Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has sharply criticized the discrepancies between tax reform laws passed by the House of Representatives and the versions subsequently gazetted and signed by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi described the situation as a troubling shift from “padding budgets” to “forged laws,” voicing concern over the erosion of public trust in governance.
Obi articulated that the Federal Government is undermining public confidence through these actions and called for leadership grounded in due process, transparency, and accountability. He emphasized that no country can progress while its laws are manipulated.
In his statement, titled “Migrating from Padded Budgets to Forged Laws,” Obi expressed alarm over the growing discrepancies between what the legislature approved and what was eventually enacted by the executive branch. He stated, “This is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a serious matter that strikes at the core of constitutional governance and reveals the extent of our institutional decay.”
He further criticized the introduction of new enforcement powers that were not approved by the House of Representatives, including a controversial requirement for a mandatory 20% deposit before appeals can be heard in court, asset sales without judicial oversight, and the granting of arrest powers to tax authorities. Obi lamented, “Perhaps most disturbing is the silence of the Presidency on a matter involving allegations of forgery, institutional sabotage, and abuse of process. Who made these alterations?”
Obi urged for transparency, insisting that Nigerians ought to know what laws are actually signed, what was passed, and what has been officially recorded. He warned that the continuous demand for increased taxes amidst collapsing trust in governance is untenable.
In conclusion, Obi stressed the need for leadership that adheres to due process, embraces transparency and accountability, and respects the rule of law. “No nation can thrive where laws are forged and silence replaces leadership,” he asserted, calling for clarity and integrity in the legislative process.
