KEY POINTS
- Zulum said he was opposed to tax reform bills because they pose a threat to northern economic stability and security.
- Governors and elders of the northern stakeholders called for the withdrawal of the bills.
- Governor urges President Tinubu to reconsider, regime requires thoughtful legislation.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has said that President Bola Tinubu’s proposed new tax reform bills, if passed, could be devastating to the northern region.
Zulum believes the bills seek to drag the north and other regions backward because they prioritize where consumption occurs for Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing.
Speaking with the BBC Hausa Service in an interview, Zulum expressed surprise that the bills were being pushed through ‘at this rate’ as the petroleum bill took ninteen years to be passed.
“Why the rush? How could these bills kill off the north? The states in the South East and South West even the likes of Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo may have challenges, he said.
Relating economic and security concerns
Zulum said the passage of the bills would pose a risk to the northern states and their contiguous geopolitical zones to pay salaries and continue to sustain their economies. And he linked the reforms to exacerbating hunger, poverty and insecurity in the region.
“We condemn these bills. And they will not destroy only the north, but other areas too. ‘We risk our economic sustainability if this becomes the law,’ he said. ‘We need to review this legislation.’
Unified opposition from northern stakeholders
Northern governors, traditional rulers and the Northern Elders Forum, however, have kicked against the proposed reforms, saying the bills are not in the country’s interest. This, however, didn’t stop the Senate from pushing the bills to a second reading.
It was in the north ‘where he secured 60% of his votes.’” We honored him, but these bills will hurt us. This isn’t opposition, it is a plea to us to reconsider,” Zulum said.
Call to patriotism and legislational thoughtfulness
Zulum, appealed to lawmakers and leaders to discharge their duties patriotically and as community stake holders in order to facilitate posterity.
That said, we should be careful not to endorse policies that will impede progress. He said: ‘Let us all think about our children and grandchildren who depend on us to secure their future.’
The governor also cautioned against legislative lobbying or kickbacks. He warned there are rumors but we should avoid prioritizing personal gain instead of patriotism.
