Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has reiterated his stance on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, emphasizing that the timing is wrong.
Ndume, who had earlier condemned the bills, argued that the focus should be on governance reforms before tax reforms.
Ndume expressed his concerns during an interview with Punch, stating, “This issue of VAT and derivation is one of the major issues in the bills. Also, why introduce a taxing system instead of solving critical issues like problems with the budget?”
He pointed out that the country spends over 50% of its budget on recurrent expenditure and debt servicing.
Ndume emphasized the need for prioritization, proper timing, and ensuring the buy-in of Nigerians.
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“We should be looking at cutting down our recurrent expenditure if we are trying to save money, not tax,” he said.
The Senator also questioned the introduction of the tax bills, calling it an “unneeded distraction” that is “unnecessarily heating the polity.”
He advocated for the executive to withdraw the bills, consult widely, and remove parts that clash with the Constitution.
Ndume stated, “They are just confusing themselves with these bills that contradict the Constitution. So, seeing all of their errors, I think that they should just withdraw the bills, do the proper things, and resend them to the National Assembly for consideration.”
He also argued that Northern senators are not divided on the issue, adding that anyone who supports the passage of the bills should openly declare their stance.
via: Information Nigeria
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