Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has alleged that “political undertakers” are undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts. He made this assertion during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television while discussing the controversial tax reform bills passed for second reading in the Senate on Thursday.
Ndume, alongside Senator Abdul Ningi, had protested the bills’ timing, citing concerns over their impact on Nigerians already facing economic hardship.
“Political undertakers are doing damage to Mr. President,” Ndume stated. “The president has made commendable strides in two years, but these efforts are overshadowed by poorly timed policies like this.”
The senator emphasized that while he supports the reforms in principle, the timing is inappropriate. “Nigerians are hungry. My constituents are suffering. Withdraw the bill, consult widely, and then reintroduce it. Why the rush? It raises suspicion,” he argued.
Ndume also compared the tax reform process to the lengthy passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), stressing that critical legislation requires careful timing and stakeholder buy-in.
Despite the protests, the Senate proceeded with the second reading of the tax bills, sparking further debate about the administration’s policy priorities.