President Bola Tinubu states that the tax reforms initiated by his administration are here to stay.

Speaking at the presidential media chat on Monday, Tinubu explained that the tax reforms were implemented to “eliminate colonial-based assumptions” in the country’s tax environment.

The president emphasized that the country cannot continue to rely on outdated methods in today’s economy.

Tinubu noted that those advocating for more consultations on the tax reform bills will continue to do so even if he postpones presenting the proposed legislation.

“Tax reform is here to stay. In today’s economy, we cannot continue to do what we were doing in the past,” he said.

“The essence of tax reform is to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in our tax environment.”

“Every tax situation without outcry is not a tax. You can’t satisfy uniformly the largest community of tax evaders. Look at this tax reform; it is pro-poor. The vulnerable are not to pay taxes.”

“The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it ought to be done. That is my philosophy.”

When asked if he was willing to make concessions on the proposed value-added tax (VAT) sharing model, the president replied that he is open to making adjustments.

“Tax matters are subjects of debates, reviews, and negotiations until you reach a consensus. I don’t mind cutting edges. I will,” the president said.

On October 3, Tinubu requested that the national assembly consider and pass the bills.

The legislation includes the Nigeria tax bill, Nigeria tax administration bill, Nigeria Revenue Service establishment bill, and the Joint Revenue Board establishment bill.

One of the bills proposing a new VAT-sharing formula for the federation has faced strong opposition, particularly from northern stakeholders.

President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural media chat is set to be broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, confirmed that the media chat will be aired at 9 p.m. today.

“The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

All television and radio stations are encouraged to tune in to the broadcast.

This marks Tinubu’s first media chat since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

During the chat, Tinubu will respond to questions from a panel of journalists on national matters, including his economic policies, security, and other key issues.

The tradition of presidential media chats began during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The practice was continued by the administrations of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

However, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the frequency of the presidential media chats declined.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, did not instruct Nigerians to pummel officers during stop-and-search operations.

In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, emphasized that Egbetokun has never endorsed violence against law enforcement agents.

Adejobi added that the blog post suggesting otherwise was entirely fabricated.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones,” the statement reads.

“This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers.”

“Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels.”

“This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions.”

“Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.”

“Citizens can also contact us by mail through; [email protected] and reach us through the police website at npf.gov.ng.”

Recently, Egbetokun instructed police officers to stop arbitrary arrests and cease searching the smartphones of Nigerians.