Atiku, Oyedele, Bode George, Fubara in the spotlight

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele has announced that commercial sex workers will begin paying taxes under new fiscal laws effective January 2026. Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Bode George, rated Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency above that of Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, while ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar […]

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele has announced that commercial sex workers will begin paying taxes under new fiscal laws effective January 2026. Former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Bode George, rated Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency above that of Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, while ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar denied reports of stepping down for anyone in 2027. In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dissolved his cabinet.

 

No plan to step down for anyone in 2027 – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting that he intends to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described such claims as a misrepresentation of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.

Ibe explained that a careful review of both the video and transcripts of the interview showed that Atiku never said, suggested, or implied that he intends to step down for anyone.

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“After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the English translation – it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone.

“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest. He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation”, the statement reads in part.

 

Fubara sacks commissioners

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sacked all commissioners and other public office holders serving in his administration.

The decision, according to a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, takes immediate effect and followed the recent Supreme Court judgment.

The governor, during a valedictory session with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary at Government House, Port Harcourt, thanked the outgoing officials for their services and contributions to the state’s development over the past two years.

The statement read in part, “Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years.

“The governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.

“Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect.”

Fubara also reiterated his commitment to serve the state “with renewed vigour,” while expressing gratitude to Rivers people for their support and wishing Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

 

Jonathan has better records than Buhari, Tinubu – Bode George

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, on Tuesday said former President Goodluck Jonathan has better records as president than the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu.

George said Jonathan’s period as Nigerian president can’t be compared to that of Buhari and Tinubu’s current era.

The PDP chieftain spoke in an interview with Arise Television while commenting on Jonathan running for president in 2027.

He said: “But what is striking, and it’s the fact that they were comparing Jonathan’s period with Buhari and Bola’s period. How? Let’s the will of the people be respected.

“If you look at Jonathan’s period, ask any Nigerian and ask them what have you been feeling since from Buhari’s period to Bola Tinubu’s period.

“Check out the economic indices, is it the interest rate? The inflation rate? The value of Naira compared to the dollar?

“Who is happy now? Whether you’re a rich man or a poor man. You go to the market. Things that they used to buy for maybe about 5,000 Naira is now about 25,000 Naira. And they are claiming that they are economic indices.

“Anybody who is coming out will show their documents. And whatever Nigerians felt during Jonathan’s period and what they are feeling now with the APC in government.

“I said if Jonathan comes and he wins, he has a good record, much better than Buhari and Bola Tinubu together, much better.”

 

Commercial sex workers will pay tax – Taiwo Oyedele

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele has said that commercial sex workers will pay tax under the new laws which will come into effect from January 2026.

Oyedele said this during an engagement session at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos.

The tax expert said: “If somebody is doing runs girls (sex worker), right, they go and look for men to sleep with. You know that’s a service. They will pay tax on it.”

According to him, the new laws do not differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate income sources.

“It just asks you whether you have an income. ‘Did you get it from rendering a service or providing a good?’ Then, you pay tax,” he explained.

Explaining further, Oyedele said money sent to relatives, friends or even strangers are not taxable, as they are considered as gifts.

He said: “You earn a certain amount of money and you have to send upkeep to your cousin, your brother, even a stranger, it doesn’t really matter.

“If the amount you are sending is money you are giving to them not because they have done something for you, then it is a gift. We call it a non-exchange transaction. That is not taxable.”

Recall that the new (reformed) laws are the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.