Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has called on the 19 northern governors to halt what he describes as their “arrogance of power” in opposing President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills.
Clark, a prominent leader and voice for the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), made the remarks during an interview on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, aired on Channels Television. His comments came in response to the governors’ unified stance against sections of the tax bills, which have stirred controversy across Nigeria.
“As far as I am concerned, that tax bill must go on,” Clark declared emphatically.
Tax Reforms: A Storm of Opposition
The tax reform bills, introduced by President Tinubu, aim to revamp Nigeria’s revenue collection system and reduce reliance on oil income. However, these reforms have faced fierce resistance from various quarters, including the National Economic Council (NEC), which comprises the 36 state governors and is chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The 19 northern governors have been particularly vocal, demanding that the bills be withdrawn from the National Assembly for further consultation. Their opposition has drawn criticism from several stakeholders, with Clark accusing them of putting political interests above national unity.
“I was so shocked when I learned that the 19 governors of the north have met again,” Clark said. “If 36 of you met, why are you meeting again? The double standards, this arrogance of power, must stop.”
A Divided NEC and Political Games
Clark criticised the NEC’s handling of the tax reforms, accusing the council of overstepping its constitutional role as an advisory body.
“The NEC was established by the constitution to provide advice, not to act as an executive body,” he explained. “But today, the governors have turned it into a platform for politics. They no longer consult their people; they sit in Abuja scheming for more money.”
He argued that the governors’ resistance to the reforms stems from a deeper issue: a failure to prioritise the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
“The question is, who are they going to consult? How many times have they consulted their people? They are always in Abuja, thinking they will get more money,” Clark lamented.
Unity and Fairness in Leadership
Clark also took aim at President Tinubu’s approach to governance, urging him to rise above partisan politics and embrace inclusivity. He warned against appointing allies solely based on loyalty rather than competence and integrity.
“I think the leadership should embrace everybody in this country,” Clark said. “But today, you look for all your friends, whether they are competent, whether they are honest; it’s wrong.”
He reminded the President that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, not just to those in power.
“Every Nigerian is equal. Unless we believe that every Nigerian can rise to the top, there will be no Nigeria. The problems will remain,” he added.
Taxation as a Path to Development
Clark stressed the importance of taxation for Nigeria’s development, challenging the northern governors to consider the origins of the resources they often allocate.
“When they decide to share, they must ask where the money they are sharing comes from. So, you must pay tax,” he said.
The elder statesman warned that the country’s reliance on oil revenue is unsustainable, urging the government and governors to work together to implement reforms that would benefit all Nigerians.
A History of Regional Tensions
Clark’s remarks also highlighted ongoing tensions between Nigeria’s regions. The relationship between northern and southern leaders has often been fraught with disagreements over resource control, governance, and revenue sharing.
Political analysts note that the northern governors’ opposition to the tax reforms is partly rooted in fears that the changes could weaken their influence over federal allocations.
“This isn’t just about taxes,” said political commentator Adebayo Lawal. “It’s about power dynamics and control over the nation’s economic structure.”
Calls for Accountability
As the debate over the tax reform bills rages on, Clark’s comments have sparked a renewed call for accountability and transparency in governance.
“Leaders must remember that they are servants of the people,” Clark concluded. “This country cannot progress if a few individuals think they own it.”
