A political support group, Nationwide Agenda for Tinubu (NAT), has criticised a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for allegedly misinforming Nigerians about President Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly.
It said: “Kwankwaso’s comments while addressing students of Skyline University during their convocation in Kano recently, demonstrate either a lack of understanding of the tax reforms or a deliberate attempt to politicize President Tinubu’svisionary initiative.
“It is evident that Senator Kwankwaso is still grappling with the fallout from his abysmal performance in the 2023 presidential elections. This lingering disappointment seems to have influenced his repeated reliance on divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations against the administration of President Tinubu.
“Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue or offering meaningful contributions to national development, Kwankwaso appears to have chosen a path aimed at inciting division and casting aspersions on initiatives designed to benefit all Nigerians. Such actions are not only unhelpful but also risk undermining the unity and progress of the country at a critical time when inclusive leadership and national cohesion are paramount.
“President Tinubu’s tax reforms are a necessary step toward addressing the economic challenges facing the country and ensuring equitable development for all Nigerians, including those in the north especially the President’s initiative to tackle the disproportionate distribution of revenues from the Value Added Tax to all 36 states of the Federation and the FCT.
“It is unfortunate that former Governor Kwankwasochose to use the platform of the convocation to mislead the youth by claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheming to undermine the economy of the north through his tax reforms.
“Rather than presenting the facts, Kwankwasoneglected to tell the students the truth: that currently, 70% of Value-Added Tax (VAT) proceeds are allocated to just Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the other 34 states left with the short end of the stick simply because of the provision in the Act that says chunk of VAT goes to states where the headquarters of companies are located and not where goods are consumed. President Tinubu’sreforms aim to address this imbalance and ensure fairness for the remaining 34 states, including northern states, by promoting equitable distribution of the Value Added Tax.
“Such reforms are a critical step toward national economic justice and inclusivity, and it is imperative for leaders to educate, not misinform, the public, especially the youth, on these important issues.
“However, due to the influence of toxic politics, Kwankwaso chose not to inform the students of Skyline University about other important provisions of the tax reforms, especially the introduction of critical Value-Added Tax (VAT) exemptions for essential items that directly impact the daily lives of Nigerians, including food, healthcare, education, and transportation. These exemptions are a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the cost of living for ordinary citizens across the country.
“It is regrettable that instead of providing students with the full and accurate picture of these positive reforms, Kwankwaso resorted to politicizing the issue, depriving the youth of a clearer understanding of policies that aim to improve their lives and futures.
“President Tinubu deserves nothing but accolades for the bold and visionary initiatives he is implementing to promote balanced development across all regions of Nigeria. However, such progress has clearly rattled individuals like Senator Kwankwaso, who, instead of supporting national development, resort to desperate measures to mislead and misinform the public. Kwankwaso’s attempts to hoodwink gullible Nigerians through divisive rhetoric only serve to undermine the collective effort toward a more prosperous and unified Nigeria.
“The focus must remain on supporting President Tinubu’s reforms, which are designed to uplift every part of the country, and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their region, experience the benefits of true national progress.
“We urge the people of Northern Nigeria to disregard the unfounded claims and divisive rhetoric being spread by Kwankwaso against President Tinubu. Kwankwaso’s reaction to the President’s visionary initiatives, particularly the Tax reforms, reflects a misguided attempt to misinform the public and undermine efforts aimed at fostering fairness, unity, and national development.”
