The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, condemning its insistence on implementing new tax reform laws from January 1, 2026. The group labels the move a severe assault on democratic principles, citing unresolved allegations that the legislation was materially changed after being passed by the National Assembly.
Allegations of Post-Assembly Alterations
In a statement released on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG expressed grave concern over what it described as credible discrepancies. The coalition asserts that a careful review of verified facts, expert legal opinions, and submissions from lawmakers shows the gazetted versions of the tax laws do not match what was debated and approved by parliament.
The CNG accused the Presidency and the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, of pursuing an ulterior agenda. They warn that enforcing what they term "flawed and legally questionable" reforms will worsen the hardship faced by Nigerians.
A Direct Challenge to Legislative Authority
Charanchi emphasized that the issues are not minor errors but substantive alterations. "These discrepancies are not minor drafting errors; they are substantive alterations that strike at the heart of legislative authority, constitutional order, and the rule of law," he stated.
The group highlighted a contradiction between President Tinubu's pro-democracy image and his current stance, accusing him of ignoring widespread public calls to suspend and review the laws. They argue that any law altered after legislative approval, without fresh debate, is invalid under Nigeria's constitution, making its enforcement an act of executive overreach.
Criticism of the National Assembly and a Call to Action
The CNG also turned its fire on the National Assembly, accusing it of abandoning its constitutional role. It referenced lawmakers chanting "on your mandate we stand" during a presidential visit as a "public declaration of legislative surrender." By failing to assert its authority, the CNG claims the legislature has weakened democracy and eroded public trust.
Questioning the rush to implement on January 1 amid economic hardship, the coalition demanded:
- An immediate suspension of the planned implementation.
- Full public disclosure of both the passed and gazetted versions of the laws.
- An independent legislative and judicial review of the alleged alterations.
"Nigeria is not a monarchy, and presidential authority does not override constitutional order," Charanchi warned, adding that allowing this precedent would endanger the integrity of all future legislation in the country.
