JUST IN: Zulum, Ministers, others present as Tinubu hosts State House Iftar

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu is hosting state governors, ministers, and heads of paramilitary agencies to an Iftar dinner at the State House, Abuja.

Notably, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as ministers and ministers of state, are in attendance.

Governor Zulum had previously expressed concerns regarding President Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Zulum criticized the rapid progression of the bills through the legislative process, contrasting it with the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took nearly two decades to pass.

He emphasized the need for careful consideration to ensure long-term benefits for future generations.

Also in attendance are Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Among the governors present are Alex Otti of Abia State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.

Also present are heads of key government agencies, including the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Professor Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad; the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa; the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Abdulganiyu; and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi.