FEEL MY PULSE | GLOBAL | NIGERIA | 310525

Here’s a summary of public reactions to the major headlines in Nigeria and globally at this time:

Nigeria News

Public reactions to Nigeria’s tax reform bills have been mixed. While some Nigerians see the reforms as a way to modernize the tax system and improve revenue generation, others fear that the proposed VAT increase could worsen inflation and reduce living standards. Business owners in Northern Nigeria believe the reforms could push governors to improve internally generated revenue, but civil servants and entrepreneurs worry about the complexity of the new tax laws.

The announcement of a ground rent hike in Abuja has sparked strong criticism, especially from property owners and political opponents. Many residents argue that the government should focus on improving transparency in tax collection rather than increasing rates. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun sealing properties of major defaulters, including the PDP Secretariat and several businesses, leading to backlash from affected organizations.

Residents near the collapsed building in Ikorodu blame the use of substandard materials and poor construction practices. Some allege that the building owner was abroad and had been sending money home for construction, leading to oversight failures. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has urged developers to adhere to safety standards, but many citizens remain frustrated with recurring building collapses in the state.

FEEL MY PULSE | 260525

Here’s a look at some of the available online reactions to trending global and National issues:

Topics Global

·       Pope Leo XIV's election: Many are praising his emphasis on unity, while others debate whether an American pope can remain neutral in global politics.

·       X (formerly Twitter) outage: Users are flooding social media with memes, blaming Elon Musk and joking about switching to alternative platforms.

·       India's economic growth: Some celebrate India’s rise, while others question whether the country’s rapid expansion is sustainable.

·       Harvard controversy: Heated debates are unfolding, with some defending Harvard’s autonomy and others supporting stricter regulations on foreign student enrollment.

·       Russia-Ukraine prisoner swaps: Some view the swaps as a sign of progress, while others argue they don’t change the ongoing conflict.

·       Cannes Film Festival power cut: Speculation is rampant about whether the blackout was sabotage or a technical failure.

FEEL MY PULSE 160923

One of the ways to show love to your wife is to “allow her to teach you without putting up your defense”.

Do you agree?

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One of the ways of loving your wife is to "call her when you're going to be late".

Do you agree?

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One of the ways of  loving your wife is "do not let her see you become excited about the physical features of another woman if that bothers her"

Do you agree?

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One of the WAYS OF SHOWING LOVE TO YOUR HUSBAND IS "Try not to make sudden changes without discussion. And then give him time to adjust" 

Do you agree?

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One of the ways of loving your wife is to comfort her when she is down emotionally, put your arms around her and silently hold her for a moment without lectures or put-downs. Do you agree?

FEEL MY PULSE - rebranded

FEEL MY PULSE, one of our flagship columns is now rebranded to suite the lifestyle of many of our readers. Until now the regular column has been dwelling on topical news, events and programmes. But its new brand today will specifically focus on love relationships between men and women in a public opinion poll format. Trust you would find the change quite interesting and supportive in your love affairs.

FEEL MY PULSE: 30-year-old widow arrested for drug dealing in Kano | +

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old widow, Jamila Abdullahi, for allegedly dealing in illicit drugs.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, in a statement on Monday, May 2, said the suspect confessed to have been in the business of selling intoxicating drugs for over two years.

"On the 30/03/2022 at about 1200hrs, credible pieces of information received revealed that one Jamila Abdullahi, 'f', 30 years old, of Kwanar Ungogo Quarters, Ungogo LGA Kano State engaged in buying and selling of illicit drugs," the statement read.

 LIB

I support IPOB’s agitation but I won’t condone violence - Gov Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has said that he supports the agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) but is against the violent activities linked to the group.

In an interview with Channels TV, Governor Wike said that his problem with IPOB started when they allegedly came to Rivers to set ablaze government properties and force their membership on the residents of Rivers.

FEEL MY PULSE: Customs reopens Kamba border | +

A Tip: For the moment you may wish to connect with the latest Russia-Ukraine War news live updates as Zelenskiy says "Fate of Europe and global security is being decided in Ukraine".  However, in a related situation we have Russia accusing Nato of  'proxy war' in Ukraine as US host crucial defense summit. Perhaps, at this point you would get to know what happens on day 62 of the invasion. Least we forget, find out about  the 'Minister backing Ukraine carrying out Russia strikes with British weapon'. All these and much more on Feel My Pulse this hour.

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Monday officially reopened Kamba border which links the country to Republic of Niger along Kebbi corridor.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government, through a circular by NCS on Friday ordered the reopening of the border posts in Idiroko (Ogun); Jibiya (Katsina State) Kamba (Kebbi) and Ikom (Cross River).

FEEL MY PULSE: 2023: What I’ll do as APC chairman – Adamu | +

The All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, on Wednesday, said part of his assignment as the ruling party chairman would be to ensure the recruitment of the best hands from the Peoples Democratic Party into the APC.

Adamu spoke on Wednesday during the Valedictory/Commendation Session by the Senate in honour of outgoing lawmakers recently elected to other offices.

FEEL MY PULSE | 2023 Presidency: Tinubu holds meeting with 17 APC governors hours after Osinbajo’s declaration | +

The former Governor of Lagos State and the National Leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is currently meeting with Governors on the platform of the party under the aegis of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) as part of his consultation towards his 2023 presidential ambition.

The meeting which is holding at the Kebbi State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, is coming a few hours after his political associate and Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, declared his intention to vie for the office of the president in the 2023 general election.

FEEL MY PULSE: 15-YEAR-OLD MAID SAYS SHE DONATED 6-MONTHS-OLD BABY SHE KILLED TO PLEASE CULT | +

Suspect: 15-year-old maid

•  FG SHUTS ILLEGAL ONLINE BANKS, FREEZES BUSINESS ACCOUNTS
• DOLLY PARTON "RESPECTFULLY" REMOVES HERSELF FROM ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME CONSIDERATION, SAYING "I DON'T FEEL THAT I HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT"
• SENATE DECLARES VLADIMIR PUTIN A "WAR CRIMINAL" AND CALLS FOR HIM TO BE INVESTIGATED
• PEOPLE IN AFRICA DRINK TEA MORE THAN COFFEE, ACCORDING TO A SURVEY
  

FEEL MY PULSE: BRT MURDER | +

Late Ayanwole Oluwabamise

• DEPTHS OF DESPAIR Moment Russian soldier ‘surrenders and breaks down in tears in Ukrainian
• COUPLE MARRIED FOR 91 YEARS AND STILL IN LOVE

FEEL MY PULSE: FG APPROVES US REGUEST FOR ABBA KYARI’S EXTRADITION | +

DCP, ABBA KYARI

·         FG APPROVES US REGUEST FOR ABBA KYARI’S EXTRADITION

·         PUTIN VOWS “UNCOMPROMISING FIGHT” AS WAR ENTERS SECOND WEEK

·         ALL OF HUMANITY AT RISK FROM NUCLEAR THREAT, SAYS UN

Let's feel your pulse on this: Tinubu's interest in 2023 presidency

What do you think of Bola Tinubu's expression of interest to contest the presidency in 2023?

Kano bans men and women from swimming in the same pool

The Kano State Government has banned men and women from swimming in the same pool and entry of children into hotels.

The agency also banned shisha smoking, lesbianism and gay practices in the state.

The Chairman of the Committee, Baffa Babba Dan-agundi, made this known to newsmen after a meeting with the owners of hotels, restaurants, and event centers in the state.

The committee informed them of a new levy by the state government that will help in sanitizing their places of business for the purpose of avoiding acts of prostitution in the state.

Grandfather Graduates College Side By Side His Granddaughter

CNN reports that Melanie Salazar, 23, and her 88-year-old grandfather Rene Neira both graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in December.

Recall SEB brought you this story very late last year curtsey, NPR with the title “Rene Neira Graduates From UTSA”

Well, same report is today captured by CNN with the caption “A terminally ill grandfather graduated college side by side his granddaughter”.

Covid - 19: Avoid Cruises Even If You Are Vaccinated - CDC

From the Washington Post comes the report that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that all travelers — even those who are vaccinated — should avoid cruises.

In a statement, the agency said cruise lines reported 5,013 covid-19 cases on ships operating in U.S. waters between Dec. 15 and 29, a massive increase from the 162 cases reported over the prior two weeks.

Japan's Princess Marries Commoner Boyfriend

Japan’s Princess Mako, the emperor’s niece, has married her commoner college sweetheart on Tuesday and left the royal family after a years-long engagement beset by scrutiny that has left the princess with post-traumatic stress disorder. This has generated a lot of comments from social media users.