Ndume Faults Akpabio’s Claim, Insists New Tax Laws Contain Discrepancies

Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, has disagreed with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over the newly introduced tax regime, describing it as fundamentally flawed.

Ndume’s position contradicts Akpabio’s statement during plenary on Wednesday, where the Senate President insisted that the new tax law was not adulterated, contrary to public perception.

However, speaking later on Wednesday during an interview, Ndume said there were discrepancies in the tax law, claiming that at least two different gazetted versions exist.

According to the lawmaker, he was among those who identified the differences and raised the issue with the leadership of the National Assembly.

“We called the leadership to let them know that what we passed is not what the President signed. I don’t know why Senator Akpabio is saying there are no discrepancies when he should set up a committee to find out,” Ndume said.

He added that even the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, Taiwo Oyedele, had acknowledged the existence of variations in the law.

“You will agree with me that the chairman of the Presidential Committee on tax reform admitted that there are differentials, at least two versions of the tax law, and that whatever needs to be done rests with the National Assembly,” he said.

Ndume expressed concern over what he described as a lack of transparency in the handling of the matter, warning that unresolved discrepancies could trigger legal challenges.

“My problem is not just whether there are discrepancies. I’m worried about doing things behind closed doors. This is a government of the people, by the people and for the people,” he said.

He faulted Akpabio’s claim that there was no adulteration of the law, insisting that the appropriate step was to investigate the matter thoroughly.

“I’m surprised the Senate President said there is no adulteration. He should have said that the matter would be investigated by setting up a committee, as the House of Representatives has done,” Ndume added.

The senator warned that failure to address the issue could undermine the credibility of the law.

“This is not something that can be swept under the carpet. You cannot build on disputed grounds. What if someone goes to court? The process so far is full of contradictions and controversy,” he said.