PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has criticised presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga over his remarks dismissing statements made by former Rivers State governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi regarding the federal government’s tax policy.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation and prominent political figure, had recently explained what he described as the implications of the new tax regime introduced under President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the administration was delaying its implementation to avoid public backlash. His comments were rejected by the Presidency, with Onanuga labelling the claims “egregious lies.”
In a statement issued Tuesday, Eze said the presidential aide failed to directly refute Amaechi’s assertions and instead resorted to what he described as rhetoric. He argued that there was nothing wrong with the former governor educating Nigerians on the potential consequences of government policies, especially ahead of future elections.
Eze maintained that Amaechi’s intervention was a patriotic effort aimed at alerting citizens to what he called the possible economic effects of the tax reforms if implemented. He questioned the government’s timing, suggesting that postponement of the policy could be politically motivated.
The APC chieftain further contended that public awareness of the proposed tax framework had grown across various sectors, including business leaders, professionals and civil servants, insisting that dismissive responses from government officials would not diminish the concerns raised.
He also referenced the process leading to the passage of the tax reform legislation, noting that the administration had earlier pushed strongly for its approval by the National Assembly, which he said heightened expectations that implementation would follow swiftly.
Eze concluded by urging Nigerians to closely scrutinise government policies and political messaging, stressing that informed civic participation remains essential to democratic accountability.
The Presidency has yet to issue any fresh response to Eze’s latest remarks, leaving the disagreement as the newest flashpoint in an intensifying political debate over fiscal reforms and their implications for citizens.
