Peter Obi decry presidency silence over allegation of forged tax law

 

A former governor of Anambra State and prominent political figure, Peter Obi, has raised the alarm over what he described as a dangerous shift from budget padding to the alleged forging of laws in Nigeria, warning that the development poses a grave threat to constitutional governance, taxpayers’ rights and access to justice.

In a statement on Saturday, Obi decried what he called “documented discrepancies between what the legislature passed and what was ultimately published as law by the executive”, stressing that the issue goes far beyond administrative error and amounts to a serious constitutional crisis.

According to him, the situation reflects deep institutional decay and undermines public trust in governance.

“We have transitioned from a Nigeria where budgets are padded to one where laws are forged—changes that impact taxpayers’ rights and, most importantly, access to justice,” he said.

Obi expressed particular concern over provisions allegedly introduced into law without the approval of the House of Representatives. He cited new enforcement and coercive powers granted to tax authorities, including a mandatory requirement for taxpayers to deposit 20 per cent of disputed sums before appeals can be heard, the sale of assets without judicial oversight, and the granting of arrest powers to revenue agencies.

He described these measures as “outrageous” and inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.

Even more troubling, Obi said, is the silence of the Presidency in the face of allegations bordering on forgery, institutional sabotage and abuse of process.

Who made these alterations?” he queried, calling for full disclosure and accountability.

He insisted that Nigerians deserve to know exactly what was passed by the legislature, what was signed by the executive, and what was eventually recorded and published as law.

“We cannot continue to ask citizens to pay more taxes while trust in governance collapses,” Obi warned.

He urged national leaders to recommit to due process, transparency, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law, arguing that no nation can progress where laws are allegedly forged and leadership responds with silence.

“No nation can thrive where laws are forged and silence replaces leadership,” he said, adding that a better future remains achievable if the right choices are made.

Obi concluded his statement with a call for reform and renewed hope, declaring: “A New Nigeria is possible.”