Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has sternly warned President Bola Tinubu to desist from the tax reform his administration is pushing in the National Assembly. Zulum, who was initially thought to be the running mate of the then APC presidential candidate Tinubu, has joined other northern elite to condemn the bill.
The controversial bill started to generate argument when it became clear that the northern region would lose our as it doesn’t generate VAT.
“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.”
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