The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Hassan Kukah, has said the tax reform bills undergoing legislative scrutiny will tackle elite recklessness when passed into law.
This is even as he expressed support for the bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu.
The cleric made his views on the issue known during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme on Tuesday.
He described the reforms as a step towards better fiscal management and a remedy for financial mismanagement in the country.
Kukah noted that effective reforms are essential to set Nigeria on a path to sustainable progress.
“Nigeria is a very energetic country with people who are exceptionally gifted and always ready to excel. However, our challenge lies in the inability of states to create platforms that harness the energy, vision, and competing narratives of their citizens. This lack of structure often results in violence,” he said.
“I am excited because this conversation offers an opportunity to address and end financial recklessness. It is ironic that Nigerians, despite living in a richly endowed country, find themselves spectators to the rascality and irresponsibility of the elite who mismanage our resources.
“These reforms should help transform the narrative and ensure the efficient management of our resources. I am hopeful that this marks the beginning of a long journey towards fiscal responsibility and the development of the nation we all aspire to build,” the Bishop stated.
The tax reform bills have sparked controversy since their introduction to the National Assembly and faced opposition from lawmakers, state governors, and other politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
