The stance of the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on the new tax reform bills, has stirred up the hornet’s nest, eliciting mixed reactions among Nigerians.
AFRIPOST reports that the Governor had lent strong opposition to the new reform, calling on the President to gaze intently into the bills for apposite adjustments.
Yesterday, Zulum said Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills might disproportionately benefit only Lagos and Rivers states, leaving other regions, particularly the North, at a disadvantage.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Zulum revealed that research and calculations conducted by northern governors suggest that the current provisions of the bills could lead to significant financial losses for northern states.
“Based on our analysis of the VAT provisions in the tax law, only Lagos and Rivers States stand to gain from this scheme. Our findings show that other states, particularly in the North, would suffer losses,” he said.
The governor urged the federal government to delay the process and reconsider certain clauses in the bills that could negatively impact northern Nigeria.
“Why the rush? We advised the federal government to pause and remove clauses that are harmful to our region. Let’s allow more time for deeper consultations to understand the details of this tax regime before it becomes law,” Zulum added.
Zulum warned that if the bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024 and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, pass the National Assembly, Lagos State would emerge as the primary beneficiary.
The governor dismissed claims that northern governors are opposing Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing their loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tinubu’s presidency.
Zulum noted his early support for Tinubu’s presidential bid, stressing his commitment to the principle of power rotation to the South ahead of the 2023 elections.
“I was one of the first governors to publicly support the idea that power should shift to the South. It is inaccurate to say the North is against Tinubu, especially when over 60% of his votes in the 2023 elections came from this region,” he said.
Zulum also criticized what he described as a deliberate effort to misrepresent the North’s stance, reiterating that their calls for consultation are rooted in democratic principles.
“We only seek the right to be consulted. That’s all we’re asking for,” he concluded.
In response to the contentious tax reform bills under consideration, the Southern Borno Concerned Citizens (SBCCs) has announced a one-day fasting and prayer session.
The spiritual exercise, scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024, aims to honor and support Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who have firmly opposed the proposed tax reforms.
Comrade Bulama Sawa, Chairman and Spokesman of SBCCs, made the announcement, urging members across nine local government areas and those in the diaspora to join in the initiative.
He emphasized the group’s gratitude for the unwavering commitment of Governor Zulum and Senator Ndume in defending the interests of the people.
However, the stance of the Borno Governor has continued to elicite mixed reactions on X (formerly Twitter).
A user, Luqmon Oluwatoyin, while reacting to Zulum’s viewpoint, wrote: “The almajiri education was giving to the North on a platter of gold by @GEJonathan , But the North Play politics with it.”
Another user identified as artiks_art said “He should never be placed in any federal post. He typically loves the north more than Nigeria”
While Abasskolasanusi, berated Zulum saying “Even professor doesn’t understand this simple bill.”
Also, a user with the name: Titi Sanni, wrote: “But it’s only your assumption Prof. I thought you had some figures already worked out to show how you are disadvantaged. If other states are as affected as you say, why are they not talking?
Please open your mind Prof. I agree with you there should no be rush though.”
AFRIPOST reports that President Tinubu had initially submitted the tax reform bills in October, and they recently passed a second reading in the Senate on November 28.
