Imirhobo Backs Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill: ‘North Can’t Reap Where It Didn’t Sow

Legal activist Imirhobo supports President Tinubu’s stance on the Tax Reform Bill, asserting that regions should benefit proportionally to their contributions, sparking debate on fair revenue allocation.

Malcolm Imirhobo, a well-known Nigerian lawyer, has expressed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill.

The lawyer expressed his position in a statement posted on Friday night via his official account on X.

His statement is made in the context of ongoing debates concerning the recent Tax Reform Bill submitted to the National Assembly.

The National Economic Council, made up of governors, reportedly requested that Tinubu retract the bill and urged for additional consultations.

This follows the rejection of the bill by Northern governors.

However, Tinubu’s government dismissed the NEC’s advice and disregarded the Northern governors’ position on the bill.

The President stated that the bill should undergo thorough consideration in the National Assembly, and any essential inputs or amendments can be made during its public hearing.

In a statement, Imirhobo expressed his support for the tax reform bill, stating that it would address and correct inequalities in tax distribution.

He claims that Northern Nigeria has been exploiting the Southern region for decades.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Overrules Shettima-led NEC, Pushes for Immediate Tax Reform Bills

He emphasized that states in Nigeria should contribute their fair share to the country’s revenue, stating that the North cannot continue to benefit without contributing.

Imirhobo noted that the tax reform bill is essential for any serious effort to transition back to a regional government.

I believe in the tax reform bill as it aims to address and rectify inequalities in tax distribution. It’s important to end the longstanding economic imbalance between the North and South.

If we genuinely aim to reinstate regional government and wish for this country to advance, tax reform is essential.

He stated, “Every state needs to contribute something; the North cannot keep benefiting without contributing.”

Remember that Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, explained four days ago that the bill will create a more equitable tax system in the country.

In October 2024, the tax reform bills were submitted by Tinubu to Nigeria’s National Assembly for consideration.