Tax Reform bills: Inheritance Tax Sparks another Controversy as Sule Lamido Calls It “Un-Islamic”

***Buba Galadima warns of political consequences if Tinubu goes ahead with the bills

Former Jigawa State Governor and ex-Foreign Affairs Minister, Sule Lamido, has strongly opposed the proposed taxation on inheritance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, calling it a violation of Islamic principles. Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Lamido urged the President to adopt a more inclusive approach in implementing economic policies, warning that high-handedness could undermine national trust.
Lamido emphasized that Tinubu, as a Muslim, should be aware that Islamic law explicitly prohibits taxation on inheritance, as the Quran dictates clear guidelines for the distribution of a deceased person’s wealth. “There is no way you can tax money that is meant for inheritance. It is illegal, against God, and against the Quran,” he stated.
He explained that in Islam, inheritance funds are primarily meant to settle debts and be distributed among rightful heirs according to divine instructions. Any attempt by the government to impose taxation on such wealth, he argued, would be a direct interference with religious doctrine and an unjust burden on bereaved families.
Beyond the inheritance tax, Lamido criticized Tinubu’s broader economic policies, particularly the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, which he described as an “arrogantly executed” decision that worsened economic hardship for Nigerians. He urged the President to learn from past backlash and adopt a more consultative and transparent leadership style.
“Leadership requires engaging with the people, explaining decisions, and carrying citizens along. When policies are imposed without proper explanation, it breeds resentment and mistrust,” he warned.
Lamido also dismissed suggestions that opposition to the tax reforms should be met with threats, advocating instead for dialogue and understanding.
He urged the President to foster unity by ensuring that policy decisions align with both economic realities and cultural values.
The proposed tax reform bills, including inheritance taxation, have sparked significant debate across religious and political circles. Many see it as an unfair policy that contradicts deeply held religious beliefs, especially in a predominantly Muslim country like Nigeria.
As criticism mounts, Lamido’s comments highlight the urgent need for Tinubu’s administration to re-evaluate its approach and engage religious and community leaders in policymaking.
By prioritizing dialogue, transparency, and respect for religious laws, the government may avoid further alienation from the citizens it seeks to serve.
Veteran politician Buba Galadima has warned of dire Consequences if Tinubu Proceeds with the Tax Reform Bills as he was alleged to have boasted.
Against the backdrop on the 36 state Governors have now embraced the reform after some ammendments he cautioned President Tinubu against moving forward with the controversial tax reform bills, warning of significant political and social consequences should they become law.
Speaking on the matter, with the Guardian Galadima emphasized that every political decision carries ramifications that cannot be ignored, particularly when it concerns the welfare of the people.
When asked,
“Paradventure Tinubu goes ahead with the tax bills and they are signed into law, what will happen? I’m not God, so I can’t say for certain, but everyone knows that political issues have political consequences,” Galadima said.
He questioned the necessity of imposing additional hardships on Nigerians already grappling with economic strain. “The truth is, who is the tax bill meant for? It’s for the people. If the people say, ‘It may be good for tomorrow, but now it is not good for us,’ a wise leader should pack it aside for now,” he advised.
He criticized the government’s approach to decision-making, arguing that the current system often prioritizes those who “shout the loudest” rather than addressing the needs of the most affected. “Is this how we are going to build a nation? No, not at all,” he stated.

Galadima also highlighted concerns over a lack of inclusivity in the tax reform process. He accused the committee responsible for the bill, led by Taiwo Oyedele, of failing to consult governors from across the country. According to him, only the governor of Lagos State was engaged in discussions, making the process appear skewed toward a single region’s interests.

“Every governor, apart from some from the southwest, believes the financial system of the country is controlled by one tribe. There’s suspicion that justice won’t be served, even if the intentions are good,” Galadima alleged.

The outspoken politician also drew parallels to historical events, warning that Tinubu’s policies could align Nigeria with external forces that have historically sought to undermine its unity.
He specifically cited France’s influence in West Africa and its alleged role in destabilizing Nigeria since the Berlin Conference of 1884.

“France has always been at the forefront of dismembering Nigeria. They failed in the past, but now they see an opportunity through Niger, and Tinubu seems to be following their lead,” Galadima remarked.

He pointed to similar moves under former military ruler Sani Abacha, which ultimately led to Nigeria’s financial struggles with Paris. “People don’t follow history,” he lamented.
Galadima concluded by urging the president to tread carefully, warning that aligning with foreign powers or implementing unpopular policies could deepen divisions within the country. “The suspicion is that he himself might be trying to dismember Nigeria. With his antecedents, people see a match,” Galadima said, calling for wisdom in decision-making.
As the bargaining power for the North Galadima pointed to the role the region played in delivering victory for Tinubu in the 2023 general election with over 6m votes out of the total 8,794,726 votes nationwide, that made him to secure 36.61%.
A suble reminder that it holds the ace as far as 2027 election is concerned.
According to the Independent National Electoral commission(INEC)’s declaration Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored total Votes of 6,984,520 (29.07%) to come second, Peter Obi of the Labour Party scored total Votes of 6,101,533 (25.40%) and
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the NNPP scored total Votes 1,496,687 (6.23%) to take the fourth position.
So the president can go ahead with his threats to pass the bills Galadima seem to be saying but with a reminder that there are political consequences.
Galadima speaking further said,
“I would also like to emphasize that this government was elected by the people from this part of the country. Why the North can criticize Tinubu’s Tax bills is because this administration secured over six million votes from the North, compared to just 2.7 million from the entire South.
“I don’t want to divide this discussion into ‘South’ and ‘North’; we should all approach these matters in clear, unified terms. If anyone from this part of the country criticizes the policies of the government, it is because they have a stake in it—they contributed to its establishment.”