Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, has once again called for the withdrawal of the controversial tax reform bills currently being read in the Senate, urging for more extensive consultation.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Ndume, who has opposed the legislation from the onset, outlined several reasons for his stance.
He criticized the imposition of the bill on Nigerians without proper consultation, noting that it is inappropriate, particularly when all 36 state governors and other political elites have expressed their opposition.
Ndume emphasized that the bills should first be withdrawn and only reintroduced after thorough consultations have been conducted.
“It’s on record, and I said there, doing the session. I think it was open. It should be noted that it’s not that I’m totally saying we should throw away the baby with the bath water. But since the governors, the National Economic Council (NEC) and many individuals have said that it’s not that we should throw away the bill.
“No, withdraw the bill. Do more consultation and bring the bill again. Why are they in hurry? If the traditional rulers and NEC said this thing is not good, even if it’s good, when the leaders have taken a decision, remember, that each state has three states have three senators and one governor. These governors sat down collectively and said the bill should be withdrawn,” Ndume said.
Meanwhile, these bills have successfully passed the second reading in the Senate, leaving only the third reading and presidential approval for them to become the nation’s new tax laws.
Nominations Open For Legal Leaders Awards 2025, Celebrating Excellence In Istanbul _____________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials Available now for NGN 35,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ____________________________________________________