Ezigbo

Prosperity cannot come by taxing Poverty As I travel the world and meet leaders who have transformed their nations, one lesson is clear: lasting economic and social progress begins with national consensus. Transformative leaders—those who successfully unite their people around a shared vision—share a defining quality: honesty. Government must be transparent and truthful because citizens deserve nothing less from those who lead them. True leaders do not exploit their people to enrich themselves and a few cronies; they build trust, unity, and shared purpose - the foundation of sustainable progress. It is against this standard of honest leadership that Nigeria’s current approach to taxation must be measured. If taxation is to function as a genuine social contract, it must be rooted in sincerity, fairness, and concern for the welfare of the people. Every tax policy should be clearly explained, including its impact on incomes and its expected contribution to national development. Without this transparency, taxation becomes a tool of confusion and burden rather than a mechanism for growth and development. Nigeria must rethink taxation if it is serious about economic growth, national unity, and shared prosperity. The purpose of sound fiscal policy is not merely to raise revenue; it is to make the people wealthier so that the nation itself becomes stronger. Yet today, Nigerians are asked to pay taxes without clarity, explanation, or visible benefit. The solution begins with empowering small and medium-sized enterprises in every community. When small businesses thrive, jobs are created, incomes rise, and the tax base expands naturally. You cannot tax your way out of poverty - you must produce your way out of it. This makes the ongoing tax fraud saga particularly alarming. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a tax law has reportedly been forged. The National Assembly itself has admitted that the version gazetted is not what was passed into law. Yet citizens are being asked to pay higher taxes under this manipulated framework—without transparency, without explanation, and without corresponding benefits. There is no virtue in celebrating increased government revenue while the people grow poorer. Taxing poverty does not create wealth; it deepens hardship. Any tax system that makes citizens poorer violates the fundamental principles of good governance and sound fiscal policy. Nigeria needs a fair, lawful, and people-centred tax system—one that supports production, rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and restores trust between government and citizens. Only then can taxation become a true tool for unity, growth, and shared prosperity. -PO

A Call for Unity and a New Nigeria Today in Enugu, I was joined by distinguished leaders and associates, including former Governors Okwesili Nwodo of Enugu State, Achike Udenwa and Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State, as well as Emeka Ihedioha from Imo State. Notable senators present included Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji. Additionally, we had prominent political figures such as High Chief Ben Obi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and others, alongside various members of the Federal House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, as well as community leaders. This historic political gathering also featured distinguished individuals from outside the Igbo community, led by ADC National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark, as well as Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the former Governor of Sokoto State, and former Governor of Edo State, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor. We came together to reaffirm the urgent need for leadership and a government that can truly appreciate Nigeria’s potential, unify our diversity, and drive rapid socio-economic transformation and inclusive development. In my speech, I emphasized that Nigeria's challenges do not stem from a lack of potential. We are abundantly endowed with human and natural resources. Our tragedy arises from the deliberate sabotage by a political class that exploits the country and its people. We are not poor; we have been looted into poverty. The existing system rewards mediocrity, punishes merit, and recycles failure. Nigeria is suffocating under impunity and greed, with a government that rewards illegalities and corruption. What we need is genuine, patriotic change—not mere cosmetic makeovers. I made it clear that the time to act is now. The choice before us is between continuing the cycle of decay or embracing the courage to disrupt entrenched corruption and formalized criminality in governance. I have visited every corner of Nigeria, including internally displaced persons (IDP) camps neglected by the government. From North to South, East to West, Nigerians are feeling insecurity and despair. This cannot define our legacy. For the sake of the hungry, the poor, and future generations, we must dismantle the structures that are destroying our nation. A New Nigeria is possible. I reaffirmed that with unity and effective leadership, agriculture and manufacturing can become the highest contributors to our GDP. We can transition Nigeria from a state of consumption to one of production, tackling issues such as insecurity, corruption, unemployment, inflation, and illiteracy. A productive, inclusive Nigeria is achievable. To build lasting unity and prosperity, we need honest, transparent, and responsive leadership. Our generation is tasked with creating a new framework for unity and progress. Many nations have succeeded; Nigeria can excel even more. This is a time for unity and national renewal. I called on my leaders, associates, supporters, the Obidient Movement, and members of opposition parties across the country to join a broad coalition under the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark. This coalition is guided by patriotism and the national interest. Nigeria deserves leadership that unites, governs with empathy, and delivers real results. Let history record that Nigeria’s turning point begins here and now. Together, with courage, unity, and resolve, we can build a new, productive, and inclusive Nigeria. A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO