Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, has pledged that no new taxes will be implemented by his administration.
In an interview with reporters, Makinde claimed that the state has not increased taxes for more than six years.
He clarified that the goal of his government is to increase the number of people who pay taxes.
He referred to the strategy as a “chicken-and-egg” situation, raising the question of whether it is preferable to enact taxes first or foster an atmosphere that is favorable to economic expansion.
“You build a productive economy when you create a living environment where people and businesses can expand production.” You can only effectively raise revenue at that point, according to Makinde.
In order to guarantee a sustainable and equitable tax system for the people of the state, the governor underlined that the administration’s top objective is promoting economic growth.
In the meantime, Makinde has promised not to back President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection campaign.
Makinde took a jab at Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike during a news conference on Tuesday in the state capital of Ibadan, saying that people should be free to select who they will support politically.
He clarified that Wike cannot force others to make political decisions.
Makinde claims that he was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Wike, and a few other people when the former governor of Rivers State announced that he would run the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Tinubu in 2027.
The governor of Oyo State stated that he was astonished by Wike’s remarks and that he (Makinde) will not participate in such plans.
Makinde went on to say that his decision to oppose Tinubu in 2027 is based on the necessity of maintaining Nigeria’s democracy, the PDP’s continued viability as a political party, and the nation’s avoidance of becoming a one-party state.
He claims that the FCT Minister offered to host the PDP for the president, not President Tinubu.
The governor stated, “I was shocked when Nyesom Wike offered to hold the PDP for Tinubu against 2027 while I was in a meeting with President Tinubu, Wike, and others.”
“I won’t back the president in 2027, but Mike can.”
