President Tinubu Defends Tax Reform Bills, Promises They Will Promote Equity

President Tinubu stands by his tax reform bills, emphasizing that the changes will promote fairness, equity, and boost Nigeria’s economic growth.

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu defended the four tax reform bills currently being reviewed by the National Assembly. He highlighted their importance in enhancing Nigeria’s revenue and promoting economic growth.

The President addressed concerns regarding the bills, especially in light of opposition from the North, where these proposals have ignited extensive debate.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation, rather than conflict, between the executive and legislative branches to further national development.

Tinubu, represented by Dr. Joseph Ochoku, the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, delivered his remarks at both the 7th Annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and the celebration marking what would have been Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s 75th birthday after his passing. This event was held at the University of Ibadan.

The President emphasized once again that the reforms are crucial for tackling Nigeria’s fiscal problems, broadening the tax base, and implementing sustainable economic policies.

The Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation, in partnership with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ibadan, organized a roundtable on “Legislative Oversight in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”

The President, speaking via Ochoku, expressed the administration’s commitment to building a harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government.

Even though tensions may arise at times, we understand that effective governance is a joint responsibility. Our interactions should be characterized by collaboration rather than confrontation as we strive towards the common goal of enhancing the lives of our citizens.

An example of this collaboration is the ongoing discussion concerning the four proposed tax bills currently being examined by the National Assembly.

These reforms, once implemented, are expected to simplify tax administration, boost revenue generation, and encourage fair resource distribution.

They play a crucial role in our mission to build an inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Nigeria while enhancing the country’s competitiveness to attract foreign direct investment.

Tinubu stated that his administration is striving to protect the constitutional roles of each branch of government from outdated biases, while also affirming his belief in press freedom.

He stated, “We are committed to press freedom and ensuring government accountability. Therefore, in our effort to strengthen the culture of democratic governance, we have been diligently working to safeguard the constitutional responsibilities of each branch of government from biased views, disengagement, and the spread of fake news and hate speech.”

Tinubu praised the late Ajimobi for his contributions as a two-term governor of the state, highlighting his legacy in infrastructure revitalization, healthcare provision, quality education, mechanized agriculture, and maintaining peace and security.

He was a dedicated party member, and in 2013, we collaborated with him to establish the All Progressives Congress aimed at fostering economic growth focused on people’s welfare, promoting good governance, transparency, openness, accountability, and inclusivity.

“Having served in both the legislative and executive branches of government, Ajimobi briefly held the position of acting chairman of the APC before passing away on June 25, 2020,” he stated.

In his speech, Jibrin Barau, the Deputy President of the Senate, defended the National Assembly’s decision to dedicate its library to President Tinubu.

He also emphasized the National Assembly’s dedication to oversight, highlighting it as the foundation of democratic governance.

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In a statement from his media aide, Ismael Mudashir, Barau emphasized that oversight plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency. It also provides the essential checks and balances needed to improve the efficient use of public funds.

In response to questions from participants at the roundtable, he clarified the reasoning for naming the National Assembly Library in honor of President Tinubu.

He explained, “We chose to name the National Assembly Library because we believe this is a historic moment—the first time ever that a former senator has been elected as our country’s leader.”

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu served as a senator, and his wife also held the same position. We believed it was important to acknowledge these significant contributions in the National Assembly. Therefore, we chose to name the library after our esteemed president, honoring his background as a former senator.

Barau emphasized that legislative oversight is crucial in a democratic society, as it forms the foundation of governance. It ensures accountability and transparency, providing necessary checks and balances to enhance the effective utilization of public resources.

In his address, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that successful legislative oversight depends on strong cooperation with the executive branch.

When carrying out oversight, it is important to consider the principles of cooperative government and intergovernmental relations. This includes respecting the separation of powers and ensuring that all levels of government and state entities perform their duties without interfering with the geographical, functional, or institutional integrity of other governmental spheres.

Also present at the event were Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress; Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State; Julius Ihonvbere, Leader of the House of Representatives; former Oyo State deputy governors Rauf Olaniyan and Moses Adeyemo; as well as Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Oluwo of Iwo, among others.