Tinubu was advised to withdraw the bill from the National Assembly after it was opposed by some stakeholders from the northern states
By Kehinde Okeowo
President Bola Tinubu on Friday rejected the advice of the National Economic Council, (NEC) and insisted that the proposed Tax Reforms Bill currently at the National Assembly will go through legislative processes.
The president’s position was made known in a statement issued by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
TheNiche had earlier reported that NEC advised President Tinubu to withdraw the bill from the National Assembly.
The advice came amid a stiff opposition from Northern governors and some other stakeholders from the North, who insisted that the proposed tax reforms bill will adversely affect them.
Speaking while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the 144th NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, confirmed that they have advised Tinubu to withdraw the bill.
He further explained that the council members agreed that it was necessary to allow for consensus building and understanding of the bill among Nigerians.
He said, “NEC noted the need for sufficient alignment on the proposed reforms and recommended the withdrawal of the Tax Reforms Bill.”
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He went on to note that the decision was made for the benefit of the entire country and emphasized the need for further consultations regarding the bill.
“We saw the gap and decided that there is a need for a wider consultation” Makinde added.
Reacting to the counsel, Onanuga said those with any form of misgivings in regards to the bill should come forward with their inputs during public hearings.
“President Tinubu commends the National Economic Council members, especially Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 State Governors, for their advice.
“He believes that the legislative process, which has already begun, provides an opportunity for inputs and necessary changes without withdrawing the bills from the National Assembly.
“While urging the NEC to allow the process to take its full course, President Tinubu welcomes further consultations and engagement with key stakeholders to address any reservations about the bills while the National Assembly considers them for passage”, the statement added.