Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has once again underscored his administration’s unwavering focus on merit-based appointments, stressing that only individuals with proven capacity and integrity will be selected for public service, irrespective of political affiliations, ethnicity, or place of origin. The governor made this clear on Tuesday during the official inauguration of the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission, held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office located at the State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan. Makinde highlighted that his administration is firmly committed to identifying and appointing individuals who possess the professional qualifications and competence to drive growth and transformation in Oyo State. According to him, considerations such as political favoritism or ethnic background do not influence selection into key positions within his government. “Whenever we identify a talent that has the potential to add genuine value to the development of Oyo State, regardless of where they come from or what political party they belong to, we will not hesitate to bring such a person on board,” Governor Makinde stated. He called on the newly appointed members of the Judicial Service Commission to remain steadfast in applying their skills and experience toward enhancing the delivery of justice and upholding the rule of law in the state. The governor noted that the efficiency and credibility of the judicial arm of government play a vital role in ensuring good governance, peace, and equity in society. Therefore, the newly inaugurated commission must work diligently to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Leading the newly sworn-in commission is the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, who will serve as the Chairperson. Supporting her as the Secretary is Mrs. M.O. Abdulganiyu. Other distinguished members of the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission include: The governor’s approach to appointments, which centers on skill, value, and state-building commitment, aligns with modern governance best practices and sends a strong message about transparency, accountability, and equity in public service. This commitment comes at a time when many Nigerians are advocating for depoliticized public appointments and credible leadership across all levels of government. Governor Makinde’s stance is widely seen as a forward-thinking model that other state leaders could emulate.
The National Executive Council (NEC) has recommended withdrawing the four tax reform bills submitted to Parliament by President Bola Tinubu. This decision was made during a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, and included governors from all 36 states. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who spoke to reporters after the meeting, explained that the NEC called for the withdrawal to allow for broader consultations and to build consensus around the proposed reforms. The bills have sparked controversy, particularly with the Northern Governors Forum opposing them. These four bills were part of President Tinubu’s initiative to revamp Nigeria’s tax system. They aim to establish a central revenue service responsible for collecting all government revenues, including those currently managed by agencies like customs and the ports authority. Additionally, the bills propose allocating a larger share of VAT revenues to states, which has raised concerns among northern leaders who believe it could disadvantage their region. During the meeting, the NEC emphasized the importance of alignment among stakeholders regarding these reforms, acknowledging existing miscommunication. A spokesperson for President Tinubu previously stated that the proposed laws would not increase current tax rates but would instead streamline and enhance the existing tax framework. The reforms are designed to ensure a fairer distribution of tax responsibilities without adding to the burden on citizens, and they are not expected to lead to job losses. In fact, they aim to create new job opportunities by fostering a dynamic, growth-oriented economy. Currently, tax administration suffers from a lack of coordination among federal, state, and local authorities, which leads to confusion and inefficiency. The proposed laws aim to improve this situation by harmonizing revenue collection and management across all levels of government, without eliminating the functions of any existing agencies. READ ALSO: Wike: Unpainted taxis will not be permitted to pick up customers in Abuja. Regarding the controversial derivation-based VAT distribution model, the spokesperson stated that the new approach intends to create a fairer system. It considers the place of supply or consumption, ensuring that states in the Northern region that produce essential goods do not lose out due to VAT exemptions or consumption in other areas. The ongoing tax reform seeks to address the inequities in the current model for distributing VAT revenues. We Love To Have You Back. Pease kindly Provide Us With Your Email.
