Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State and elder statesman, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate alleged alterations to the recently passed tax law, warning that discrepancies between the version approved by the National Assembly and what was ultimately gazetted are “deeply troubling.”
Gossip News Now reports that Nwodo, who also served as National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cautioned that such irregularities could erode public trust and democratic accountability. He called on the president to ensure full transparency in the legislative process.
Speaking to ThisDay, Nwodo said the issue was a serious concern for the PDP. He noted that Nigerians had engaged extensively with the executive before the law was passed and stressed that taxation is vital for national survival.
“Every adult Nigerian who is eligible to pay tax ought to do so for the country to survive. Nobody is against renewing tax laws to make the system more efficient,” he said.
However, the elder statesman voiced fears of a potential hidden agenda, noting that troubling developments now seem to be unfolding publicly.
Law Passed by Parliament, But Gazetted Differently
Nwodo described it as “totally embarrassing” that members of the National Assembly claimed the law they passed differed from what was gazetted.
“A government that is working for the people should be asking critical questions, such as: who sent this piece of legislation to the press for printing? Where did the copy sent to the press come from?”
He called for a transparent investigation, insisting the public must be assured that the president and the presidency were not responsible for the discrepancies.
Nwodo further stated that those accountable for altering the law should be identified and brought to justice, while the president should apologise to Nigerians and ensure the National Assembly submits a fresh copy of the bill for proper assent and gazetting.
“It is unacceptable for parliament to simply say that discrepancies have been noticed and will be corrected. You cannot do this in a country of intelligent people. You are not dealing with toddlers in a kindergarten,” he said.
Transparency and Credibility Essential for Compliance
The former governor stressed that while Nigerians are expected to comply with tax laws, the government has failed to carry the people along or inspire confidence in the process.
“As a result, we are filled with doubts and confusion. How do you expect compliance?” he asked.
He also questioned the urgency of the law’s immediate implementation, asking:
“What is so magical about the law starting on the first of January?”
Nwodo argued that credible and well-planned implementation would encourage greater compliance rather than rushing the process.
He concluded by reminding the government that power ultimately resides with the people, citing the constitution.
“We own this country. Our constitution begins with ‘We the people’. Power resides with the people, not the leader. Leaders are elected every four years, with a maximum of eight years in office, but the people remain,” he said.
Gossip News Now notes that Nwodo’s comments come amid growing concerns over trust and transparency in the government’s tax reform agenda, underscoring the need for accountability in Nigeria’s legislative processes.
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