Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the alleged alteration of tax reform laws passed by the National Assembly as an act of treason against Nigerians and an assault on constitutional democracy. In a statement on Tuesday, Atiku said the alleged changes undermine the supremacy of the legislature as the country’s lawmaking body.
His comments followed claims by Abdussamad Dasuki, who represents Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, that the gazetted version of the tax laws differs from the harmonised bills passed by parliament. The House of Representatives has since set up a seven-man ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged alterations and report back for further legislative action.
Atiku alleged the insertions granted tax authorities coercive powers without consent, imposed heavier financial burdens, and removed accountability mechanisms, warning that “by stripping away oversight mechanisms, the government has insulated itself from accountability.” He called for the suspension of the law’s implementation from January 1, 2026, and urged the National Assembly, judiciary, EFCC, and civil society to act.