The Northern Elders Forum has insisted that President Bola Tinubu must suspend the controversial tax reform, whose four bills are at the National Assembly for the deliberation and approval of the federal lawmakers.
President Bola Tinubu said that it has become necessary to overhaul the tax system of the country targeting how its collected from both individuals and corporate organisations and shared among the tiers of government.
But the northern region has insisted that the reform would cripple its government. Some northern governors including Babagana Zulum and Bala Mohammed have argued that the reform would stop the from paying salaries and constructing roads for the people.
Giving its dissent, the forum said that it didn’t oppose good and meaningful reforms of any government. The forum however said that the reform has not followed the global best practices.
The management board chairman of the Northern Elders Forum Al-Amin Daggash released a statement on behalf of the powerful group of northern leaders.
Daggash stated, “It is necessary to emphasise that Nigerians in general, and Northerners in particular, are not opposed to good and meaningful reforms initiated by authorities at the federal, state, or local government levels.
However, based on global best practices, successful reforms are anchored on certain key principles of the public policy-making process, which include but are not limited to the following, “Extensive pre-reform engagements with experts and critical stakeholders to secure their buy-in
“Establishing a well-defined media and communication strategy to clearly articulate the full scope of the reforms and ensure public awareness and enlightenment on a nationwide scale.
“Designing a robust, transparent, and inclusive implementation mechanism.
Proactively implementing a well-sequenced process to ensure the reforms achieve the desired and anticipated outcomes for society.”
Daggash added, “The Northern Elders Forum asserts that the proposed Tax Reform Bills by the Federal Government breach these key principles of reform and public policy-making, which are globally recognised as best practices.”
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