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The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has rejected the recently gazetted tax law introduced by the Federal Government, citing alleged discrepancies between the version passed by the National Assembly and the one officially published.
In a statement signed by its Speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, the Assembly described its position as “firm and unambiguous,” noting reports that suggest the gazetted law may include provisions not part of the bill approved by lawmakers. The group stressed that any inconsistency between legislation debated and passed by elected representatives and the version presented to the public raises serious constitutional and governance concerns.
“Legislation represents the collective will of the people through their parliament. Any post-approval alteration undermines due process and erodes public confidence,” the statement said.
The youth body explained that its rejection was informed by what it described as a lack of transparency in the law’s formulation, coupled with the economic challenges facing Nigerians, including inflation, insecurity, and unemployment.
While acknowledging the importance of civic responsibility, the Assembly emphasized that fiscal policies must adhere to legality, transparency, and legislative integrity, particularly during periods of economic hardship.
The statement cited reports indicating that the National Assembly approved a tax framework after thorough deliberations and amendments, but alleged that the gazetted version differs materially. It called for urgent clarification to prevent further erosion of public trust in democratic institutions.
The Arewa Youth Assembly urged civil society organizations, legal practitioners, labour unions, and lawmakers to scrutinize the matter closely and ensure strict compliance with constitutional procedures.
It also highlighted that political accountability remains a cornerstone of democratic governance, warning that policy decisions taken now could significantly shape public perception ahead of future elections.
