By Taiwo Akinrinlola.
Against the backdrop of the controversy generated by the Tax Reforms Bill presented to the National Assembly and currently under debate, the Reforms has been described as excellent, timely and well conceived.
The only caveat is that it should have been subjected to public sensitisation and enlightenment before presentation to the National Assembly. This would have enabled the general public understand the advantages for the overall development of Nigeria.
Dr Taiye Ayorinde made this assertion during the weekend in Ibadan while addressing the press on some National issues in his office.
Dr Ayorinde is the Baale(Duke)of Ekotedo District within Ibadan Metropolis of Oyo State.
It would be recalled that the President Tinubu had earlier presented the Tax Reforms Bill, which had passed the second stage of reading at the Senate.
The main component of the Tax Reforms Bill includes, Streamlining Tax Administration, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Modernisation of Tax collections.
These components, according to government are aimed at improving Nigeria Tax systems, increase Revenue and promote Economic Growth.
However, the Bill has faced criticism for lacking adequate consultations with stakeholders and the general public, hence the catalogue of controversy and public outcry over it, more pronounced in a section of the country.
To Dr Ayorinde, all the components outlined are for the betterment of Nigerians, expecially the Value Added Tax, provision for revenue sharing which will aid Regional growth and Developments.
Dr Ayorinde is of the opinion that government should realise that Nigeria is vast with diverse tribes, religion and ethnicity, imbued with different social,economic and political interests. The more reasons any policy, no matter how laudable should be subjected to public scrutiny, debate and general acceptability before being passed to the National Assembly for debate and subsequent approval.
However, Dr Ayorinde commended the laudable steps of the current administration, expecially the local government autonomy, the removal of the Petroleum subsidy and the General transformation of the economy to suit the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
He nevertheless warned that while the transformation efforts were going on, government should as a matter of urgency address the suffering of the masses that are directly bearing the brunts of such policies.
“ I commend the laudable efforts of the,Present administration under President Tinubu but I want to warn against not sensitising the public enough to enable the people understand the policies of government. “
Dr Ayorinde drew an inference to the sudden removal of the fuel subsidy during the Inaugural speech of the President, which today still remain controversial because the public were not enlightened about the pros and cons before it came into operation.
He advised Nigerians to desist from reading ethnicity, religion and Tribal sentiments to all policies of govern
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