Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has stated that the North opposes President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Bill, which is presently being considered by the National Assembly.
Zulum emphasized that the North will not be a party to the proposed legislation in an interview that was broadcast on BBC News Hausa and shared on X.
He underlined how the bill would negatively impact the North and other parts of the nation.
Zulum cautioned that, particularly in the northern area, the tax revisions will cause insecurity, poverty, hunger, and economic collapse.
In contrast to the Petroleum Bill’s protracted delay in the National Assembly, the governor also questioned the National Assembly’s haste to achieve the bill’s quick passage.
“Our agitation is that we know if passed into law, we will not be able to pay and if, we pay once, the next year, it will become trouble because we won’t be able to pay again,” he adds, adding that he has other concerns about affordability and sustainability.
“Let’s not create problems and leave them behind for our future generations.”
He claims that Lagos State has also voiced worries about the law, highlighting possible economic challenges and highlighting the general apprehension across regional boundaries.
Citing the North’s substantial 60 percent vote contribution to his presidential victory, the governor urged President Ahmed Tinubu to step in.
Zulum asked Tinubu to show compassion in addressing the region’s issues.
“We believe this Bill, if passed into Law will completely destroy or kill the North as a whole. We are calling on all relevant stakeholders including President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to raise up and look into this matter.
“It will not only affect the North, but the Eastern and Western even the South-South regions. States like Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo will have problems too. They are equally saying it will also take Lagos State backward and if that’s the case, we all don’t want Lagos to go backward.
“Therefore, let’s leave things the way they are currently.”
“Do not betray the trust of your constituents by passing the bill,” Zulum told the National Assembly members. Opposition to the law does not indicate disapproval of the administration; rather, it shows a dedication to safeguarding local interests.
“My position is that we should all be careful, we have families, grand children, brothers, sisters in our communities, our states to look out for.”
“Therefore, whatsoever that will not favour the North, our states – we – the Northern Governors – have met and discussed our position on it and will not be party to this Bill.
“The President should stop listening to comments that those from the North hated him. Let us be careful, no one should be deceived. This is politics, we voted him, this issue of tax will not remove us from our positions,” Zulum persisted.
Recall that the Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly are essential to enhancing the lives of Nigerians and were not put forth by Tinubu to weaken any region of the nation. This was stated by the Presidency through Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
