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Olugbemi. Adeyinka Ogunleye
4 weeks ago
Overview
Events that will shape 2025
The outgone year, 2024, was as eventful as it was challenging. There may be no significant difference in the New Year. Some of the events likely to shape the future of the months ahead include the controversial tax reform bills, constitution amendment, scheming for 2027 elections, local government autonomy, PDP convention, and realignment of forces, among others.
Tax Reform Bills
The tax reform initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is still generating controversy in the polity. On October 3, 2024, President Tinubu transmitted the four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, following the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele for the review of existing tax laws. Though the reform initiative has been applauded as the right step towards restructuring, it has reopened the traditional rigid dichotomy between the North and the South. The governors of the 19 Northern states, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders vehemently resisted the bill’s introduction, saying it would make the region poorer. As such, there is a sharp division among the 36 state governors. While their counterparts in the South have thrown their weight behind the bill, they are insisting on its withdrawal from the National Assembly to allow for further consultations. Earlier, the National Economic Council (NEC) composed of 36 governors and chaired by the Vice President had rejected the bill, but the National Assembly has yet to take a categorical decision. In the final analysis, how the stakeholders will resolve the raging controversy will determine the socio-economic stability of the polity in the New Year and beyond.
Constitution Amendment
In continuation of the effort to give Nigeria a constitution that will address some of its myriad problems, the current National Assembly is currently undergoing another review process. The Chairman of the 47-member Constitution Review Committee and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, at its maiden meeting, stated that the amendment would be concluded in 2026. “It is important to note that the committee is not constituted to rewrite the 1999 Constitution, but to process proposed amendments to it…
More: https://thesun.ng/events-that-will-shape-2025/
