A fresh political row has erupted between former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, following claims about a proposed tax law allegedly set for implementation after the next general election.
Onanuga accused Amaechi of misleading Nigerians, describing his remarks as “egregious lies” about the contents and intent of the Tax Act. The presidential aide made the assertion in a post on X while reacting to a viral video in which the former Rivers State governor warned that the policy could significantly impact businesses and everyday life.
In the video, Amaechi claimed that if the ruling All Progressives Congress retains power, the government would swiftly implement a tax policy capable of triggering widespread financial strain.
“By January next year, February next year, all of you will be in trouble if APC wins,” Amaechi said.
He alleged that the law would automatically deduct 25 percent from certain payments, using a hypothetical example involving building materials to illustrate what he described as a ripple effect across the economy.
“The tax law is if I pay you 100 million naira for your building materials, automatically 25 million will leave your account,” he stated.
According to him, landlords would likely pass the additional costs to tenants, while professionals such as doctors and artisans might also increase their service charges — a chain reaction he argued would ultimately burden ordinary Nigerians.
Amaechi further questioned why the government had yet to introduce the alleged measure, suggesting the delay was politically motivated.
“Why is Tinubu not implementing it now? He’s waiting to finish the election so that you don’t punish him,” he said, urging citizens to remain politically conscious and actively participate in the electoral process to safeguard their future.
Reacting swiftly, Onanuga dismissed the claims and accused the former minister of distorting facts about the legislation.
“Rotimi Amaechi caught spreading egregious lies about the Tax Act. The former minister and governor has really slipped so low misleading people about the law,” he wrote.
He also raised concerns about the possible political undertones of the statement, asking whether the “blatant falsehood” signals an emerging campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
The exchange highlights growing political tension as early alignments and narratives begin to shape conversations ahead of the next electoral cycle under President Bola Tinubu. However, details of the controversial tax policy referenced in the debate remain unclear, with no official confirmation yet provided by the federal government.
Observers say the disagreement underscores the increasing importance of clear policy communication, particularly on economic reforms that directly affect households and businesses across the country.
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