Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the implementation of the controversial Tax Reform Acts set to take effect in January. He urged the President to order an investigation into claims that the laws were altered after being passed by the National Assembly. Ndume warned that pushing ahead without clarity could damage public trust.
In a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, the Borno South senator said the growing controversy surrounding the tax laws poses a serious legitimacy problem. He noted that unresolved allegations of post-passage alterations could undermine both enforcement and public acceptance of the reforms.
Ndume called on the President to constitute a small ad hoc committee to verify the authenticity of the laws currently gazetted. He said the panel should determine whether the versions signed into law match what lawmakers approved. According to him, resolving the issue is essential to restoring confidence and preventing prolonged disputes.
He warned that implementing the laws without addressing the allegations would only deepen suspicion and resistance. Ndume said no policy can succeed if its legal foundation is in doubt. He stressed that the President should suspend implementation until the controversy is fully investigated and settled.
The former Senate Chief Whip pointed to mounting opposition from civil society groups and professional bodies. He cited protests and calls for action by organisations such as the Nigerian Bar Association and northern community groups, who have urged the Federal Government to halt the reforms and probe alleged forgery.
Ndume said the House of Representatives should also conduct its own inquiry alongside any presidential committee. He argued that a transparent process would help bring the controversy to an end and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative system.
The debate intensified on Tuesday when NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, warned that the tax law dispute threatens constitutional governance. Osigwe said the allegations strike at the heart of legislative credibility and called for an open investigation to reassure the public.
The controversy was initially sparked by claims from House of Representatives member Abdussamad Dasuki. He alleged that the version of the tax laws gazetted by the Federal Government differed from the final copy passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent.
With implementation dates approaching, pressure continues to mount on the presidency to act swiftly and decisively.
