President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the importance of his administration’s four tax reform bills, describing them as critical measures to enhance Nigeria’s revenue generation and foster economic growth.
Speaking through Dr. Joseph Ochoku, Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, at the 7th Annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable in Ibadan, Tinubu emphasized the need for synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government. The event also marked the 75th posthumous birthday of former Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and was held at the University of Ibadan in collaboration with the institution’s Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies.
“My administration is determined to forge a harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government,” Tinubu stated. “Collaboration, not confrontation, must define our interactions as we work towards the collective goal of improving the lives of our people.”
The proposed tax reforms, which have faced resistance, particularly from northern Nigeria, aim to streamline tax administration, improve revenue generation, and ensure equitable resource allocation. Tinubu underscored that these reforms are essential to making Nigeria competitive and attractive to foreign investors.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom, ensuring accountability, and insulating constitutional roles from divisive sentiments, fake news, and hate speech.
The President hailed the late Ajimobi for his contributions to infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and security during his tenure. He praised Ajimobi’s legacy as a two-term governor and his role in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.
At the event, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau justified the naming of the National Assembly Library after Tinubu. “This is the first time a former senator has been elected President, and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also served in the National Assembly. We believe this historic connection deserves recognition,” Barau explained.
Barau also highlighted the critical role of legislative oversight in promoting transparency, accountability, and the effective use of public funds, describing it as the cornerstone of democratic governance.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele echoed these sentiments, advocating for closer cooperation between the legislative and executive branches to achieve effective oversight and governance.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, House of Representatives Leader Julius Ihonvbere, and traditional rulers, including the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.
The roundtable, themed “Legislative Oversight in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects,” explored pathways to enhance democratic governance through collaboration and effective checks and balances.
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