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Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, revealed that the National Assembly intends to hold an open and transparent debate on President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, allowing Nigerians the opportunity to contribute their opinions and insights.
Adaramodu argued that much of the criticism surrounding the tax reform bills stemmed from misinformation, noting that many detractors had not reviewed the proposals in detail but were reacting to the general perception that any tax-related policy equates to increased burdens on citizens. He noted that from his perspective, there’s nothing regressive about the tax reform bills, emphasizing the need for a balanced and informed discussion.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday evening at his hometown of Ilawe Ekiti, following the Ilawe Unity Day celebration and the launch of a ₦500 million support fund aimed at initiating operations at the community’s teaching hospital annex, the senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District highlighted the significance of the event and its potential impact on healthcare development in the area.
The tax reform bills introduced by the Presidency have been met with a wave of criticism, igniting public and expert scrutiny as they proceed to the National Assembly for consideration.
But Adaramodu said, “Have those criticising the tax reform bill seen them? A tax reform bill that is going to exclude low-income earners from paying, are you going to say that that one is retrogressive? A tax reform bill that is going to make sure that there is no double or multiple taxation, I don’t see anything that is retrogressive about the tax reform bills.
“Let Nigerians wait, we are going to conduct an open debate about it. We will call public hearing in the National Assembly and everybody is free to come there to present his or her own view. Then aggregate of those views is going to be what the National Assembly will consider in taking position.
“The only new area is about the Value Added Tax, which is based on consumption. So where we have high population and they consume a lot of commodities, definitely, such place will generate more VAT. Then it is believed and it is equitable and fair that those people that pay more of VAT should enjoy more,” the senator said.
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Adaramodu, who said the tax reform bill was planned in such a way that it would encourage productivity, said, “When it is time to conduct a public hearing, people should come there and showcase their own ideas, feelings and contributions so that when we aggregate all these, that is what the National Assembly will be putting into our final position on the tax reform bill,” he said.
Oba Adebanji Alabi, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, expressed immense satisfaction with the successful commemoration of Ilawe Unity Day. He also celebrated the steady progress and achievements recorded in the kingdom under his stewardship, emphasizing the importance of unity and visionary leadership.
The monarch said, “With the support of my people, we have got a federal college of education, a teaching hospital annex, a high court, a magistrate court, a general hospital and good access roads to llawe from not less than five neighbouring towns, including the state capital, Ado Ekiti. I pray that many more will come”.
Oba Alabi thanked Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, “for his vision in making all our roads motorable. For example, the governor made llawe to Erinjiyan, Ilawe to Igede, Ilawe to Ado-Ekiti motorable. The tarring of Ilawe to Ikere Road is ongoing. We are grateful for these. We also thank the governor for supporting the state general hospital along Ilawe-Ikere Road.”
The ceremony saw the conferment of chieftaincy titles on Senator Orji Kalu and Otunba Rasaq Adesanya, underscoring the community’s tradition of celebrating influential personalities.
Also honoured was the Chairman of the Ekiti South West Local Government Area, Richard Apolola; Prof Ifedayo Akomolede; and post-humous honour on Mrs Josephine Olayemi.
