The Digest:
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called the newly gazetted tax reform law a “nullity” and accused the government of forging legislation, after the Senate confirmed that the published version does not match what was passed by the National Assembly. In a strongly worded statement on X, Atiku warned that rushing a re-gazetting while stalling legislative investigation sets a dangerous constitutional precedent.
Key Points:
- Atiku stated the gazetted tax law misrepresents what was approved by lawmakers
- He cited Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the exclusive lawmaking process
- Atiku argued that post-passage changes without legislative approval amount to forgery
- He rejected the idea that administrative directives can correct such a defect
- The former VP warned against “procedural shortcuts” that undermine parliamentary oversight
- He insisted that only fresh legislative consideration and presidential assent can lawfully correct the error
- Atiku clarified he is not opposing tax reform, but defending constitutional integrity
Sources: Atiku Abubakar’s X Statement
