NBA, Atiku demand suspension of ‘altered’ tax laws
The Nigerian Bar Association and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have called for the immediate suspension of implementation of Nigeria’s new tax reform laws over alleged alterations in the gazetted version. They raised alarm that sections of the laws appear different from what was debated and passed by the National Assembly, describing the situation as a grave constitutional breach. Atiku, in a detailed statement, described the alleged post passage changes as a “brazen act of treason” and “direct assault” on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. He warned that inserting new coercive powers for tax authorities after legislative approval undermines the principle that only parliament can make or amend laws. The former vice president listed provisions he considers unconstitutional, including powers for tax officials to arrest, seize property and conduct enforcement sales without court orders. He argued that these turn tax collectors into […]