Connect with us

News

Prosperity will not come by taxing poverty – Peter Obi

Published

on

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi has warned that Nigeria risks deepening hardship and undermining national cohesion by pursuing a tax regime that places heavier burdens on an already impoverished population.

He said genuine prosperity cannot be achieved through policies that make citizens poorer, stressing that economic growth must be built on trust, honesty and productivity.

Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on X, where he addressed issues of taxation, leadership responsibility and the weakening social contract between government and citizens.

Drawing from his engagements with leaders across the world, Obi said nations that achieved lasting transformation did so by uniting their people around a shared vision anchored on truth. He argued that leadership without honesty destroys consensus and weakens the foundations of development.

“As I travel the world and meet leaders who have transformed their nations, one lesson is clear: lasting economic and social progress begins with national consensus. Transformative leaders share a defining quality, honesty. Government must be transparent and truthful because citizens deserve nothing less from those who lead them,” he said.

Obi maintained that taxation should function as a genuine social contract, grounded in sincerity, fairness and concern for citizens’ welfare. According to him, every tax policy must be clearly explained, including its impact on incomes and how it contributes to national development.

“If taxation is to function as a genuine social contract, it must be rooted in sincerity, fairness and concern for the welfare of the people. Without transparency, taxation becomes a tool of confusion and burden rather than a mechanism for growth and development,” he said.

See also  Senator decries prolonged incarceration of inmates over inability to pay fines

The former governor argued that Nigeria’s fiscal challenge is not merely about raising revenue but about making citizens wealthier so the nation can grow stronger. He said Nigerians are being asked to pay higher taxes without clarity, explanation or visible public benefits.

He identified the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises as the foundation for sustainable economic growth, noting that thriving small businesses create jobs, raise incomes and naturally expand the tax base.

“The solution begins with empowering small and medium-sized enterprises in every community. You cannot tax your way out of poverty; you must produce your way out of it,” Obi said.

Obi also expressed concern over what he described as an unprecedented tax fraud controversy, alleging that a tax law currently in use is not the version passed by the National Assembly.

He said reports indicate that the legislature itself has acknowledged discrepancies between what was approved and what was eventually gazetted.

“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a tax law has reportedly been forged. Yet citizens are being asked to pay higher taxes under this manipulated framework, without transparency, explanation or corresponding benefits,” he said.Nigerian Travel Packages

He warned against celebrating increased government revenue while citizens grow poorer, describing such outcomes as a failure of governance rather than success.

“There is no virtue in celebrating increased government revenue while the people grow poorer. Any tax system that makes citizens poorer violates the fundamental principles of good governance and sound fiscal policy,” Obi said.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

UK Threatens To Deport Nigerians Over Illegal Jobs

Published

on

The United Kingdom has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians and other migrants against taking up jobs without proper permission, stating that anyone caught working illegally will face arrest, detention and deportation.

It was reports that the UK authorities said actions against illegal workers have increased across the country, with immigration raids now happening more frequently than before.

Officials explained that enforcement teams are actively visiting workplaces to identify people who are breaking immigration rules.

According to the UK government, migrants found working without valid authorisation will be dealt with immediately and may be removed from the country.

The Home Office in a tweet said it is committed to enforcing immigration laws and will not tolerate illegal employment.

The authorities added that working illegally harms the UK labour system and puts lawful workers at a disadvantage, as it allows employers to bypass rules meant to protect jobs and wages.

“Those caught working illegally in the UK will be arrested, detained and removed.

“Immigration Enforcement raids are at record levels, with those found to be working illegally being arrested, detained and removed from the country,” the UK government said.

The warning comes as the UK tightens its border and labour policies, leading to more workplace inspections, especially in sectors known to employ migrant workers.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

 

See also  Atiku denies giving SUV to naval officer in face-off with Wike
Continue Reading

News

Resident Doctors Insist On Planned Strike Despite Court Order

Published

on

The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has said it will proceed with its planned nationwide strike on January 12, 2026, unless its National Executive Council decides otherwise.

The NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, stated this on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

It was reports that the development follows a National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja restraining the association and two of its officials from embarking on any form of industrial action from January 12.

Justice E. D. Subilim granted the interim injunction in a suit marked NICN/ABJ/06/2026, filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation against NARD, Dr Suleiman and Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim.

Speaking via telephone during the programme, Suleiman said the association was not deterred by the court order, alleging that the Federal Government had failed to act in good faith despite NARD’s earlier decision to suspend its strike in November 2025.

Suleiman said, “We signed the MoU on the 27th of November. The strike was supposed to start on the 27th of December. NEC carried it over, and at the beginning of this year, we met again and gave more days.

“Then, at the close of work today, I started hearing from social media that a court injunction has been served. I’m even hearing that ‘no work, no pay’ documents have been released.

“When we are discussing and negotiating, it should be done in good faith. Once you start bringing out armouries and arms like this, it means you don’t want to negotiate in good faith.”

See also  PDP Reps caucus backs party’s resolutions for 2027 elections

Asked whether the association would proceed with the strike despite the court order, the NARD president said the action would go ahead unless the NEC decides otherwise.

“We will proceed unless the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors says otherwise,” he said.

Suleiman, however, said the association was still engaging with the Federal Government and expressed optimism that the dispute could be resolved before the strike date.

“We are in conversations. We are in discussions with the Federal Government’s team. I hope that between tonight and Sunday, a lot of things will be done properly,” he added.

 

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

News

‘I’m Not A Criminal, They Are In Your Offices And Corridors Of Power’ – Baba-Ahmed Recounts DSS Invitation

Published

on

The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has described his recent encounter with the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) as mild Nollywood drama.

It was learnt that Baba-Ahmed’s invitation followed concerns about recent public remarks about the judiciary and presidency.

Baba-Ahmed had, during a television interview, blamed the judiciary and the military for allowing the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

An insider in security operatives said, “He even went to the length of inciting the military, saying it was President Tinubu’s swearing-in that made it possible for them to look you in the face and call you ‘bloody fools.’

“His comments carry undertones capable of heightening national tension, particularly given the sensitivity of Nigeria’s current political climate. It has nothing to do with politics, but the corporate existence of our nation could be threatened if such rhetoric is allowed to fester.”

Recounting the encounter with the DSS, Baba-Ahmed, who also doubles as the founder and chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, in an interview with Punch, said he voluntarily honoured the agency’s request and was curious about its motive because he is not a criminal.

He also denied being invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying the anti-graft agency had no reason to summon him.

According to Baba-Ahmed, his encounter with DSS officers made him feel sorry about the state of leadership and governance in the country.

He said, “The EFCC did not invite me, and it is very unlikely they will anytime soon. However, there was a mild Nollywood drama between some gentlemen of the DSS and myself on November 28, 2025. It lasted just two hours and 15 minutes.

See also  Soyinka To Trump You Lack Understanding Of Nigeria’s Complex Security Challenges

“To sum it all up, I walked into their national headquarters very curious, wondering: Why are you looking for me? I’m not a criminal. The criminals are in your offices and in your corridors of power.

“But anyway, here I am. Talk to me. What do you want? I came out feeling very sorry for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If these are who you call our leaders, then I understand why the United States of America will have to come and attack terrorists on behalf of Nigerian forces. I feel sorry for us.

“But yes, a Nollywood drama played out. They pleaded with me that, please, you know, this government is very weak. And the way you’re punching, it can crash. Now listen, these are what we call paper tigers.”

Dismissing any sense of intimidation, the LP chieftain urged Nigerians not to succumb to fear, insisting that democratic accountability must not be silenced.

He added, “The wind is blowing and they’re scaring people. Do not be afraid. Trust in God and believe in yourselves. They will add up to nothing.”

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

Trending