Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the Senate, has expressed his concerns regarding the expedited passage of the tax reform bills, characterizing the haste exhibited by the presidency and certain legislators as suspicious.
The tax reform bills, which advanced to a second reading in the Senate on Thursday, have sparked considerable debate since their introduction by President Bola Tinubu.
Senator Ndume has emerged as one of the most vocal opponents of these bills. The National Economic Council has also recommended that President Tinubu withdraw the proposed legislation; however, the President has indicated his preference for allowing the bills to undergo the legislative process.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s program, "Politics Today," Senator Ndume reiterated his opposition, advocating for the withdrawal of the bills in favor of further consultation.
He stated, “It is not my intention to completely disregard the bills, but given the consensus from governors, the National Economic Council, and other stakeholders, I believe it is prudent to withdraw the bills, conduct more consultations, and subsequently reintroduce them. Why the urgency?”
To substantiate his claim of undue haste, Ndume referenced the Petrol Industry Bill (PIB), asserting that it warrants greater urgency than the current tax reform efforts; notably, the PIB took several years to pass.
He recalled that this legislation was introduced during his tenure in the House of Representatives and only reached fruition after he transitioned to the Senate.
Senator Ndume articulated concerns regarding the timing of the tax reform bills, emphasizing that they are being introduced at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardships.
He clarified that opposition to the legislation stems not from a reluctance to pay taxes, but rather from the inopportune timing of their introduction.
“I disagree with the timing of these proposals because Nigerians are facing significant challenges.
Historical context shows that our forefathers fulfilled their tax obligations, particularly in the North. Thus, it is not a matter of evading tax responsibilities; rather, the timing remains inappropriate,” he asserted.
Senator Ndume remarked that the optimal moment for presenting such bills would be during periods of economic stability, likening the proposed tax reforms to giving with one hand while withdrawing with the other.
He emphasized that his opposition is rooted in a desire for President Tinubu to succeed, rebutting any insinuations that his stance is intended to undermine the President.