigerians,” he added.
Adelabu highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to connect remote rural areas to power through renewable energy initiatives, citing the economic challenges of extending the national grid to these regions.
“Many rural areas cannot be connected to the grid due to economic constraints, but we cannot neglect them. Through our renewable energy programme, we are bridging this gap. We have secured significant investments, including $750m from the World Bank’s DARES project and an additional $190m from the Japan International Cooperation Agency to support this initiative,” Adelabu stated.
He emphasised Nigeria’s abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric potential, expressing the government’s determination to harness these resources for sustainable energy access.
Speaking, Fouad expressed Egypt’s enthusiasm for collaborating with Nigeria, particularly in closing the metering gap and sharing best practices in energy access.
He emphasised the shared goals and mutual benefits of strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
“Nigeria and Egypt have much in common, and there is immense potential for collaboration in the energy sector. We are committed to working together to achieve sustainable energy solutions for both countries,” Fouad said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has warned officers of the Nigeria Police Force against the unlawful and prolonged detention of suspects.
The IG stressed that suspects must not be detained beyond legally stipulated periods and warned that any officer found culpable of such violations would face strict disciplinary measures.
Egbetokun noted that unlawful detentions erode public trust and confidence in the police force, urging officers to conduct their duties with professionalism, integrity, and respect for human rights.
In a statement on Sunday by the Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG emphasised the need for strict adherence to constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly Sections 34 and 35 of the Nigerian Constitution, which uphold human dignity and personal liberty.
He said, “The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern reminder to all members of the Nigeria Police Force regarding the importance of respecting the fundamental rights in the context of pre-trial detentions.
“The IGP emphasised that adherence to legally stipulated detention periods is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental aspect of upholding the dignity and rights of individuals, as enshrined in Sections 34 and 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right to dignity and personal liberty.
“The IG cautions against any practices that may lead to unlawful or prolonged detentions, which can undermine public trust and confidence in the police, reiterating that any officer found violating these principles will face serious consequences. Calling for a culture of accountability within the Force, the IGP thereby encourage officers to uphold the highest standards of conduct in their interactions with the public.”
Adejobi reaffirmed the commitment of the current police leadership to upholding human rights while ensuring law and order.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that all individuals in custody are treated with respect and in accordance with the law. The commitment of the current police leadership to human rights reflects a broader vision of a police force that is not only effective in maintaining law and order but also dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals,” he said.
The Leader of the National Consultative Front, Prof Pat Utomi, has outlined ongoing moves to crystallise a formidable coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections described as serious business.
Utomi, one of the opposition movement leaders, said several discontented members of the APC and Peoples Democratic Party were keen on joining the coalition, apart from members of five other political parties.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Utomi said huge numbers of the APC, PDP and other political parties had expressed their willingness to embrace the coalition to save Nigeria from the brink.
He noted that several movements, and parties would join the coalition and form an alliance, though he noted that there were ongoing talks on the particular platform that would be adopted for the 2027 battle.
Utomi said, “This is serious business. Nigeria is on the brink at a time of a changing global order.
“The approach we now take is to focus on core influence groups within parties.
“In this regard, there are good people who subscribe to our values and development strategy in APC and PDP who have significant following and believe there is a better way and have reached out to us.
“The Social Democratic Party that you have referred to is a work in progress. About five other parties are going through similar processes.
“Also bear in mind that huge numbers are getting ready to leave the APC and PDP and have been reaching out. But the core must be firmly fixed.”
Asked how the coalition intends to take care of the various interests joining the coalition, Utomi said the driving force was self-sacrifice and forging a party leadership where decisions would be made collectively.
Utomi’s assertion comes on the back of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with some opposition leaders, announcing that a coalition is being formed with the aim to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Among those present at the event where Atiku announced the coalition were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who was represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal; former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; a former gubernatorial hopeful in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi; former Director General of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Dr Salihu Lukman; Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, Chief Peter Ameh and Soni Monidafe, among others.
Speaking with The PUNCH, on Sunday, Utomi stressed that the coalition “aims to redeem the collapse of culture in Nigeria as well as showing by example how a disciplined political party acts.”
The NCFront has talked about the unveiling of a mega coalition in June, noting that opposition parties and discontented members of the ruling All Progressives Congress are intensifying behind-the-scenes consultations to form a formidable alliance against the current administration.
Discussions involve key stakeholders from the North and South, including opposition parties, APC defectors, and civil society groups.
The opposition figures said the northern stakeholders, in particular, are inclined towards a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu, arguing that his administration’s policies had disproportionately affected their region.
Speaking further, Utomi said the coalition would be operating a government of national unity resolute to advance the common good in a democratic, transparent and people-centred atmosphere.
“It needs a national unity government focused on a developmental state focused on bringing progress to every nook and cranny of Nigeria, not egotists and narcissists looking for state capture to burnish bloated personal accounts around the world while their country slides into the economic abyss.
“Another point is that leadership of the new order must be collective. No more of the Buhari or “Baba sope” approach that got in the way of a collective good goal in the past iterations of rescue missions. Decisions must be made collectively. We will not be victims of groupthink anymore.
“A collective shadow team will be active shortly and, where necessary, we will turn to people power to reset the agenda of our country.
On the goals of the coalition, Utomi stressed, “It is to make democracy work for the people and to ensure a government with a people-centred focus accelerates constitutional reforms for a better working Nigeria.
“It also aims to redeem the collapse of culture in Nigeria as well as showing by example how a disciplined political party acts, especially in how more capable and values-driven people are recruited into public life.”
He added, “The change we deserve is about a core of people who are a self-sacrificing group focused on disciplined organization to move the apparatus of cooperation and state authority.
“It is also to advance the common good in an atmosphere of freedom that is democratic, transparent and people-centred because touts and criminals abound in many parties and will take money from those in power to simulate the appearance of crisis.”
Juventus FC have officially parted ways with Thiago Motta, relieving him of his duties as the Men’s First Team coach.
In a statement released on the club website on Sunday, the club expressed gratitude to Motta and his staff for their commitment and professionalism during their tenure.
The club also confirmed that Igor Tudor has been appointed as the new head coach and will take charge of his first training session on Monday, March 24.
It is titled, “Thiago Motta no longer First Team coach, Igor Tudor takes over.”
“Juventus FC announce that Thiago Motta has been relieved of his duties as Men’s First Team coach.
“The club would like to thank Thiago Motta and all of his staff for their professionalism and for the work they have carried out in recent months with passion and dedication. The club wish them the best of luck for the future.
“Juventus FC also announce that the Men’s First Team will now be led by Igor Tudor, who will take charge of his first training session tomorrow, Monday, 24 March,” it read.
PUNCH Online reports that the sacking followed a series of disappointing performances, including consecutive heavy defeats.
The club has appointed former player and assistant coach Igor Tudor as his successor.
Motta’s tenure, which lasted approximately eight months, saw Juventus struggling to maintain their traditional dominance in Serie A. https://punchng.com/thiago-motta-named-new-coach-of-juventus/
The team suffered significant losses, notably a 4-0 home defeat to Atalanta, marking their worst home loss since 1967.
These setbacks have left Juventus fifth in the league standings, jeopardising their qualification for the next season’s UEFA Champions League.
According to Football Italia, Tudor, who previously served as an assistant coach at Juventus and has managerial experience with teams like Marseille and Lazio, returns to Turin with the immediate objective of stabilizing the team’s performance.
His appointment is initially set until June 30, with the potential for extension based on the team’s progress and achievements
Armed bandits attacked Baidi community in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Saturday, killing one person and injuring two others.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the village in broad daylight, shooting at residents before fleeing.
The victims were rushed to Tangaza General Hospital, where one later died.
Local sources said this was the third attack in a week, with the attackers arriving on motorcycles in groups of three.
They are reportedly not affiliated with the Lakurawa bandits, who were previously driven out of the area by security forces.
“This is the third attack since the Lakurawa bandits were driven out,” a resident lamented. “Just recently, bandits struck Layinna village, killing one person, injuring several others, and rustling livestock.
They also invaded Aliya village, preventing residents from accessing the only well in the area for water,” the source said.
Efforts to reach Tangaza Local Government Chairman, Isah Salihu Kalenjini, were unsuccessful, but reports indicate he visited the injured victims at the hospital.
The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, told PUNCH Online on Sunday that the attack was reported by the community leader, prompting a swift response from the police and local security forces.
“The leader of the community alerted the Nigerian Police about the attack, and we mobilised immediately to the scene with the support of the state community guard corps.
“Unfortunately, before our arrival, the attackers had already shot three people. We rushed them to the hospital, but one did not survive,” he said.
