Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has explained why he opted to play for the national team of Nigeria over the Netherlands.

Born in Haarlem, the defender chose to defect from the Netherlands to Nigeria, where his father originally hails from.


According to the former Watford star, he made the decision after a telephone conversation with late former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, who was coaching the team at the time.

The 31-year-old played in friendly matches for his country of birth at U19 and U20 level before taking the opportunity to represent Nigeria following discussions with Keshi.

Asked why he chose Nigeria over the Netherlands, Troost-Ekong said on the latest episode of The Sports Afterparty Podcast:

“I had the decision quite early in my career. I was 20 at the time, I just finished my breakthrough season in the Netherlands, first year of playing probably 30 plus games in the Eredivisie, which is the highest league in the Netherlands.

“And all of a sudden I got a phone call from Stephen Keshi, who was the coach at the time, ex-captain and ex-player, so I was quite blown away when he called me.

“Just at the start of the season, I had played for the Dutch U19 and U20 squads, but there was no real perspective yet for the first team.

“This was the only tangible option that I had. The choice was between trying to progress and later in my career maybe have a chance to play for the Netherlands or have a chance now to play for the Super Eagles who were kind of going through a transition stage where a lot of their defenders that time were a little bit older, so I knew that they wanted to make some changes there.

“And taking that opportunity which then in turn would give me more perspective for my club so I kind of made that decision thinking about all those things.”

Popular South Korean actor, Song Jae-Rim is dead.

Media Talk Africa reports that Song Jae-Rim was known for his role in K-drama ‘The Moon Embracing The Sun’.

He was found dead in his apartment on Tuesday November 12 2024, at 39-year-old.

According to Korean media outlet Soompi, a two-page letter was discovered at the scene.

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of his death has not been disclosed, although it is rumoured on social media that the actor may have committed suicide.

American hip-hop legend, Snoop Dogg, has revealed his top three rappers of all time in a recent interview with Jimmy Kimmel. When asked to name his personal picks, Snoop confidently placed himself alongside two other iconic figures in the rap game: Slick Rick and Ice Cube.

During the interview, Kimmel posed the question, “Who are your top three greatest rappers of all time?” Without hesitation, Snoop responded, “Slick Rick, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg.”

Snoop’s list has generated a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with many fans expressing surprise and disappointment over the exclusion of other renowned hip-hop figures such as 2Pac, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, and Eminem. The discussion has sparked debates about what defines the “greatest” in hip-hop, with fans weighing in on the influence and contributions of the artists Snoop chose versus those who didn’t make the cut.

While Snoop Dogg’s selection is undeniably personal, it highlights the ongoing conversation about the evolution of hip-hop and the various artists who have shaped the genre. The debate continues to rage on, showcasing the deep passion fans have for their favorite rappers and the lasting impact of these musical legends on the culture.

WASHINGTON — Republicans seized control of the U.S. Senate late Tuesday, flipping key Democratic-held seats and securing a majority for the first time in four years. The pivotal moment came in Nebraska, where incumbent GOP Senator Deb Fischer narrowly defeated independent challenger Dan Osborn. This victory, along with other gains in West Virginia and Ohio, allowed Republicans to edge past the Democrats.

In West Virginia, GOP Governor Jim Justice won the Senate seat vacated by retiring Democrat Joe Manchin. In Ohio, Democrat Sherrod Brown lost to wealthy Republican newcomer Bernie Moreno. The Democrats’ efforts to unseat high-profile Republicans like Ted Cruz of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida failed.


Despite the setbacks, attention now turns to the Democratic strongholds of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, where key Senate races could determine whether Republicans sweep the chamber.

This shift in Senate power marks a turning point in the political landscape, with the GOP’s Mitch McConnell stepping down from leadership. Meanwhile, debates over the party’s leadership and direction loom, with South Dakota Senator John Thune and Texas Senator John Cornyn emerging as potential successors.

The election results are shaping the future of U.S. governance, with Congress poised to influence presidential agendas, particularly with the backdrop of the upcoming presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

SonofElElyonRet:


Jumoke is not her surname..

The Nigerian Senate will on Tuesday (today) screen the ministerial nominees forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu last week.

Tinubu had on October 24, written the upper legislative chamber seeking for the screening and subsequent confirmation of seven ministerial nominees.


The request, which was contained in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio was read during Thursday’s plenary.

The ministerial nominees include: Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs and Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment.

Others are Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Development; Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State, Education; Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development and Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State, Housing.

According to reports, the nominees have been cleared by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Some of the nominees were sighted at the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado on Monday to submit their curriculum vitae.

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have reached a boiling point as a drone attack by the militant group on an Israeli army base in central Israel has resulted in the deaths of at least four soldiers and approximately 60 others severely injured. This marks the deadliest strike by Hezbollah on Israeli territory since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a ground operation into Lebanon nearly two weeks ago.


Rafi Sheva, a paramedic with Magen David Adom, described the scene as “difficult,” with victims requiring urgent life-saving treatment and surgery to stop bleeding and being swiftly evacuated to hospitals. The attack was a retaliation, according to Hezbollah, for Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, which killed 22 people.

The ongoing conflict has seen a surge in attacks on both sides. Israel has responded with heavy airstrikes in Lebanon, including the capital, Beirut, and has deployed around 15,000 soldiers in the region. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports over 1,400 casualties since September, without specifying how many are Hezbollah fighters. Meanwhile, at least 58 people have died in rocket attacks on Israel, with nearly half being soldiers.

The war in Gaza, which began in October, has displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border. The intensification of violence has left a trail of destruction and human suffering, with millions seeking refuge. As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community is bracing for further escalations, which may only deepen the humanitarian crisis.

With no end in sight, the people of Israel and Lebanon are caught in the crossfire, forced to live with the rising threat of violence and uncertainty.

Nigeria’s 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Federal Government’s newly introduced 18-year age limit on Nigerian Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams. The minister of education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the decision during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.


The policy is faced with widespread criticism, with the Minister stating that the government has instructed NECO and WAEC to enforce the new age requirement for candidates taking these exams.

In response, Atiku wrote on his verified Facebook page, criticizing the decision as “absurd” and an “anti-scholarship” regulation. He urged universal condemnation for those who value intellectual freedom and accessibility.

“We are moving backward in time and rejecting the progress made by other countries by introducing such archaic policies like this one,” Atiku stated.

He also highlighted that under the Nigerian constitution, education is listed under concurrent powers, where sub-national governments have more authority over education than the Federal Government. Atiku argued that the effective global approach is to allow sub-national governments to establish their education laws or regulations.

The former Vice President of Nigeria expressed disappointment in the government for not having a plan to cater for talented students, stating that this neglects the intellectual freedom and accessibility which is crucial for education.

“Ironically, if the federal government does play a role in education, it should prioritize identifying and granting scholarships to exceptionally gifted students, regardless of age, before accepting them into tertiary institutions,” Atiku emphasized.

Atiku concluded, labeling the policy as belonging to “Stone Ages” and calling for its thorough condemnation by everyone who values education and intellectual freedom.

This bold move by the presidential hopeful has sparked intense debate in Nigeria about the country’s educational system and whether the federal government has the right to determine the age limit for NECO and WAEC exams.

In a shocking display of generosity, Nigerian afrobeat sensation Wizkid has made headlines by paying his disc jockey, DJ Tunez, N10 million to play singer Asake’s hit song, Fuji Vibe. The remarkable gesture took place during Wizkid’s sold-out concert in London, where the crowd was left stunned by the announcement.


A trending video from the concert shows DJ Tunez making the announcement, which sent the audience into a frenzy of cheers and applause. The disc jockey can be heard saying, “One of the afrobeat singer Wizkid just paid me N10 million now to play this song.” The crowd’s reaction was a testament to the power of the music, as they sang along to the hit song with gusto.

DJ Tunez’s performance with Fuji Vibe undoubtedly stood out as a major highlight of the night, and the generous payment by Wizkid only added to the excitement. The event marked a memorable night for fans of afrobeat music, as they witnessed a display of camaraderie and appreciation for the art form.

Wizkid’s decision to pay DJ Tunez N10 million to play Asake’s hit song is a testament to his commitment to promoting and celebrating Nigerian music. The gesture has also sparked a wave of excitement among fans, who are eager to see what other surprises Wizkid has in store for them.

As the afrobeat scene continues to gain global recognition, it’s heartening to see artists like Wizkid and DJ Tunez coming together to celebrate the music they love. The generous payment has set a new standard for artist appreciation, and fans can only hope to see more of these kinds of gestures in the future.

* Corruption probe reveals shocking scale of allegations


South Africa is grappling with over $7 billion in alleged corruption at several top state-owned companies, according to a new report published by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU). The vast corruption scandal involves six companies: Transnet, Denel, Eskom, National Lotteries Commission, South African Airways, and Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

The SIU’s report suggests that the investigations, which have been underway since 2018, involve scores of suspicious contracts and cases of conflict of interest. At Transnet, approximately 60 contracts worth nearly $4 billion are under scrutiny. The findings reveal a widespread corruption scheme, where government officials and executives embezzled millions by offering bribes to business partners for government contracts.

The culture of graft became particularly entrenched during the administration of former President Jacob Zuma, who ruled the country from 2009 to 2018. Many top officials and executives were found to have taken kickbacks and bribes from businessmen, resulting in a monumental scandal that shook the country to its core.

One of the notable corruption cases is PRASA, which allegedly lost $540 million, including a scheme where nearly $300 million was stolen in the guise of payments to over 1,200 "ghost employees" who never existed.

The scandal has had a devastating impact on the economy, including the near collapse of power utility Eskom due to rampant graft and mismanagement. South Africa suffered record blackouts due to the crisis, plunging households and businesses into darkness.

The ruling party, African National Congress (ANC), under current President Cyril Ramaphosa, has pledged to clean up the government and justice system. However, experts say the tainted officials may not be held accountable and many millions will remain unfished.

This is yet another stark reminder of the importance of integrity in governance, highlighting the need for ongoing reforms and accountability mechanisms to combat grand corruption and restore trust in the justice system.

A judge in the United States has denied bail to Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the man accused of murdering legendary hip-hop star Tupac Shakur in 1996. Davis, a former Los Angeles gang leader, is the only person ever charged in connection with the drive-by shooting that claimed Shakur’s life.


Prosecutors claim that the gunfire that killed Shakur was the result of competition between members of two different gangs, one of which reportedly included Davis. The former gang leader has requested release on bail, set at $750,000, several times since his arrest in September 2023, but has faced repeated denials.

In rejecting his latest request, Judge Carli Kierny cited concerns over the legitimacy of the funds being offered for his release. She expressed doubts about the transparency of the funds, suggesting that efforts might have been underway to conceal their true origin. Kierny also expressed concerns that Davis and the music executive reportedly underwriting the money might be planning to reap profits from the sale of his life story.

Nevada law prohibits convicted killers from benefiting financially from their crimes. Davis has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. The judge has also pushed back the start of his trial from 4 November to March next year.

The denial of bail is a significant setback for Davis, who has been behind bars since his arrest. The case has garnered widespread attention, with many fans and followers of Tupac Shakur still seeking justice for the rapper’s untimely death.

Tensions between Russia and the United States have escalated further, with Russia warning that permitting Ukraine to launch Western missile strikes into its territory could lead to a significant escalation of the conflict.


According to reports, Ukrainian authorities are urging Western arms donors to approve the use of their weapons for long-range strikes deep inside Russia. However, Russia has cautioned the US and other Western nations that such actions could have severe and far-reaching consequences, potentially spreading the conflict beyond Europe’s borders.

In a statement, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the situation as "asking for trouble" and accused the West of seeking to escalate the Ukraine war. He warned that "playing with fire" – referring to the use of military might without careful consideration – could lead to disastrous consequences.

Lavrov’s remarks were aimed at both Ukraine and the West, cautioning them against underestimating Russia’s response to any potential missile strikes. "The American mentality is that of a master, who sits on the other coast convinced of his safety and that others will do the dirty work for him," Lavrov said. "He expects others to die for him, not just Ukrainians, but also Europeans, it appears."

Despite these warnings, Russia has emphasized the need for restraint and diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation, urging all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution.

As the situation continues to unfold, international tensions remain high, with Russia’s warnings serving as a clear signal of its determination to defend its sovereignty.

In a bid to ensure the safety of its passengers, Air France has announced that it will suspend flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut this Sunday and Monday. The decision comes as a response to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, following Israel’s launch of air strikes into Lebanon.


According to a spokesperson for the French carrier, the flights scheduled for today and tomorrow have been temporarily suspended. The airline has left open the possibility of extending the suspension further, depending on the developments in the region.

Air France usually operates a daily service to both Tel Aviv and Beirut. The airline had previously halted flights to Beirut between July 29 and August 15, but it had continued to fly to Tel Aviv. It remains unclear whether its budget subsidiary, Transavia, will follow suit and suspend its flights to these destinations.

Germany’s Lufthansa has also taken similar measures, announcing that it will not fly to Beirut until the end of September and will not operate flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran until September 2. The airline had previously extended its suspension of flights to Beirut until September 1.

Air France and Lufthansa’s decisions demonstrate the impact that regional conflicts can have on global air travel. As the situation in the Middle East remains fragile, it is essential for passengers to stay informed about the latest developments and airline policies.

A devastating incident occurred in the Drina River separating Serbia and Bosnia on Thursday, when a boat carrying migrants capsized, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people. The search for missing individuals is ongoing, with multiple people still unaccounted for.


According to Serbian police, the boat was carrying around two dozen migrants when it turned over near the border town of Ljubovija in Serbia early on Thursday. The search and rescue team, aided by divers, found the bodies of nine migrants whose boat capsized. Unfortunately, the authorities have not released the nationalities of the victims at this time.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach the European Union through the Balkan route. Serbia and Bosnia are major transit countries for migrants, who often use smugglers to enter the region from Bulgaria and North Macedonia before attempting to enter Hungary or Croatia.

The tragedy also underscores the complexities of the refugee crisis, which has seen over a million people from Asia and Africa cross through Serbia since 2015. The majority of recent migrants come from Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, Morocco, and Pakistan. However, the number of migrants transiting through Serbia has dropped significantly, with police recording 10,389 illegal entries in the first half of 2024 – a nearly 70 percent decrease from the same period last year.

Serbian officials attribute the drop in illegal entries to tighter cooperation with Austrian police and Frontex, the EU’s border management agency. Despite this, the risks faced by migrants attempting to reach the EU remain high.

Zonefree:

What if he's done with the former relationship, do you still consider that as cheating?

Zonefree:
It's good to know he's not like his father...old man wey dey cry for woman for public space.

The Twitter account of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has mysteriously disappeared from the platform, leaving its 2.2 million followers puzzled. As of Wednesday, the handle @officialEFCC displayed the message, "This account doesn’t exist."

Dele Oyewale, EFCC's chief spokesman, confirmed the issue, attributing it to a network problem. He said the agency’s ICT department has been working for three days to restore the account. "We are hoping it will come up again," Oyewale told Peoples Gazette on Wednesday night.

This incident follows threats of cyber warfare from a group of suspected internet fraudsters angered by the EFCC’s aggressive crackdowns. The threats surfaced on Reddit and other forums, accusing the agency of extortion and violations of constitutional rights.

In recent months, the EFCC intensified raids against online fraud, targeting hotels and universities in a bid to clean up Nigeria’s image. However, human rights advocates have criticized the agency’s heavy-handed tactics, especially after midnight raids continued despite a ban issued by Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

It remains unclear whether the account's disappearance was caused by cyber threats or due to a violation of X’s policies. The EFCC's website and its other social media accounts remain unaffected as of Thursday morning.

American actor and rapper Jaden Smith has sparked controversy after being photographed with another woman, Instagram model Khleopatre, on a yacht in Ibiza. The intimate display of affection has led to accusations of cheating on his three-year-old girlfriend, Sab Zada.

According to sources, Jaden was last seen with Zada just a week prior during a night out at The Nice Guy in West Hollywood, but it appears he has moved on to someone new. The photos, captured by paparazzi, show the Hollywood star kissing and holding the waist of Khleopatre, leaving fans divided online.

Some have taken to social media to accuse Jaden of cheating on Zada, while others believe he is now dating Khleopatre. However, Jaden has yet to publicly comment on the status of his relationships with both women.

This latest scandal comes as a surprise to many, as Jaden and Zada had been together for several years. The couple’s relationship had been relatively low-key, with the pair rarely sharing public displays of affection.

As the situation unfolds, fans and followers of the star are eagerly awaiting his response. Will Jaden address the allegations and clarify the status of his relationships? Only time will tell.

American rapper and record executive Rick Ross is facing legal action after a disabled man sued him for not making his Car & Bike Show wheelchair accessible.

Darris Straughter, a man who has been disabled since suffering a traumatic spinal cord injury in 2018, alleged that despite purchasing a ticket and arranging for travel and lodging, he was unable to attend the event at Ross’ 235-acre estate in Fayetteville, Georgia.


Straughter contacted the event organizers two weeks in advance to inform them of his needs, but claims that he was never provided with the necessary accommodations. He also alleges that the show organizers had promised refunds to anyone who couldn’t get into the event, but never received any follow-up or compensation.

The lawsuit, filed by Straughter’s attorney John Hoover Esq., is seeking damages as well as a court order mandating that future car shows provide proper disabled access. Straughter is suing Ross for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

The case highlights the importance of ensuring equal access for people with disabilities, and the consequences of failing to provide such access. It remains to be seen how the court will rule in this case, but one thing is clear: the music industry and event organizers have a responsibility to ensure that all attendees, regardless of ability, have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Rick Ross has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

In a recent Instagram interactive session, Nigerian singer Ololade Ahmed, popularly known as Asake, shared an exciting revelation about his latest song "MMS". The talented artist revealed that it was his colleague Wizkid who reached out to him to be featured on the track.

According to Asake, he had initially considered someone else for the collaboration, but producer P. Prime played the song for Wizkid, who was impressed and asked to be featured on the song. Asake shared the surprising story, saying, "I didn’t know I was going to put Wizkid on that song to be honest. I had someone else in mind for that song, but I think P.prime played the song to wiz, and wiz said ‘I f*ck with this song, I want to jump on it’."

The song "MMS" is part of Asake’s third studio album "Lungu Boy", which was released on Friday. The album has already made a significant impact, breaking the record for the biggest first-day streams on Spotify Nigeria with 870,000 streams. This feat surpasses the previous record held by Wizkid’s song "IDK" featuring Zlatan Ibile, which had 626,000 streams.

Moreover, Asake’s album "Lungu Boy" has also broken the record for the biggest first-day streams for an African album on Spotify, with an impressive 9.42 million streams on the Global Spotify Chart on its first day.

Asake’s collaboration with Wizkid on "MMS" has undoubtedly generated a lot of buzz in the music industry, and fans are eagerly awaiting more exciting collaborations from the talented artist.

Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has blocked the popular encrypted messaging app Signal, citing violations of laws linked to anti-terrorist operations. The move comes after hundreds of Signal users reported glitches with the app, which is used by up to a million Russians to encrypt messages and conversations.

According to Interfax news agency, Roskomnadzor announced the blocking, stating that Signal’s access was restricted due to the app’s failure to comply with Russian legislation aimed at preventing the use of messaging apps for terrorist and extremist purposes.

Before the blocking, users in Moscow and St Petersburg reported over 1,500 complaints about Signal on internet service monitoring sites. However, users who accessed the app via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or used the built-in censorship bypass mode reported that it was working normally. This suggests that the issue was indeed a blocking of the app in Russia, rather than a technical problem on Signal’s side.

Mikhail Klimarev, author of the Telegram channel "For Telecom", told Reuters that this was the first attempt to block Signal in Russia. He noted that the app’s blocking was not as effective as the previous attempt to block Telegram, a widely used messaging app that was blocked by Russian authorities in 2018. Despite the blocking, Telegram remained widely available in Russia.

Signal’s inability to register new accounts without a VPN was also reported by three individuals from Moscow and the Krasnodar region. When attempting to register a new account, the service displayed a "Server Error" message.

The blocking of Signal in Russia raises concerns about the country’s efforts to restrict online communication and potentially limit the spread of information. The move is seen as part of a broader trend of governments around the world attempting to exert greater control over the internet and social media platforms.

A row has erupted in Nigeria’s oil sector, with petroleum marketers accusing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMA), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of engaging in shady deals that are exacerbating the current scarcity of petroleum products.

The marketers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the deals are harming the availability of products and disrupting seamless distribution to retail outlets. They have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently in the issue.

According to the marketers, NNPCL, the sole importer of petroleum products, has created a situation where independent marketers are at the mercy of private depot owners. While NNPCL gives petrol to depot owners at a depot price of N556.5 per litre, the owners sell to marketers at N700 to N740.00, leaving them with little or no profit to sell at stations.

"Before, we had an arrangement where NNPCL gave allocations to independent marketers to sell to marketers with a benchmark price. Now, we have no allocation and are at the mercy of tank farm owners," said one of the marketers. "Private depot owners are now selling to us at N800, which is not feasible for us to sell at retail outlets to ordinary Nigerians."

The marketers claimed that they are being accused of hoarding products and selling at exorbitant prices, but argued that the midstream regulatory agency is not doing its job in investigating the activities of tank farm owners. They demanded that the agency insist on an ex-depot price and hold tank farm owners accountable.

"We urge President Tinubu to show a determined will to break the cabal in the sector, which is creating problems for the country," the marketer said.

The controversy has raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the oil sector, and the impact it has on the everyday lives of Nigerians.

The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has sealed off the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) due to a N600 million tax liability. This move was implemented as per a court order obtained by KADIRS, following the company's failure to settle the outstanding tax debt.

According to the Executive Chairman of KADIRS, Jerry Adams, the N600 million tax liability dates back to 2015 to 2022. Despite repeated attempts at reconciliation, KAEDCO had failed to pay a substantial amount of the debt, leading to the sealing of the company's premises.

Adams highlighted the importance of voluntary compliance with tax payments, appealing to businesses, individuals, corporate organisations, and the general public to ensure that they fulfill their tax obligations.

The decision by KADIRS to seal off KAEDCO's premises marks a significant move in the state government's efforts to ensure that defaulting taxpayers are held accountable. It also sends a strong signal to other entities that may be considering withholding their tax payments.

As part of the initiative, KADIRS is urging individuals and businesses to explore the numerous tax payment options available to ensure timely compliance with their tax liabilities. This will not only help in bridging the revenue gap faced by the state government but also enhance transparency and accountability in the tax administration system.