- Senator Ali Ndume criticized the rushed passage of tax reform bills, emphasizing the need for broader consultations amid economic hardships for Nigerians
- Ndume called for the withdrawal of the bills, arguing that proper timing and public buy-in are essential for successful reforms
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has accused certain political actors, whom he called “political undertakers,” of undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Ndume expressed this view during an interview on Thursday on Channels TV’s Politics Today, when they discussed the controversial tax reform bills.
The Senate had passed the bills for a second reading despite opposition from Ndume and Senator Abdul Ningi.
Ndume criticized the timing of the tax reform bills, emphasizing that Nigerians are currently facing significant economic hardship.
He said: “The president is trying, and within two years, he has done some commendable things. But they have been overshadowed by some of these policies. The timing of this bill is wrong. Nigerians are hungry. I am representing my constituents.”
While acknowledging the importance of tax reform, Ndume insisted that more time and broader consultations are necessary before the bills are enacted.
He compared the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to the PIB, which was ultimately passed after years of debate and revision.
“The PIB is one of the most important bills passed in our democracy. It was not passed in one session, or in one year, two years, or three years. Even with the reforms, you have to prioritize, time it, and get the buy-in of Nigerians,” he said.
Ndume clarified that his opposition was not against President Tinubu or the content of the bills but was rooted in a need for proper sequencing and public buy-in.
“We should not throw away the baby with the bathwater. Withdraw the bill, do more consultations, and then bring it back. Why are they in such a hurry? That is a big suspicion,” he added.
The tax reform bills have been met with mixed reactions. Some stakeholders argue that they are essential for revenue generation, while others, like Ndume, caution against their hasty implementation in a period of economic strain.
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