Kalu Reacts to Allegation Tinubu is Planning to Direct Levy Systems Towards Lagos’ Alpha Beta

• Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu, representing Abia North, has expressed support for President Tinubu's new Tax Reform Bill
• However, he criticised the lack of prior consultation with key bodies like the Council of States, the Economic Council, and the Forum of Governors before making the bill public
• In an interview with Arise TV, Kalu reacted to the claims that President Tinubu wanted to put another Alpha Beta in Nigeria as he did in Lagos state

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Orji Uzor-Kalu, the senator representing Abia North, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's new Tax Reform Bill, presented to the National Assembly, will restore fiscal federalism.

However, in an interview granted to Arise TV News and published on Monday, December 2, Kalu noted that the initiators of the bill could have briefed the Council of States, the Economic Council, and the Forum of Governors before making it public to Nigerians.

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Speaking further, Kalu addressed rumours suggesting that President Tinubu plans to replicate Lagos' Alpha Beta model nationally.

Kalu addresses rumours surrounding Tinubu's Alpha Beta

Oladapo Apara, a founder of Alpha Beta Consulting LLP, alleged that Bola Tinubu concealed his control of the firm.

Tinubu was accused of secretly controlling the private company that collects taxes in the state he once ran, Bloomberg reported.

But Kalu clarified that the focus should be on modernizing outdated laws rather than on any specific business model.

The lawmaker also clarified Borno senator Ali Ndume's stance on the matter.

Kalu said:

"That is not the issue. The issue is that we need to make amendment of our laws. These laws are over 100 years. I support that our laws not only the tax bill, many other laws are obsolete. We need to bring new laws.

"We need Senators like Ndume who will raise up our conscience. Those who tell Senator Ndume to shut-up are not being kind to democracy. Democracy is not about one voice, it is about multiple voices being guided by majority of the people and Ndume is one of them. The rhetorics is not.

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"The governors can be there at the public hearing but this bill is progressive.

"People are particularly concerned about Sections 77 and 26, which we will address during the public hearing. We will review any part of the bill that does not serve the best interests of Nigerians."

Watch Kalu's interview below:

Read more about tax reform bills here:

• Reps suspend debate on Tinubu's tax reform bills, major reasons emerge
• “Why we asked Tinubu to pause on tax reform bill,” Northern govs speak

Presidency releases highlights of tax reform bills

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu's administration released 13 highlights of the Tax Reform Bills that were earlier sent to the National Assembly.

According to the presidency, the existing tax system is complex and stifling growth, bringing low revenue results.

Sunday Dare, the special adviser to the president on public communication and orientation said the bill will help to promote sustainable economic growth.

Read also

“Why we asked Tinubu to pause on tax reform bill,” Northern govs speak

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng