Saturday, November 30, 2024 -Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has voiced strong criticism of the tax reform bills currently under consideration, stating that their implementation would hinder the progress of the northern region and adversely affect other parts of the country.
The bills, introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September, have
sparked significant opposition, particularly in the north. Stakeholders,
including northern governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders
Forum, have called for their withdrawal, citing concerns over their potential
impact.
Northern leaders have widely rejected the bills, arguing that they are
not in the nation's interest. Despite this, the Senate advanced the bills to
the second reading on Thursday amidst a heated plenary session.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa service, Governor Zulum expressed frustration
at the speed in which the bills are progressing, contrasting it with the
years-long process required for other critical legislation.
“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, Ekiti, Ondo, will have
problems with these bills,” Zulum said.
“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. If our interest is served, that is all. What we need
now is the withdrawal of the tax bills.”
The governor questioned the urgency behind the bills, highlighting the
extended deliberation period for other significant legislation
“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 now receiving legislative attention within a week. What we are saying is
that, let 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 about the potential effects of the bills on hunger and
poverty, Zulum affirmed that they would exacerbate these issues, along with
security challenges.
“Including security. But they’re saying otherwise. We are against it,
Lagos is against it; that it will drag it backwards. If this is the situation,
then why won’t they rescind it? Our National Assembly members and even some
from the Southern region are not in support of these bills.”
Governor Zulum clarified that his stance was not indicative of
opposition to the administration but rather a plea to reconsider.
0 Comments