Stephen Abuwatseya, an e-hailing driver, has issued an apology to Alex Ikwechegh, the House of Representatives member representing Aba North/South in Abia State, who allegedly assaulted him following a dispute over a package delivery.

In a video statement shared with the media on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed remorse for instigating the altercation and appealed to Nigerians for their understanding.

He also encouraged the public to put the incident behind them and move forward.

He stated, “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I actually want to apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.

“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.

“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”

The driver also thanked his family and well-wishers for their support over the issue, “I want to use this medium to thank my family members, my parents, my brothers, my uncles and everybody that stood by me. I want to thank all of you. I love you all. Thank you. God bless Nigeria.”

Residents of Araromi in Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State, may soon experience some relief as Babajimi Benson, a member of the House of Representatives, has begun efforts to repair their community road.

During the road rehabilitation launch on Thursday, a PUNCH Metro reporter observed that the Araromi-Adamo road had been ignored by previous administrations since 1996.

Benson, who represents the Ikorodu Federal Constituency for the All Progressives Congress, aims to finish the 1.3-kilometer road project within three months.

Represented by Muyideen Sanwo-Ola, the Executive Assistant on Parks to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Benson encouraged residents to allow the contractors to finish the project as scheduled.

“I urge you to support this project, which will be completed within three months. Let’s remind our youths not to engage in any activity that may hinder the contractors from finishing the work,” the lawmaker pleaded.

Several residents shared their happiness and gratitude with our correspondent, applauding the representative for stepping in to alleviate the daily challenges community members encounter while using the road.

A resident, Ademoriti Maruf, said, “This road has been a major challenge for us. I grew up in this area, and since 1996, after the then military administrator of Lagos State, Buba Marwa, inaugurated it, the Araromi-Adamo Road has been abandoned.

“We have been pleading with the political class to come to our aid but received no response until Jimi Benson decided to help us. We thank God that after 28 years, the rehabilitation is finally starting today.

“We thank our Member of the House of Representatives for bringing this rehabilitation project to our community. This is the first benefit we’ve received from the political class since 1999.”

Chief Qazeem Oyeniran of Olufuja-Mojoda Araromi commended Benson and voiced optimism that the project’s completion would bring a fresh start for the community members.

“The community has gone through a lot. We have suffered, especially during the rainy period. One hour after any downpour, people will be stuck in their houses.

“Floods will enter people’s houses, destroy property, and collapse apartments. There were times when floodwaters nearly carried people away. A lot of residents would stand alert if it’s raining at night,” Oyeniran stated.

Also speaking, the Baale of Upenyanwa, Chief Nurudeen Shiriki, said, “We are truly excited about this rehabilitation. Once completed, it will bring much-needed relief to the community, which becomes nearly impassable even after a small rain.

“At times, due to the rain, residents are hesitant to return home, with some even abandoning their vehicles. They might not come back for weeks simply because of the poor condition of our community road.”

The PUNCH

The Nigerian Naira saw a notable appreciation against the U.S. dollar at the official foreign exchange market, marking a significant improvement in its value.

According to data from the FMDQ Exchange, Nigeria’s leading securities exchange platform, the Naira gained N42.15 on Thursday, trading at N1,639.50 per dollar.

This development marks a 2.5 percent gain compared to the previous trading day on Wednesday, when the currency had exchanged at N1,681.65 to the dollar.

This improvement reflects a positive shift for the Naira, which has faced persistent challenges in recent times due to fluctuations in the foreign exchange market and pressures from both local and global economic conditions.

The strengthened value against the dollar comes amid government efforts and Central Bank policies aimed at stabilizing the currency and controlling inflation.

A key part of these efforts involves encouraging a transparent and efficient foreign exchange system that aligns with investor needs and promotes confidence in the local currency.

In addition to the appreciation in exchange rate, the daily trading turnover also saw a noticeable increase on Thursday.

The trading volume rose to $244.96 million, a considerable jump from the $196.78 million recorded on Wednesday.

This uptick in trading volume at the FMDQ Exchange signals growing activity and interest within the Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&E) window, where the Naira fluctuated between N1,700.00 and N1,635.00 against the dollar during the trading day.

The I&E window remains a vital part of Nigeria’s foreign exchange market, offering a platform where market-driven exchange rates are determined through supply and demand dynamics.

By providing a more transparent and flexible exchange rate system, the I&E window aims to balance foreign exchange availability with the needs of foreign investors and exporters.

Market analysts see the Naira’s appreciation as a sign that these mechanisms are helping to reduce the gap between the official and parallel market rates, although challenges remain due to high demand for foreign currency in the country.

Nigeria’s foreign exchange market has been under pressure for some time, with the Naira experiencing multiple devaluations as the economy grapples with external debt and limited dollar reserves.

Key economic factors, including fluctuations in global oil prices and foreign investment flows, heavily influence the exchange rate.

The government and Central Bank have implemented various measures to curb volatility, including forex market reforms and a commitment to unify the exchange rate.

Experts suggest that the recent gain might also be tied to increased dollar inflows, possibly from diaspora remittances and foreign direct investments, which support the Naira by increasing foreign exchange supply.

Additionally, the stronger Naira could provide temporary relief to importers and businesses heavily dependent on foreign currency, as well as offer some buffer against inflationary pressures that impact everyday consumers.

However, currency analysts caution that while the Naira’s appreciation is a positive signal, maintaining this momentum will require sustained forex inflows and ongoing policy adjustments to address structural issues within the economy.

They emphasize the importance of continued reforms to foster an environment where the Naira’s value reflects underlying economic fundamentals.

The appreciation of the Naira at the official market offers a glimpse of hope for Nigeria’s economy, which continues to navigate the complexities of global currency dynamics and local economic demands.

It underscores the importance of stability in foreign exchange management and reflects the potential for improvement as Nigeria pursues policies aimed at strengthening its currency, stabilizing prices, and fostering investor confidence.

The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has requested comprehensive data on internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria and neighbouring countries who have lost their homes due to natural disasters.

Kalu made this request on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and IDPs, Tijani Ahmed, in Abuja.

In a statement released on Thursday, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, noted that Kalu attributed some of these displacements to natural disasters like flooding and erosion.

“We are charging your commission to give us the total report on the plight of Nigerians currently all across the country.

“So, let the commission have an intervention fund dedicated to doing the proper needs analysis so that as we do the budget, we look into it. This is part of the oversight function. So, get us a report on that.

“Your mandate includes refugees and the IDPs. You can’t be internally displaced only through war or crisis. You can be internally displaced through climate-induced displacement and that’s what we are experiencing now.

“The climate is at war with us. So, the issue of mitigation and adaptation is something that, as a government, we must take seriously but in doing that, agencies like you which manage the consequences of these climate impacts need to be aware that it’s beyond what we are seeing currently.

“We heard of what happened in Maiduguri. I mentioned it even before the African Union. Beyond Maiduguri, a lot more is happening around the country,” Kalu said.

The statement also highlighted the importance of raising the annual budget allocation for the commission to support it in fulfilling its responsibilities.

“How prepared are you? I checked your budget last year and was wondering if a budget of N1.6bn or thereabout will be able to handle that across the country.

“And I have not heard your agency bring it to the fore, both in the parliament and also to Nigerians, maybe through a documentary to show us the volume of the needs analysis, showcasing the plight of Nigerians.

“There are so many people suffering due to climate change. The parliament needs to hear from you on the total national needs analysis of internally displaced persons. And the impact of climate-induced displacement. We need to get a document on that.

“We are giving you two weeks to bring the report because we want it to guide us as we make our budget.

“Also a copy of that will be sent to the Budget Office of the Federation so they will understand the enormous nature of your mandate,” he added.

Ahmed conveyed his appreciation to the Deputy Speaker and committed to submitting the report to the parliament by the deadline, while also requesting additional funding from the commission.

“We thank you for giving us this audience today and I have listened carefully. We will ensure that these individuals who are our own are returned.

“We will put the reports together, both the refugees and displaced persons, to show the parliament and for you to also see the plight of the commission in the area of funding,” he said.

In a historic move, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff, making her the first woman in U.S. history to assume this pivotal role.

Wiles, a seasoned political strategist and campaign manager, has a longstanding history with Trump and is widely credited for orchestrating his most disciplined and meticulously run campaign to date.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone, not only due to her gender but also because of her proven track record and extensive experience within the GOP.

Wiles played a key role in Trump’s 2024 campaign, which has been lauded as one of his most focused and cohesive efforts, a factor many believe was instrumental in his victory.

As the chief strategist behind the campaign, Wiles was responsible for streamlining operations, enhancing communications, and ensuring that Trump’s message resonated with a wide spectrum of voters.

The President-elect acknowledged her contributions during his victory celebration, offering a special thanks to Wiles for her “toughness, intelligence, and innovative approach” to campaign management. He described her as “universally admired and respected,” underscoring the widespread recognition she has garnered for her capabilities and work ethic.

Trump expressed deep appreciation for Wiles’ commitment, describing her as “an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns,” and emphasized how her role has been foundational to his political journey.

He praised her for helping him achieve “one of the greatest political victories in American history,” recognizing her as a driving force behind his renewed success.

Trump’s remarks highlight Wiles’ influence and underscore the importance of her leadership in the eyes of both the President-elect and his supporters.

Wiles’ appointment as White House chief of staff signals a potential shift in the administrative tone and strategy within the Trump White House.

Her history of running well-coordinated campaigns indicates that she may bring a level of structure and discipline to the administration, qualities that political analysts suggest could shape Trump’s approach in his new term.

Additionally, her reputation for being “tough, smart, and innovative” suggests she is well-prepared to navigate the complex dynamics of Washington and foster effective relationships within the halls of power.

The appointment has generated a positive response from many within the Republican Party and beyond, who see Wiles as a capable and pioneering figure.

Her achievement as the first female chief of staff also resonates with those who champion gender equality in leadership roles, marking a progressive step for an administration often scrutinized on issues of diversity.

As Trump’s right-hand aide, Wiles will likely play an influential role in shaping policy direction and managing day-to-day operations within the White House.

Her prior experience, coupled with the trust and respect she has earned from Trump, positions her as a potentially transformative figure in the new administration.

Many are eager to see how Wiles will utilize her skills to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, leading the Trump administration toward its stated goals while making history in her own right.

President Bola Tinubu is focused on going through with the tax reform bills after turning down the advice of the National Economic Council (NEC) to withdraw them.

The president rejected the recommendation of NEC last Friday in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga who also gave reasons for the rejection.

Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation to the president, Sunday Dare, in a post on his official X account on Thursday night also highlighted 13 things to know about the tax reform bills.

“The Nigeria tax system has overtime become complex, growth stifling and low revenue yielding due in large part to obsolete and ambiguous tax laws,” Dare wrote.

“Enacting a new harmonised and simplified ones for sustainable economic growth and to deliver shared prosperity for Nigerians becomes necessary,” he said before highlighting the advantages of the tax reform bills.

1. Changes to the income tax laws to facilitate remote work opportunities for Nigerians in Nigeria within the global business process. This will empower Nigerian youths to play a key role in the digital economy space.
2. Zero rated VAT and other incentives to promote exports in goods, services, and intellectual property.
3. Tox exemptions for small businesses including WHT. VAT, and 0% CIT.
4. Exemption from personal income tax for minimum wage eamers and reduced tox burden for over 90% of private and pubic sector workers.
5. VAT at 0% for food, education, health, and exemption for rent and public transportation. These tems constitute an average of 82% of household consumption and nearly 100% for low income households to ameliorate the rising cost of living for the masses.
6. Introduction of the Tax Ombudsman to advocate for improved tax system and protect vulnerable taxpayers.
7. Reduction of corporate income tax rate from 30% to 25% over the next two years and elimination of earmarked taxes on companies to be replaced with a harmonised single levy of a reduced rote.
8. Elimination of minimum tax on loss-making companies and those with low margins.
9. Grant of input VAT credit to businesses on assets and services to reduce cost of investment and improve competitiveness.
10. Redesign of the personal income tax band and rates. VAT and Capital Gains Tax to be progressive while protecting the poor.
11. Proposal to repeal over 50 nuisance taxes and levies, and harmonise the remaining taxes to a single digit.
12. Rationalisation of tax Incentives to reduce uncertainty and provide aEquitable basis for VAT revenue sharing to ensure that states without many headquarter companies are fairly treated and recognised for their economic contributions level playing field for all investors.
13. A new National Fiscal Policy to set the framework for fair taxation, responsible borrowing and sustainable spending.