Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stated that the 36 state governors are calling for broader consultation on President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills to ensure the inclusion of perspectives from across the nation......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
While expressing support for the bills, Makinde clarified that his position reflects the collective demand of the governors for wider engagement on the matter. He emphasized that his intention is not to oppose the bills but to advocate for a more inclusive process.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde provided further clarification during a media chat on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State on Saturday. He explained that the National Economic Council (NEC) had discussed the bills and reached a unanimous decision to request their withdrawal from the National Assembly for further consultation.
Makinde recounted, “During the NEC meeting, we inquired about the status of the bills from the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force. He confirmed that the bills were already before the National Assembly. I then asked, ‘If that’s the case, why are you just coming to us for approval?’ It seemed to be putting the cart before the horse.”
The governor explained that the consensus within the NEC was to withdraw the bills, allowing for more extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders. He noted that this would enable potential adjustments to the bills, either in their original form or after incorporating feedback from those consultations.
Addressing criticisms that he was against the reforms, Makinde clarified, “When I was asked to explain why we recommended the withdrawal of the bills for consultation, some people chose to focus on attacking me personally rather than engaging with the message we were delivering.”
Makinde’s remarks underline the governors’ desire for a more collaborative approach to the proposed tax reforms, ensuring that all relevant voices are heard before any final decisions are made.
