According to a document made available to Sunday PUNCH by a credible source in the National Assembly who for security reasons did not want his name in print, some major vital provisions bordering on oversight and accountability, which were initially approved by lawmakers, were removed from the final Acts.
The document also showed that new coercive clauses, including arrest powers, garnishee orders without court approval, and compulsory USD computation, which were not part of the versions ratified by parliament, were included in the gazetted laws.
But, the presidency in a scathing reply, argued that allegations that the tax documents were altered had not been established by any constituted authority.
Meanwhile, the Take-It-Back Movement said it had begun mobilising Nigerians for a nationwide strike against the tax reform laws, describing the reforms as “anti-people and illegitimate.”
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, described the alleged alteration as a continuation of impunity by the Tinubu-led administration, arguing that the policy was designed to exploit ordinary Nigerians.
“The law itself is primarily targeted against the people of Nigeria. This tax reform seeks to exploit about 90 per cent of the population,” he said.
According to him, the reform targets employers, entrepreneurs, young people, content creators and other informal workers, despite what he described as the government’s failure to provide basic services. It’s a pity “he said”
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