President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that the new tax law would benefit the poor, low-income earners, and entrepreneurs.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacheus Adedeji, gave the assurance in his address at the 2025 Senator Ajimobi Roundtable, held in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, on Tuesday.
Allaying public fears over the implementation of the tax laws, the President said there is no cause for apprehension.
According to him, “I wish to use this opportunity to assure Nigerians that there should be no apprehension about the new tax laws, which will begin implementation next year.
“The laws bring good news for the poor, low-income earners, as well as small businesses. As the theme of this roundtable, ‘Pathways to Electoral Credibility through Political Parties: Re-engaging Citizens and Restoring Trust in Democracy’ , indicates, our people must continue to invest their trust and confidence in our maturing democracy.
“I have no doubt that the speakers invited will do justice to the theme. I commend our ambassador-designate, Chief (Mrs.) Ajimobi, for keeping the family flag flying. Thank you for sharing this great statesman with us and for holding the family together. Your husband was a devoted family man, blessed with a warm and witty sense of humour. May the Almighty God continue to grant his soul eternal rest.”
On the late Senator Ajimobi, he described him as a committed progressive whose dedication to democratic governance was never in doubt.
“We are gathered here today not in sorrow, but to celebrate the indelible memory and monumental contributions of this great son of Ibadan and the Yoruba race. Senator Ajimobi served the people of Oyo State and Nigeria with distinction, uncommon dedication, and zeal.”
The President recalled Ajimobi’s achievements as governor, saying he “brought great progress to the state and unleashed a successful infrastructure revolution in all sectors through his urban renewal programme,” while also restoring peace by dismantling structures that had earned the state an “ugly tag.”
He noted that Ajimobi’s re-election broke the second-term jinx in Oyo State and underscored the depth of transformation under his administration.
Tinubu added that Ajimobi shared his belief that leadership sometimes required tough decisions that might cause initial discomfort but deliver long-term development. He therefore urged leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to unite and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such unity as the best tribute to the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Delivering a lecture on the theme of the roundtable, Professor Ibrahim Gambari warned that declining voter turnout reflected a loss of confidence in the system. He described as worrisome the drop from 69 percent turnout in 2003 to 25 percent in the 2023 election.
“There is nothing worse for the preservation of a system than when a sizable proportion of the population begins to lose faith and trust in it,” he said.
Gambari emphasized that democracy could only thrive when Nigerians saw themselves first as Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political differences.
“Those to whom responsibilities are handed must also make us proud of their activities. We have to see in them the vision of our future,” he said.
He warned that election rigging benefited no one, adding, “You can rig an election and win; the consequences are disastrous.”
He ruled out military rule and one-party dominance as alternatives, saying prolonged military rule could not sustain democratic institutions and that a one-party system would not endure.
“Nigeria is too full of ambitious politicians for one party to contain them. It will not happen, and if it happens, it will lead to disaster and should be avoided,” he said, citing the collapse of one-party socialist systems at the end of the Cold War.
Gambari identified voter apathy, lack of internal party democracy, distrust in party leadership, and unfulfilled promises as persistent challenges to electoral credibility.
In his remarks, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, described the roundtable as a fitting platform to honour the legacy of the late former governor and to engage critically with issues central to Nigeria’s democratic development.
He said Senator Abiola Ajimobi made enduring contributions to governance in Oyo State and left behind lessons that transcended partisan politics.
Makinde noted that the theme of the roundtable was timely, particularly at a period when citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions was being tested.
He added that rebuilding trust in democracy required sincerity, accountability, and inclusive governance from political leaders, stressing that electoral credibility could only be achieved when political parties practiced internal democracy and fulfilled promises made to the electorate.
The governor further stated that successive administrations had a responsibility to deepen democratic values by promoting peaceful political engagement and ensuring governance delivered tangible benefits to the people.
He said Oyo State remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions and encouraging active civic participation, adding that forums such as the Ajimobi Roundtable provided an opportunity for sober reflection and collective action in advancing good governance in Nigeria.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Mrs. Ajimobi thanked the President for what she described as his loyalty and consistent support for the roundtable.
She said Tinubu had demonstrated commitment “not only through his consecutive attendance at the roundtable, but through his continued support, genuine commitment, and intentional pursuit of the principles of good governance and democracy, both before and during his presidency,” and she shared further reflections on the occasion.
“Let me conclude with these parting words to the APC leaders and members in Oyo State: the best tribute and honour you can give to our departed statesman is to unite and strengthen the party to take over the reins of government in the state in 2027. This is achievable, and it must be achieved. Thank you all.”
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
