Picnews
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, has slammed the alleged alterations made to the country’s tax reform laws, calling it a “brazen act of treason” against Nigerians. He insists that only a fresh passage of the laws by the National Assembly can validate them, dismissing re-gazetting as insufficient.
The controversy surrounds four tax reform laws signed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025, aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s tax system. However, allegations emerged that the gazetted versions differ from what was passed by lawmakers, with claims of new coercive powers and removal of accountability mechanisms.
The National Assembly has directed its Clerk to re-gazette the laws, describing it as an administrative step to ensure accuracy. However, Atiku argues that this doesn’t address the constitutional issue, emphasizing that what’s not passed by the Assembly can’t become law.
Atiku has called for immediate suspension of the laws, citing unconstitutional provisions, including arrest powers for tax authorities, property seizure without court orders, and enforcement sales conducted without judicial oversight. He urges the National Assembly to rectify the alterations and hold those responsible accountable.
The Presidency has dismissed claims of alterations, insisting the laws followed due process. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has set up a committee to investigate the allegations and report back.
The controversy has sparked concerns about legislative integrity and the rule of law, with calls for transparency and accountability in governance.
