Northern leaders criticize Tinubu’s stance on controversial tax reforms

Prominent Northern leaders have expressed sharp opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent announcement that the controversial tax reform bills will not be reversed.

Critics, including senators, the Northern Elders’ Forum, and the League of Northern Democrats, have condemned the decision as unilateral and insufficiently consultative.

Senator Mohammed Onawo stressed the importance of legislative independence and stakeholder input in shaping tax reforms.

He urged lawmakers to revisit and amend contentious provisions in the bills, emphasizing, “Legislators must identify contentious areas and amend sections that do not reflect public opinion or benefit the general populace.”

Similarly, the Northern Elders’ Forum warned against bypassing democratic processes, suggesting that such an approach could erode trust in governance.

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Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the forum’s spokesperson, stated, “By preemptively declaring the bills’ passage, the President risks alienating lawmakers and creating unnecessary political friction.”

The League of Northern Democrats voiced particular concern over specific provisions in the tax reforms, such as the inheritance tax, which they argue conflicts with religious beliefs.

Umar Sani, a representative of the group, called for greater flexibility, urging the administration to review these provisions to ensure they align with cultural and religious sensitivities.

Northern leaders have warned that the President’s firm stance on the tax reforms could exacerbate tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government.

They stressed the need for a more inclusive approach to policy making to prevent political alienation and maintain national cohesion.

The growing criticism underscores the necessity for President Tinubu’s administration to engage in more robust consultations with stakeholders across the country.

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As debates over the tax reforms continue, all eyes will be on the administration’s next steps in addressing the concerns of its critics while advancing its policy agenda.