The Democratic Front (TDF) expresses its admiration and commendation for the consensus reached in the meeting between members of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform and the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), with regard to the stalemate and misunderstanding over the National Tax Reform Bills, currently before the National Assembly for approval.
The Democratic Front considers the need to issue this statement because of attempts by some
unpatriotic politicians in the country to hijack the debate around the Tax Bill with mischievous intent to fuel distrust and division among Nigerians, so that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fast economic recovery drive can be decelerated.
Most disturbing for us, was the divisive and perplexing dimension of the debate, which centered on the contentious issue of VAT derivation, that greeted the presentation of the Tax Bills to the National Assembly by the President.
We are however glad to note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s gracious decision to encourage a healthy national debate that will give Nigerians a fair sense of hearing, and also enrich the historical lexicon of our democracy, has paved the way for constructive engagements and wider consultations among discerning parties on the tax reform argument, leading to an amicable resolution of differences among stakeholders.
The naysayers and enemies of peace who introduced regional and parochial sentiments into the tax argument, should bury their faces in shame, as the unanimous consensus and support for the national tax reform bill by the state governors, not only signpost a cordial relationship between the federal and state governments on fiscal matters, but also heralded a resolve by both tiers of governments to continue to work together for the common good and unity of Nigeria.
It is equally our opinion that the triumph of President Tinubu’s vision for a vibrant and effective fiscal policy regime in Nigeria, should be celebrated by all, and consolidated by continuous public support for his government, as he drives the economy through a faster process of recovery from insolvency to buoyancy.
The Democratic Front also commend the spirited commitment of the governors to nation building, as exemplified by their change of position on the tax reform proposals, initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The unanimous support for the tax bill by the governors, underscores their holistic determination to embrace President Tinubu’s economic reforms and vision of a prosperous and united Nigeria.
We urge members of the National Assembly to ignore the tirades of mischief makers and other unpatriotic elements who are bent to circumvent the collective interest of the nation by promoting regional and mundane sentiments in the tax reform controversy.
Similarly, we call on members of the National Assembly to expedite actions on the pending National Tax Bills without further delay. Because the bills would enhance the viability of ongoing economic reforms, and fastrack the recovery of our macro- economy.
Signed
Danjuma Muhammad
Chairman.
Wale Adedayo
Secretary.
