Kehinde Fajobi
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the National Assembly to revisit and disclose the resolutions of the National Economic Council (NEC) on the controversial Tax Reform Bills.
In a post on his X handle on Sunday, Atiku emphasised that the bills, currently progressing through the legislative process, must reflect the interests of the majority of Nigerians.
“I call on the NASS to revisit and make public the resolutions of the National Economic Council, a key stakeholder and an important organ of the state with the constitutional power to advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation.
“The NASS must be appropriately guided and ensure that in the final analysis, the contents of the Bills align with the interests of the vast majority of Nigerians,” he wrote.
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) highlighted growing public concern over the proposed legislation, noting Nigerians’ demand for a fair fiscal system.
“Nigerians are loud and clear that the fiscal system we seek to promote must not exacerbate the uneven development of the federating units by enhancing the status of a few states while unduly penalising others,” he stated.
Atiku also urged the House of Representatives to ensure objectivity and transparency during its public hearing on the bills.
“I call for objectivity and transparency in the conduct of the public hearing being organised by our representatives in the National Assembly.
“Transparency and objectivity are essential for promoting accountability, good governance, and public trust in policy-making.
“The public hearing process must facilitate open and inclusive participation by all stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations, traditional institutions, politicians, public officials, and subject matter experts,” Atiku added.
NEC Advocated Withdrawal
The NEC, which had earlier reviewed the proposed reforms, advised President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the bills to allow further alignment with stakeholders.
The bills, based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, aim to boost revenue generation.
Despite NEC’s advice, President Tinubu insisted the bills should continue through the legislative process.
Ndume Questions Legislative Speed
Senator Ali Ndume has also criticised the rapid progression of the bills. Following their second reading in the Senate last week, he reiterated the need for more consultation.
“It is not that I am totally saying that we should throw away the baby with the bath water, but since the governors, the National Economic Council, and many individuals have raised concerns, withdraw the bill, do more consultations, and then bring it again. Why are they in a hurry? That is a big suspicion,” Ndume stated.