By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

A dispute over an interim report on alleged alterations to Nigeria’s tax laws has sparked internal tensions within the minority caucus of the House of Representatives, raising questions about procedure and authority.

The controversy began after Abdussamad Dasuki (Sokoto) alleged during plenary that the Tax Acts passed by the National Assembly differed from the versions later gazetted. In response, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas set up an ad hoc committee chaired by Muktar Betara (Borno) to investigate the claims.

Despite this, the minority caucus, led by Kingsley Chinda, constituted a separate panel headed by Afam Ogene (Anambra, Labour Party) to review the matter. Although the House leadership later issued Certified True Copies of the harmonised Acts, the Ogene-led panel reportedly identified discrepancies.

The panel submitted an interim report last week and requested more time to conclude its work, a move that reportedly angered the House leadership, which questioned the caucus’ authority to set up a committee on an issue already under investigation.

House spokesperson Akin Rotimi said only the House in plenary or the Speaker has the power to constitute an ad hoc committee, stressing that political caucuses lack such procedural authority.

Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda described the disagreement as an internal matter, noting that minority lawmakers are represented on the House committee probing the issue. Other caucus leaders, including Iduma Igariwey and George Ozodinobi, dismissed the Ogene-led panel as lacking legislative basis.

However, Ogene defended his committee’s work, saying its report had been submitted to caucus leadership for consideration.
The dispute has raised concerns about unity within the minority caucus as the 2027 general elections approach.

By Patrick Idowu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday handed over 12 ambulances to hospitals across the territory to strengthen emergency healthcare services.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Wike said the initiative reflects the FCT Administration’s commitment to prioritising critical sectors beyond road infrastructure and education.

He explained that improved road networks are essential for the effective operation of emergency vehicles, noting that poor roads can undermine rapid response during medical emergencies.

The minister also disclosed that the administration has begun the procurement process for the rehabilitation and furnishing of 14 health centres across the FCT.

In addition, he said the FCT Head of Civil Service and relevant area council chairmen have been directed to recruit more personnel for the health sector.

Earlier, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the procurement of the ambulances as a major step towards improving emergency healthcare delivery in the territory.

By Olokuta Rofiat

Senator Gbemisola Saraki, former Minister of State for Transportation and Mines & Steel Development, has renewed her membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the party’s ongoing nationwide electronic registration exercise.

Saraki completed the e-registration at her home ward in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State on Friday, urging party members to fully participate in the digitised process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing supporters, she described the exercise as vital to strengthening the APC’s grassroots structure and internal cohesion, encouraging both existing members and prospective supporters to register before the deadline.

“With the 2027 elections approaching, proper membership documentation is the foundation of our party’s strength and progress,” she said.

The APC introduced the electronic registration exercise to update and verify its membership database nationwide as part of preparations for future congresses and elections.
Saraki also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Saliu, during the visit.