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Urges both parties to embrace diversity management
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Niger Delta statesman Edwin Clark has described as dangerous the situation in which neither the Presidency nor the 36 state governors are willing to compromise on the proposed tax reform bills.
“This matter has assumed a serious and disturbing dimension,” remarked Clark, highlighting the unprecedented discord among Nigeria’s leadership. “I never imagined that such a time would come when those who rule and decide the fate of Nigerians cannot find solutions to tax problems.”
He stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to manage its diversity effectively as debates intensify over the proposed tax reform bills.
The bills, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, aim to overhaul the country’s tax system but have faced significant opposition, particularly from Northern governors concerned about potential inequities in revenue sharing.
The proposed reforms include simplifying tax laws and establishing a new revenue service to enhance compliance and transparency.
Clark criticised the lack of consensus between the Presidency and State Governors, highlighting that the ongoing disputes reflect deeper issues within Nigeria’s governance structure.
He argued that without restructuring the nation, the tax reforms may exacerbate existing disparities among regions.
“It is stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent four bills on the tax issue to the National Assembly (NASS) for deliberation. The 36 State Governors and the Vice President have appealed to Mr. President to step down the bill in order to give all stakeholders time to deliberate on it. But Mr. President rather stated that the NASS should have a look at it,” he said.
The elder statesman called for a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria as a solution to the ongoing controversies surrounding the proposed tax reform bills.
He stated, “The issues raised for and against the tax bill can only be effectively addressed if we restructure the country and produce a new constitution or adopt the 1963 Republican Constitution.”
Clark emphasised that prioritising restructuring would pave the way for a more effective tax system, arguing that the current lack of structural reform has led to Nigeria’s present challenges. “Except we restructure Nigeria, non-restructuring will kill Nigeria,” he warned.
Clark noted that Nigeria previously recorded one of the lowest government tax revenues as a percentage of GDP, scoring between 5% to 7% during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
He urged stakeholders to recognise that addressing these systemic issues requires a fundamental shift in governance and policy frameworks.
He again raised concerns over the marginalisation and deprivation faced by the Niger Delta region, which he said is rich in natural resources yet remains economically disadvantaged.
Clark stated, “What we are asking is not strange or new. Before the discovery of oil in Oloibiri in 1956, the North benefited from groundnut, the West from cocoa, and the South-East from palm produce. The South-South has been treated like a pariah region.”
He emphasised that despite the Niger Delta providing a significant portion of Nigeria’s economic resources today, it continues to suffer from systemic neglect. “We are almost single-handedly providing the economic resources of the country, yet we receive little to no benefit in return,” he lamented, referencing the 50% derivation formula that disproportionately favours other regions.
He recalled historical instances of exclusion, such as when General Adebayo dismissed discussions on economic contributions from the Niger Delta. “Is it a free, fair, just democratic country where might suppresses the weak? NO!” he exclaimed.
According to him, the environmental degradation caused by oil exploration has further exacerbated the plight of Niger Delta communities. “The ecosystem is despoiled; fish and aquatic life die. There is no drinkable water, and crops cannot grow due to pollution,” Clark lamented.
Despite ongoing efforts by citizens advocating for equality and justice, Clark noted that inequality and oppression persist.
He criticised Nigerian leaders for failing to manage the country’s diversity effectively, stating that they have established themselves as institutions rather than strengthening national systems.
Clark reiterated the urgent need for Nigeria to undergo comprehensive restructuring to build strong institutions and ensure equitable governance. “We must restructure this country,” he declared, emphasising that, unlike the United States, which is recognised for its robust democratic institutions, Nigeria has been plagued by a system that favours powerful individuals over institutional integrity.
Clark expressed his disappointment with Nigerian leaders who claim authority without demonstrating empathy or accountability to their constituents. “These leaders should show what they will do to make those who voted for them feel acknowledged as real leaders,” he stated, highlighting a disconnect between leadership and the populace.
He criticised past national conferences aimed at addressing these issues, claiming they often ended in deadlock due to opposition from northern delegates. “We were insulted and deceived by those who control the narrative,” Clark lamented, calling for a renewed focus on equitable revenue sharing and political consensus.
As Nigeria grapples with deep-seated inequalities and nepotism, particularly during recent administrations, Clark urged President Bola Tinubu and other leaders to prioritise restructuring as a means to foster unity and progress. “If we must live together as one country, restructuring is a sine qua non,” he concluded, advocating for a fairer distribution of resources and opportunities across all regions.