Northern leaders have strongly opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration that the controversial tax reform bills will not be reversed.
The leaders, including members of the National Assembly, the League of Northern Democrats, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, have criticized the President’s stance, describing it as unilateral and lacking proper consultation with relevant stakeholders.
In a media chat on Monday in Lagos, President Tinubu defended the tax reforms, acknowledging the potential backlash but asserting that they were essential for modernizing the nation’s tax system and removing colonial-era practices.
Senator Mohammed Onawo, representing Nasarawa South, underscored the importance of legislative independence and due process. He pointed out that, as a former legislator, President Tinubu should respect established legislative procedures and allow lawmakers to review and amend the bills as needed. Onawo remarked, “If the President, who was once a legislator, is passing judgment on bills that are before the National Assembly, it is unfortunate. The right approach is for legislators to scrutinize the bills, identify contentious areas, and amend them to reflect public opinion and benefit the general population.”
Senator Ibrahim Gobir also voiced concerns, accusing the President of regional bias. He argued that the proposed tax allocations disproportionately favor states like Lagos, Rivers, and Ogun, potentially disadvantaging other regions. Gobir cautioned against implementing reforms without legislative approval, urging for revisions to contentious provisions in the bills.
The Northern Elders’ Forum also expressed alarm, warning that the President’s stance could undermine democratic principles by bypassing the legislative process. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the group’s spokesperson, cautioned that such an approach might create political friction between the executive and legislative branches. He told The PUNCH, “President Tinubu’s declaration raises concerns. The potential for bypassing the legislative process, inherent in his strong assertion, undermines the principles of democratic governance. By pre-emptively declaring the bills’ passage, the President risks alienating lawmakers and creating unnecessary political tensions.”
The League of Northern Democrats called on President Tinubu to show more flexibility and address concerns raised by citizens. Umar Sani, speaking for the group, highlighted specific issues such as the inheritance tax, which conflicts with religious beliefs, while also acknowledging the need for tax reforms to combat corruption. Sani stated, “We recognize that the country requires tax reform, especially to fight corruption. The high levels of corruption stem from people not paying taxes. If taxes were paid, corruption would decrease because a significant portion of stolen funds would go to the government.”
However, Sani and others noted areas of disagreement, particularly the inheritance tax. He emphasized that while they supported parts of the tax reform, they had specific concerns that needed review. “Our position is not against the bills, but the President’s declaration has offended the sensibilities of many Nigerians, especially our leaders, and it challenges the independence of the National Assembly. The President should be more flexible in his decision-making.”
President Tinubu had earlier submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024, based on recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms. These include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, all aimed at streamlining and modernizing the country’s tax framework.
