Hallowmace Foundation Africa has called for an urgent investigation into allegations that recently passed tax reform laws were altered without authorisation after being approved by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the non-governmental organisation expressed concern over claims by members of the House of Representatives that versions of the tax reform laws currently in circulation differ from those duly passed by the legislature.
The Foundation warned that any post-enactment modification of laws without legislative approval would amount to a serious breach of constitutional procedure and an affront to the doctrine of separation of powers.
Describing the legislative process as sacrosanct, Hallowmace Foundation Africa stated that any amendment made after passage and presidential assent, without recourse to the National Assembly, would be unconstitutional, legally null and void, and capable of setting a dangerous precedent for administrative overreach.
It noted that the alleged discrepancies could create legal uncertainty for businesses, investors and citizens expected to comply with the laws, potentially exposing them to obligations founded on flawed legal instruments.
The organisation therefore called for the immediate constitution of an independent and transparent investigative body, either through a joint committee of the National Assembly or an independent judicial panel, to compare the assented copies of the laws with those currently being circulated and to establish how any unauthorised alterations may have occurred.
Hallowmace Foundation Africa also demanded the immediate suspension of the implementation and enforcement of the affected tax reform laws pending the conclusion of the investigation, warning that enforcing potentially illegitimate laws would undermine the rule of law.
In addition, the Foundation urged the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Information to promptly clarify the situation and make the authentic, assented versions of the laws publicly available to restore public confidence.
The statement, signed by the Executive Director, Amb. Anderson Osiebe, and the Head of Public Communication, Amb. Oguh Hyginus John, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to constitutional governance and accountability.
Hallowmace Foundation Africa said it would continue to monitor developments and advocate actions that uphold the supremacy of the Constitution, protect the integrity of the National Assembly and serve the best interests of Nigerians.
