Sheikh Jingir Withdraws Support for Tinubu Over Controversial Tax Laws

Sheikh Jingir Withdraws Support for Tinubu Over Controversial Tax Laws

Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir has withdrawn his support for President Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket due to concerns over Nigeria’s tax laws. He urged the President to address the ongoing debates regarding these laws, emphasizing the need to avoid imposing further burdens on the Nigerian people.

Sheikh Jingir, the National Chairman of the Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), highlighted the confusion among Nigerians stemming from media reports about possible manipulation of the Tax Acts.

He called for transparency in the tax reforms, directly addressing President Tinubu. “For the sake of Allah, please investigate the issues that have arisen between you and the journalists,” he stated.

He cautioned that if the claims about the tax laws exacerbating hardships are accurate, the government should reconsider its stance. “If these taxes will harm the people, avoid actions that could lead to greater difficulties,” he warned. The cleric emphasized that policies should not increase suffering and insisted that governance must reflect compassion, justice, and accountability.

Mr. Jingir reminded the President that political power is temporary. “You were not always President, and one day you will no longer hold this position,” he pointed out. His comments come amidst rising public concern over tax reforms, with opponents arguing these changes could worsen the economic struggles of many Nigerians, while the government asserts that reforms are crucial for boosting revenue and strengthening the economy.