The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has supported the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Ali Ndume, in calling for the withdrawal of the proposed Tax Reform Bills by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on Friday, November 29, Zulum lamented that while the proposed bill would primarily benefit Lagos State, it would hinder progress in the Northern region.
Explaining why the Northern region and other stakeholders oppose the bill, the Borno State Governor revealed that its negative impact would extend beyond the North to include the South-East, South-South, and parts of the South-West.
He stated, “We condemn these bills transmitted to the National Assembly. They will drag the North backward. And not only the North—states in the South-East, South-South, and even some in the South-West, such as Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo, will face problems if these bills are passed.”
Zulum urged President Tinubu to revisit the tax bills, reminding him that 60% of his votes during the 2023 election came from the Northern region. He further stated that his position reflects the interests of Northerners and not just his personal opinion.
He continued: “This is not opposition. Based on our understanding, these bills could destroy the North entirely. 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 claiming that Northerners do not support him. If our interests are served, that is all we ask. What we need now is the withdrawal of the tax bills.”
The Governor questioned the National Assembly’s expedited consideration of the tax bills, stating “Why all the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this bill was transmitted and is now receiving legislative attention within a week. What we are saying is that it should be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children will benefit from it.”
Zulum warned that if the bills pass, they would exacerbate hunger and poverty in the North.
He stated “We won’t even be able to pay salaries, and if we do, it won’t be sustainable the following year. Including security challenges, this situation will worsen poverty and hunger in the North. But they’re saying otherwise. We are against it. Even Lagos is against it because it will set Lagos back. If this is the situation, why can’t they rescind it? Our National Assembly members and even some from the South are not in support of these bills.”
The Governor clarified that his objection to the bills was not opposition to the government but a call for their withdrawal.
He said “This is our stand, and it doesn’t mean that we are against the government. We supported and voted for him (President Tinubu). But these bills will not benefit us.”
Governor Zulum’s position aligns with that of Senator Ndume, who, during a recent interview, also called for the withdrawal of the controversial bill, citing the economic hardships currently faced by Nigerians.
Despite the objections from prominent political figures and stakeholders, the Tax Reform Bills scaled the second reading in the Senate on Thursday after a debate led by the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.
