• Lawmakers to get Bill

Should the proposed Executive bill be passed, politicians found guilty of tax evasion will be barred from seeking elective offices.

The plan was made known yesterday by chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee Taiwo Oyedele.

He said an amendment to an existing tax law will be sent to the National Assembly to ensure tax compliance and prevent default by the political class.

Oyedele, who spoke at the 2024 strategic retreat for staff of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) in Abuja, outlined key reforms on tax compliance among politicians and the plan to set up a national tax amnesty programme.

He said a proposed amendment to the existing tax law would disqualify those who fail to meet their tax obligations from running for political office.

Oyedele said: “We’re moving beyond a tax clearance certificate, which can be easily obtained. Effective compliance involves a thorough examination of tax declarations, filings, and payments to determine if a candidate is genuinely fulfilling his tax responsibilities as outlined in the constitution.

“This issue arose during the last election. The argument was that the constitution doesn’t explicitly list tax compliance as a qualification criterion. We’re rectifying this oversight to ensure financial responsibility among those seeking public office.”

Oyedele unfolded plans for a tax amnesty programme later this year titled: the “Voluntary Disclosure or Declaration Program.”

Emphasising the JTB’s role in the initiative, he said: “The term ‘amnesty’ can have negative connotations. However, the core objective is to encourage tax compliance. The JTB, as the leading tax coordination body, is perfectly positioned to spearhead this programme.”

Oyedele reflected on the previously implemented Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) programme, implemented previously, saying that “VAIDS could have achieved greater success if the JTB had been placed at the forefront, rather than acting as one stakeholder among many.”

He added: “I recall a JTB meeting where I asked for a live response to the question of how many members supported VAIDS. To my surprise, over 50% indicated their disapproval. This wasn’t about a lack of desire to collect taxes from evaders; it was about disagreement with the government’s approach.”

“This time around, we’ll adopt a different strategy, ensuring not only the JTB’s involvement but also the collaboration of all stakeholders. We’ll work together to co-create a solution that addresses everyone’s concerns.”

Oyedele also highlighted the proposed reforms that will transform the JTB’s role.

He said: “We all recognise that the JTB’s mandate goes beyond personal income tax. The current reform package includes a draft law to replace the traditional tax return system. This will pave the way for the establishment of a new entity with a broader scope.

“The name will change, but the JTB’s core function will remain: to coordinate and harmonize all taxes and levies, not just personal income tax. It’s vital that you begin preparing for this new operating environment that’s just around the corner.”

JTB Secretary OlusegunAdesokan emphasized the need for adaptation, saying: “Our domestic tax ecosystem is undergoing significant reforms. The JTB, with its critical role in tax administration, needs to be positioned to seize the opportunities that this transformation presents.”

He added: “Achieving this goal requires the JTB Secretariat staff to embrace a culture of collaboration and innovation. By fully comprehending their evolving roles within this new dispensation, they will ensure the JTB’s continued success.”

SOURCE

In the intricate mosaic of Nigeria’s societal fabric, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a beacon of commitment, resilience, and service.

Born on March 6th, 1973, in Lagos, he draws from a lineage steeped in political legacy, being the grandson of the late Premier of Western Region, Alhaji Daudu Sooroye Adegbenro. Raised in a family that values service to the community, Otunba Adegbenro has carved his path as a distinguished figure in Nigerian society.

The culmination of his familial heritage and dedication to community service was marked by his installation as the first Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

This historic event, which took place on January 20th, 2018, under the auspices of His Royal Majesty Oba Olusanya Dosunmu II, traditional ruler of Owu kingdom, reinforced Otunba Adegbenro’s deep-rooted ties to his cultural heritage and commitment to uplifting his people.

Beyond his traditional titles, his influence extends globally, with his appointment as High Commissioner by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), where he spearheads foreign special missions aimed at preventing illegal migration and human trafficking. This appointment is a testament of his reputation as a renowned security expert and industrialist, whose expertise transcends national borders.

In his role as the acting Director-General of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons, and Pipeline Vandalism (NATCOM), Otunba Adegbenro has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to combating threats to national security. His vast experience in security consultancy and supply of security gadgets has positioned him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s security landscape.

However, Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom’s contributions extend beyond the realm of security.

Through his foundation, the Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation (OAAF), he channels his resources towards uplifting the less privileged in society. With initiatives ranging from the provision of boreholes to communities lacking access to clean water, to scholarships for deserving students, he exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy and communal solidarity.

Reflecting on his journey, Otunba Adegbenro once acknowledged the challenges he has faced, from navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship to confronting societal stereotypes.

Yet, through it all, he remains resolute in his commitment to service and upliftment. His philosophy, rooted in faith and compassion, drives him to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, regardless of obstacles encountered along the way.

Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the common good. In him, Nigerians find not only a visionary leader but a compassionate steward of progress, whose impact reverberates far beyond the shores of his homeland.

…says Fubara has been interfering with his job

The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Rivers State, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, has rejected his redeployment following the cabinet reshuffle by the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara amidst the ongoing crisis in Rivers.

Adangor in a letter addressed to the Secretary to Rivers State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo, also resigned his membership of the State Executive Council.

Fubara had through the office of the SSG redeployed Adangor to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and the commissioner for finance, Isaac Kamalu, to the Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment.

The governor said their transfers took immediate effect and asked them to hand over to the permanent secretaries of their various ministries.

But in his letter of rejection and resignation, Adangor said he was no longer willing to continue to serve in Fubara’s administration in any capacity whatsoever.

He said Fubara had in the past couple of weeks interfered with his job as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

He said Fubara directed him not to defend, oppose or appear in suits instituted against his office and the Rivers Government by persons admittedly hired and sponsored by the government.

He said: “I want to state for the records that I am no longer willing to continue to serve in the administration of His Excellency, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara in any capacity whatsoever.

“It is important to mention that the Governor of Rivers State in the past couple of weeks willfully interfered with the performance of my duties as the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice by directing me not to defend, oppose, or appear in suits instituted against the Attorney-General and the state government by individuals admittedly hired and sponsored by the government of rivers state.

“Having served the government and good people of Rivers State dutifully, as a member of the Rivers State executive council for five years, it has become imperative for me to quit the administration in order to preserve my reputation. I wish the administration of His Excellency well.”