Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has firmly opposed President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Bill, which is currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
Speaking on BBC News Hausa, Zulum made it clear that the North would not support the proposed legislation, citing its potential to harm the region and other parts of Nigeria.
Zulum argued that the reforms would lead to widespread economic challenges, including increased poverty, hunger, and insecurity in the North.
He expressed concern over the rapid push by the National Assembly to pass the bill, contrasting it with the slow progress of the Petroleum Bill.
Economic Consequences Highlighted
The governor warned of severe consequences if the bill is passed, noting that its financial demands could become unsustainable for many states.
He stated, “Our agitation is that we know if passed into law, we will not be able to pay, and if we pay once, the next year, it will become trouble because we won’t be able to pay again.”
Zulum also emphasized the risks of burdening future generations with unresolved economic problems, urging caution in implementing drastic reforms.
Nationwide Concerns and Regional Impact
According to Zulum, concerns about the bill extend beyond the North.
He revealed that even Lagos State, a major economic hub, has expressed reservations, citing potential setbacks for its economy.
Additionally, states like Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo in the South-West, as well as others in the South-South, are expected to face difficulties under the proposed reforms.
“We believe this bill, if passed into law, will completely destroy or kill the North as a whole. It will also negatively impact other regions,” Zulum stated.
Call for Presidential Intervention
Zulum appealed to President Tinubu to reconsider the bill, reminding him of the North’s significant role in his electoral success, where the region contributed around 60% of his total votes.
He urged Tinubu to address the matter with empathy, emphasizing that opposing the bill does not equate to opposing the government.
“The President should stop listening to comments suggesting that those from the North hate him.
This issue is not about politics but about protecting regional and national interests,” Zulum stressed.
Northern Governors’ United Stance
Zulum revealed that Northern Governors had collectively discussed the bill and resolved not to support it.
He urged members of the National Assembly to prioritize the interests of their constituents and resist passing the legislation.
“My position is that we should all be careful. We have families, grandchildren, brothers, and sisters in our communities and states to look out for,” he said.
Presidency’s Defense of the Bill
Meanwhile, the Presidency, through Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has defended the Tax Reform Bills.
Onanuga described them as essential for improving Nigerians’ lives and dismissed claims that they were designed to undermine any region
As debate around the Tax Reform Bills intensifies, Zulum’s comments underscore the growing regional tensions and economic fears associated with the proposed legislation.
Stakeholders across Nigeria are now looking to President Tinubu and the National Assembly for a resolution that balances national progress with equitable regional development.
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