Adeyanju Slams Tinubu Over Planned Implementation of New Tax Law, Cites Rule of Law Concerns

 

Human rights lawyer and political activist, Deji Adeyanju, has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the planned implementation of Nigeria’s new Tax Reform Act, scheduled to take effect from January 1, despite unresolved legal and political controversies surrounding the legislation.

Adeyanju faulted the President’s decision to proceed with the law, arguing that serious allegations linked to its passage raise constitutional, legal, and governance concerns that should not be ignored. He described the move as a disregard for due process and an affront to democratic principles.

According to the lawyer, enforcing the tax law while claims of forgery and procedural irregularities remain unresolved amounts to a direct attack on Nigeria’s legal system. He warned that such actions could further erode public confidence in government institutions and undermine respect for the rule of law.

Adeyanju also referenced reports suggesting that multiple versions of the Tax Reform Act are in circulation within government circles. He noted allegations that the version prepared for official gazetting differs from the document eventually signed into law by President Tinubu, a situation he said raises serious questions about transparency and legislative integrity.

Reacting via a post on social media platform X, Adeyanju condemned the President’s insistence on enforcing the disputed law. He stated that implementing the Act amid unresolved controversies related to alleged forgery and constitutional breaches was “an insult to the Nigerian nation and the concept of the rule of law.”

In addition, Adeyanju questioned the President’s authority to take unilateral fiscal decisions, specifically querying the reported write-off of debts owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). He asked under what constitutional powers such a decision was made.

As of the time of reporting, the federal government has not issued an official response to Adeyanju’s allegations. Meanwhile, public debate over the legitimacy and implementation of the Tax Reform Act continues across the country.

Source: Gistreel