Ndume Raises Concerns Over Tinubu and Lawmakers’ Haste in Approving Tax Reform Bills

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has voiced concerns over what he perceives as undue haste by the Presidency and certain lawmakers in pushing tax reform bills through the legislative process. He questioned the urgency, describing it as “suspicious,” while emphasizing the need for broader consultations.

The controversial tax bills, which passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday, have sparked widespread debate since their introduction by President Bola Tinubu. According to reports, the National Economic Council (NEC) also advised Tinubu to withdraw the bills for further review, but the President opted to continue the legislative process.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume, a staunch critic of the bills, urged the Presidency to heed NEC’s advice. He clarified that he does not advocate for discarding the bills entirely but believes they require more deliberation to address public concerns.

“I’m not saying we should throw away the baby with the bathwater,” Ndume stated. “But since governors, the NEC, and many others have raised issues, the logical step is to withdraw the bills, consult more widely, and then reintroduce them. Why the rush? That’s a big suspicion.”