Tinubu’s Role in Tax Reform Backlash: Insights from Sowunmi

Discover why Tinubu’s tax reforms have sparked controversy, as political analyst Sowunmi shares his perspective on the backlash and its implications for governance in Nigeria.

Segun Sowunmi, a leader within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claims that President Bola Tinubu is accountable for the strong opposition to his administration’s new tax bills.

Sowunmi, a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics show, criticized Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for selecting individuals from his own ethnic group to serve as finance minister, head of revenue services, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and chairperson for tax reform.

The PDP leader stated that although the tax bills were beneficial, the President allegedly fostered distrust among northerners by excluding their compatriots from his economic and tax teams.

Sowunmi commented that having key positions like the FIRS Chairman, Finance Minister, Customs Chief, and CBN Governor all held by Yoruba individuals is problematic. He pointed out that such an arrangement might cause unease among people from other tribes when a new tax policy is introduced by predominantly Yoruba leadership.

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“People in the National Assembly or the Senate are there to protect their constituents’ interests; that’s their purpose. As representatives of the people, they are expected to face pushbacks.”

He stated that there isn’t a bill without ambiguities, but the Tinubu administration “brought this upon itself.”

“You might have good intentions, but I’d feel more reassured if some of my own people were at the table to confirm them. After all, no one would harm their own community,” he said.

The new tax bills introduced by the Tinubu administration have generated significant controversy, receiving severe criticism and strong opposition from various quarters. Among those expressing dissent are all 36 state governors through the National Economic Council (NEC), as well as a clear rejection of certain sections of the bills by the 19 northern Nigerian governors.

Sowunmi stated, “I believe the President should clearly communicate that he will not neglect his duties to the country simply due to electoral threats. When it comes time for elections, we can address them appropriately.”