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The ruling All Progressives Congress and Labour Party have drummed support for the proposed bill seeking to stop politicians guilty of tax evasion from running for elective offices in the country.
The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed that an amendment to the existing tax law will also be forwarded to the National Assembly to ensure tax compliance and prevent default by the political class.
He gave the announcement while speaking at the 2024 strategic retreat for staff of the Joint Tax Board, added that the Federal Government planned to set up a national tax amnesty programme
Reacting, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of All Progressives Congress, Nze Chidi Duru said the initaive would enable people hold intending elective officeholders accountable.
He said, “In any clime, this is not something that should be up for discussion. It is a civic responsibility. If you pay tax, you are now in a position to demand that the government use it for the betterment of the citizens and the improvement of infrastructure and facilities.
“Tax evasion is one of the highest crimes in the part of the world. This is just one of those measures being considered to ensure citizens don’t inculcate the habit of being accountable and holding the state accountable. It is another way of ensuring that people are prevented from taking advantage of the state as it is happening in the country today.
Similarly, the Chief Spokesman of the Labour Party Campaign Organisation, Yunusa Tanko said, “The need to bar politicians who are found wanting are things we need to do in our recruitment process. Even before it is presented to the National Assembly, it has already been established as a fact. After all, the law says if you have been convicted, you cannot stand for election.”
