From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has protested against the tax reform bills before the current National Assembly, warning that they would further impoverish Nigerians.
It also commended the Supreme Court for its landmark ruling that rejected the lawsuit brought before it by 16 state governors, led by Kogi State.
The lawsuit had challenged the legality and operational authority of key anti-corruption agencies, namely: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
Its Executive Director, Ibrahim Zukirullahi, at a press briefing in Abuja, said the continuous derivation formula for Value Added Tax (VAT) was targeted at diverting public attention from the heinous policies contained in the proposed legislations.
“All the other language that has been used to decorate the so-called tax reform is to deceive the people that it is meant to revive our economy. What the government is aiming at is to collect more and more money from the people,” he stated.
Speaking on the apex court’s judgment affirming the establishment of the EFCC, the CHRICED boss said the court did not play to the gallery but listened to the voice of reason and the public outcry in dismissing the frivolous lawsuit, which he said lacked merit.
He explained that by addressing the root causes of corruption, the government could unlock significant financial resources that would otherwise be lost to corrupt practices, thereby creating a more sustainable environment.
He remarked that a determined approach to tackling corruption is a far more effective strategy for enhancing revenue generation than the imposition of taxes, fees, and burdensome costs of PMS on the general populace.
Zukirullahi called on the National Assembly to enhance the legal frameworks of government anti-corruption agencies, which, he said, should involve constitutional integration of the agencies, bolstering their operational independence, and providing technical and financial resources to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
“Concurrently, these agencies must adhere to their mandates, operate with professionalism and transparency, and maintain accountability in their actions.
“A determined approach to tackling corruption is a far more effective strategy for enhancing revenue generation than the imposition of taxes, fees, and burdensome costs of PMS on the general populace.
“By addressing the root causes of corruption, the government can unlock significant financial resources that would otherwise be lost to corrupt practices, thereby ensuring sustainable development,” he added.