THE NATION
Amid criticism from northern leaders, prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, describing them as beneficial for Nigerians.
The Nation reports that some northern governors, lawmakers, and traditional leaders have opposed the proposed legislation, arguing that its implementation could deepen poverty in the region.
In defence of the reforms, President Tinubu maintained that the four bills are designed to simplify tax administration, alleviate the burden on low-income earners, and eliminate double taxation and excessive levies.
Sheikh Gumi’s endorsement added a significant voice to the debate over the proposed reforms.
Gumi’s support for the bills came after he had reportedly carefully studied the draft documents, an action that many of the politicians from the north opposed to the bill admitted they had not taken.
The cleric commended the bills’ overall potential for reforms but suggested that the Value Added Tax (VAT) component requires adjustment to address concerns that have been expressed across the country.
Gumi said: “I believe the contentious VAT issue is the only part…
