Elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has condemned the opposition by 19 northern governors to the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a Channels Television programme, Clark insisted that the tax bills must proceed despite resistance from the governors.
“As far as I am concerned, that tax bill must go on,” the 96-year-old declared, urging the Tinubu administration to push forward with the reforms despite widespread criticism.
The proposed tax reforms have faced stiff opposition from various quarters, including the 36 state governors under the umbrella of the National Economic Council (NEC).
The 19 northern governors, in particular, have rejected parts of the bills, calling for their withdrawal from the National Assembly.
Clark expressed dismay over the northern governors’ separate meeting following NEC’s collective deliberations, describing it as divisive and counterproductive.
“I was so shocked when I learned that the 19 governors of the north have met again. If 36 of you met, why are you meeting again?
“The northern governors, most of them, don’t realise what they are doing. So, the double standards, this arrogance of power must stop,” he said.
The elder statesman also criticised NEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, accusing it of exceeding its constitutional mandate by delving into politics.
He claimed the council had shifted from its advisory role to an executive body, prioritising political interests over national unity.
“I was shocked when the 36 governors under the chairmanship of the vice president discussed that Mr President should set aside the bill for further consultation.
“Not only that, the 19 northern governors came together and met. But they should ask themselves, what have we gained from dividing Nigeria?”
Clark questioned the credibility of the governors’ calls for consultation, accusing them of being out of touch with their constituencies.
“They don’t stay at home. They are always in Abuja thinking that they will get more money,” he said.
The PANDEF leader urged President Tinubu to embrace inclusivity in governance, cautioning against favoritism in ministerial appointments.
He criticised the president for allegedly prioritising loyalty over competence in the selection of cabinet members.
“Nigeria does not belong to Mr President; Nigeria belongs to everybody. Every Nigerian is equal. Unless we believe that every Nigerian can rise to the top, there will be no Nigeria,” Clark warned.
He emphasised the need for leaders to prioritize fairness and equity, adding that a lack of inclusivity could exacerbate the nation’s challenges.
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