Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election Peter Obi, has said that tax reform is a critical issue and there’s nothing wrong with with pursuing it
However, such reform must be subject to robust and informed public debate. A public hearing on tax reform is essential, allowing Nigerians from all walks of life to engage meaningfully. For him, that’s the only way the government in power can build public trust and ensure inclusivity in policy making.
Adding that matters of this magnitude require extensive deliberation and careful consideration and should never be rushed.
“Public hearings must be conducted to allow for diverse opinions and inputs. Such public hearing would also enable the broadest spectrum of public opinion to be reflected in public policy”, he noted .
The Labour Party Chieftain pointed out that when considering tax reforms and similar issues, it is insufficient to focus solely on the benefits to the government, particularly in terms of increasing revenue collection.
The former governor added, “we must also take into account the overall impact on the nation and the sustainability of all its regions”.
“Furthermore, the government must sensitize the people and secure their buy-in for any policy changes”.
“Trust and legitimacy are the foundation of effective governance, and without them, even the best-intended reforms may fail”.
“Let us prioritize transparency, deliberation, and public engagement in charting the path forward. This is how we build a truly participatory democracy”.
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