Kano State governorship candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2023 elections, Salihu Yakasai, has called on the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, to clarify allegations of forged tax reform bills by the National Assembly.
In a statement shared on X on Saturday, Yakasai noted that since the introduction of the tax bill last year, Oyedele had embarked on an extensive media campaign to promote it, moving from one television station to another.
However, following claims by the National Assembly that Oyedele’s team had gazetted a forged version of the bill, the minister has reportedly remained silent.
He said, “Why are you not addressing these allegations, Taiwo?” Yakasai asked.
“This is not a minor technical issue. If true, it means a bill duly passed by the National Assembly was altered after the fact. That strikes at the heart of legislative integrity and the rule of law.
“No policy objective, however noble, can justify such an act. Forging or tampering with a tax bill is not just unethical; it is criminal.
“Nigerians deserve a clear, public explanation from you. Silence in this case suggests evasion, especially since these allegations were not made by ordinary citizens but by the House of Representatives.
“Continued silence will only deepen suspicion and undermine confidence in whatever good the bill may contain!”
The statement has generated reactions on social media following political commentator Hon. Henry Shield writing, “If you seek to arrest a citizen for a tax law that was forged, such a citizen reserves the right to sue you for fraud and trying to obtain by false pretense, right? Let’s see how this goes.”
Another user, @Agrigate Nigeria, commented, “They are still looking for ways to come up with a damage control statement. Only Allah knows the amount of pressure honourable @abdussamadd is going through right now.”
Hamma added, “Do you know that even at FIRS training on the act they jump at some issues and tell them that this needs further explanation from the top.
“Clearly, everything is full of ulterior motives; if not, by now they are supposed to come out with rebuttals.”
Another social media user, @Sly, said, “From the beginning, I knew that Taiwo Oyedele had more in store than the few he’s been trying to present, which is the reason why he embarked on public tours; else, he wouldn’t dare if it’s something that would benefit average citizens.”
As of Saturday, the Minister of Finance had not responded publicly to the allegations.
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