General News
House Leadership, Opposition Reps bicker over alterations in tax Laws Report
By Saint Mugaga
The leadership of the House of Representatives has dismissed the interim report released by the minority caucus saying it is not tenable in the parliament.
House spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi states this in a statement on Sunday.
“The House of Representatives has taken note of media reports claiming that the Minority Caucus constituted an ad hoc committee on Friday, January 2, 2026, to further examine the recently enacted tax laws, and that the said body has reportedly submitted an interim report.
“While the House recognises the legitimate role of the Minority Caucus within parliamentary democracy and affirms its right to express dissenting opinions, engage in policy advocacy, and raise public concerns, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between political activities and the formal parliamentary processes of the House.
“Under the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (Eleventh Edition), the authority to constitute an ad hoc committee of the House rests solely with the House acting in plenary, or with the Speaker exercising powers conferred under the Standing Orders”, Rotimi stated.
According to him, “No political caucus, whether majority or minority, possesses the procedural authority to establish a committee that carries the status of a parliamentary body.
“Political caucuses remain important platforms for consultation and coordination among Members. However, they do not possess institutional authority within the House and do not possess investigative authority, oversight jurisdiction, or the power to summon persons or demand official documents.
“Any action taken by a caucus in this regard is therefore non-binding, informal, and without legal or institutional consequence. Any committee constituted outside the processes prescribed by the Standing Orders lacks institutional recognition.
“Accordingly, any interim or final report emanating from such a caucus-led body cannot be laid before the House, cannot be received as a parliamentary document, and does not form part of the official legislative or oversight record of the National Assembly.
“The House further considers the action attributed to the Minority Caucus to be procedurally improper, inconsistent with parliamentary norms, liable to set an unwholesome precedent, and to create unnecessary public confusion, particularly since the matter has already been addressed through established parliamentary mechanisms.
“In December 2025, the House of Representatives duly constituted a bipartisan ad hoc committee following the intervention of an opposition Honourable Member who formally drew the attention of the House to the existence of multiple documents purporting to be official gazettes of the tax legislation.
“The mandate of that committee, which comprises Honourable Members from both the ruling and opposition parties, is specifically to examine those allegations.
“That committee was constituted by the House in line with the Standing Orders, remains in force, and continues to discharge its assignment. Upon the conclusion of its work, it will lay its report before the House in plenary.
“Subsequently, the National Assembly, acting jointly through both Chambers, published the official Gazette of the National Assembly and issued Certified True Copies of the enacted tax laws. The legislative process has therefore been concluded and given full legal effect.
“The National Assembly has also formally disowned and debunked any unofficial documents in circulation, reiterating that only the gazetted versions and duly certified copies issued by the National Assembly constitute authentic legislative instruments.
“In this context, the establishment of a parallel caucus-led committee and the circulation of purported interim findings serve only to compound public misunderstanding on an issue that has been institutionally resolved and overtaken by events.
“The House of Representatives remains committed to transparency, accountability, and effective legislative oversight. However, these objectives must be pursued strictly within the framework of the Constitution, the Standing Orders, and long-established parliamentary conventions that safeguard institutional order, legal certainty, and public confidence.
“For the avoidance of doubt, only committees constituted by the House in plenary or by the Speaker have parliamentary authority. Members of the public are therefore advised that any committee or report not constituted or authorised by the House or the Speaker should be regarded strictly as a political initiative and not as an official action of the House of Representatives”, he insisted.
But in a counter statement, Chairman of the minority caucus, Hon. Victor Ogene said their report cannot be wished away.
He said “My attention has been drawn to the dismissive statement by the the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, on Saturday, that the interim report by the Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee, which I chair, on alleged alterations in the Tax Reforms Acts has been overtaken by events, following the release of the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the laws.
“For context and clarity, the Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee’s interim report did not criticise the National Assembly’s work, impugn the integrity of its legislative processes, or implicate, in any way, the institution of culpability in the shocking alterations after the laws has been passed.
“Rather, the report’s factual content highlighted the concerning attempt by perpetrators of the illegal alterations to undermine the Legislature’s functional integrity and independence. This should be a concern for legislators who prioritise law-making in the public interest over transient political considerations.
“It should be noted that while
the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives established a Committee for an independent fact-finding exercise, consistent with parliamentary best practices, the House leadership had earlier constituted another Committee, chaired by Rt.Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, with a similar mandate to review the Tax Acts as passed by the House and the purported gazetted version, with the aim to identify discrepancies and verify the accuracy of the gazetted version.
This raises the question: if, as Hon. Agbese claims, that the alleged alterations in the Tax Reforms Acts has been overtaken by events following the release of the Certified True Copies (CTCs), why is the Betara Committee still sitting and has not been dissolved by the House?”, he submitted.
By Michael Lim, Jos
Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor, apologised to the Igbo community for the role the state played during the Nigerian Civil War, saying the people of Plateau “were deceived” into participating in the 1967 – 1970 conflict.
The governor while in an interactive session with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state stated so at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, over the weekend.
Mutfwang urged both sides to put the past behind them and instead strengthen the bonds of unity.
He commended the Igbo community for its contributions to the socio-economic development of Plateau State, saying they are an integral part of the state’s progress.
Mutfwang stressed that Plateau remains one of the most accommodating states for the Igbo people since the end of the civil war, noting that compensation was paid for some losses suffered during the conflict. In his words:
“I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity. We have become one family because our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move forward.
“We must unite. We want the Igbos to regard us as their brothers and sisters, and together we must create an enabling environment where everyone can prosper.”
He canvassed the goodwill of Igbo businessmen in Plateau to support indigenous entrepreneurs through mentorship and investment saying:
“Nigeria is a great country, and no ethnic group has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit more than the Igbo. I encourage you to replicate that same spirit in Plateau. I also appeal to Igbo business owners to employ and train young Plateau indigenes.”
During the meeting, leaders of the Igbo community endorsed Mutfwang for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election, citing what they described as his inclusive leadership, prudent management of resources and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The endorsement was announced by the President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah.
“We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement is based on his competence, integrity, proven leadership and commitment to equity …
“He has promoted peaceful coexistence and created a business-friendly environment. He stood by us during the demise of our traditional ruler and has consistently engaged stakeholders to promote unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Plateau State.”
Onah further commended the governor’s developmental strides, saying Plateau now enjoys a more conducive environment for business and investment.
“Igbo people have lived in Plateau since before Nigeria’s independence. We appreciate the governor for compensating some of our members over disputed properties and urge Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to support his administration,” he added.
Also speaking, former President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke, described the Igbo as peace-loving people committed to the economic development of Plateau State.
He said the community would support Mutfwang’s re-election bid based on his performance rather than political affiliation.
“We will vote for personalities, not political parties. Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated capacity by creating opportunities and reducing unemployment. We will mobilise our members across the 17 local government areas to support him,” he said.
Okunonke added that the endorsement reflected the cordial relationship the governor has built with the Igbo community through genuine partnership and inclusiveness.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Igbo Affairs, Barr. Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, commended Mutfwang for creating an enabling environment for the Igbo community to thrive in Plateau State.
He urged members of the community to support the governor’s second-term bid and continue partnering with the government to create employment and business opportunities for young people.
Earlier, Hon. High Chief Felix O. Akpunku welcomed members of the Igbo community on behalf of the governor and praised Mutfwang’s developmental projects across the state, describing his administration as one committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development.
The meeting also featured the formal presentation of the new President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Chidi Onah, by the immediate past President-General, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke.
Other speakers, including Chief Dr. Nelson Mkparu and Hon. Maureen Odilimuo, lauded the governor for his inclusive leadership and support for the Igbo community, pledging continued cooperation with his administration.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments by both the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community to strengthen peaceful coexistence, deepen collaboration and promote sustainable development across the state
… NAWOJ Congratulates Ofoku, Describes Her Victory As Historic
From Terkura Vande in Makurdi
Juliana Ofoku, has emerged the first female chairperson of the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ).
She polled 97 votes, to beat two other contestants in a keenly contested election held in Lafia, the state capital on Monday.
Ofoku, of the Information Chapel, polled 97 votes to beat two other male contestants; Samson Jonah of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) chapel, who polled 89 votes and Sunday John of Correspondents’ Chapel, who secured 61 votes.
Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Kalu Idika, declared Ofoku, a one-time acting chairperson of the council, winner after satisfying the requirements of the NUJ Constitution.
Kalu said, “Having satisfied the requirements of the NUJ Constitution, Juliana Ose Ofokwu is hereby declared winner and returned elected as the chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).”
He further stated that the “Total number of votes cast were 249; total number of accredited votes 249, invalid votes 3.”
Appreciating the support he got from members of the NUJ, security agencies and other stakeholders at the occasio, Kalu stated that the election was conducted in a transparent and credible atmosphere.
In her acceptance speech, Ofoku, who commended the Credentials Committee for its ideals, credibility and integrity in the process that saw her emerging victorious, pledged to run an all inclusive administration focused on ethical principles, unity and development.
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has congratulated Juliana Ofoku, for emerging chairperson of the council.
The group pointed out that the emergence of Ofoku, who was the immediate past NAWOJ Secretary, Zone D, said the election is “historic, as the first female Chairman of NUJ Nasarawa State Council.”
In a statement signed by the state secretary of NAWOJ, Esther Enna, said, “This victory is not just yours, but a victory for all women in the media profession. Your dedication, competence, and leadership over the years have paved the way for this milestone.
‘We are confident that under your leadership, the NUJ in Nasarawa State will witness greater unity, professionalism, and visibility.
“NAWOJ Nasarawa State Chapter pledges her full support and collaboration to ensure that women journalists continue to thrive and have a voice under your administration,” Enna, stated.
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
For extorting N53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), during an illegal stop-and-search operation in Abuja, four police officers have been detained by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
Ahmed Sanusi, the FCT Commissioner of Police, made the disclosure on Monday, 20 July, 2026 while briefing journalists in Abuja. He called the officers “thieves” who had no business wearing the police uniform.
He said that the officers mounted an unauthorised checkpoint around the Banex area of Wuse after leaving their respective duty posts and extorted the ICPC chairman without knowing his identity.
Sanusi added that the ICPC boss was forced to withdraw N53,000 through a Point of Sale operator and even paid the transaction charges before the officers shared the money among themselves. In his words:
“I must say here too that we have about four policemen in custody as we speak who successfully extorted somebody of high importance, unknown to them that this person is a highly placed person in society. In clear terms, they extorted the Chairman of the ICPC.
“They extorted him of N53,000. They took him to a POS, he withdrew the money, paid the charges and they shared the money among themselves.”
The police commissioner said investigations revealed that the officers had abandoned their designated duty posts and formed a gang that mounted an illegal checkpoint to extort motorists.
“They are a gang of criminals who left various divisions, clustered together, moved to Wuse Banex and created a checkpoint where they perpetrated this act before fleeing,” he said.
“We got all of them. We are going to make sure they are severely punished. Those that are going to be dismissed will definitely be dismissed,” he added.
The commissioner reiterated that the Inspector-General of Police had prohibited indiscriminate search of citizens’ mobile phones by officers on patrol.
He advised residents to refuse any unlawful demand by policemen to search their phones on the roadside and immediately report such incidents through the police emergency lines.
“You cannot stop anybody on the road and ask the person to bring out his phone for search. If any policeman stops you and asks to search your phone, don’t agree. Call the police emergency lines and we will ask them why,” Sanusi said.
He urged members of the public to promptly report cases of extortion and other misconduct by police personnel, assuring that offenders would be tracked down and sanctioned.
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