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Ali Ndume Appeals to President Tinubu to Pause Tax Act Enforcement
Ali Ndume, the former Senate Leader, has publicly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing dispute surrounding the recently enacted Tax Act before it is put into effect. Ndume’s call comes amid escalating concerns about discrepancies in the legislation’s final version.
Discrepancies Spark National Debate
The controversy ignited when a member of the House of Representatives revealed that the Tax Act version ratified by the National Assembly does not match the one officially gazetted by President Tinubu. This revelation has raised serious questions about the authenticity and integrity of the legislative process.
House of Representatives Launches Investigation
In response to these allegations, the House of Representatives promptly established a special committee to scrutinize the claims of forgery and unauthorized amendments. This inquiry is critical as the government had planned to implement the Tax Act starting January 1.
Ndume Advocates for a Temporary Suspension
Speaking from Abuja on Wednesday, Ndume emphasized the necessity of halting the Act’s enforcement until a comprehensive investigation is completed. He stressed that rushing into implementation without resolving the disputes could jeopardize the law’s credibility and effectiveness.
Broad-Based Calls for Delay
Ndume’s appeal aligns with mounting demands from various quarters, including political figures, civil society organizations, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), all advocating for a suspension of the Tax Act. These groups highlight the potential damage to Nigeria’s legislative reputation if the matter remains unsettled.
NBA President Highlights Threat to Legislative Integrity
Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), President of the NBA, has cautioned that the ongoing controversy undermines the transparency and trustworthiness of Nigeria’s lawmaking process. He has called for an exhaustive probe to restore public confidence.
Recommendations for Resolving the Crisis
Ndume has proposed that President Tinubu establish an independent ad hoc committee dedicated to investigating the forgery allegations. He warned that proceeding with the Tax Act’s implementation without clarifying these issues could erode the law’s legitimacy and complicate its enforcement.
Ensuring Authenticity Before Enforcement
He urged the President to verify whether the signed version of the Tax Act was altered post-legislative approval. Ndume cautioned that ignoring these concerns would allow the controversy to fester, making the law difficult to apply effectively.
Stakeholder Consensus on Suspension
Ndume noted that multiple stakeholders-including civil society groups, the Arewa community, and the NBA-have collectively called for the withdrawal of the Tax Act until a thorough investigation is conducted. This consensus underscores the gravity of the situation.
Call for Coordinated Investigative Efforts
In addition to the House of Representatives’ ongoing inquiry, Ndume recommended forming a smaller, focused investigative panel to delve into the forgery claims. This dual approach aims to ensure a transparent and conclusive resolution to the dispute.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria approaches the new fiscal year, the resolution of this controversy remains critical. With tax reforms being a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s economic agenda, maintaining the integrity of the legislative process is essential to uphold public trust and ensure effective governance.
