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Founder of the Kukah Centre, Bishop Mathew Kukah, has said the controversial tax reform bills of Bola Tinubu’s administration will end the elites’ financial recklessness.
He submitted as a guest on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday.
Kukah advised the Federal Government to ensure that the ongoing reforms lead to the country’s development.
Since their introduction – they have been sent to the National Assembly – the bills have attracted criticism in several parts of the country.
Some claim they are targeted against the northern region with millions arguing they will overburden Nigerians.
“Nigeria is a very energetic country with people that are so eminently gifted and are roaring to soar at any time.
“However, our problem is the inability of states to create enough gatherings to contain the energy, vision, and competing narratives of their citizens. This lack of competitive gatherings often spills over into violence.
“But I hear you when you speak about all the issues identified. And I am excited about the issue of tax reform bills because, first, I know nothing about it. But I have started educating myself.
“Any form of reform at all must get this thoroughly dysfunctional country working again.
“So I am excited because hopefully, we can take the time to listen to the conversation about how to avoid and end this financial recklessness, and the irony of Nigerians living by the seaside and washing their faces with saliva. The reforms should end the narrative of Nigerians living in a country that is so richly endowed but are spectators to the rascality and irresponsibility of the elites who continue to mismanage our resources. So I’m hopeful that this is the beginning of a very long journey of fiscal management and efficiency that can lead to the growth and development of the kind of country that we envision.
When asked to rate Tinubu’s administration and offer one or two advice, he said what Nigerians needed was effective communication about the ongoing reforms, as the citizens were battling high-level poverty.
“What I can say is that this government must respond urgently to the issues of the day. They are issues of massive impoverishment in Nigeria. You can see the frustration on the faces of people, husbands, wives and children.
“I am convinced that this government has lofty ideas, but there is a total absence of a constructive strategy of engagement.
“This government needs communication strategies. The Nigerian government needs to convince Nigerians that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and encourage them to be a little patient.
“I see the conversation around local government autonomy, tax reform bills and others. But the government has to communicate with the people. So when people call themselves government spokespersons- it is not about insulting people, or thinking others can’t have different views. But their job is how the ideas of the government are communicated. We need to have an idea of the government reforms.
“We are happy to hear of the return of Port Harcourt Refinery. And the government needs to tell people what and what to expect at so-so time.”
He advised the government to avoid trading blames.
“By now, Nigerians are tired of hearing the government saying “we didn’t think things were this bad”. They must have had an idea of what was going on before contesting. So, when they say we have $30 million in our reserves. They should know the money should increase before they leave office. People come into government to solve problems and not to compound them. And you must have round pegs in round holes.
“Government must not take the loyalty of people for granted. Winning elections isn’t about getting into power and then waiting to win another one,” he added.
On Monday, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, said that it is wrong to say that governors of the 36 states are against the Tax Bills, explaining that they only wanted to get clarifications in some areas.
Speaking during Channels Televisions Townhall on the Tax Reform Bills on Monday, the governor hailed the bills but stated that there are questions that needed answers.
“The issue of increasing the VAT from 20 per cent to 60 per cent at the point of generation, and I am happy that Taiwo said it has now changed not just at the point of generation but also consumption, that is fine.
“Those were some of the issues mentioned by the governors. The governors said, you know what, why don’t you withdraw the bills, let us discuss it, let us understand it,” Governor Sule said.
