PRESS STATEMENT

BAT‑IG Condemns Rotimi Amaechi’s False Statements on Tax Reforms, Calls for Security Agency Intervention

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT‑IG) is hereby calling on relevant security and rule‑of‑law institutions to investigate and bring to book Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, over what the group describes as deliberate and dangerous misinformation regarding Nigeria’s tax reforms.

Amaechi’s public claims that the new tax law will be secretly implemented after the 2027 elections and that 25 per cent of payments will be automatically deducted from citizens’ accounts are false, misleading, and wholly inaccurate.

Amaechi’s political resume is extensive, and this underscores why his misinformation is particularly harmful. He served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for two terms from 1999 to 2007 (a full eight years) and was Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies during that period. He then served as Governor of Rivers State for two terms from 2007 to 2015, and later appointed Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023. Amaechi also played key leadership roles such as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum while governor.

BAT‑IG emphasises that the new tax reforms signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are already operational, and the narrative that Nigerians will suffer a blanket 25 per cent deduction from every payment is a dangerous fabrication designed to stir unrest. On the contrary, the reforms include targeted exemptions, such as provisions to protect low‑income earners, and in many cases reduce the burden of PAYE tax for the vast majority of workers. For example, under the new tax code, more than 90 % of workers are exempt from PAYE tax and many small businesses are not taxed if they fall under certain thresholds.

Contrary to claims that the tax law will only be implemented after elections, the reforms are statistically documented and already benefiting Nigerian workers, many of whom have publicly expressed relief and optimism for improved economic conditions under the reformed tax system.

BAT‑IG also dismisses as baseless, the allegation that paying for goods whether building materials or services would result in automatic seizures of 25 % of the payment from the recipient’s account. This is not contained in any lawful provision of Nigeria’s reformed tax code and serves only to mislead citizens about their rights and obligations under the law.

The group urges every Nigerian who hears or sees such claims to consult the actual law or seek legal counsel, rather than blindly accept sensationalised versions of fiscal policy. Misinformation about tax policy can inflame emotions, erode trust in public institutions, and distort Nigeria’s economic narrative.

BAT‑IG further draws attention to what it sees as a pattern of past controversies involving Amaechi, including clashes over maritime revenue‑generating systems and alleged disruptions to initiatives such as the cargo tracking system which was generating significant revenue for the Federal Government, controversies that raise questions about motives when false claims are circulated.

The BAT ideological group finds it unacceptable for a public figure with Amaechi’s pedigree, spanning legislative leadership, state executive governance and ministerial responsibility to use political platforms to misinform citizens on matters that affect national policy. BAT‑IG stresses that these actions can provoke unnecessary fear, undermine public confidence, and erode social cohesion.

BAT‑IG therefore demands that relevant security agencies like the Department of Secret Services, DSS, to investigate and arrest Amaechi for statements capable of misleading the public, inciting distrust in government institutions and potentially disturbing public peace.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and relevant governance structures should also ensure that misinformation by senior political actors is not allowed to fester or be normalised.

Nigerians should as well verify statements related to tax laws with legally recognised sources before spreading them.

The group urges citizens to remain informed, to support constructive national discourse and to reject misleading narratives that could harm Nigeria’s economic stability and social wellbeing.

In recent times Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, wmtweeted a false and forged documents claiming that a wanted terrorist, Bello Turji is now a registered member of APC, a development many progressive members didn't find attractive but the law enforcement agencies fold their hands without doing anything.

May be this is why Rotimi Amaechi and co feel they could say anything to cause security unrest and go unpunished. The law enforcement agent needs to step up their game and not allow this anomalies continue. Every well meaning Nigerians need to condemn these unholy acts with all seriousness.

Signed:

Rotimi Adewale Oke

National Secretary

BAT Ideological Group.