Peter Obi faults Tinubu, says “Tax is a function of productivity”
“I'm ready for anything, we can't keep quiet anymore, Nigerians are suffering..."
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s approach to governance over his rush to impose further taxes on the citizenry. According to Obi “Tax is a function of productivity”. He advised Tinubu to make Nigeria productive first, then introduce tax reforms afterwards.
On the controversial tax reform bills, Mr Obi emphasised that it was important that the issues raised by critics be addressed. He advised that tax should be a function of production, and if the majority of Nigerians live in poverty, the government must first make Nigeria a productive nation before taxing the people.
“I’m ready for anything, we can’t keep quiet anymore, Nigerians are suffering. Opposition politics in Nigeria is difficult, people don’t want to associate with you. I have made up my mind, that if this is the end, so be it”
NBA, Obi, Falana condemn arrest of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi
Mr Obi made this statement during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday morning, where he addressed the state of the nation.
The politician also used the event to speak to the current hardships facing the nation, calling on President Bola Tinubu to feel the pulse of the country across different spheres including education, public infrastructure, and health.
Decries cost of governance
He challenged the president to use local hospitals and visit educational institutions in the country to ascertain the level of development in the nation’s educational and healthcare sectors.
He also tackled the incumbent administration on its skyrocketing cost of governance and heavy reliance on debt to support its operations.
Mr Obi said borrowings must be tied to projects that would bring development to the country as against the current template of borrowing for consumption.
He alleged that government officials willfully mismanaged public funds in 2024 through incessant foreign trips.
Mr Obi condemned the endemic poverty that has led to stampedes for palliatives in parts of the country, as the new minimum wage has not solved the hunger crisis in the land.
He also called the security situation in the country unfortunate, saying Nigerians die needlessly due to banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
He urged president Bola Tinubu to visit states and communities to see things for himself, saying that the poverty in the country is alarming. Peter Obi urged the president to show exemplary leadership by touring the country to see the level of sufferings in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria remains one of the poverty capitals of the world, with over 100 million people living in extreme poverty with more than 150 million in multidimensional poverty.
Watch Video of Media Address (Courtesy Arise TV)
Laments fate of opposition in Nigeria
Peter Obi lamented that the current system is making opposition very weak as he risks family and business. He however said “I’m ready for anything, we can’t keep quiet anymore, Nigerians are suffering. Opposition politics in Nigeria is difficult, people don’t want to associate with you. I have made up my mind, that if this is the end, so be it”
No merger talks…
Peter Obi, also denied any merger talks of the party with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) or any other party.
Mr Obi made this statement during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday morning, where he addressed the state of the nation.
The former Governor of Anambra emphasised that no agreement has been reached with any party as of now, calling on all Nigerians to unite ahead of the 2027 elections to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
