The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has described the alleged discrepancies between the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted versions as an unforgivable breach of trust, mockery of the Nigerian people, and open assault on the integrity of the legislative process.
The party further accused the presidency of misconduct and flagrant disregard of constitutional sovereignty over the alleged manipulation of Tax Law.
LEADERSHIP reports that the House of Representatives constituted a seven-member ad-hoc committee to investigate the discrepancies between the tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted versions.
Hon. Abdulsammad Dasuki (PDP Sokoto) had risen under Order Six, Rule Two of the House Rules on a Point of Privilege, arguing that his legislative privilege was breached, as the content of the tax laws as gazetted is not the same as the one voted on and passed on the floor of the House.
The opposition party, in a statement by its national chairman, Falalu Bello, claimed that the situation showed that the executive arm has clandestinely altered bills after passage by the National Assembly without legislative approval.
He added that if evidence implicates President Bola Tinubu in the alleged manipulations, he should be impeached without delay as no individual, including the president, is above the law.
According to him, the action is a dangerous pattern of executive impunity that threatens the very foundations of Nigeria’s democracy and due process.
“This audacious act of executive dishonesty, characterised by the insertion, deletion, and modification of substantive provisions post-passage legislation, underscores a reckless disdain for the rule of law, separation of powers, and the constitutional order.
“It is an unforgivable breach of trust, a mockery of the Nigerian people, and an open assault on the integrity of our legislative process.”
He said the act as not only illegal but a direct attack on the independence of the legislature and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to transparent and accountable governance.
“The executive’s actions reveal a disturbing tendency to undermine the sanctity of parliamentary procedures, defraud the nation, and arrogantly impose illegality under the guise of national interest.
“Such conduct erodes public confidence, fuels uncertainty, and exposes Nigeria to avoidable instability in all aspects of our national life.
“In light of these grave developments, the PRP calls for a comprehensive and transparent investigation of these alterations and additions to the already passed Act of Parliament to identify and punish all those responsible for this egregious misconduct.
“We insist that those found culpable, regardless of their position, must be held accountable and face appropriate punishment for their fraudulent conduct.
“If evidence emerges implicating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in these illegal manipulations, the PRP calls for his impeachment without delay. No individual, including the President, should be above the law.
“Furthermore, we demand the immediate suspension of the implementation of the disputed tax laws until all discrepancies—particularly the conflicts between the laws passed by the National Assembly and those gazetted—are thoroughly examined, resolved, and rectified.
“Should this matter not be addressed promptly, the PRP will have no choice but to seek judicial intervention. We are prepared to approach the courts to stop the enforcement of these laws and seek appropriate redress for the violations committed,” he stated.
The PRP chairman emphasised that the rule of law and constitutional integrity must take precedence, saying until these issues are resolved, the suspension of the tax laws is imperative to prevent further damage to Nigeria’s democratic fabric and economic stability.
“The PRP warns that unless urgent and decisive steps are taken, this administration’s blatant disregard for constitutional order will deepen the crisis of governance, erode accountability, and further diminish Nigeria’s credibility on the global stage.”
The party chairman called on all patriotic Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the legislative arm to stand firm against this assault on our democracy.
“The PRP affirms that no government, regardless of political inclination, is above the law. The current breach must be met with unwavering resolve to defend Nigeria’s constitutional integrity, uphold the rule of law, and restore public confidence in our institutions. Anything less would be a betrayal of the Nigerian people and a capitulation to executive tyranny.
“We stand with the Nigerian people and call on all relevant authorities to ensure that justice prevails, that constitutional order is restored, and that this dangerous precedent is decisively overturned,” the statement added.
Credit: Leadership