Presidency accuses Rotimi Amaechi of spreading lies over tax law

The Federal Government has accused the former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of allegedly spreading "egregious lies” about the new tax laws in the country.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, made the accusation against Amaechi, who also served as governor of Rivers State in a post on his X handle while reacting to a viral video in which Amaechi spoke about the potential impact of the tax policy implementation.

Amaechi had warned in a viral video that a tax law he claimed would be implemented after the next general election, could severely affect businesses and everyday life.

His words, “By January next year, February next year, all of you will be in trouble if APC wins.

“Immediately after the election, APC will implement the tax law. The tax law is if I pay you 100 million Naira for your building materials, automatically 25 million will leave your account.

“If you are a landlord and building a house, you will charge 25% extra because you won’t bear it alone, you will transfer it to the person who buys or rents. If the man who rented the house is a doctor, he will do what? Charge more. If he’s a carpenter, he will do the same… This affects everybody, not just you.

“If you say it’s a lie, go to your lawyer. Ask your son, if he’s a lawyer, explain to me what is this tax law.

“Why is Tinubu not implementing it now? He’s waiting to finish the election so that you don’t punish him.” 

Amaechi raised questions on why the government had not introduced the alleged tax measure before the elections by, suggesting it was being delayed to avoid huge voter backlash.

He urged citizens to protect their future by participating actively in the electoral process, pointing out, that the tax issue would have severe implications amd consequences for families and livelihoods nationwide.

“It’s about you. It’s about your children. You will not have money to pay school fees…If you want to survive, don’t look at my face, whether you like me or not, it is immaterial. It is about your future,” he said.

But reacting, Onanuga accused Amaeçhi of allegedly misleading Nigerians about the contents of the Tax Act.

“Rotimi Amaechi caught spreading egregious lies about the Tax Act. The former minister, governor has really slipped so low misleading people about the law.

“Is this blatant falsehood a foretaste of ADC campaign strategy during the campaign for 2027 election?,” Onanuga added.