Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has made a bold accusation against some state governors.
Dogara alleged that many state laws are drafted from the comfort of governors’ living rooms without proper consultation.
He made this revelation during a Town Hall meeting on Channels Television on Monday.
The discussion focused on President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reform bills.
Dogara criticized state governors for their lack of inclusivity when formulating laws.
“At the state level, how many governors consult when they are making laws?” Dogara asked.
He did not hold back, suggesting that state laws often bypass democratic processes.
“I’m not challenging them, but in some cases, state laws are written from the living rooms of governors,” he declared.
No Excuses for Excluding Stakeholders
Despite his criticism of governors, Dogara stressed that their exclusion should not be a reason to halt necessary reforms.
He argued that the right thing must be done, regardless of opposition from state leaders.
“Should we now stop because governors have not been brought on board, even though it’s the right thing to do?” Dogara questioned.
His answer was clear and firm: “The answer is no.”
Dogara’s remarks reflect a broader concern about the accountability of state governments.
He believes that lawmakers and executives should prioritize public interest over personal convenience.
Dogara Defends Unpopular Reforms
Dogara also addressed criticism of the tax reform bills, acknowledging that they are not widely accepted.
He noted that many significant changes in history were initially unpopular but later proved necessary.
“Then they talk about popularity,” Dogara said.
“All the bills are not popular, but what has defined us as humans, most of them were not popular.”
Dogara’s comments suggest that he views the tax reforms as essential, even if they face resistance.
His defense of the bills aligns with President Tinubu’s push for a more efficient tax system.
Background on Tax Reform Bills
In October, President Tinubu submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly.
The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
The proposed laws aim to modernize Nigeria’s tax system and improve revenue generation.
However, they have faced significant opposition from state governors and some lawmakers.
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and the National Economic Council (NEC) have called for more consultations.
They fear that the reforms could centralize tax collection and weaken state autonomy.
Despite these concerns, Dogara believes the reforms are necessary for Nigeria’s progress.
Reactions to Dogara’s Statement
Dogara’s remarks have sparked debate about the role of state governors in lawmaking.
Some critics argue that his comments highlight a lack of accountability at the state level.
Others believe that his focus should be on ensuring federal laws follow proper procedures.
Political analysts suggest that Dogara’s statement may increase pressure on governors to be more transparent.
The former speaker’s call for action emphasizes the need for reforms that prioritize public interest.
