By Hadiza Musa
Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has lamented the allegation that Nigeria’s tax reform laws were secretly changed after they had already been approved by the National Assembly.
The Centre described the move as a serious threat to democracy and a violation of the Constitution.
This was contained in a statement signed by CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi on Saturday.
According to him, the alleged tampering was not an error but a deliberate attempt to rewrite the will of the Nigerian people behind closed doors.
“This is not a clerical mistake. This is not a misunderstanding. This is a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” the organisation said.
CHRICED’s claim stems from concerns raised by Hon. Abdulsammad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), who said that the final versions of the tax laws included rules that lawmakers never discussed or approved.
The organisation said these added rules reportedly give tax authorities the power to take funds without a court order, require taxpayers to pay 20 per cent of disputed taxes before they can appeal, and force taxes to be calculated only in U.S. dollars.
The group said there were also unauthorised changes to provisions relating to petroleum income tax and value added tax (VAT).
“These are not mistakes. These are acts of impunity,” CHRICED stated.
The statement added that if the allegations are proven, it would amount to legislative forgery and a criminal hijacking of the lawmaking process.
CHRICED emphasised that Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution clearly states that once a bill has been passed, it cannot be changed by any authority other than the National Assembly, adding that any post-passage alteration amounts to a violation of the Constitution and a breach of public trust.
“CHRICED acknowledges the Speaker’s decision to set up a seven man ad hoc committee. But let it be clear: this is only the beginning. Nigerians will not accept a whitewash. We will not accept excuses. We will not accept silence. And silence is exactly what we have received from the Presidency and the Senate, more than 48 hours after these allegations became public. Their refusal to speak is unacceptable. Their silence is dangerous. Their inaction is an insult to every Nigerian who believes in democracy,” he said.
CHRICED therefore demands, unequivocally that, “A full, independent, time bound investigation not controlled by those who may be implicated, Immediate suspension of the implementation of all affected tax laws until the truth is established.
CHRICED also called for firm action against anyone involved in the alleged constitutional breach, insisting that all officials found culpable should be suspended, removed from office, arrested, and prosecuted, regardless of their position or influence.
“The findings of any investigation must be made public to guarantee transparency and accountability, and the government must establish strong institutional safeguards to ensure that no law in Nigeria can ever again be altered in secret after it has been passed,” CHRICED said.
The organisation also called on civil society groups, labour unions, professional bodies, the media, student movements, and all Nigerians who believe in justice to remain vigilant, speak out, and hold those in power accountable.
“We must not let this issue be swept under the carpet or allow our democracy to become a mere formality. The Constitution must not be abused by those entrusted to protect it. This moment will define Nigeria’s future, either we uphold the integrity of our laws or allow impunity to take over. CHRICED stands firmly on the side of the rule of law and urges all Nigerians to join in defending it,” the statement said.
Source: Daily Post Nigeria
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