Saliu Tanko Yakasai, a prominent politician and the Kano People’s Redemption Party (PRP) gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, has voiced strong reservations over the pace at which the National Assembly is handling the Tax Reform Bill.
While not explicitly opposing or supporting the bill itself, Yakasai raised critical concerns about the legislative process and its potential consequences for Nigerians.
In a statement shared on his official platform, Yakasai admitted that he had not yet reviewed the almost 400-page document in detail. However, his apprehension stems from the urgency with which the National Assembly appears to be pushing the bill forward. “I am not for or against the Tax Reform Bill because I have not had the chance to read the almost 400-page document. But what I am against completely is the speed with which this bill is being passed at NASS,” he remarked. He emphasized that the bill’s sensitive nature and potential far-reaching consequences for the majority of Nigerians warrant a more deliberate and cautious approach. “Why the rush on something so sensitive?” he questioned.
Drawing from recent experiences, Yakasai criticized the government’s handling of other major economic reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates. He argued that these policies were implemented hastily and without a clearly defined strategy, resulting in severe economic hardship for Nigerians. “Have we not learned our lessons from the hasty removal of fuel subsidy and unification of FX without defining clearly the implementation strategy, which plunged us into the worst economic crises in the entire history of this country?” he asked, pointing to the unintended consequences of rushed decision-making.
Yakasai urged the National Assembly to decelerate the process and ensure comprehensive scrutiny of the bill. He advocated for the inclusion of tax experts from across the country in the review process, emphasizing the need for robust discussions to address any ambiguities or loopholes. “I believe there’s a need for NASS to slow down and allow robust discussions by tax experts from across the country to carefully scrutinize this tax bill,” he said. He further cautioned that failing to address potential issues could exacerbate the already dire economic situation for ordinary Nigerians.
The former gubernatorial candidate’s comments resonate with a growing chorus of voices advocating for transparency, public engagement, and expert input in policymaking.
His concerns highlight the delicate balance between enacting necessary reforms and ensuring those reforms are well-thought-out to avoid unintended consequences. Yakasai’s call for caution serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the people in legislative processes, particularly in matters as critical as tax reforms.
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