A political support group, Nationwide Agenda for Tinubu (NAT), has criticized the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, for allegedly spreading misinformation about President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
The group said Kwankwaso’s comments, made while addressing students of Skyline University during their recent convocation in Kano, demonstrate either a lack of understanding of the tax reforms or a deliberate attempt to politicize President Tinubu’s visionary initiative.
In a statement signed by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Yusuf Ajiji, NAT stated that the former Kano State governor is still grappling with the fallout from his performance in the 2023 presidential elections.
“Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue or offering meaningful contributions to national development, Kwankwaso appears to have chosen a path aimed at inciting division and casting aspersions on initiatives designed to benefit all Nigerians.
“Such actions are not only unhelpful but also risk undermining the unity and progress of the country at a critical time when inclusive leadership and national cohesion are paramount,” the group said.
ALSO READ: Presidency slams Obasanjo over Tinubu’s criticisms
NAT explained that President Tinubu’s tax reforms are a necessary step toward addressing the economic challenges facing the country and ensuring equitable development for all Nigerians, particularly in the North. It highlighted the President’s initiative to tackle the disproportionate distribution of revenues from Value Added Tax (VAT) to all 36 states of the Federation and the FCT.
The group expressed disappointment that Kwankwaso used the convocation platform to mislead the youth by claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheming to undermine the northern economy through his tax reforms.
“Rather than presenting the facts, Kwankwaso neglected to tell the students the truth: that currently, 70% of Value Added Tax (VAT) proceeds are allocated to just Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while the other 34 states receive far less due to provisions in the Act that allocate the bulk of VAT to states where the headquarters of companies are located rather than where goods are consumed.
“President Tinubu’s reforms aim to address this imbalance and ensure fairness for the remaining 34 states, including northern states, by promoting equitable distribution of VAT.
“Such reforms are a critical step toward national economic justice and inclusivity. It is imperative for leaders to educate, not misinform, the public, especially the youth, on these important issues.
“However, due to the influence of toxic politics, Kwankwaso chose not to inform the students of Skyline University about other important provisions of the tax reforms, particularly the introduction of critical VAT exemptions for essential items that directly impact the daily lives of Nigerians, including food, healthcare, education, and transportation.
“These exemptions clearly demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the cost of living for ordinary citizens across the country.
“It is regrettable that, instead of providing students with a full and accurate picture of these positive reforms, Kwankwaso resorted to politicizing the issue, depriving the youth of a clearer understanding of policies that aim to improve their lives and futures.
“President Tinubu deserves nothing but accolades for the bold and visionary initiatives he is implementing to promote balanced development across all regions of Nigeria. However, such progress has clearly rattled individuals like Senator Kwankwaso, who, instead of supporting national development, resort to desperate measures to mislead and misinform the public.
“Kwankwaso’s attempts to hoodwink gullible Nigerians through divisive rhetoric only serve to undermine the collective effort toward a more prosperous and unified Nigeria.
“The focus must remain on supporting President Tinubu’s reforms, which are designed to uplift every part of the country, and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their region, experience the benefits of true national progress.
“We urge the people of Northern Nigeria to disregard the unfounded claims and divisive rhetoric being spread by Kwankwaso against President Tinubu.
“His reaction to the President’s visionary initiatives, particularly the tax reforms, reflects a misguided attempt to misinform the public and undermine efforts aimed at fostering fairness, unity, and national development,” the statement added.
and then