Former Governor of Enugu State and elder statesman, Okwesilieze Nwodo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently investigate alleged alterations to the recently passed tax law, describing the discrepancies between the version approved by the National Assembly and what was ultimately gazetted as “deeply troubling.”
Naijaonpoint reports that Nwodo, who also served as National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warned that such irregularities could undermine public trust and democratic accountability, urging the president to ensure full transparency in the process.
Nwodo told ThisDay that the issue was a major concern for the PDP.
He stressed that Nigerians had engaged robustly with the executive before the tax law was passed, adding that the principle of taxation was essential for national survival.
“Every adult Nigerian who is eligible to pay tax ought to do so for the country to survive. Nobody is against renewing tax laws to make the system more efficient,” he said.
However, the elder statesman expressed fears of a possible hidden agenda, which he said now appeared to be unfolding in public.
Law Passed by Parliament, But Gazetted Differently
Nwodo described it as “totally embarrassing” for members of the National Assembly to claim that the law they passed was not what was ultimately gazetted.
“A government that is working for the people should be asking critical questions, such as: who sent this piece of legislation to the press for printing? Where did the copy sent to the press come from?” he asked.
He called for a transparent investigation, insisting that the country must be informed that the president and the presidency were not responsible for the discrepancies.
The elder statesman argued that those responsible for the alteration of the law should be identified and brought to justice, while the president should apologise to Nigerians and ensure that the National Assembly submits a fresh copy of the bill for assent and gazetting.
“It is unacceptable for parliament to simply say that discrepancies have been noticed and will be corrected. You cannot do this in a country of intelligent people. You are not dealing with toddlers in a kindergarten,” he said.
Nwodo emphasised that transparency is essential, stating that while Nigerians are expected to comply with tax laws, the government had failed to carry the people along or inspire confidence in the process.
“As a result, we are filled with doubts and confusion. How do you expect compliance?” he asked.
He also questioned the urgency of the law’s implementation, asking: “What is so magical about the law starting on the first of January?”
He argued that proper implementation, done with credibility, would yield higher compliance rates, rather than rushing it.
The elder statesman concluded by reminding the government of the people’s role in governance.
“We own this country. Our constitution begins with ‘We the people’. Power resides with the people, not the leader. Leaders are elected every four years, with a maximum of eight years in office, but the people remain,” he said.
Naijaonpoint reports that Nwodo’s comments come amid growing concerns about trust and transparency in the government’s tax reform agenda, highlighting the need for accountability in Nigeria’s legislative processes.