Bishop Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, has expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform laws, noting that they have the ability to control the recklessness of the country’s elite.
Kukah shared his views during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief program on Tuesday.
Chronicle NG reports that the tax reform bills have sparked significant controversy since their introduction to the National Assembly.
The bills have also faced opposition from lawmakers, state governors, and notable political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
Despite the criticism, Kukah voiced confidence, calling the measures a start towards improved fiscal management and a solution to the country’s financial mismanagement.
He emphasised the importance of effective reforms in putting Nigeria on track for long-term progress.
“Nigeria is a very energetic country with people who are exceptionally gifted and always ready to excel. However, our challenge lies in the inability of states to create platforms that harness the energy, vision, and competing narratives of their citizens. This lack of structure often results in violence,” he said.
Kukah added, “I am excited because this conversation offers an opportunity to address and end financial recklessness. It is ironic that Nigerians, despite living in a richly endowed country, find themselves spectators to the rascality and irresponsibility of the elite who mismanage our resources.
“These reforms should help transform the narrative and ensure the efficient management of our resources. I am hopeful that this marks the beginning of a long journey towards fiscal responsibility and the development of the nation we all aspire to build.”
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
