The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on President Bola Tinubu to do as Former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan and withdraw the controversial Tax Reform Bill before the National Assembly for the good of the nation.
Kwankwaso said, “You should reconsider your dogged stance on the Tax Reform Bills in the interest of Nigerians, so that the country will go out of it once and for all.”
Kwankwaso, who made this plea via his X handle on Monday, said, “Like former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan withdrew some critical bills in the interest of Nigerians, Tinubu should reconsider his stance on the Bill for the interest of Nigeria.”
According to Kwankwaso: “My position on tax reform is that now is not the right time to review VAT or introduce any new taxes. Given the economic challenges many Nigerians are currently facing, such measures would be ill-advised.
“The government must prioritize providing relief and support to the people, particularly during these trying times, rather than imposing additional financial burdens.
“I urge President Bola Tinubu to heed the counsel of the National Economic Council and other respected voices of wisdom. Decisions should be guided by the common good, not by personal or ego-driven motivations.
“Withdrawing these bills is not without precedent. In our democratic history, both Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan made similar decisions to withdraw key bills in the interest of the nation to benefit the nation, and I believe the same approach should be considered now.
“In conclusion, I respectfully urge President Tinubu to reconsider his stance on these bills and ensure that the voices of the majority of Nigerians are heard and respected in this process.”
Emmulate Obasanjo, Jonathan, withdraw tax reform bill – Kwankwaso tells Tinubu