An aide to Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has threatened to prevent former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, from entering the state over alleged destruction of billboards linked to political activities.

The governor’s adviser on cemetery affairs, Hon. ATM Jega, issued the warning while reacting to allegations that some individuals were tearing down billboards in different parts of Kebbi State.

Jega warned that he would not allow the alleged destruction of the billboards to continue, insisting that action would be taken if those responsible failed to stop the activity.

The governor’s aide specifically warned Malami, who is the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State, to caution individuals he described as his boys against allegedly vandalising the billboards.

“We will prevent Abubakar Malami from entering Kebbi State if he does not stop his boys from tearing down our billboards,” Jega was quoted as saying.

Jega maintained that he would not remain silent while the billboards were allegedly being destroyed, warning that Malami could face restrictions on entering the state if the alleged activities continued.

The threat comes as political activities intensify in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their candidates positioning themselves to challenge for elective offices.

Malami, a former minister under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, is seeking to become governor of Kebbi State on the platform of the ADC after declaring his intention to contest the 2027 election.

The former minister has since stepped up political mobilisation in the state, including the inauguration of a 600-member ADC campaign council in August 2026 to coordinate the party’s activities across Kebbi’s 21 local government areas.

However, the allegations of billboard destruction and Jega’s threat to prevent Malami from entering the state could further heighten political tensions as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.

The Executive Chairman, Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Alhaji Bashir Maitama has urged taxpayers to pay their taxes correctly and as when due.

Maitama made the call while speaking in Kano on Wednesday during the Customer Service Week of the service.

He said the celebration provided an opportunity for the agency to appreciate taxpayers for their contributions to the development of the state.

The chairman described taxpayers as important stakeholders whose contributions were valued by the agency and the state government.

Maitama said KIRS’ digital tax platforms had made tax payment easier, adding that the agency was committed to resolving challenges experienced by taxpayers.

He urged taxpayers facing difficulties with the platforms to contact the agency for prompt assistance.

On revenue performance, the chairman said KIRS had recorded significant improvement in its collections and expressed confidence that it would meet the revenue target set by the state government.

He said the agency would continue to promote voluntary compliance and expand the tax net by bringing more eligible taxpayers into the system.

“There are many people doing businesses who are not yet in the tax net. We want to ensure that more taxpayers are captured and encouraged to comply voluntarily,” he said.

The chairman explained that the digitization of KIRS operations was aimed at blocking revenue leakages, improving transparency and simplifying tax payment.

He said the agency would continue to adopt technology to improve efficiency, revenue collection and service delivery.

Maitama, therefore, urged taxpayers to fulfil their tax obligations promptly and correctly.

Earlier, The Executive Director, Revenue Operations, (KIRS), Kasim Ismael urged taxpayers to pay their taxes correctly and as when due, describing tax payment as essential to the development of the state.

He said taxes were an important source of revenue for the government to provide essential services, maintain institutions and promote peace and development.

The executive director also called for improved cooperation between the agency and taxpayers to strengthen compliance and revenue generation in the state.

Speaking also, Mr Michael Daniel, who spoke on behalf of the customers, said that taxpayers appreciated the efforts of KIRS in improving its services and strengthening its relationship with taxpayers.

He urged the agency to sustain its commitment to transparency, professionalism and efficient service delivery, saying improved customer service would encourage more people to comply with their tax obligations.

NAN

The Federal Government has announced a 30-day discount on petrol sold through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), with public transport operators expected to receive priority under the arrangement.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a briefing on petrol pricing and the Federal Government’s position on fuel subsidy.

Oyedele explained that the initiative should not be interpreted as a return to petrol subsidy, stressing that the government’s intention was to make the product available at cost for the period.