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Opposition lawmakers move to verify claims of altered tax Acts, vow Nigerians will not be short-changed

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has constituted a seven-member fact-finding committee to investigate allegations that forged versions of recently enacted tax reform laws were gazetted by elements within the executive branch.

The caucus said the decision followed wide consultations and “exhaustive deliberations” over claims that alterations were made to the tax bills after they were passed by the National Assembly and signed by the President.

The panel will obtain copies of the original Acts, compare them with the versions assented to by the President, and scrutinize what was published in the Federal Government Gazette. It will also recommend actions if any infractions are confirmed.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Afam Ogene, includes Hon. Gaza Gbefwi Jonathan, Hon. MB Shehu Fagge, Hon. Aliyu Garu, Hon. Stanley Adedeji, Hon. Ibe Okwara and Hon. Marie Ibikake. It has seven days to submit its report.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the caucus said the move is aimed at getting to the root of the controversy and protecting citizens — especially the poor and vulnerable — from possible policy distortions.

The statement was signed by Minority Leader Rep. O.K. Chinda; Minority Whip Rt. Hon. Ali Isa; Deputy Minority Leader Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki; and Deputy Minority Whip Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi.