Yakubu Dogara, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, urged Nigerian governors on Monday night to express their opinions and provide recommendations on the contentious Tax Reform Bills, rather than trying to halt the proposed legislation, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
Dogara emphasized that the bills cannot be dismissed due to timing issues or claims of inadequate consultation with governors by the Presidential Committee led by Taiwo Oyedele.
He made these remarks during a special town hall meeting on the Tax Reform Bills broadcast by Channels Television.
Dogara also expressed concern that the bills are causing unnecessary controversy and taking on a regional dimension.
When he expressed interest in participating in the discussion, certain leaders discouraged him from attending.
Dogara cautioned against sectionalism and urged Nigerians to adopt a leadership mindset to address the country’s crisis.
He said: “When I said I would be participating in this discussion, my phone was almost blocked. So many people pleaded with me, that is why I knew how important this is. Some were even pleading with me not to show up.
“I said no. That’s not leadership and even if I disagree, I should go and tell them that I disagree.
“My appeal to all of us, we are all leaders here. We should remove the recap of regionalism, the cap of sectionalism, the cap of religion and put on the cap of leadership because that’s what will resolve problems that we have.”
He tackled some governors especially from the north on the alleged non-consultation, saying many governors do not consult in laws they made in their states.
“I want to say this, at the state level, how many people do governors consult when they are making laws? As a matter of facts, in some cases, state laws are written from the living rooms of governors.
“So, should we now stop because governors have not been brought on board even though it is the right thing to do? should that really be an excuse? the answer to my mind is no,” Dogara said.
Baba Yusuf, Group CEO Global Investment and Trade Company, who was one of the panelists, said the north would be one of the best beneficiaries of the proposed laws.
He specifically pointed out that the legal frameworks would address about 70 percent of multidimensional poverty confronting the North.
“Citizens should read and not wait for political leaders to advise them,” Yusuf said.
The Chairman of the Committee insisted that the panel consulted all major stakeholders including the governors.
He insisted that a majority of the stakeholders consulted “overwhelmingly endorsed” the bills.
Oyedele also dismissed Governor Babangana Zulum of Borno’s position that most Northern states won’t be able to pay minimum wage if the bills are passed.
“That fear is not supported by the analysis and data that we have,” he said.
