Category: Opinion

Monday Lines : Petrol price as slow poison, By Lasisi Olagunju

Emporium Reporters

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd of Minneapolis repeatedly pleaded for reprieve. “I can’t breathe,” he groaned while police officer, Derek Chauvin, smashed his knee on Floyd’s neck and back. A bystander saw what was happening and exclaimed “let him breathe.” No. The officer was killing Floyd slowly. For every plea for breath, Derek Chauvin pressed harder the back of George Floyd’s neck. The law enforcer kept his knee there – one minute, two minutes, three minutes….ten minutes. Then there was quiet. The bell tolled for Floyd. And then the…

Zacch Adedeji on a Mission to Reform Tax By Arabinrin Aderonke

Emporium Reporters

Transforming Nigeria’s tax sector is not just a goal; it’s a mission that Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has passionately undertaken. With a clear plan and actions, he is set to restructure how Nigeria approaches tax administration, ensuring that citizens and businesses reap the benefits. For decades, Nigeria’s tax system has struggled with inefficiencies. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have had to juggle project management and fund handling, which has led to numerous issues. However, with the Tax Boss’s new approach, this dual role may…

Farouk Ahmed; Matching Words and Actions at NMDPRA, By Abubakar Yusuf

Emporium Reporters

Since his inception as Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA , Engr. Farouk Ahmed, three years down the line had kept to the mandate of the newly created agency. This was against the backdrop of insinuation and cynicism as well as speculation that a lot of sharp practices was on going in the oil and gas sector. From the regulatory functions to monitoring as well as administration of oil and gas industry in the country, with a view to meeting the statutory functions…

Olowo; One Year Reforms and Transformation at Financial Reporting Council. By Abubakar Yusuf

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Following the appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December, 13 , 2023 of an astute accountant, renowned administrator ,financial expert and advisor, Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo as the new Executive Secretary, Chief Executive Officer ES/CEO of Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria FRC, the die was cast for a new dawn in the hitherto moribund agency of government.   The appointment which came at a time when the former commissioner for finance in Lagos state had embarked on massive financial drive and inclusion for the betterment of all round development…

SDGs, Counting the Gains of UNGA 79, By Abubakar Yusuf

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To consolidate its domestication both at National and Sub- National levels towards the 2020-2030 decade of action Agenda, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs in Nigeria, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has began the process of synchronizing the UN development program in collaboration with the global body and Sub-Nationals.   This was coming at a time when we are already half into it’s decade of action Agenda due for 2020-2030.   Armed with the progress report from…

Did a ring kill Ayinla Omowura? By Festus Adedayo

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Obviously, because I am the unauthorised biographer of Ayinla Omowura, the musical enfant terrible of Yorubaland of the 1970s, I have been inundated by requests to lend a voice to an ongoing debate which has spiralled in Omowura’s hometown of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun state. The debate stemmed from a claim by a man who said that, for four years, he investigated the “mysterious” death of the Yoruba Apala music lord and “unearthed startling revelations” therefrom. Rather than the popular and legal affirmation that Omowura was murdered in a…

Examining the President’s T-Pain alias By Festus Adedayo

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In Arabian folklore, the genie is a spirit depicted as being imprisoned inside a bottle or oil lamp. No matter how impregnable the walls of its captivity are, the moment it is summoned, the spirit comes out and grants the wishes of the one who invoked it. Trust them for their gift of incredible ingenuity, in the thick of their daily pain, Nigerians trip above their existential woes to summon the genius within them. Their latest invocation is a perfect-fit moniker which they affix to their president’s lapel. To them,…

Forgotten protectors: The need for police pension reform By abiodun KOMOLAFE

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The social contract theory posits that individuals surrender certain rights to the state in exchange for protection and security. Yet, Nigeria’s police pension crisis raises a fundamental question about the reciprocity of this arrangement. Do we truly honour the sacrifices of those who safeguard our communities?   Nigeria’s police pension system is disappointingly inadequate. After 35 years of service, officers reportedly receive meager gratuities: ASP-SP (below N2 million), CSP-AC: (below N3 million), and DCP-CP (below N4 million). Monthly pensions are equally paltry: ASP-SP (N20,000-N35,000), and CSP-DC (N35,000-N60,000). A retired Commissioner…

Is there Justice for Workers in Nigeria? – Olusegun Adeniyi

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The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) held its 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony yesterday in Abuja. With a retired Justice of Supreme Court, Ejembi Eko as Chairman, I was the guest speaker. Below is a slightly abridged version of my presentation that speaks not only to labour justice and public interest but also the rule of law and the role of Judges in Nigeria.   =======================================================   I consider it an honour and a privilege to stand before this august gathering as you celebrate the 2024/2025 Legal Year. I expect…