The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has lamented the over-politicization of the proposed tax reform bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the tax reform bills have been turned into a political debate between the North and South on social media.
Moro, however, called for a focus on the provisions of the bills themselves instead of resorting to politics.
Speaking on Thursday during an interview with Arise News, the Senate Minority Leader emphasized the need to address the concerns raised by critical stakeholders on the contents of the bills and the legal implications.
According to Moro, some people are concerned that the current VAT distribution system, which is based on equity, equality, and population, may not be adequate under the proposed model that shifts the focus to consumption.
“It is assumed that if you introduce derivation in sharing VAT, now, you’re going against the constitution because there is no constitutional provision for that,” he added.
Moro stressed the need to de-emphasise the political charges created around the bills which have turned them into a North versus South affair.
He added that many people who are currently against the bills would have a change of mind with better awareness of the content, arguing that the provisions of the bills are in the best interest of Nigerians.
He stated, “I dare want to say that it is the politicisation of this bill that is, in the first place, responsible for where we are now, so I don’t want to look at the political side of it.
“I think that by the time further advocacy and sensitisation is carried out, very many people who out of lack of understanding, apparently may have been kicking against this bill, will come to realise that the bill means well for the entirety of Nigeria.”
Henzodaily recalls President Tinubu had, in October, presented the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 to the National Assembly for consideration.
The bills have, however, generated controversies and tension since their introduction, particularly from northern leaders who believe the provisions are not favourable to their region.