By: Bayero Ade
Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his stance on the proposed Tax Reform Bills, stressing the need to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians amid ongoing economic challenges.
In a statement shared via his X account, Kwankwaso, a former NNPP presidential candidate, urged Tinubu to follow the examples of past leaders, such as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, who withdrew significant bills for the greater good of the country.
Kwankwaso cautioned that now is not the right time to introduce or revise taxes, given the severe financial hardships many Nigerians are facing. He stated:
“Considering the current economic difficulties, revisiting VAT or imposing new taxes would be counterproductive. The government’s priority should be to alleviate the financial burden on citizens, not increase it.”
He further encouraged President Tinubu to heed the counsel of the National Economic Council and other respected figures, emphasizing that decisions of this nature should serve the collective good rather than political or personal interests.
Kwankwaso pointed to historical precedents where former leaders, including Obasanjo and Jonathan, withdrew or reconsidered bills for the nation’s benefit. Obasanjo, during his second term, retracted a revenue-sharing bill, while Jonathan, following consultations with key leaders, withdrew a communication to the 7th National Assembly.
Concluding his statement, Kwankwaso urged Tinubu to ensure that the voices of ordinary Nigerians are central to the decision-making process regarding the controversial tax reforms.
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