Tax Reform Bills: ‘Nigerians Are Offended, It Is Against Our Religion’ – Northern Elders, Others Knock Tinubu

Northern leaders have voiced strong objections to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent announcement 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, criticized the President’s stance, labeling it as unilateral and lacking adequate consultation with key stakeholders.

Naijaonpoint recalls that during a media chat on Monday in Lagos, President Tinubu defended the reforms, acknowledging the potential backlash but insisting they were necessary to modernize the nation’s tax system and eliminate colonial-era practices.

Senator Mohammed Onawo, representing Nasarawa South, emphasized the importance of legislative independence and due process.

He stated that the President, as a former legislator, should respect the established procedure and allow lawmakers to review and amend the bills as necessary.

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 thing is for legislators to go through the bills, identify contentious areas, and amend those that do not represent the public’s opinion or will not benefit the general public.”

Similarly, Senator Ibrahim Gobir accused the President of regional bias, suggesting the proposed tax allocation disproportionately benefits a few states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Ogun, at the expense of others.

He warned against implementing reforms without legislative approval, calling for corrections to contentious sections of the bills.

The Northern Elders’ Forum also expressed concerns, warning that Tinubu’s declaration risks undermining democratic principles by bypassing the legislative process.

Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the group’s spokesperson, cautioned that the President’s approach could create unnecessary political friction between the executive and legislative arms.

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 potentially creating unnecessary political friction.”

Meanwhile, the League of Northern Democrats called on Tinubu to show flexibility and address concerns raised by citizens.

Umar Sani, speaking on behalf of the group, highlighted specific issues, such as the inheritance tax, which he said conflicts with religious beliefs, while acknowledging the need for tax reforms to curb corruption.

He said: “We know that the country requires tax reform. One of the reasons for tax reform is to fight corruption.

“Corruption is very high because people don’t pay taxes. If people pay taxes, the rate of corruption will be lower because you know the larger part of the money you steal will go to the government.

“But there are areas we want the government to review, like the inheritance tax, which is against religion, and some other incidentals. There are areas we agree with the bills, and we have given suggestions on areas we don’t agree with. In summary, our position is not against the bills.

“The President has offended the sensibilities of many Nigerians, particularly those of our leaders, with his declaration, and it shows the level of independence of our National Assembly. The President should not be rigid in decision-making.”

President Tinubu had earlier transmitted 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, each aiming to streamline and modernize the country’s tax framework.