Orji Kalu, the senator representing Abia North, has openly criticized the federal government over the process of introducing the proposed tax reform bills.
He expressed concern about the lack of consultation with key stakeholders before the bills were submitted to the National Assembly.
In October, President Bola Tinubu forwarded four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.
The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and the National Economic Council (NEC) opposed the bills.
NEC advised President Tinubu to withdraw the bills and consult further before proceeding.
In an interview with Arise Television on Monday, Kalu described the government’s approach as a “mistake.”
He criticized the failure to involve bodies like NEC, the NSGF, and the Council of State in the decision-making process.
“The federal government made a mistake,” Kalu said.
“The initiators of the bills could have briefed the National Economic Council, Governors’ Forum, and Council of State.”
Despite his criticism, Kalu acknowledged that the bills are “very progressive” and would bring about fiscal federalism in Nigeria.
“As I told you before, the bill is very progressive,” he emphasized.
“It will bring back fiscal federalism. Many senators have not been briefed.”
Calls for Outspoken Leadership
Kalu praised Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South for his courage and strong stance on national issues.
Ndume has been vocal in opposing the tax bills and even threatened to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the matter.
“We need senators like Ndume who will raise our conscience,” Kalu said.
He described Ndume as a “strong voice” in the Senate and stressed the importance of having multiple voices in a democracy.
“Those who tell Senator Ndume to shut up are not being kind to democracy,” Kalu warned.
“Democracy is not about one voice but about multiple voices.”
He further commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for not silencing Ndume.
“The Senate President didn’t shut him up,” Kalu added.
Kalu emphasized that politicians like Ndume are essential for guiding the government according to the will of the people.
“It is the government being guided by the majority of the people, and Ndume is one of them.”
Clarifying Alpha Beta Rumors
Kalu also addressed concerns about the possible involvement of Alpha Beta, a consulting firm, in Nigeria’s tax system.
The lawmaker dismissed claims that President Tinubu intends to introduce Alpha Beta as Nigeria’s tax consultant.
“One of my friends called me and said the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wants to put another Alpha Beta in Nigeria like he did in Lagos State,” Kalu said.
“That is not the issue.”
He emphasized that the real issue is the need to update Nigeria’s tax laws, which he described as outdated.
“Our laws, not only the tax bills, are obsolete,” Kalu noted.
He called for urgent amendments to ensure Nigeria’s progress.
Opposition to the Tax Bills
The proposed tax bills have faced stiff opposition from various quarters, including state governors and economic experts.
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has been particularly vocal in its objections.
The forum argues that the bills could centralize tax collection and undermine state autonomy.
The National Economic Council (NEC) also expressed concerns about the implications of the bills.
Kalu’s comments have added to the growing debate around the tax reforms.
Political observers believe the government may need to go back to the drawing board to address these concerns.
Kalu’s support for fiscal federalism could resonate with many Nigerians who feel the current system is too centralized.
