The Dean of Borno Elders Forum, Prof. Khalifa Dikwa, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu is blackmailed into making policies.
The elder statesman made the allegation in an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, saying: “These forces can’t be seen and rely on intimidation to get their bidding done while saying the Tinubu administration is blackmailed into making these policies.”
He insisted that “It is the wrong time to impose the cybersecurity levy,” adding ” i am not surprised by the directive because Nigeria is seemingly controlled remotely by external forces.”
The House of Representatives has put on hold a motion seeking to suspend the controversial cybersecurity levy, which has drawn widespread criticism from Nigerians.
The motion, introduced by Honourable Manu Soro, argued that the levy is poorly timed, considering the current economic challenges faced by citizens.
Soro also questioned the National Security Adviser’s role in managing funds, given the position’s political nature.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also requested that the motion be temporarily set aside to allow the House leadership to deliberate on the best approach to address the issue.
This move comes as the Nigeria Labour Congress has also voiced its opposition to the cybersecurity levy, introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria
. According to NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the levy will only serve to further burden Nigerians, reducing workers’ disposable income and eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.
The cybersecurity levy has sparked significant controversy, with many Nigerians and civil society organizations expressing concerns about its timing and impact.
The House of Representatives’ decision to pause the motion and the NLC’s rejection of the levy highlight the growing opposition to this policy.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government will address these concerns and move forward with the proposed levy.
