New Tax Laws: ‘Impeachable Offence’ — Nigerians React as Lawmaker Dasuki Alleges Alteration
New Tax Laws — Public outrage has followed allegations by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulsammad Dasuki, who on Wednesday claimed that Nigeria’s newly approved tax laws were altered ahead of their scheduled implementation.
The federal lawmaker, in a video that has since gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), alleged that there are clear inconsistencies between the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the versions that were later gazetted and released to the public. According to him, the changes go beyond minor clerical adjustments and amount to a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
Addressing the House, Dasuki was quoted as saying:
“Mr Speaker and distinguished colleagues, what was approved on this floor is not the same document that was eventually gazetted. I voted based on what we passed here, yet what I am seeing outside is entirely different.”
He further warned that the alleged alterations undermine legislative authority, adding:
“This is not a harmless mistake. It is a clear breach of the Constitution and our laws, and this House must not ignore it.”
PulseNets learnt that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, responded by assuring lawmakers that the leadership would thoroughly examine the allegations raised on the floor.
Outside the chambers, the claims have triggered intense reactions across social media, with many Nigerians describing the alleged action as a serious constitutional crisis. Several commentators suggested that, if verified, the issue could warrant impeachment proceedings.
A social media user identified as OurFaveOnlineDoc wrote on X:
“If this allegation is true, then the presidency has reduced the National Assembly to a rubber stamp. This is a dangerous low for Nigeria.”
Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, also weighed in on the controversy. Speaking on X, he maintained that such an act, if proven, meets the threshold for impeachment.
“This goes to the heart of constitutional governance. If confirmed, it is clearly an impeachable offence,” he stated.
Another user, Obiasogu David, echoed similar concerns, writing:
“Should this allegation hold water, then what we are dealing with is nothing short of constitutional fraud.”
Also Read: Nigeria’s New Tax Laws Will Empower Citizens, Cut Burdens, Says Taiwo Oyedele
As of the time of filing this report, PulseNets obtained that the Presidency has yet to issue an official response to the allegations surrounding the altered tax laws.
PulseNets reported that the tax reform law in question was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June and is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2025.
