Kukah: I know nothing about tax bills — but I’m educating myself

Matthew Kukah, bishop of Sokoto Diocese, says the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu will end “financial recklessness” among the elites. 

Kukah spoke on Tuesday when he featured on Morning Brief, a Channels Television’s programme.

He expressed support for the bills, adding that he is educating himself on the provisions of proposed legislations.

“I am excited about the issue of tax reform bills because, first, I know nothing about it, but I have started educating myself,” he said.

“It is important to get this thoroughly dysfunctional country working again through any form of reform at all.

“So I am excited because hopefully, we can take the time to listen to the conversation about how to avoid and end this financial recklessness, and the irony of Nigerians living by the seaside and washing their faces with saliva.

“The reforms should end the narrative of Nigerians living in a country that is so richly endowed but are spectators to the rascality and irresponsibility of the elites who continue to mismanage our resources.

“So, I’m hopeful that this is the beginning of a very long journey of fiscal management and efficiency that can lead to the growth and development of the kind of country that we envision.”

Kukah said Nigerians need effective communication on ongoing reforms as the citizens are battling high-level poverty.

“What I can say is that this government must respond urgently to the issues of the day. They are issues of massive impoverishment in Nigeria. You can see the frustration on the faces of people, husbands, wives and children,” he said.

“I am convinced that this government has lofty ideas, but there is a total absence of a constructive strategy of engagement.

“This government needs communication strategies. The Nigerian government needs to convince Nigerians that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and encourage them to be a little patient.

“I see the conversation around local government autonomy, tax reform bills and others. But the government has to communicate with the people.

“So when people call themselves government spokespersons, it is not about insulting people, or thinking others can’t have different views.

“But their job is how the ideas of the government are communicated. We need to have an idea of the government reforms.”