Nigeria TV Info 

Atiku Demands Immediate Halt to Newly Gazetted Tax Laws, Labels Alterations ‘Treason’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate suspension of Nigeria’s newly gazetted tax laws, alleging illegal and unauthorised alterations made after National Assembly passage. He described the changes as a brazen assault on constitutional democracy and an act of treason against Nigerians by the executive branch, accusing it of undermining legislative supremacy and stripping citizens of due process protections.

Atiku highlighted controversial provisions granting tax authorities arrest powers, property seizure without court orders, and enforcement sales without judicial oversight. He also criticised measures requiring mandatory 20% security deposits before appeals, compound interest on tax debts, and foreign-currency computations for petroleum taxes, saying they erect financial barriers for citizens and businesses.

He urged the Federal Government to suspend implementation of the laws, effective January 1, 2026, to allow full investigation. Atiku called on the National Assembly to rectify the alleged unconstitutional changes, the Judiciary to strike down illegal provisions, and the EFCC to probe those responsible. He also appealed to civil society and Nigerians to reject what he calls an assault on democratic principles.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) echoed his concerns, demanding a transparent investigation and suspension of the laws to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process and protect economic stability.