The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has issued a stern call for the immediate suspension of controversial tax laws, alleging that the executive branch of the Nigerian government has secretly altered legislation after its passage by the National Assembly. The party asserts that this alleged action represents a significant constitutional breach, posing a serious threat to the nation’s democratic principles if not promptly addressed.

In a statement released on Monday, the PRP’s National Chairman, Falalu Bello, accused the current administration of engaging in “blatant executive misconduct” and demonstrating a “flagrant disregard for constitutional sovereignty.” These accusations stem from reports attributed to a member of the House of Representatives, suggesting that substantive changes were made to bills without the required legislative approval.

The PRP has characterized these alleged alterations as a “dangerous pattern of executive impunity,” which they believe undermines the fundamental tenets of Nigeria’s democracy and due process. The party contends that the clandestine insertion, deletion, or modification of key provisions in laws post-parliamentary approval signifies a “reckless disdain for the rule of law, separation of powers, and the constitutional order.”

Describing the situation as an “unforgivable breach of trust” and an “open assault on the integrity of our legislative process,” the PRP is demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the purported changes. The party insists that any individuals found responsible for these alleged illegal actions must face appropriate sanctions.

Furthermore, the PRP has warned that if evidence emerges linking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to these alleged alterations, they will pursue impeachment proceedings. “No individual, including the President, should be above the law,” the party declared in its statement, emphasizing their commitment to accountability.

The opposition party’s demands extend to the immediate halt of the implementation of the disputed tax laws. They insist that these laws must be meticulously examined, discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and those officially gazetted must be resolved, and rectifications made before any enforcement can proceed.

The PRP cautioned that enforcing the laws in their current, potentially altered state, could exacerbate public distrust and ignite further constitutional disputes. They have explicitly warned that the party will not hesitate to seek judicial recourse if the matter does not receive prompt and satisfactory attention from the relevant governmental bodies.

Ignoring these serious allegations, the PRP argues, would “deepen the crisis of governance, erode accountability, and further diminish Nigeria’s credibility on the global stage.” The party has also called upon civil society organizations, lawmakers, and all patriotic Nigerians to actively resist what they describe as an “assault on the country’s constitutional order.”

Read Original

Keywords: PRP, Nigeria tax laws, constitutional breach, legislative integrity, executive misconduct, separation of powers, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, judicial intervention