PDP Urges FG to Suspend Commencement of New Tax Act Over Alleged Discrepancies

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on the Federal Government to suspend the commencement date of the newly enacted Tax Act, citing alleged discrepancies between the harmonised version passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted copy of the law.

The party made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.

According to the PDP, there are concerns over what it described as the “smuggling in of very dangerous provisions” which were earlier expunged by the parliament, noting that Nigerians have demanded a comprehensive investigation into how such provisions found their way into the final version of the law.

The opposition party accused the Presidency of downplaying the issue, insisting on the commencement date of the Act despite the alleged discrepancies.

“Rather than address these issues comprehensively, the Presidency has consciously minimised them and instead vehemently insisted that the commencement date must stand, despite the discrepancies,” the statement said.

It added that the situation “clearly shows where the priority of the government lies between Nigerians and money.”

The PDP further criticised the administration for what it described as a consistent preference for financial considerations over the welfare of citizens.

“This Presidency has always prioritised finance over the welfare and well-being of Nigerians from its inception in 2023, as evidenced by the reckless way it announced and implemented the removal of subsidy, which immediately impacted the economy of the country and caused ordinary Nigerians to suffer irreparable economic damage,” the party stated.

The PDP also reminded President Bola Tinubu of his obligation to the electorate, describing him as “an employee of the people” who must listen to their concerns.

The party noted that the President secured victory with less than 40 per cent of the votes, stressing that listening to Nigerians should be a primary responsibility of his administration rather than serving narrow interests.

Recalling previous government actions, the PDP said a former administration under its leadership in 2012 heeded public protests against fuel subsidy removal in deference to the voices of Nigerians.

“The interest of Nigerians must be uppermost in the mind of the President and the Federal Government,” the statement added.

The party reiterated its demand for the suspension of the Tax Act’s commencement pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the alleged discrepancies.

“Obedience to laws in a democracy is directly linked to the belief that elected legislators have deliberated upon and approved them.

“A mere suspicion, let alone a confirmed fact, that unapproved sections have been smuggled into a law with the capacity to affect all Nigerians is sufficient reason to suspend its commencement,” the PDP said.

It concluded by urging the President to act in the interest of Nigerians, warning that failure to do so would reinforce the perception that revenue, rather than the people, remains the government’s priority.