– Calls on Tinubu to withdraw law, alleges it’ll hunt Igbo businesses
An Anambra-born lawyer resident in Enugu, Mr Enemuo CC, Esq. has voiced his worry over the recent tax law in Nigeria, signed by President Bola Tinubu, which will take effect on January 1.
Enemuo, a senior partner at Maritech Solicitors in a press statement he made available to journalists said the altered version of the tax law intentionally targets legitimate businesses, the majority of which are owned by Igbos.
He said: “I have previously refrained from making statements or sharing perspectives that could be perceived as discriminatory against any ethnicity, religion, or group.
“My father, who is around 80 years old, often expresses concern that the Igbo people in this country are often policy trapped. However, I have overlooked many evident issues for reasons which are often impeached by irregularities and illegality.
“I deeply love this country and reflect on my patriotic contributions, which have always aimed at salvaging our nation.
“I have maintained faith in certain government policies, even amidst significant criticism and rejection from many Nigerians, particularly ree locking. Policies like the new tax law, which seemed potentially beneficial and forward-lookin
“For the first time, I am seriously considering my father’s insights about the survival and fragility of the Igbo © people in this country, especially in the light of my own negative experiences ch had previously been overshadowed by my inexplicable love for the unity of this nation.
“I am also mindful of the current mistreatment of a struggling manufacturing firm owned by an Easterner, located in the eastern part of Nigeria, by FIRST BANK PLC, which is owned by an influential Yoruba individual. This institution has blatantly violated consumer protection policies and breached banking regulatory guidelines, losing legitimate manufacturers to hardship and insolvency.
“It seems to be awfully seeking enrichment through unhealthy court processes to intimidate and enforce false contracts, foreseeably using FORGED-TAX-REGIME as a futuristic tool of coercion against any bold challenge.
“In the spirit of humility and with a genuine desire to prompt reconsideration of the new tax law, I respectfully urge the President to withdraw this flawed legislation by all means necessary.
“There is no doubt that the original tax law was viewed as a document of liberation for all. However, the altered version intentionally targets legitimate businesses, the majority of which are owned by Igbos, leaving them at the mercy of tax collectors. This contradicts the initial intention of the new tax law, the lawyer stated.
