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I have no mission with Twitter in U.S.– Lai Mohammed

Published

4 years ago

August 19, 2021

Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the online media report that he “sneaked out of Nigeria to meet with Twitter executive’’ in the U.S. is fake.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Washington on Wednesday, the minister said his official visit to the U.S. has nothing to do with the microblogging and social networking platform.

Mohammed said he was in the U.S. to meet with international media organisations and think tanks on the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and efforts made so far in tackling insurgency, banditry and all forms of criminality.

He said the online report was an example of the danger fake news and unregulated social media portend for the country.

“Can a minister sneak out of Nigeria without people knowing.

“When you say I sneaked out of Nigeria, are you saying I went to board at a terminal where nobody is or I travel to Republic of Benin to fly out of the country.

“I was at an international airport, where I presented myself openly and I was checked in at the counter like every other travelers of the airline.

“I boarded and passed through the checks by the Immigration service and Customs.

“How can you come and say I sneaked out of the country?’’.

The minister who had so far engaged with the BBC Radio and TV, Bloomberg and Polico during his visit to Washington DC, said he had no mission with Twitter on his trip.

“You and I have been here, have I met with any twitter official?

“When you talk about fake news and its danger, we need to take it seriously and I am happy that the entire world is now seen what we saw more than two years ago.

“I can assure you that we will not rest until we regulate the social media, otherwise, nobody will survive it,’’ he said.

The minister reiterated the position that the Federal Government suspended Twitter operation in the country not because it deleted the tweet by the President as being propagated in some section of the media.

He said the operation of the microblogging medium was suspended because of its persistent use of its platform for activities that were capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.

He also underscored the need for the organisation to register as a business entity and obtain licence from the National Broadcasting Commission to carry out its activities.

Mohammed said the engagement between Twitter and the Federal Government on how to resolve the issue of the ban had reached an advanced stage.

Specifically, he said the end for the amicable settlement of the ban was in sight. (NAN)

News

Anambra Traditional Rulers Confer ‘Dike Si Mba’ Title On Tinubu

Published

2 days ago

May 8, 2025

News Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Tinubu crowned ‘Dike Si Mba’ of Anambra by Anambra State Traditional Rulers

Traditional rulers in Anambra State on Thursday conferred a chieftaincy title of ‘Dike Si Mba’ of Anambra on President Bola Tinubu.

The Traditional rulers led by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi, gave the President the title in Awka during his official visit to the state.

‘Dike Si Mba’ loosely translates to ‘Hero from another land’, was given to President Tinubu by the traditional rulers representing all the communities in Anambra State.

Tinubu, who is in Anambra State on official visit, arrived at the Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri around 12:15pm, and was received by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim and other government officials.

Tinubu inaugurated Anambra State’s first-ever Government House on Thursday, marking a historic milestone more than 30 years after the state’s creation.

Tinubu also inaugurated several other projects done by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

It is the President’s second visit to the South-East this year after visiting Enugu State in January.

News

Nigerian Senate Passes 2 Tax Reform Bills

Published

2 days ago

May 8, 2025

News Editor

Senate in Session

The Nigerian Senate has passed two out of the four Tax Reform Bills which are expected to overhaul Nigeria’s tax laws.

The lawmakers approved the bills following the consideration and adoption of the recommendations of the Senate Committee chairman Senator Sani Musa during the committee of the whole

The four key bills are the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill.

But out of the four, only the Bill to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 was approved

The second approved bill is the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill which is an Act to provide for the assessment, collection of and accounting for revenue accruing to the federation, federal, states and local governments.

“Prescribe the powers and functions of tax authorities and for related matters”.

Presenting the report, Sani said that the bills sought to reform Nigeria’s tax framework, strengthen institutions and enhance accountability and compliance.

Contributing, Deputy Senate President of Jibrin Barau congratulated the entire Senate and in particular, the Committee on Finance and the Elders Committee for the wisdom and leadership that has been shown in the passage of the bills.

“Initially, there were in disagreements and there were rancors here and there.

“But the Senate, standing on its position as the highest assembly in the land, decided to establish this committee, the Committee of Elders (Special Committee).

“To look at all those areas of contention and hear the views of religious leaders, regional organisations and other stakeholders.”

In his remarks President of the Senate, Godswill disclosed that the remaining two bills will be considered in plenary on Thursday.

He commended the committee on Finance and senators for a thorough job.

“He also expressed gratitude to the group of “elder senators” who collated and deliberated on areas of contention in the Tax Bill through meetings and consultation with dissenting voices.

Akpabio expressed optimism that the tax laws would revolutionalise and optimise tax collection across the country.

He expressed satisfaction that the passage of the bills have dispelled rumours that they were meant to serve the interests of a part of the country, adding that all Nigerians will benefit from them.

News

Senate Sets Up Committee To Oversee Rivers Administrator

Published

4 days ago

May 6, 2025

News Editor

Senate in Session

The Nigerian Senate has constituted an 18-member committee tasked with overseeing the activities of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.).

This, it said, was in a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability in the state’s governance.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, was named as chairman of the committee.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during the resumption of plenary.

Akpabio highlighted the importance of the committee’s mandate, stating that its role was critical in ensuring effective legislative oversight in Rivers State.

Akpabio also hinted that the composition of the committee might be subject to review following further consultations.

Other members of the committee include Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed, alongside the Clerk of the Senate.

The Senate President charged the committee to commence its oversight duties without delay, stressing the urgency of their assignment.

He also reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to upholding democratic processes in Rivers State.