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Shehu Sani Defends NRS Chairman, Says ‘President Eating Once’ Remark Overshadowed Tax Reform Issues

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, has defended the presentation made by the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, during a recent television interview, arguing that the media focus on a comment about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eating once a day and walking to his office overshadowed critical issues concerning Nigeria’s tax reforms.

Sani, in a post on his official X account, said the NRS Chairman made important submissions on tax laws, reforms, implementation and processes during the interview, which, in his view, deserved serious public debate and scrutiny.

According to him, rather than interrogating the substantive issues raised by the revenue chief, sections of the media concentrated on the controversial comment about the President’s personal routine.

“During the Channels interview granted by the NRS Chairman Adedeji, he made important points and statements concerning the Tax laws, reforms, implementation and processes that should have been debated or probed,” Sani wrote.

He added that the media’s emphasis on the statement that the President eats once a day and walks to his office ultimately reduced a serious discussion on taxation and public finance to a subject of public amusement.

“The media chose to emphasise on ‘the President eating once in a day and walking to his office’. That was how a serious issue was rubbished,” the former senator said.

Sani’s intervention comes amid continuing public discussion over Nigeria’s tax reform agenda, including questions surrounding the implementation of new tax laws, revenue mobilisation, compliance, institutional responsibilities and the impact of taxation on individuals and businesses.

The former lawmaker’s position suggests that public discourse on the country’s tax system should move beyond sensational statements and focus more closely on the policies and mechanisms being introduced to improve revenue collection and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.

Taxation has remained a major issue in Nigeria’s economic debate as governments at the federal and state levels seek to increase internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on borrowing and oil-related receipts, broaden the tax base and improve compliance.

For Sani, the interview by the NRS chairman presented an opportunity for journalists, policymakers and citizens to interrogate the details of the government’s tax reforms and their implications for the Nigerian economy.

His comments also highlight concerns about the role of the media in shaping public understanding of complex policy matters, particularly when substantive economic discussions compete with politically or personally sensitive statements that attract greater public attention.

Rather than allowing the President’s reported personal routine to dominate the conversation, Sani argued that the focus should have remained on the tax laws, reform measures and implementation processes outlined by the NRS chairman.

The former senator maintained that such issues require sustained public scrutiny because taxation directly affects citizens, businesses, investors and government finances.

He therefore appeared to call for a more substantive approach to reporting economic policies, urging the public and the media to interrogate the content and consequences of government reforms rather than allowing a single controversial remark to eclipse the broader policy discussion.

Matawalle rallies support groups for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has intensified mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, urging political support groups across the country to join the Tinubu Again movement.

Matawalle, who spoke through Dr Auwal Abdullahi at an event in Kaduna, said the movement was driven by patriotism and a commitment to ensuring the return of Tinubu in 2027.

He said the Tinubu Again movement was a national structure bringing together different support groups, adding that members were not motivated by personal interests.

“The Tinubu Again movement is a national structure. They are coming together because of patriotism. They are not after themselves. They are not after I want to be this or I want to be that,” he said.

According to him, the primary objective of the groups was to support the administration and secure Tinubu’s re-election.

“What matters to them is the delivery of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. And that was why they agreed to merge with the Tinubu Again movement,” he said.

Matawalle also praised the commitment of the support groups, saying more groups were expected to join the movement.

“I urge all Nigerians, all political support groups, to come and join the moving train. A train that will deliver safely, a train that will take Nigeria to its destination, a train that will ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is re-elected in 2027,” he said.

He said Matawalle had been personally involved in grassroots mobilisation, moving across states and communities to canvass support for the president.

“The minister does not sleep. He moves from state to state, from community to community, from house to house, from individual to individual, talking and conversing and convincing them to understand and appreciate, to also support the present administration and also to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the absorbed Tinubu Second Term Mandate, Dr Aminu Mohammed, said the movement was focused on mobilising votes for the president’s re-election.

He said the group intended to secure a significant share of the votes cast in favour of Tinubu in 2027.

“We intend to make sure that out of this 100 percent of the votes cast, at least 60 percent will be votes initiated by the Tinubiri movement to ensure the return of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Mohammed said.

He said the group had commenced mobilisation and would continue under the TINUBU AGAIN MOVEMENT to work towards consolidating what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

“Our whole goal, our achievements, what we want to achieve is to see these achievements of the president continue, these achievements become consolidated, these achievements become so entrenched into the Nigerian system that even if another administration comes in, they cannot be championed,” he said.

Mohammed also commended Tinubu for what he described as his efforts in promoting grassroots governance, economic transformation and other sectors.

“It is the president that is now championing grassroots governance by giving local government their autonomy,” he said.

He added that the TINUBU AGAIN MOVEMENT under the Leadership of Dr Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu would continue mobilising support for Tinubu, saying the president’s success was also the success of his supporters.

“The president. I think his success is our success. It’s our achievement,” he said.

The minister’s representative Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu also described Tinubu as a democratic leader who had demonstrated political will to ensure a level playing field ahead of the 2027 elections.

“And I can guarantee, borrowing from his words, the 2027 election will be very fair and credible. But I can guarantee you, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is winning the election,” he said.

Zaria Groups Endorse Speaker Abbas For Another Term, Cite Track Record On Infrastructure, Education

A coalition of Zaria-based civil society groups and members of opposition political parties has endorsed Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, for another term as member representing Zaria Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The endorsement was announced on Friday by the Convener of the group, Ishaq Alhassan Alhassan, during a press briefing attended by representatives of CSOs, NGOs, traditional and religious leaders, academia, youth leaders, and other stakeholders.

Alhassan said the decision followed three years of “objective observation, independent assessment, and engagement” with the lawmaker, rather than political patronage.

“Today is not about politics; It is about participation, principles, and progress. Above all, it is about our collective responsibility to speak honestly when leadership delivers measurable results,” he said.

According to Alhassan, the coalition chose to hold the Speaker accountable rather than act as “cheerleaders or perpetual critics.”

“We asked difficult questions about infrastructure. We demanded improvements in healthcare. We advocated for better educational opportunities. We challenged him on youth unemployment, economic empowerment, transparency, sustainability, and equitable development,” he stated.

To deepen civic engagement, the group convened the Zaria Youth, Peace and Development Roundtable_, a non-partisan platform that brought together elders, academics, professionals, civil society, traditional institutions, and government representatives to assess projects across the constituency.

“We toured projects across the constituency, listened to stakeholders, identified achievements, acknowledged shortcomings, and proposed practical recommendations for improvement,” Alhassan said.

The convener listed what the coalition described as “significant investments” by the Speaker in the last three years:

Education: Renovation of 96 out of 116 primary schools and 20 out of 41 secondary schools; construction and full equipping of 4 new secondary schools; ongoing construction of 7 new higher institutions under the Zaria Education City; annual sponsorship of over 20,000 students for WAEC, NECO and JAMB; historic N5 billion scholarship for Zaria students; construction of 2 faculty buildings at ABU Zaria and renovation of ABU Congo Campus; conversion of FCE Zaria to FUE; and construction of 1,000-capacity hostels at ABUTH Nursing School and Leather Research Institute, Samaru.

Health: Construction of eleven 20-bed hospitals across 8 LGAs in the zone; two 80-bed hospitals in Zaria; award for the construction of a new cancer center in Shika; and renovation of ABUTH Tudun-Wada, Zaria.

Agriculture: Distribution of over 200 trucks of fertilizer to farmers; 70 tractors; and over 10,000 planters, tricycle trucks, harvesters, sprayers and other farm equipment in 3 years.

Youth & Others, Training of over 20,000 young people in different skills, with N250,000 startup capital given to many; and distribution of over 3,000 motorcycles to teachers and LGA education supervisors to improve teaching and learning in Zaria.

He, however, noted areas still requiring attention, including maintenance, quality assurance, transparency, community participation, and faster completion of ongoing projects.

“Our endorsement today is therefore not emotional; It is an informed decision based on promises, performance and perpetual progress,” he said.

“We are endorsing Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, for another term, because we believe continuity matters. The ongoing projects deserve completion. The institutions being established deserve to become fully operational. The momentum that has been built across education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth development deserves to be sustained.”

Alhassan stressed that the endorsement was not a waiver for accountability.
“An endorsement is not the end of accountability. It is a renewed commitment to continue asking questions, offering constructive criticism, and ensuring that every project delivers value to the people,” he said.

He urged residents to support “leadership that listens, leadership that delivers, and leadership that welcomes scrutiny,” while charging the Speaker to ensure the completion of projects for the benefit of all citizens.

“History remembers not only those who begin great works, but those who complete them and ensure that every citizen benefits from them,” he added.

The coalition concluded the briefing by formally endorsing Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas for another term as Representative of Zaria Federal Constituency.

“You Are A Disgrace”: Birnin Gwari Residents Condemn Senator Lawal Adamu Over Remarks On Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road Flag-Off

Residents of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State have condemned Senator Lawal Adamu for what they described as “derogatory remarks” mocking the recent flag-off of the reconstruction of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, an event attended by the Emir of Birnin Gwari.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by community leaders, the residents said the Senator’s comments were insensitive to the suffering of the people and an affront to the traditional institution.

“You are a disgrace,” the statement read in part. “At a time when our people are beginning to see hope with the flag-off of the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, attended by our revered Emir, Senator Lawal Adamu chose to mock the ceremony instead of supporting it.”

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, last week flagged off the reconstruction of the 200km Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, a project residents say has been neglected for over a decade despite incessant attacks and economic losses along the corridor.

The Emir of Birnin Gwari, HRH Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, was in attendance alongside government officials, contractors, and community members. Community leaders described the event as a major step toward restoring security, trade, and movement in the area.

The residents accused Senator Adamu of playing politics with a project that directly affects the lives of thousands of Birnin Gwari people who have endured banditry, kidnapping, and poor road infrastructure.

“For years we cried out. Now that the road is finally being worked on, a Senator from our state is busy mocking the effort. That is not representation,” said Malam Suleiman Idris, a community youth leader.

Another resident, Hajiya Aisha Musa, said: “The Emir was there to give royal blessings and to show that our people support development. To mock that gathering is to mock the entire Birnin Gwari people.”

The group called on the Senator to apologize publicly and to join hands with stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the road project.

The residents further urged political leaders in Kaduna State to prioritize development over partisan attacks, noting that infrastructure, security, and the economy remain the key concerns for the people.

“We appreciate any effort aimed at developing our area. What we need now is unity and support, not ridicule,” the statement added.

As of press time, efforts to get Senator Lawal Adamu’s reaction were unsuccessful.

The Kaduna State Government has described the road reconstruction as part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda aimed at opening up rural areas and improving security across the state.

Southern Kaduna Professionals Back Umahi, Set for World Press Conference on Saturday

A coalition of professionals from Southern Kaduna has declared support for the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and announced plans to hold a World Press Conference on Saturday to address what they described as “deliberate misinformation” about ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region and across Nigeria.

The group, under the aegis of Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum, SKPF, said the press conference will provide factual updates on road projects, funding, and timelines under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Audu Bako, the group said the decision to rally behind Senator Umahi was informed by the Minister’s “transparency, technical competence, and commitment to completing inherited and new road projects.”

“We have watched closely in the last one year how the Ministry of Works under Senator Umahi has moved from mere contract awards to actual site work and performance tracking.

“For Southern Kaduna, and indeed the entire North, this is the first time in a long while we are seeing contractors back on site with measurable milestones.” the group stated.

The professionals specifically referenced the rehabilitation of critical federal roads linking Southern Kaduna to other parts of the state and neighboring states, including sections of the Kaduna-Kachia-Kafanchan road corridor.

They argued that improved road connectivity will boost agriculture, reduce insecurity, and lower transportation costs for farmers and traders who have borne the brunt of poor infrastructure for years.

“Security and the economy are tied to roads. When you can move farm produce from Kagoro, Zangon Kataf and Jaba to major markets without fear or delay, you are directly addressing poverty and banditry,” said Engr. Laraba John, Secretary of the Forum.

According to the group, the Saturday briefing became necessary to correct what they termed “false narratives” circulating on social media about abandonment of projects in the South and non-inclusion of Southern Kaduna in the federal road budget.

“We are not politicians. We are engineers, lawyers, lecturers, medical doctors and business owners from Southern Kaduna. Our interest is development. The Minister has opened the books. He is publishing project status, and we will be presenting those same facts to the world on Saturday.” it hinted.

It added that the press conference will feature presentations on budget performance, project verification reports, and testimonies from community members along project corridors.

The Forum urged civil society, traditional institutions and the media to compare the current pace of infrastructure delivery with previous administrations.

“The role of professionals and community leaders in the past is appreciated, but we must now compare the situation of the country before the present administration with what is happening now,” Bako noted. “In infrastructure, security and the economy, there are clear steps being taken. Let us encourage the government to achieve more instead of politicizing everything.”

The group said invitations have been extended to the Ministry of Works, federal lawmakers from Kaduna State, traditional rulers, and the press for the event scheduled to hold at 10:00am on Saturday in Kaduna

Shehu Sani Urges Catholic Bishops to Appreciate Tinubu’s Achievements, Offer Constructive Criticism

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on Catholic Bishops in Nigeria to acknowledge the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration while continuing to offer constructive criticism in the interest of the nation.

Sani, in a statement on Sunday, said the Catholic Church has historically played a significant role in shaping public discourse and providing moral guidance, a contribution he said is widely appreciated.

He noted that while it is important for religious leaders to hold government accountable, they should also objectively assess the current situation against what obtained in previous administrations.

“We appreciate that Tinubu has achieved in infrastructure, security and the economy,” Sani said. “Catholic leaders are men of honour and integrity. They should encourage the President to achieve more.”

The former lawmaker stressed that comparing the present realities with the past would give Nigerians a clearer perspective on the progress made so far, particularly in road construction, efforts to curb insecurity, and ongoing economic reforms.

“The role the Catholic leaders are playing in the past is appreciated, but they should compare the situation of the country before the present administration,” he added.

Sani urged the bishops to continue engaging government with facts and recommendations, saying such engagement would help strengthen governance and ensure more dividends of democracy for citizens.

The comment comes amid heightened public debate on the performance of the Tinubu administration, with various stakeholders calling for collaboration between government and civil society to address national challenges.