Nigeria Atiku Demands Suspension of Tax Laws, Calls for EFCC Probe Over Alleged Alterations

The Digest:

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate suspension of Nigeria’s new tax laws and urged the EFCC to investigate what he describes as "illegal and unauthorised alterations" made after legislative passage.

Key Points:

• Atiku Abubakar has demanded the suspension of the new tax laws over alleged post-passage alterations.
• He called for an EFCC investigation into the "illegal" changes to the legislation.
• Atiku accused the executive of "treason" and a direct assault on constitutional democracy.
• He claimed new provisions grant arrest powers, property seizure, and enforcement without court orders.
• The former VP alleged that accountability mechanisms and legislative oversight were removed from the laws.
• He urged the National Assembly to reverse the changes and hold those responsible accountable.
• The controversy follows similar allegations by Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, which are under legislative probe.

This intervention elevates a legislative dispute into a constitutional crisis, positioning the tax law controversy as a fundamental battle over the separation of powers and the very integrity of Nigeria’s lawmaking process.

Sources: The Cable