The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation Afenifere has applauded the Nigeria Governors Forum for its unified support for the Tax Reform Bills now awaiting consideration by the National Assembly.
Afenifere commended the federal government for initiating the tax reform bills because of their inherent benefits and lauded those who worked to remove the stalemate that characterised the efforts to pass the four tax bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation and made available to LEADERSHIP in Akure, the state capital, on Monday by Comrade Jare Ajayi, appreciated concerns expressed by various interest groups, particularly the Northern Governors.
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu stated, “These tax reforms are designed with a pro-poor focus to advance national interests, improve our economic competitiveness, and attract local and foreign investments.”
However, there seemed to be a stalemate due to the reservations expressed by Northern state governors and traditional rulers in the north. The meeting held in Abuja last Thursday put an end to the impasse.
Afenifere said, “The way the matter was resolved has much for us to learn from. First, our leaders must be visionary in taking people-oriented initiatives, as President Tinubu demonstrated on the tax bills.
“Second is the need by the society to express their feelings on issues of public concern. Third is the need for leaders to be sensitive to concerns raised by members of the public.
“Fourth is the need to subject issues to consultations with open minds and submit to a superior idea that would be in the majority’s best interest, as demonstrated by the parties involved in the Tax Bills controversy.
“All the above played out in the resolution of the tax bill brouhaha. In this respect, we commend President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for allowing further consultations when issues were raised about the bills.
‘’The outcome demonstrated the benefits of consultations and enhanced the President’s democratic credentials”.
