The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, US Chapter, has urged the National Assembly to pass the Tax reform bills into laws without further delay, noting that it was quite evident the bills sought to address the plights of the poorest and most vulnerable in the country more than widely reported.
The pan- Yoruba socio-political group made the call in a statement signed by President of the North America branch, Dr. Akindutire Durojaiye, copy of which was made available to newsmen on Sunday, warning that the danger in delaying their passage into laws for partisan reasons called for concern.
“We have been following the ongoing debates on the proposed Tax Reform bills at the National Assembly with keen interest and want to admit despite its benefit for democracy, the danger in delaying its passage for partisan reasons calls for concern.
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“As a group of concerned Nigerians and stakeholders in the well-being of our people, we have studied the proposed bills which seek to introduce standardized tax administration rules across board for the 3-tiers of government and put an end to the burden of multiple taxations.
“In addition, the bills are drafted with the purpose of re-organizing and changing the name of the Agency from Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to Nigerian Revenue service (NRS) to reflect the synergy needed for efficient tax collections and services.
“Therefore, having painstakingly followed these debates, engaged in, and listened attentively to stakeholders’ arguments in support of, or against the bills, it is quite evident these four (4) bills seek to address the plights of the poorest and most vulnerable in our midst, more than widely reported!,” the group said.
Afenifere said the passage of the proposed bills, without an iota of doubt, would be another big win for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, coming on the heels of resuscitating the Port Harcourt Refinery.
The group commended the Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and his team for a job well done, “while we wait to congratulate Mr. President when he finally signs the bills into law.”
Afenifere, while noting that it was not oblivious of the clandestine moves by some people with ulterior motives to give the proposed bills regional and tribal colorations to heat up the polity, however, pleaded with Nigerians home and abroad to ignore this divisive rhetoric and equally “persuade your representatives at the National assembly to pass these bills” into laws.
The pan Yoruba socio- political group equally commended Channels Televisions for conducting a Townhall meeting between the committee led by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele and the people to discuss the proposed four (4) bills in great details for better understanding, describing such as brilliant move, just as it expressed the “hope to see more of such Townhall meetings organized by other independent media to engage stakeholders in a more robust discussion and wider consultations on the proposed Tax Reform Bills.”
“Also, given the importance of information in revealing the plans, programs, and policies of government to the people, we observe the government’s media team needs to be brought up to speed in this regard.
“We advise the Government media team to leverage on town meetings to bring the generality of the people on board on this Tax Bills issue and subsequent government initiatives.
“At this crucial time in our polity, there must be zero tolerance for misinformation and disinformation from any quarters hence, the government’s media team needs to be on top of their game.
“It’s high time they became more engaging in creating awareness including credible information on the government, its activities, initiatives and interventions instead of leaving such stories for the independent media to tell.
“Because we acknowledge that a healthy reform is germane to effect a lasting change in any situation, we call for continuous engagement on this issue through the debates, consultations, lobbying and compromise needed for the bills to pass.
“On this note, Afenifere US Chapter is appealing to the state governors, NASS members, political office holders and party chieftains who are still opposed to these bills on partisanship to do have a rethink. We specifically implore them to look at the bigger picture and reconsider their stand to support the proposed bills created to benefit the generality of the people,” Afenifere stated.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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