Apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed its support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s controversial tax reform bills to shore up the nation’s economy.
The organisation also criticized the North over its stance on the bills.
In an emphatic statement yesterday by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze expressed its affirmation of the progress and economic empowerment gained by the Tinubu administration.
The statement read, among others, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the esteemed apex socio-cultural organisation representing the Igbo nation, announces its steadfast endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.
“This endorsement comes after rigorous reviews, exhaustive consultations with various stakeholders, and an in-depth analysis of the bill’s implications for the Nigerian economic landscape.
“Our comprehensive evaluation has led us to the resolute conclusion that these tax reforms are not merely legislative proposals; they represent a transformative opportunity for the rejuvenation of Small and Medium Enterprises ,SMEs, and the enhancement of the fortunes of Nigerian workers.
“By eliminating the scourge of double taxation imposed by some state governors, these reforms will pave the way for an equitable business climate that significantly elevates local and foreign investment potential.
“The Igbo people, renowned for our entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to economic self-determination, stand to gain immensely from these reforms.
“The proposed measures are expected to safeguard the private sector, mainly benefiting the industrious Igbo people who play a pivotal role in driving the Nigerian economy through vibrant SME activities.
“In an environment characterised by fairness and transparent regulations, we are confident that most of the benefits arising from these tax reforms will bolster our endeavours, facilitating growth and fostering robust business opportunities”.
The organisation also stated, “In light of these compelling advantages, Ohanaeze Ndigbo ardently calls upon all Southern Federal Lawmakers- both in the Senate and the House of Representatives to unify their efforts in support of President Tinubu’s transformative restructuring programme within Nigeria’s economic and fiscal sectors.
“It is imperative that our southern legislators close ranks, transcending partisan divides, to ensure that the Tax Reforms Bills successfully navigate both chambers of the National Assembly.
“We reiterate our unwavering commitment to show solidarity with President Tinubu, as we expect the Southeast Federal Lawmakers to provide essential backing to these initiatives.
“This collective support is particularly noteworthy as it underscores our strategic alignment with the president, following our decision to abstain from nationwide protests in August 2024, a decision made in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation.
“Nonetheless, observing the substantial opposition from certain factions within Northern Nigeria regarding these critical reforms is disheartening.
“There is palpable concern that Northern governors are mobilising their forces to stifle the progression of the Tax Reforms Bills within the National Assembly, relying on their numerical predominance to assert undue influence.
“This orchestrated opposition appears driven by a desire to perpetuate the current VAT derivation principles that unjustly favour select interests at the expense of equitable national growth.
“The implications of such manoeuvres are profound. If the Northern political elites succeed in thwarting President Tinubu’s initiatives, it could set a dangerous precedent, fostering a climate of resistance against meaningful reform”.
