Posted by Amarachi on Mon 02nd Dec, 2024 - tori.ng
In a post on his X handle, the NNPP leader said this is not the right time to review or introduce a new tax because of the economic crisis in the nation.
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
The 2023 presidential candiate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, appealed to President Bola Tinubu on Monday, to reconsider his stance on the controversial Tax Reform Bill.
Kwankwaso said like former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan withdrew some critical bills in the interest of Nigerians, Tinubu should reconsider his stance.
In a post on his X handle, the NNPP leader said this is not the right time to review or introduce a new tax because of the economic crisis in the nation.
According to Kwankwaso: “My position on tax reform is as follows:
“Now is not the right time to review VAT or introduce any new taxes. Given the economic challenges many Nigerians are currently facing, such measures would be ill-advised.
“The government must prioritize providing relief and support to the people, particularly during these trying times, rather than imposing additional financial burdens.
“I urge President Bola Tinubu to heed the counsel of the National Economic Council and other respected voices of wisdom. Decisions should be guided by the common good, not by personal or ego-driven motivations.
“Withdrawing these bills is not without precedent. In our democratic history, both presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan made similar decisions to withdraw key bills in the interest of the nation.
“President Obasanjo withdrew the revenue-sharing bill during his second term, and President Jonathan, upon the advice of prominent leaders such as the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, withdrew a communication to the 7th National Assembly.
“These actions were taken to benefit the nation, and I believe the same approach should be considered now.
“In conclusion, I respectfully urge President Tinubu to reconsider his stance on these bills and ensure that the voices of the majority of Nigerians are heard and respected in this process.”