* Says uproar about planned inauguration of Shariah panel in Oyo is misguided
The Muslim Congress (TMC) says the Tax Reform Bill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to modernise and streamline its taxation system.
The foremost Islamic organisation urged political leaders and citizens to put differences aside, noting it is time to jettison partisanship, bickering and narrow interest for national interest.
TMC made this known at the Series 29 of its State of the Nation Address, which was held on Saturday, January 11 in Lagos, at her National Headquarters, Lagos.
Addressed by the Amir of the organisation, Alhaji Abdul Wasi’i Bangbala, the Islamic organisation called for the expansion of the debate on the bill beyond the National Assembly, and engagement of all segments of society.
Muslim News reports that the tax reform bill has generated heated controversies among the political elite and citizens, with some reading regional sentiments to it.
“The Tax Reform Bill presents a unique opportunity to modernize and streamline our taxation system, promoting economic growth, job creation, and internal revenue generation. It is, however, imperative that we focus on the contents of the Bill, ensuring that the burden of taxation is shared equitably, that businesses, especially SMEs, have the support they need to flourish, and that the revenue generated is invested wisely to benefit all Nigerians,” Alhaji Bangbala said.
“To achieve a truly inclusive and equitable reform, we must expand the debate beyond the National Assembly, engaging all segments of society. We must not squander this opportunity and cannot afford to allow this moment to be defined by the same old divisions and the same old political games. Let us, instead, embrace this opportunity to build a better Nigeria.
“We urge all stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society, the media, and the private sector, to prioritize the prosperity of our great nation above all other sentiments. Let us work together to harness the potential of the Tax Reform Bill, driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving the quality of life for all Nigerians. The stakes are high, but with a bold, balanced, and inclusive approach, we can transform this reform into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic revitalization.”
* Addresses uproar about planned inauguration of Shariah panel in Oyo
Bangbala, who is also the Chairman of the TMC Committee on Social Mobility, the Economy & Politics, also addressed the recent uproar that trailed the planned inauguration of a Shari’ah panel in Oyo town by the Oyo State branch of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah.
He said Shari’ah is not a threat to anyone else’s rights and freedoms as the law is binding on only Muslims.
“These panels are not conventional courts but rather channels for Muslims to resolve family disputes and tackle civil matters related to Islamic law. They are not a threat to anyone else’s rights or freedoms. It is, therefore, important that we understand the concept of civil Shariah and tolerate its application, just as Muslims have tolerated the conventional legal system influenced by Christianity,” he noted.
* Charges FG to demonstrate genuine sincerity in addressing social welfare
TMC, meanwhile, charged the Nigerian government to demonstrate genuine sincerity in addressing issues related to social welfare.
The group gave the charge in light of the tragic stampedes at palliative distribution events in Ibadan, Oyo State; Okija, Anambra State; and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
“The loss of 57 lives, including 35 children in Ibadan alone, is a heartbreaking tragedy that underscores the urgent need for greater responsibility and action. These tragedies are deeply underlined by the widespread poverty and desperation that many Nigerians face. The chaotic scenes that led to these deaths reflect not only the desperation of the people but also significant failures of governance.
“The inability of the government to provide adequate social welfare and support systems has left many vulnerable, leading to such catastrophic outcomes during philanthropic events. While we commend the spirit of generosity behind these philanthropic endeavours, the organizers must prioritize the safety of those they aim to help. This includes ensuring adequate security measures, crowd control mechanisms, and clear communication to prevent such tragedies from recurring,” the organisation said.
While calling on everyone to work together to ensure that acts of generosity do not come at the cost of human lives, TMC told the Nigerian government to enforce minimum safety standards, require organisers to obtain necessary permits, and provide clear guidelines for crowd management.
Another important issue addressed at the gathering was the need for immediate attention to the food crisis gripping the country.
The Muslim Congress urged President Bola Tinubu to take the lead and implement a comprehensive plan to address the food crisis.
“This plan should start with the implementation of the policy on food import waiver announced months ago. A fundamental shift in policy is needed, putting food security at the forefront of national priorities,” the organisation said.
“To effectively address the crisis, it is essential to invest in small-scale farmers, providing them with access to resources, technology, and training to boost agricultural production.”
Speaking on what it called the Nigeria, Niger and France Conundrum, the TMC Committee said the Nigerian government must prioritise regional harmony, and engage in open and constructive dialogue with Niger.
“Leveraging Nigeria’s influence within ECOWAS, the government should facilitate dialogue between Niger and other member states, focusing on shared interests and goals to promote a unified front against common challenges,” Alhaji Bangbala said.
“While maintaining bilateral relations with France, it is crucial to ensure these relations do not negatively impact Nigeria’s relationships with other ECOWAS members. It is also vital to seek consensus within ECOWAS on addressing external influences that could potentially destabilize the region.”
Alhaji Bangbala commended the Tinubu administration on the reactivation of the Warri Refinery, noting it marks a new dawn for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
“The 125,000 barrels per day output from the Warri Refinery, operating at 60% capacity, is a powerful reminder of our nation’s potential. Combined with the revived Port Harcourt Refinery, we are taking giant strides towards self-sufficiency and reducing our dependence on imported petroleum products,” he said.
Alhaji Bangbala tasked the government with the full operationalization of the Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 bpd capacity refinery in Port Harcourt to further strengthen the country’s refining capacity.
“The President Tinubu-led administration deserves commendation for this remarkable achievement. We urge that this same energy and commitment be extended to other critical sectors, such as agriculture, education, and healthcare, to alleviate the hardship faced by citizens during these economic reforms. By tackling challenges across the board, we can truly build a Nigeria where prosperity and hope flourish for all.”
