Obi Under Attack After First Comment On Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills

2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi was on Monday night under attack after he made his first public comments on the controversial tax reform bill.

GWG.ng reports that Obi in a post on his X handle observed that tax reforms should not be focused on shoring up government revenue even as he called for more consultations on the proposals. He particularly asked for broader consultations through public hearings to address public concerns on the proposals.

He said:

Tax reform is a critical issue, and there is nothing wrong with pursuing it.

However, such reform must be subject to robust and informed public debate. A public hearing on tax reform is essential, allowing Nigerians from all walks of life to engage meaningfully. This is how we build public trust and ensure inclusivity in policymaking.

Matters of this magnitude require extensive deliberation and careful consideration—they should never be rushed.

Public hearings must be conducted to allow for diverse opinions and inputs.

Such public hearing would also enable the broadest spectrum of public opinion to be reflected in public policy.

When considering tax reforms and similar issues, it is insufficient to focus solely on the benefits to the government, particularly in terms of increasing revenue collection.

We must also take into account the overall impact on the nation and the sustainability of all its regions.

Furthermore, the government must sensitize the people and secure their buy-in for any policy changes.

Trust and legitimacy are the foundation of effective governance, and without them, even the best-intended reforms may fail.

Let us prioritize transparency, deliberation, and public engagement in charting the path forward. This is how we build a truly participatory democracy.

A new Nigeria is POssible!

However, while his comment was immediately welcomed by a political follower, several other commenters apparently driven by political considerations attacked Peter Obi on the claim that the tax bills have been subjected for public hearing.

GWG.ng gathered some of the reactions to Peter Obi’s comments on the tax proposals:

A. Ayofe @abdullahayofel

Me Man, You say a lot without saying anything. You de support am abi you no support am…. Dazzor 😂😂

Depegan of Lagos 🇳🇬🇺🇸 @Mautiin01

A public hearing from someone who didn’t prioritize people when he was Governor and couldn’t conduct simple local government elections… Alaye, tell us where you stand or shuut the Fup!!🤡🤡🤡

Safety Cabal @gabriel_bolatit

“Public hearings must be conducted to allow for diverse opinions and inputs.

Such public hearing would also enable the broadest spectrum of public opinion to be reflected in public policy”

You are a bit ignorant of legislative process it’s not subject to his opinion.

Jubril A. Gawat @Mr_JAGs

That’s normal National Assembly Process na 🤣

Otunba of Ondo @Probablypres

Lmao this one no sit down once for govt class 😭😭😭 Y’all are so easily impressed

Favent🇳🇬 @FaventM

After second reading of the bills at the senate, what’s next?

Samsindeen SALAKO A. #SSA @psalmxindynn

He is announcing  the obligations of the NASS to you.

ETTY @ETTYGeo

As if NASS can pass any bill without public hearing😀😀😀 Every bill must be subjected to public hearing. It is an ideal and normal thing to do

Myk egbe @myk3gbe75

Well you are speaking like him, without understanding the matter at hand.

After a bill passes the second reading in the NASS it is referred to the relevant committee of the Subject Matter and that is where the Public Hearing takes place. With the Committee overseeing d hearing.

Bdj4real @taofeekbdj58

The Tax Reform Committee was constituted more than a year ago and they arrived at the proposal with series of engagement and consultations. Public hearing from the Senate on the bill will soon commence.

GWG.ng reports that the reactions to Obi’s comment on the tax proposals are being interested as laced with politics.

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