Gov. Zulum: Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Will Destroy The North.
Governor Babangida Umara Zulum of Borno State has shown that he is not in support of the tax reform bill passed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, claiming that it is detrimental to the north. The bill, which seeks to prioritise the collection of Value Added Tax at locations of consumption, has faced serious opposition from the north. Northern leaders call for its repudiation. Northern governors, the Northern Elders Forum, and the northern traditional rulers have rejected the proposed bill, showing complete disdain for it. They claim it is not in the interest of the nation, let alone northerners.
The governor talked about the situation and expressed his displeasure with the measures’ swift and simple progression to the current level in an interview with the BBC Hausa service. He noted that earlier bills had taken years to pass.
“We condemn these bills transmitted to the National Assembly. They will drag the north backward, and not only the north; South East, South West, and some states in the South West, such as Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti, will have problems with these bills.”
“It is not opposition. This, based on our understanding, is something that will destroy the north in its entirety. Therefore, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others to review this decision. He secured 60% of his votes in the north. He should not listen to those telling him that northerners are not supporting him.”
He expressed his disappointment with the Senate, saying that their job is to make laws for the interest of the people. The interest of the North right now, according to Zulum, is the withdrawal of the tax reform bill.
“Why all the rush! There’s a petroleum bill that was presented, but it took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this one was transmitted and is now receiving legislative attention within a week. What we are saying is that it be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children would reap the benefits.”
“How we see it is, if these bills scale through, we will not be able to even pay salaries. And if we paid, it won’t be sustainable the following year.”
When asked if the lawmakers would approve the proposals after being bribed and receiving kickbacks, Zulum responded,
“There are rumours around, but we are not certain. But you know we are in Nigeria! What I am saying is that let us all be patriotic. We have children, grandchildren, and relatives who are in villages; therefore, we should be careful not to endorse anything that would impede the progress of the north and other regions. We are appealing to the president to listen to us and address our concerns.”
