Despite President Bola Tinubu making it obvious during his maiden media chat last December, that his administration won’t capitulate and rescend the Tax Reforms Bills, the Northern Elders Forum has reiterated its opposition to it.
The forum in a statement demanded their immediate suspension and called for a holistic dialogue with stakeholders.
They lambasted Mr. Tinubu’s administration for failing to engage critical stakeholders and experts before drafting the reforms.
The statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Management Board Chairman, Mr. Al-Amin Daggash, the forum highlighted the disadvantages of the reforms on Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.
“It is necessary to emphasise that Nigerians in general, and Northerners in particular, are not opposed to good and meaningful reforms initiated by authorities at the federal, state, or local government levels.
“However, based on global best practices, successful reforms are anchored on certain key principles of the public policy-making process, which include but are not limited to the following, “Extensive pre-reform engagements with experts and critical stakeholders to secure their buy-in.
“Establishing a well-defined media and communication strategy to clearly articulate the full scope of the reforms and ensure public awareness and enlightenment on a nationwide scale.
“Designing a robust, transparent, and inclusive implementation mechanism.
“Proactively implementing a well-sequenced process to ensure the reforms achieve the desired and anticipated outcomes for society”, the statement reads.
“The Northern Elders Forum asserts that the proposed Tax Reform Bills by the Federal Government breach these key principles of reform and public policy-making, which are globally recognised as best practices”, the statement added.
