Political activist and civil society leader, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has raised concerns about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of the Tax Reform Bill, accusing him of overstepping democratic norms and displaying tendencies akin to monarchical rule. Speaking during an interview with Arise News from 4:20, Bugaje criticized Tinubu’s recent remarks describing the Tax Reform Bill as “sacrosanct.”
“I see somebody who’s almost turning into a monarch,” Bugaje said, referring to Tinubu’s approach to governance. “In the last media chat, if I’m right, he did talk about the Tax Reform Bill being sacrosanct. How can it be sacrosanct? This is a bill in front of the National Assembly.”
Bugaje questioned the procedural legitimacy of the bill’s presentation, alleging that it was not properly introduced in line with parliamentary rules. He pointed out that when the Senate presented the bill, it was not included in the order paper, a violation of standard legislative procedures.
“You can’t discuss, by parliamentary rules and procedures, any letter which is not already in the order paper,” Bugaje explained. “So this idea of coming through the back door creates a lot of suspicion.”
The activist’s remarks reflect growing unease among some political observers about the centralization of power under Tinubu’s administration. Bugaje warned that sidelining democratic processes undermines public trust and could set a dangerous precedent.
The Tax Reform Bill, a cornerstone of Tinubu’s economic agenda, aims to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system to boost revenue generation. While proponents argue that it is essential for addressing the nation’s fiscal challenges, critics like Bugaje contend that the process must adhere to democratic norms to ensure transparency and accountability.
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