President Bola Tinubu on Monday defended his four tax reform bills currently being reviewed by the National Assembly. These bills, which have sparked significant debate, particularly in the North, are aimed at increasing the nation’s revenue.
The President highlighted the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government to ensure national progress. He called for teamwork rather than conflict, emphasizing that effective governance requires collective effort.
Represented by Dr. Joseph Ochoku, the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, President Tinubu made these remarks at the 7th annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi roundtable and 75th posthumous birthday celebration of the late former governor of Oyo State. The event, held at the University of Ibadan, was organized by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in partnership with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies. The theme of the roundtable was “Legislative Oversight in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”
Speaking through Dr. Ochoku, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a productive relationship between the executive and legislature. He stressed that collaboration is key to improving the lives of citizens and highlighted the ongoing deliberation on the four tax reform bills as an example of this partnership.
According to the President, these reforms aim to simplify tax administration, increase revenue generation and ensure fair distribution of resources. He noted that these measures are essential for creating a sustainable and prosperous Nigeria while making the country more attractive to foreign investors.
President Tinubu also emphasized his administration’s efforts to uphold the constitutional roles of government institutions and promote press freedom. He stated that the government is committed to protecting these roles from biases, misinformation and the spread of hate speech.
He paid tribute to the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, describing him as a leader who left a legacy of infrastructure development, improved healthcare, quality education, mechanized agriculture, and enhanced peace and security in Oyo State. He noted that Ajimobi, a two-term governor and former acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), contributed significantly to the party’s vision of inclusive economic growth and good governance.
The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, also spoke at the event, justifying the decision to name the National Assembly Library after President Tinubu. He explained that Tinubu’s unique history as a former senator and the first former senator to become President inspired the decision.