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Abuja Reports

Northern Youths Stage Support Rally for Lawmaker Amid Tax Reform Bill Controversy

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By Adenike Lawal

On December 3, 2024, thousands of youths from Nigeria’s 19 northern states rallied at the National Assembly in Abuja, showing support for Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate and APC representative from Kano North.

The rally comes amid growing controversy surrounding the Senate’s handling of proposed Tax Reform Bills.

The demonstration, organized by Comrade Tijjani Kabiru Mohammed, a former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), was aimed at expressing solidarity with Senator Barau, whose leadership has been questioned due to the ongoing debates around tax reforms.

As lawmakers continue to debate the proposed changes, critics have raised concerns about the reform process, triggering rallies like this one in defense of the senator’s position.

At the event, Senator Barau was celebrated by attendees who affectionately referred to him as the “Sardauna of our era,” a title reflecting their respect for his leadership.

Participants displayed placards with messages like “Senator Barau: The pro-masses lawmaker” and “Stop attacking Senator Barau,” underscoring their commitment to shielding him from criticism they perceive as unfair.

While the rally focused on supporting Barau, it also highlighted the ongoing public discourse surrounding Nigeria’s tax reforms.

Senator Barau has advocated for the inclusion of experts in the legislative process, calling on figures like Taiwo Oyedele, chair of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, to engage with lawmakers and the public in order to clarify the details and implications of the reforms.

Comrade Mohammed clarified that Senator Barau neither fully opposes nor supports the tax reform bills. Rather, he stresses the importance of public education and awareness to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the proposed changes.

The rally also served as a reminder of Barau’s previous contributions to the region, such as his sponsorship of the North West Development Commission Bill.

The event underscored the importance of youth involvement in Nigeria’s legislative processes. As debates around tax reform continue, rallies like this one highlight the growing influence of young people in shaping the nation’s political landscape.

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Abuja Reports

Abuja Light Rail Favors the Elite, Residents Lament

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By Emmanuel Ogbodo

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory argue that the Abuja Light Rail primarily serves the wealthy while neglecting ordinary commuters.

They urge the FCT Administration to learn from Lagos’ rail system.

Commissioned on May 29, 2024, with a six-month free ride, the rail currently runs only from the airport to the Central Business District, bypassing satellite towns where most workers reside.

Critics, including public affairs analyst Toyin Ajayi, question its design, stating it benefits only the affluent.

Civil servant Tajudeen Jimoh called for better planning, citing Lagos’ efficient rail and bus services.

The FCT Administration acknowledges the need for expansion but cites financial constraints.

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Abuja Reports

FCT Vigilantes Arrest Two Scavengers for Rape

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By Our Correspondent

Two scavengers, Mas’ud Bala and Ibrahim Musa, have been apprehended by vigilantes for allegedly gang-raping a 17-year-old girl in the Tipper Garage area of Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The incident occurred on Monday around 11:23 AM when the victim, who sells soya bean cake, went to collect a debt from the suspects.

One of the men reportedly lured her into their wooden apartment, where both assaulted her.

According to vigilante member Usman Kabiru, screams from the girl alerted neighbors, who intervened and immediately notified the vigilantes.

One suspect was arrested at the scene, while the second was captured the following day at Unguwar Abattoir.

The victim’s parents were informed and took her to the hospital, where medical staff confirmed the assault.

Local police have acknowledged the incident but have referred inquiries to their headquarters for further details.

As of the report’s filing, FCT police spokeswoman SP Josephine Adeh had not yet commented on the case.

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Abuja Reports

AIG Mohammed Gumel Takes Charge of Police Zone 7, Abuja

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By Jesusemen Oratokhai 

In a strategic leadership reshuffle, AIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel has officially assumed office as the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja.

Gumel, known for his expertise in peacekeeping, community policing, and crime rehabilitation, previously served as AIG in the Force’s Training and Development Department and as Commissioner of Police in Sokoto and Kano States.

With a strong track record in security operations, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing post-election tensions in The Gambia and significantly reducing crime rates in Kano and Sokoto through innovative policing strategies.

His appointment signals a renewed focus on security and law enforcement effectiveness in Zone 7, which covers the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, and Niger States.

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