3 hours Ago By Ayo Yusuf
Oluchi Chibuzor Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has opposed the tax reform bills, saying that if passed into law it would be detrimental to the Northern region and other parts of the country. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa yesterday, Zulum faulted the speed with which the bill was progressing in the National Assembly He said: “Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week.
It should be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children will reap its benefits. “We condemn these bills sent to the National Assembly. They will drag the North backward and also affect the South East, South West, and some South-Western states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.
” “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 percent 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. According to Zulum, beyond its efforts on hunger and poverty, the proposed legislations could also heighten insecurity. “But they’re saying otherwise.
We are against it, Lagos is against it; that it will drag it backwards. If this is the situation, then why won’t they rescind it? Our National Assembly members and even some from the Southern region are not in support of these bills.” Zulum further alleged that some individuals might be influencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into believing that the North does not support his administration.
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