More opposition has arisen against President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reform bill that has scaled through the second reading.
It would be recalled that there have been series of opposition against the bill particularly from the Northern region of the country.
Northern governors, traditional rulers, and Northern Elders Forum have rejected the proposed bills.
This time, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum of Borno State criticised the tax reform bills.
Zulum aired his view in an interview with BBC Hausa service.
According to him, the development will drag the Northern region of the country backward.
He urged lawmakers not to pass any bill that would impede progress of the North and other regions in the country.
“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.”
Zulum noted that being against the tax reform bill does not mean the Northern region is against the President.
“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 wondered why there is a rush to passing the bill.
“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”
“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.”
Senator Ali Ndume has also kicked against the bill saying it would be against the progress of the Northern region of the country.
...Never miss an update again! Join our WhatsApp group for the latest news, straight to your phone! (Click Here)
