News
Borno Emir Says Tax Reform Bill Worst Than Boko Haram, Backs Ndume ,Zulum On Rejection
Borno Emir Says Tax Reform Bill Worst Than Boko Haram, Backs Ndume ,Zulum On Rejection
By Melvin Uche
The Emir of Askira, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Askirama has said that the proposed tax reform bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be worst than Boko Haram insurgency which has impoverished the people of Northeast if passed by the National Assembly and assented by the President.
The Emir who stated this while hosting the Senator representing southern Borno senatorial district at the senate , Sen. Ali Ndume at his palace at the weekend during the Senator’s constituency tour of the senatorial district ,commended the lawmaker, and Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum for rejecting the bill, and defending the course of the poor masses.
He noted that the State Governor and lawmaker stance on the tax reform bill depicts their love for the cause of the common man.
The monarch also lamented the serial attacks carried out by Boko Haram terrorists in the recent time in his dormain, and called on President Tinubu and the Nigerian military to expedite action and end the Killings of innocent residents of Askira and surrounding communities.
Alhaji Askirama equally lamented the backwardness of the youths in Askira- Uba local government on education and called on the federal government to establish a higher institution such as a polytechnic in Askira to bridge the education gap in the council, and nearby local government areas, and further appealed to the federal government to deploy more troops in the area to halt the persistent attacks in the areas by the terrorists.
He appreciated the Senator’s gesture of touring the senatorial district and commended his quality representation to the people ,and assured him of support of his people in his activities.
Responding , Senator Ndume told the monarch, Alhaji Mohammed Askirama, that he was in his domain to keep the people and the youths abreast of the present economic hardship bedevilling the country, reiterating that the only way out of it is for the people to return to agriculture.
He urged youths and people of the senatorial district to embrace agricultural and business activities to beat looming food crisis and rising cost of living bedeveiling the people of the country.
Ndume said amid the global economic crunch, the only escape from hunger is for the people to engage in massive farming than relying on government and salaries, noting that the present minimum wage of N70,000 can’t afford a bag of rice sold for over N100,000, as well as a bag of beans that goes for N200,000.
He reminded the people that prior to the coming of the present administration, a litre of fuel was sold for N200, but has risen to N1200, while US dollars exchange rate to Naira, which stood at N600 then is now exchanged for N1600, hence he called on the people to switch to agriculture and trading to defeat the raging economic hardship.
Ndume, who began his constituency visit with Gwoza, charged the youths who were assembled at the Emir of Gwoza’s palace to take responsibility for security in the area and expose Boko Haram collaborators in their midst.
He noted that the terrorists could not have found their way to carry out attacks in some of the communities in Gwoza and other areas of southern Borno without informants, who are giving information to the terrorists, and urged the youths to deal with such collaborators before handing them over to the security agencies.
The senator commended the youths and residents of Gwoza for their resilience despite the activities of the terrorists in some areas of the local government area, and assured them that government is doing everything possible to ensure absolute return of peace in the areas for effective development.
He commended the state governor, Babagana Zulum, for resettling eleven communities previously displaced by Boko Haram terrorists in the Gwoza local government. He added that the governor is working hard to resettle the Ashigarsya, Hambagda, Wala, and Yamtake communities of the council.
At the emir of Uba palace, Senator Ndume urged youths in southern Borno to as well embrace education, saying that the certificate obtained could be useful, even while the youths engage in other activities, such as agriculture or vocational skills to augment their livelihoods.
Responding, the emir of Uba, Alhaji Ismaila Manza, thanked God for bringing Senator Ndume safely to his domain and commended him for all the good work he has been doing for the people.
He appealed to the people of his domain to embrace agriculture and business as advised by the senator for prosperity and self sustainability, and appealed to government to train youths in the area on vocational skills and business.
Senator Ndume who also visited Damboa and Chibok local government areas as part of tour of his district also warned the youths against collaboration with Boko Haram terrorists and noted that the terrorists are succeeding in their atrocities because some of the residents of the areas are providing information to the terrorists.
He noted that some female residents of the Gwoza local government area are even taking food condiments to the terrorists under the guise of going to farm ,hence he called for change of attitude from such character.
He said the collaboration with the terrorists is the reason some pockets of attacks are still being carried out in four local government areas of southern Borno such as Gwoza, Damboa, Askira-Uba and some part of Biu.
Borno Emir Says Tax Reform Bill Worst Than Boko Haram, Backs Ndume ,Zulum On Rejection
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
By: Our Reporter
A new video has emerged showing two men, allegedly abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, pleading for help.
One of the victims, Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa, a former Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, is seen in the video appealing for rescue.
The two men were taken hostage on December 17, 2025, while traveling from Miringa to Maiduguri.
In the video, the abductees said the terrorists are demanding a ransom of $150,000 per person, totaling $300,000, for their release.
‘We were abducted on our way from Miringa to Maiduguri around 2:30. Alhamdulillah, we are alive,’ one of the victims said. ‘We are calling on the government and individuals to come to our rescue.’
The victims specifically appealed to Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, Hon. Sule Ali Rimi, Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu to intervene and help secure their freedom.
‘We are pleading with them to come to our rescue. We are their sons,” the victim said. ‘They said we must provide $150,000 each. For the two of us, it is $300,000. We want to be reunited with our families.’
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (NMSC) has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Cuba following the killing of 32 Cuban internationalists in Venezuela.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the pro-people coalition, which includes labour unions, civil society organisations and intellectuals, alleged that the Cuban nationals were killed during an attack in Caracas on January 3, 2026, while protecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores, and what it described as the sovereignty of Venezuela.
The group said the Cubans chose to resist despite being overwhelmed, describing their actions as a demonstration of courage, honour and commitment to international solidarity.
NMSC drew parallels between the incident and past historical events where Cuban nationals were involved in overseas struggles, including the 1983 U.S.-led invasion of Grenada and Cuba’s military support for African liberation movements in Angola, Namibia and South Africa during the fight against apartheid.
According to the organisation, thousands of Cuban youths lost their lives in Africa while contributing to the dismantling of apartheid systems backed by Western powers. The group noted that Cuba’s internationalism has not been limited to armed conflicts, citing the country’s long-standing medical outreach to developing nations, including Nigeria.
The statement also recalled Cuba’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it dispatched medical teams to dozens of countries and received hundreds of stranded cruise ship passengers at a time many nations had closed their borders.
NMSC extended its sympathy to the families of those killed in Venezuela and called on the United States government to respect international law, halt what it described as foreign military interventions, and lift sanctions imposed on Cuba, Venezuela and other countries.
The group further aligned itself with repeated resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly calling for the end to the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba, insisting that global peace and development require cooperation rather than conflict.
The statement was signed by veteran labour activist and writer, Owei Lakemfa, on behalf of the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
News
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) have congratulated the Board, Management, and staff of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc and Nigerian Exchange Limited on the historic achievement of the Nigerian capital market crossing the N100 trillion market capitalisation mark.
The commendation was issued via a press statement on Friday, jointly signed by Mr Samuel Sehinde Adenagbe, Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria and Mr Oluropo Dada, the 13th President/Chairman of Council Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
They described the NGX’s achievement as a remarkable milestone and a major affirmation of the resilience, depth, and growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market, and a clear signal of renewed investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
“Crossing the N100 trillion threshold is not only a symbolic landmark; it reflects the capacity of Nigeria’s capital market to mobilise long-term funds for infrastructure, enterprise development, and economic transformation.
“It underscores the vital role of the market in financing growth, creating wealth for investors, and supporting national development objectives,” the said.
According to them, the achievement will not have been possible without the visionary leadership and strategic direction of the NGX Board, as well as the professionalism and dedication of its Management and staff, led by versatile stockbrokers: Dr. Umaru Kwairanga; Mr. Temi Popoola; and Mr. Jude Chiemeka and Mr. Femi Sobanjo.
“We also commend the unwavering commitment and versatility of dealing member firms and stockbrokers who continue to serve as the backbone of the market, ensuring liquidity, transparency, and investor protection.
“Their collective efforts have strengthened market integrity, broadened participation, and improved the overall efficiency of the Exchange.”
The CIS and ASHON also commend the Federal Government of Nigeria for providing a supportive macroeconomic and regulatory environment that has encouraged domestic and foreign investment, promoted market reforms, and enhanced the attractiveness of Nigerian assets.
They stated that policy stability, ongoing reforms, and a clear commitment to private sector-led growth have played a crucial role in creating the conditions for this historic market expansion.
They further commended SEC for providing sound regulations and market development.
They stated that the CIS and ASHON would continue to advocate ethical governance in the capital market with all stakeholder playing by the rules of the game.
They further restated their commitment to sustaining the momentum through robust regulation provided by Securities and Exchange Commission, market innovation, and strong investor protection frameworks.
“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to further deepen the market, broaden product offerings, and ensure that the Nigerian capital market continues to serve as a strong engine for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
NGX’s N100 trillion milestone, proof of growing sophistication of Nigeria’s capital market- Stockbrokers
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