Senator Ali Ndume has reaffirmed his opposition to the tax reform bills, questioning the urgency with which the Presidency and some lawmakers are pushing for their passage. Ndume’s comments come as the bills, which passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday, continue to spark widespread debate since their introduction by President Bola Tinubu.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has also advised the President to withdraw the bills for more deliberation. However, President Tinubu has opted for the legislative process to continue.
Speaking on a monitored program, the senator representing Borno South reiterated his stance, urging the Presidency to heed the NEC's advice. "It’s not that I am suggesting we discard the bills entirely, but since the governors, the NEC, and various stakeholders have called for more consultations, it is wise to withdraw the bills, review them, and reintroduce them later. Why the rush? It raises serious suspicions," Ndume remarked.
To support his position, Ndume compared the current situation to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which he described as more critical than the tax bills. He pointed out that the PIB took several years of debate and consultation before its eventual passage. Ndume recalled that the PIB was first introduced during his time as a member of the House of Representatives but wasn’t passed until he had moved to the Senate years later.
The senator's call for a more cautious approach underscores growing concerns among lawmakers and stakeholders about the potential impact of the tax reforms. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes remain on the Presidency and the National Assembly to determine the next steps.
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