A northern advocacy group, Arewa 100 Percent Focus, has sounded the alarm over what it described as troubling inconsistencies between the tax reform bills approved by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted by the Executive.
The group made its position known in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja by its National President, Dr Abubakar Fakai, warning that the discrepancies, if left unchecked, could strike at the heart of constitutional governance.
Fakai said the group was jolted by claims raised on the floor of the House of Representatives by Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, who represents the Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Our attention has been drawn to alarming revelations by Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, representing the Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency in Sokoto State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“On Dec. 17, 2025, Hon. Dasuki raised a point of order during a plenary session, highlighting material discrepancies between the versions of the tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and the copies subsequently gazetted by the Executive.
“Specifically, after meticulously reviewing the gazetted documents alongside the transmitted bills over the course of three days, Hon. Dasuki identified unauthorised alterations that deviate from the legislative intent approved by both chambers of the National Assembly.
“These changes, if confirmed, represent a grave constitutional breach, as they undermine the separation of powers and the sanctity of laws enacted through due legislative process.
“However, the Federal Government, through the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed these claims, asserting that only one official version of the laws exists and that no alterations were made post-assent by President Tinubu.”
Fakai said Arewa 100 Percent Focus is anchored on the ideals of good governance and the protection of northern interests, noting that the tax reforms have already stirred deep concerns in the region over fairness and resource allocation.
According to him, the unfolding controversy has eroded whatever confidence the group initially had in the reform process, leaving it with little room for trust.
“The alleged tampering with the gazetted versions demonstrates a troubling pattern of insincerity on the part of the Executive, raising questions about the true motives behind these changes and their potential to disproportionately burden ordinary Nigerians, particularly in the Arewa region.
“Such actions not only violate constitutional norms but also betray the social contract between the government and the governed, fostering an environment of distrust that could undermine national unity and economic stability,” he said.
