By Mercy Peter
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has given its nod to the passage of the four tax reforms bills before the National Assembly.
NSCIA, however, urged the Senate in passing the bill to give consideration to concerns raised by various segments of the country so as to ensure that the law is fair to all.
The Islamic body under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said, “Meanwhile, considering the importance of the Bills in question to Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, we hereby make the following recommendations:
“The NSCIA, as the representative of all Muslims from all parts of the country, recommends that all the major technical and political-socio issues raised by different sections and segments of the country should be diligently considered equitably addressed to the satisfaction of almost, if not, all segments of the country.
“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides for the establishment of Shariah Court of Appeal for Muslim personal laws which include marriage and inheritance. Therefore, all sections of the Bills that may directly or indirectly impugn on the law on Shariah would be unconstitutional and should therefore be removed.
“The term “ecclesiastical” used in a section of the Bills should be changed to “religious” in order not to give the impression that it excluded some religious group.
“Taking all the above into consideration, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs recommends the passage of the Bills.
“While we appreciate the opportunity to make this submission, the Council remains committed to constructive engagement in national policy formulation and legislative reforms.”
