Arewa Youth Assembly Rejects Tax Law, Alleges Alteration

Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has rejected the tax law introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as “governance by ambush” and warning of political consequences if the controversy surrounding the legislation is not addressed.

In a statement issued by its speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, the group said its rejection was based on what it described as disturbing discrepancies between the version of the law approved by the National Assembly and the one allegedly gazetted and presented to the public.

The Assembly alleged that the gazetted tax law substantially differs from the framework debated and passed by lawmakers, warning that such a development amounts to a subversion of democratic principles and a violation of due process.

“If the law presented to the public is not the same law debated and passed by elected representatives, then democracy itself is being subverted,” the statement said. “Legislation is not a private document. To alter it after approval is not reform; it is deception.”

The group argued that the issue goes beyond taxation, describing it as a constitutional crisis that suggests executive overreach and a disregard for the rule of law. It maintained that any attempt to impose additional fiscal burdens on Nigerians under such circumstances lacks moral and legal justification.

According to the statement, Nigerians are already grappling with inflation, insecurity and widespread economic hardship, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where poverty, unemployment and what it termed “systemic neglect” remain prevalent.

“We oppose this tax law because its origins are shrouded in secrecy and its authenticity is in serious doubt,” the Assembly stated.

“Any tax regime that deepens this distress without transparency or legitimacy amounts to economic hostility.”

The Arewa Youth Assembly called on civil society organisations, labour unions, legal practitioners and what it described as principled legislators to intervene and defend the constitution. It stressed that legislative integrity must be upheld to preserve public trust in governance.

The group also warned that the controversy could have electoral consequences, noting that actions taken now would influence political outcomes in future elections.

“Governments that undermine legality and transparency invite resistance and, ultimately, rejection at the ballot box,” the statement added.

The Assembly stated that its zonal, state, local government, and ward structures have been placed on alert and are awaiting further directives in the coming days.

It reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency and good governance, urging the federal government to “choose the path of integrity” or be prepared to face the political consequences of its decisions.