Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has criticized the opposition from 19 northern governors regarding the tax reform bills put forward by President Bola Tinubu. During an appearance on the Sunday edition of Channels Television’s “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande,” Clark emphasized, “That tax bill must proceed Monitored by Tunexreportes.”
The tax reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration have generated significant controversy and faced harsh criticism from numerous parties, including the 36 state governors associated with the National Economic Council (NEC). The northern governors have firmly rejected certain provisions of the bills and are calling for them to be withdrawn from the National Assembly.
As the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Clark expressed his disappointment at the northern governors’ actions following NEC’s discussions. “I was surprised when I discovered the northern governors convened again. If all 36 met, why another meeting? Many of the northern governors don’t seem to understand their actions. This double standard and arrogance must end,” he remarked.
He argued that the President requires wisdom to govern a diverse Nigeria, highlighting that some individuals are treating the country as their private domain. “When they choose to distribute resources, they must consider the source of those funds. Taxes must be paid,” he stated.
Clark also voiced frustration over the NEC’s position on the tax bills, suggesting that the governors, along with Vice President Kashim Shettima, are transforming the council into an executive entity. “I was astonished that the 36 governors, led by the vice president, suggested that the President postpone the bill for further discussion. Moreover, the northern governors are meeting without contemplating what benefits this division brings to Nigeria. Whether there are 19 or 17 governors, the affiliations like Progressive or PDP Governors are not benefiting the country,” he added.
He emphasized that NEC is a constitutional advisory body, yet it has been turned into a political forum. “Who will they consult? How often have they engaged with their constituents? They spend too much time in Abuja, hoping to secure more funds,” he pointed out.
Clark stressed that Nigeria does not solely belong to the President and criticized the preferential appointment of his allies. “Leadership should be inclusive of all Nigerians. However, the current trend is to surround oneself with friends, regardless of their competence or integrity; this approach is misguided.”
“Nigeria is a collective entity, belonging to all its people, and every citizen must have the opportunity to reach the highest positions. Without this belief, the nation will continue to face its challenges,” he concluded.
