Governor Zulum Criticizes Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Bill, Urges Reconsideration
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Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has voiced strong opposition to the tax reform bills, warning they will set back the northern region of Nigeria.
The bills, introduced to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September, have faced significant resistance, particularly from northern stakeholders who are calling for their withdrawal.
Northern governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum have all rejected the proposed bills, arguing they are not in the nation’s best interest.
Despite widespread protests and rejections, the Senate passed the bills for a second reading on Thursday amidst a tumultuous plenary session.
In an interview with BBC Hausa service, Governor Zulum expressed his displeasure at the rapid progression of the bills, contrasting it with the prolonged legislative process of other bills. “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 problem with these bills,” he stated.
Governor Zulum emphasized that his opposition is not politically motivated but based on the potential negative impact on the northern region. “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.”
He questioned the urgency behind the bills’ passage, noting, “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.”
When asked if the bills would worsen hunger and poverty in the north, Zulum affirmed, adding, “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 is not an opposition to the government but a call for reconsideration. “This is our stand and doesn’t mean that we are against the government. We supported and voted for him (President Tinubu). But these bills will not mean good for us.”
Addressing rumors about lawmakers being lobbied and given kickbacks to pass the bills, Zulum said, “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.”
