Senator representing Borno-South, Ali Ndume, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposed tax reform Bills, warning he may leave the ruling All-Progressives Congress (APC).
Ndume, who has criticized the reforms, said his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu has kept him in the party despite his frustrations.
During an interview during a television interview yesterday, Ndume said: I am close to Tinubu and dont want him to fail, which is why I tolerate some of these insults. But if the party allows me, I will leave.
“I can leave the party. The party has even given me an offer that I can go if I want. I can apply to them to let me go if they can give me approval and I will go, he stressed.
Recall that Ndume was removed as Senate Chief Whip in July, after he criticised the Tinubu administration, prompting APC leaders to suggest he either support the Government or resign.
The Senator described the tax reforms as counter-productive, arguing they would burden consumers through higher prices as businesses transfer increased tax costs. He highlighted concerns about corporate tax hikes and VAT policies, claiming they would exacerbate living costs for ordinary Nigerians.
Ndume described the Bills as giving somebody something with right hand and taking it back with left hand.
The four controversial Bills are: the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) BILL, 2024- SB.584; The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024-SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 SB.586.
The Bills, according to the Government, is aimed at streamlining tax collection and reducing small business burdens, were referred to a Senate committee for further scrutiny.
Ndume also questioned the Senate’s rapid approval of the bills’ second reading, calling for a more thorough review. Sit down and do it comprehensively and break it down! Why the hurry? There is a big suspicion. Why the hurry? They are in too much of a hurry. From the Governments end, theres a hurry in it, the Senator said.
The Senate passed the second reading of the Bills on Thursday. They were, thereafter, referred to a committee to review in six weeks.
