The Minority Caucus in Nigeria's House of Representatives has made a strong call for the immediate suspension of the recently enacted Tax Reform Laws. This demand follows serious allegations that the versions of the laws officially published and circulated to the public were materially altered after being passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Allegations Spark Constitutional Crisis and Investigation
The controversy erupted after a member of the House claimed that the tax bills, as approved by both legislative chambers, were not the same as the copies later gazetted. This sparked intense debates, raising fundamental questions about the integrity of Nigeria's law-making process.
In a decisive move, the House of Representatives has inaugurated a high-powered investigative committee. This committee is tasked with a critical mission: to determine if the tax laws were unlawfully amended after passage, fraudulently gazetted, or improperly circulated to the Nigerian public.
Minority Leader Issues Stern Warning on Democracy
In a statement released on Monday, Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda framed the issue as a grave constitutional matter that transcends partisan politics. He warned that any tampering with laws duly passed by the legislature constitutes a direct attack on the nation's democracy.
"The allegations strike at the heart of the independence and credibility of the National Assembly," the caucus stated. They assured Nigerians of their commitment to work with the House leadership to ensure a thorough probe and the prosecution of anyone found culpable.
The lawmakers clarified the established procedure: only laws transmitted by the Clerk to the National Assembly to the appropriate agency can be lawfully gazetted. They emphasized that the National Assembly remains the sole custodian of authentic versions of laws passed in Nigeria.
Calls for Suspension and Clarity for Citizens and Businesses
Consequently, the Minority Caucus has urged the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the tax laws pending the outcome of the investigation and the confirmation of the authentic texts to be enforced.
They warned Nigerians to disregard any purported tax laws in circulation that do not bear the signatures of the Clerk to the National Assembly and the President, stating such documents could not have originated from the legislature.
The caucus stressed that Nigerians and the business community are entitled to clear, certified copies of the laws they must obey. They noted that legal certainty is essential for compliance, investment, and economic stability.
Expressing confidence in President Tinubu's democratic credentials, the caucus urged him to act in the national interest by responding promptly to these concerns. The statement was jointly signed by Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C., PhD; Deputy Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki; and Deputy Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi.
