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New tax laws allegedly altered after National Assembly passage, lawmaker claims
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Dasuki says discrepancies breach the Constitution, calls for House action
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Nigerians react, describing alleged changes as an impeachable offence
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulsammad Dasuki, has raised concerns over the authenticity of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws, alleging that the versions presented to the public differ from what lawmakers approved.
Dasuki made the allegation in a video circulating on X, where he claimed that the gazetted tax laws contain provisions that were not passed by the National Assembly. According to him, the differences are substantial and cannot be dismissed as clerical errors.
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He warned that any alteration of legislation after passage amounts to a violation of the Constitution and undermines the authority of the legislature.
During plenary, Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, responded to the allegation by assuring lawmakers that the matter would be examined to determine the facts surrounding the claim.
The allegation has sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many describing the issue as serious and potentially impeachable if confirmed.
Reacting on X, a user identified as OurFaveOnlineDoc accused the executive arm of ridiculing the legislature, describing the situation as a troubling development for the country.
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Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, also weighed in, stating that altering laws passed by parliament would constitute an impeachable offence under the Constitution.
Another social media user, Obiasogu David, described the alleged action as constitutional fraud if proven.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any official response to the allegation.
It was gathered that the new tax law, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025.
