Ndume Fumes Over Tax Reform Bills, Slams ‘Political Undertakers’

• Says they are doing damage to President Tinubu
• Insists on wider consultations with stakeholders 

Former Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, is angry that political undertakers are doing damage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with their unrelenting push for the controversial Tax Reform Bills.

Fuming over current developments in the Senate, the lawmaker, representing the Borno South Senatorial District,  said; “Here, we are with political undertakers and they are doing damage to Mr President”

Senate Ndume, who expressed his views on the Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today on Thursday, said; “The president is trying and within two years he has done some commendable things; but they have been beclouded by some of these policies.

“The PIB (Petroleum Industry Bill) is one of the most important bills passed in our democracy. It was not passed in one session. It was not passed in one year, two years, or three years.

“I remember the PIB was introduced when I was in the House of Reps and it was not passed until when we were in the Senate and it’s more important than the tax reforms. Even with the reforms, you have to prioritise and time it and get the buy in of Nigerians.”

Further explaining his position on the bill and its timing which he considered is inappropriate for now, Senator Ndume said; “I have nothing against the president. But the timing of the bill is wrong. Nigerians are hungry.

“I am representing my constituents. It is not that I am totally saying that we should throw away the baby with the bath water, but since the governors, who are our leaders, the National Economic Council (NEC) and many individuals have said that the government should tarry a while, the Senate should have to listen.

“It is not that we should throw away the bills, no. Withdraw the bill, do more consultations and then bring the bill again. Why are they in such a hurry? That is a big suspicion.”

Forefront News reports that despite serious protestations from Ndume and Senator Abdul Ningi, the contentious bills were passed by the Upper Legislative chamber for second reading earlier Thursday, November 28, 2024.

The Senate’s action came a day after disagreements broke out on the floor after the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by its Chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, stormed the Chamber to explain the nitty-gritty about the bills.

During the debate on the general principles of the bills, Ndume, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has requested the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms to negotiate with the National Economic Council (NEC), the Governors, and traditional rulers before the National Assembly (NASS) passes the four tax reform bills proposed by President Tinubu.