Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has spoken out about the escalating debate over the proposed tax reform bills, cautioning President Bola Tinubu about the potential negative impact.
In an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, 1st December, Zulum acknowledged Tinubu’s authority to advance the legislation but highlighted the implications for Nigerians.
“I respect the president and his authority,” Zulum stated. “While he has the power to push the tax bill through, doing so could have significant consequences for the people.”
The tax reform bill, which recently cleared its second reading in the Senate, has faced strong opposition, especially from northern elites.
Organizations like the Northern Governors Forum, the Northern Elders Forum, and prominent leaders such as Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume have called on the federal government to withdraw the bill, arguing that it fails to address the region’s concerns adequately.
Governor Zulum highlighted the widespread disapproval among governors, stating, “At the moment, it would be difficult to find three governors in Nigeria who support this tax law.”
This comes after Northern youths criticized Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin for defending the Senate’s decision to approve the bill’s second reading, emphasizing the need for broader discussions.
The controversy highlights growing regional tensions over the bill’s potential economic and social effects, with demands for more inclusive deliberations before reaching a final decision.
