Kwankwaso urges Tinubu to follow Obasanjo, Jonathan’s example, withdraw tax reform bill

For the sake of the country, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party’s (NNPP) 2023 presidential candidate, has urged President Bola Tinubu to follow in the footsteps of former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan and remove the contentious Tax Reform Bill from the National Assembly.

“In the interest of Nigerians, you should reevaluate your steadfast stance on the Tax Reform Bills so that the country will finally get out of it,” Kwankwaso stated.

“Tinubu should reconsider his stance on the Bill for the interest of Nigeria, just as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan withdrew some critical bills in the interest of Nigerians,” Kwankwaso said Monday, making the appeal through his X handle.

Kwankwaso stated: “I believe that the moment is not right to revisit VAT or impose any new taxes at this time. Such actions would be foolish in light of the current economic difficulties that many Nigerians are suffering.

“Instead of placing further financial strain on the populace, the government should focus on helping and supporting them, especially during these difficult times.

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“I implore President Bola Tinubu to take the National Economic Council’s and other reputable experts’ advice seriously. The common good, not selfish or ego-driven interests, should drive decision-making.

There is precedent for the withdrawal of these bills. Both Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan have taken similar actions in our democratic history, withdrawing important measures for the good of the country. I think the same strategy should be used today.

“To sum up, I humbly ask President Tinubu to change his mind about these bills and make sure that the opinions of the vast majority of Nigerians are respected and heard throughout this process.”