Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate suspension of Nigeria’s newly introduced tax laws, citing allegations that the versions gazetted into law differ from those passed by the National Assembly.
Atiku made the call amid growing controversy following claims by Abdussamad Dasuki, a member of the House of Representatives representing Sokoto, that the final gazetted tax laws were altered after legislative approval. Dasuki raised the alarm last week, insisting that discrepancies exist between what lawmakers debated and passed and what was eventually published as law
.In a statement reacting to the development, Atiku described the allegations as grave and damaging to democratic governance, stressing that the integrity of the legislative process must be protected at all costs. He warned that allowing such discrepancies to stand would erode public trust in government institutions and set a dangerous precedent.
The former vice-president urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately halt the implementation of the tax laws until a transparent review is conducted. He further called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged alterations and identify those responsible.
According to Atiku, any post-passage modification of laws without due legislative process amounts to a constitutional breach and should attract appropriate sanctions. He emphasized that Nigerians deserve clarity, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law, especially on matters that directly affect their economic welfare.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Government nor the leadership of the National Assembly has issued an official response to the allegations. However, the controversy has sparked renewed debate over legislative transparency and the safeguards surrounding the process of enacting laws in Nigeria.
