Segun Sowunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the widespread opposition to its newly introduced tax reform bills. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Sowunmi argued that Tinubu’s appointment of key economic and financial positions predominantly from the Yoruba ethnic group has fueled distrust, particularly among northerners.
He pointed out that the exclusion of northern representation in Tinubu’s economic team—comprising the Finance Minister, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chairman, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, and the tax reform chair—has heightened ethnic tensions and resistance.
“You can’t have FIRS chairman Yoruba, Finance Minister Yoruba, Customs boss Yoruba, CBN governor Yoruba, and then announce a new tax regime. People from other regions will naturally be nervous,” Sowunmi said.
The PDP stalwart noted that the new tax bills, while potentially beneficial, have been met with stiff opposition from various quarters, including the 36 state governors under the National Economic Council (NEC) and particularly from the 19 northern governors. He explained that such resistance stems from the lack of ethnic inclusivity in decision-making processes.
“There’s no bill without grey areas, but the Tinubu government caused this by failing to ensure that all regions are represented. People want to see their own seated at the table to trust the process,” he added.
The controversy surrounding the tax bills underscores growing concerns over fairness and inclusion in Tinubu’s administration. Sowunmi called on the President to address the issue head-on, emphasizing that effective governance requires balancing ethnic and regional interests.
The tax reforms have been a subject of intense debate, with critics accusing the administration of imposing policies without adequate consultation. Despite the opposition, Sowunmi urged Tinubu to focus on the greater good of the country rather than bowing to political threats tied to future elections.
