Group knocks Senator Ndume over comments on tax reform bills
By Kunle Sanni
The Northern Redemption Coalition (NRC) has issued a sharp criticism of Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, accusing him of trying to “impose his views on the nation” regarding a series of proposed tax reform bills.
The statement comes amid ongoing debates about the bills, which aim to reshape Nigeria’s tax landscape and establish a new entity, the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
On October 13, President Bola Tinubu called on the National Assembly to pass several key tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, to address inefficiencies and stimulate economic growth.
However, in an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Senator Ndume voiced his strong opposition, dismissing the bills as “dead on arrival” and advocating for their withdrawal.
In response, NRC President Adamu Bashir released a statement on Wednesday, condemning Ndume’s stance and suggesting that the senator’s perspective does not align with the views of most Nigerians.
“It is the failure of leaders like Ndume to develop the North that has fueled their apprehension about these tax bills,” Bashir stated, adding that President Tinubu’s reforms have the potential to stimulate economic growth and enhance wealth distribution.
Bashir further criticized Ndume’s claims of speaking on behalf of the poor, questioning his commitment to the North and his constituency.
“Ndume’s years in the Senate have not translated into meaningful upliftment for his constituents. Instead of engaging in populist rhetoric, he should realign his stance to better serve the interests of the North,” Bashir remarked.
The NRC president also raised concerns that Ndume’s criticism of the tax bills could perpetuate stereotypes of the northern region as resistant to change.
“For clarity, the North is not averse to the new tax bills. The true concern lies with leaders who fail to ensure fair wealth distribution, provide education for our young population, and empower our vulnerable women,” Bashir said.
