The proposed tax reform bill by President Bola Tinubu has been boldly denounced by Senator Ali Ndume as “dead on arrival,” citing widespread opposition from Northern leaders.
On Tuesday, November 5, Ndume stressed that Northern leaders are unified in their opposition to the bill, which they see as harmful to the area, when speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today.
“Our people are saying they don’t want the VAT bill; they don’t even want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival,” Ndume asserted.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Northern Governors’ Forum and the National Economic Council (NEC), he encouraged President Tinubu to “withdraw the bills immediately.”
Ndume believes that instead of raising taxes, President Tinubu’s administration need to concentrate on improving governance, particularly at a time when a large number of Nigerians are having financial difficulties.
“Nigerians are willing to pay taxes but only when they can afford it. Right now, people are struggling to survive. Let people live first before you start asking them for taxes,” he argued.
The senator also urged that the bill be withdrawn so that leaders could properly educate residents about its consequences.
He stated that he has already begun organizing his colleagues to oppose the law, and that traditional rulers and governors from the North have openly condemned the proposal.
“What he needs to do is to withdraw the bill. Then go back to our people, educate, and make us understand. We are representing the people, and they have already made their stance clear,” Ndume stated. “The governors and traditional rulers have said that the bill is not good. So, the best course of action is to withdraw it immediately.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
