ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Samson Ayokunle, has called on President Bola Tinubu to halt the multiple taxations imposed by federal and state agencies on Nigerians.
Ayokunle, who also served as President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, voiced his concerns during an appearance on a socio-political program on Channels Television, on Friday.
Ayokunle urged President Tinubu to rather focus on expanding Nigeria’s economy and attracting investments, particularly in the agriculture and mining sectors, to unlock their potential.
“Let’s delve into other aspects of our economy. Nigeria is rich; let’s explore, not just taxing, taxing. If you tax people, people will die.
“If you continue to tax them and tax them, they will die and if people die without fulfilling their life ambition, you will be held responsible,” he said.
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He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to taxation, saying, “I know that the present President wants to help Nigerians but he should stop adding tax to tax. Enough is enough. How will people survive? How will people breathe?”
Ayokunle also expressed concern over the uncertainty facing many Nigerians due to continuous tax increases and rising costs, including electricity tariffs.
“Tomorrow is not certain for many people with the way we are going and they are still raising more taxes, electricity tariff hike, and others. Where will people get these monies?
“Don’t you know the amount you pay them per month? Do you want to kill them or drive them away from the country?” he queried.
Ayokunle lamented the state of Nigeria’s economy, noting that despite the nation’s resources, it lags significantly behind.
“The economy is in shambles. The pains Nigerians are facing is unprecedented. I don’t know what to classify this whether it is hyper-inflation or something else.
“The cost of things has spiraled unimaginably that it is difficult for Nigerians to survive“, he said.
The former CAN President however, acknowledged some positive steps taken by the new administration but criticized others, particularly the rapid removal of the petrol subsidy.
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“The hastiness without considering the implications, line by line, of petrol subsidy removal,” he remarked.
Ayokunle noted that while the government is attempting to address the issue of foreign exchange, more effective measures are needed.
“This government is trying to address the issue of foreign exchange but they have not gotten it. Something drastic must be done,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for economic stability, especially for young people who are losing hope.
He also praised the administration’s student loan scheme and urged the government to prioritize investment in the agriculture sector to combat food inflation.