A DEEPER LOOK AT THE TAX BILLS AND THE STAND OF NORTHERN GOVERNORS AND LEADERS

 

Some of the gornors of the 19 northenern states of Nigeria.

By 'Tunji A bdulhameed Esq.

I have read and listened to many comments by Nigerians, especially people from the South condemning the Northern Governors and Northern leaders for raising concerns on what they perceive would result in unfairness to the North especially on the new formulae for the distribution of VAT.

I appropriate the concerns of the President, the efforts of the tax committee and the need to have good tax laws in place.

It is pertinent to state that this piece is not to admit or disagree with the position of the Northern Governors, Northern leaders and those against their position on the issue.

I will rather commend the Northern Governors and Northern leaders for paying attention to the provisions of the Tax Bills and for raising concerns on the areas they perceived would affect their interests and the interests of the people they represent, bearing in mind that the primary responsibility of people elected as governors or members of the National Assembly or State House of Assembly is to protect the interest of the people they are representing.

I am of the opinion that raising concerns about the tax bills is a way to go. It would defeat the purpose of debate on a bill to be passed and the right of people expressing concerns should not be seen as anti-people or antigovernment or anti President.

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A bill should not be passed without proper scrutiny and proper examination simply because it has good intention or it is coming from the President or the executive or because of any other sentiments.

I think the Southern Governors and Northern Leaders should follow the proactiveness of the Northern Governors and Leaders in ensuring that such bills are critically examined to identify how it would affect the people they represent and come out with a clear position or concern to protect the interest of the people they represent and divergent opinion must be entertained before a bill is passed.

If EFCC Bill was critically examined at the time it was passed and signed into law, the question being raised regarding the constitutionality of its birth or establishment after 22 years will have been prevented.

I support the recommendation by the National Economic Council and commend the decision of the Federal Government to consider withdrawing the bills so that the concerns raised can be considered and appropriate positions that will benefit all would be taken.

Ø  'Tunji A bdulhameed Esq, a constitutional lawyer, wrote in from Lagos, Nigeria.