By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Northern leaders, under the auspices of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), have called on the Federal Government to allow space for dissenting voices in the ongoing debate over the proposed tax reform bills before the National Assembly. The Forum warned that stifling opposition to these bills goes against the essence of democracy.
The tax reform bills, which have been controversial for the past two weeks, propose significant changes to Nigeria’s tax laws. The bills, sent to the National Assembly by the Executive, have sparked intense debate across the country.
Professor Tukur Muhammed-Baba, the National Publicity Secretary of ACF, issued a statement on Thursday, acknowledging that periodic public policy reforms are essential for political and administrative growth. He emphasized that nothing in society is static, and policies must adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
However, Muhammed-Baba expressed concern over the rising acrimony surrounding the debates, which have led to deep divisions. He criticized the harsh rhetoric used in the discourse, with some individuals resorting to offensive language aimed at discrediting those supporting or opposing the bills.
He pointed out that the proposed bills will affect every Nigerian, and the debates surrounding them are a normal part of the democratic policy-making process. He also highlighted that the current debates suggest a lack of sufficient consultation with key stakeholders, including the National Economic Council, which is led by the Vice President.
The ACF spokesman lamented the apparent impatience of the bill’s supporters, particularly the Federal Government, for swift passage in the Senate, which he said fuels suspicions of hidden motives. He praised the Senate for opting to delay proceedings in favor of wider consultations with relevant stakeholders, which he viewed as a positive step.
ACF encouraged all parties to cooperate with the Senate Committee overseeing the process and reiterated that the debates, whether for or against the bills, should be viewed as critical contributions to the policymaking process.
Muhammed-Baba also urged the Federal Government to embrace opposing views on the proposed tax reforms, underscoring that such expressions are integral to the legislative process in a democracy. He asserted that the final outcome of the legislative process should serve the interests of the entire country, rather than benefiting specific groups at the expense of others.
In the interim, ACF has set up a committee of experts to review the bills and provide recommendations to the relevant government bodies. The Forum also called for decorum and mutual respect in discussions surrounding the bills, stressing that no one holds a monopoly on wisdom.
