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By Torkwase Nyiekaa
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to halt the implementation of the recently enacted Tax Reform Laws until the authentic versions are confirmed.
The call follows allegations that the laws, as passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu were unlawfully altered before being gazetted and circulated to the public. The Caucus described the claims as a serious threat to legislative integrity and the rule of law.
The controversy traces back to the National Assembly’s passage of four key tax reform bills earlier this year, aimed at streamlining tax administration, broadening the tax base, and improving revenue collection for national development. After the bills were passed, they were transmitted to the President and signed into law, with the expectation that the authentic versions would be officially gazetted and circulated to the public.
Recall that in recent weeks, claims have emerged that unauthorized or altered versions of the laws were being circulated, raising fears among Nigerians and the business community that compliance could be based on incorrect information. This prompted the House of Representatives to set up a high-powered committee to investigate the allegations of fraud and procedural breaches.
In a statement co-signed by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda; the Minority Whip, Ali Isa J.C; the Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki; and the Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi, the Caucus assured Nigerians of its commitment to support the House in uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the allegations and holding those found culpable accountable.
“We urge Nigerians to disregard any versions of the Tax Reform Laws that do not bear the signatures of the Clerk to the National Assembly and the President,” said Rep. Chinda. “These are the only authentic copies, and any other versions circulating are not legally binding.”
Ali Isa added: “The National Assembly remains the custodian of all genuine laws of the Federation. It is our duty to protect the integrity of the Legislature and ensure that the rule of law prevails.”
The Caucus emphasized that any attempt to foist altered or fake laws on Nigerians constitutes a direct attack on democratic governance. “We are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that only authentic laws are implemented,” said Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki.
The Minority Caucus concluded by calling on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Tax Reform Laws until clarity is established. “Nigerians, including the business community, are entitled to access the correct and duly authenticated laws they are expected to comply with,” said pOzodinobi.