Edwin Clark Criticizes Northern Governors’ Opposition to Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills

Elder statesman and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark, has condemned the opposition by the 19 northern governors to President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, insisting that the reforms must proceed.

Clark expressed his views on Sunday during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political program aired on Channels Television.

“As far as I am concerned, that tax bill must go on,” he asserted.

Background on the Controversy

The tax reform bills introduced by the Tinubu administration have stirred controversy, drawing criticism and resistance from various groups, including the 36 state governors under the National Economic Council (NEC).

The 19 northern governors, however, have rejected key sections of the bills and demanded their withdrawal from the National Assembly, creating a divide within NEC.

Clark’s Reaction

Reacting to the northern governors’ stance, Clark criticized their separate meeting after NEC’s collective discussions, describing it as unnecessary and divisive.

“I was so shocked when I learnt that the 19 governors of the North met again. If 36 of you met, why are you meeting again?

The northern governors—most of them—don’t realise what they are doing. This double standard and arrogance of power must stop,” Clark said.

He further emphasized the importance of fairness in governance, urging President Tinubu to govern with wisdom and resist attempts by certain individuals to control the nation as if it were their personal property.

On Taxation and Revenue Sharing

Highlighting the importance of taxation for national development, Clark said: “When they decide to share, they must ask where the money they are sharing comes from. So, you must pay tax.”

The elder statesman’s remarks come amid ongoing debates over the implications of the proposed tax reforms on Nigeria’s economy and federal relations.