Northern Governors and Leaders Commended for Proactive Stance on Tax Bills
In a statement by legal expert Tunji Abdulhameed Esq., Northern governors and leaders have been praised for their proactive approach toward the recent tax bills, emphasizing their duty to represent their region’s interests.
Abdulhameed highlighted the significance of Northern leaders’ attention to the tax bills, which propose a new formula for Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution. The bills have drawn criticism from Southern leaders, who perceive the Northern opposition as resistant to change. However, Abdulhameed defended the Northern leaders, viewing their actions as responsible and necessary for fair governance.
The statement acknowledged the commitment of the President and the tax committee to implementing effective tax laws, stressing the importance of open debate and scrutiny for any legislation. Abdulhameed argued that legitimate concerns about bills should not be dismissed as anti-government or anti-presidential, as addressing regional perspectives is key to balanced governance.
Abdulhameed urged Southern governors and leaders to adopt a similar proactive approach, noting that a careful examination of such bills could prevent constitutional disputes in the future. Drawing an example from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, he pointed out that proper scrutiny at its inception could have prevented the recent challenges regarding its legality after 22 years.
He also expressed support for the National Economic Council’s recommendation to consider withdrawing the tax bills temporarily to allow further review. This step, he stated, would ensure that all voices are considered, ultimately leading to legislation that benefits the entire nation.
