Wednesday, November 6, 2024 -In a bold statement against President Bola
Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill, Senator Ali Ndume has declared the
initiative "dead on arrival," stating that it is widely opposed by
Northern leaders.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Tuesday,
November 5, Ndume emphasized that Northern leaders are united in their stance
against the bill, which they view as detrimental to the region
“Our people are saying they don’t want the VAT bill; they don’t even
want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on
arrival," Ndume asserted. He urged President Tinubu to heed the advice of
the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Northern Governors’ Forum, and
"withdraw the bills immediately."
According to Ndume, President Tinubu’s administration should focus on
reforming governance rather than introducing additional taxes, especially
during a time when many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. “Nigerians
are willing to pay taxes but only when they can afford it. Right now, people
are struggling to survive. Let people live first before you start asking them
for taxes,” he argued.
The senator further suggested that the bill should be withdrawn so that
leaders could better educate citizens on its implications. He shared that he
has already started rallying support among his colleagues to reject the bill
and that traditional rulers and governors from the North have openly criticized
the proposal.
“What he needs to do is to withdraw the bill. Then go back to our
people, educate, and make us understand. We are representing the people, and
they have already made their stance clear," Ndume stated. “The governors
and traditional rulers have said that the bill is not good. So, the best course
of action is to withdraw it immediately.”
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