State-Controlled VAT Law Is A Form Of Restructuring — Adegboruwa, SAN

A human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has backed the enactment of VAT laws by states.

Adegboruwa, in a statement made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, said the VAT laws are forms of restructuring and therefore commended Governor Wike for starting the ‘revolution’.

He said, “It is restructuring and I support it 100%.

We’ve been shouting and crying for this lopsided federalism to be made equitable.

“Those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable.

“I commend Gov Wike who started this revolution.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also commended the governor of Lagos State, his Attorney-General and the House of Assembly of the State for enacting the VAT law. He called on other states to follow suit

“I also commend Gov Sanwoolu, my LBS and Hon A-G, Onigbanjo and the Lagos House of Assembly.

“Other laws should follow. LASG should go to Lagos High Court to seek an order for immediate compliance with the VAT law by all persons and authorities doing business in Lagos State.
It’s a good beginning.

“Enough of feeding-bottle federalism and Abuja financial pilgrimage!” Adegboruwa said.

Last month, the court issued an order restraining the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) from collecting VAT and Personal Income Tax (PIT) — directing the Rivers state government to take charge of the collection.
Nyesom Wike, Rivers governor, went ahead to sign a bill on VAT collection into law. Wike also informed businesses that payment to the state government would commence in September.

However, FIRS still insists that taxpayers must continue to honour their tax obligations under the VAT Act until the court of appeal or supreme court gives a final verdict on the issue.