Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has issued a stern warning against the passage of controversial tax reform bills.
He believes the proposed laws will severely hurt northern Nigeria and other regions.
Zulum made these comments during an interview with BBC Hausa, expressing deep concern over the bills.
“These bills will drag the north backward,” Zulum warned, emphasizing the negative consequences.
The tax reform bills were submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September.
Since then, they have faced significant opposition from northern leaders and stakeholders.
Northern governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum have all condemned the proposals.
They argue the bills do not reflect the best interests of the country.
Despite widespread protests, the Senate passed the bills for a second reading on Thursday.
The decision led to a rowdy session in the Senate, reflecting the contentious nature of the legislation.
Zulum expressed frustration at how quickly the bills moved through the legislative process.
“We condemn these bills,” he said.
According to him, similar bills have taken years to pass, but this one is being rushed.
He cited the example of the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took almost 20 years to become law.
“What we need now is caution,” Zulum stated, urging a more careful approach.
He called on President Tinubu to reconsider the bills, especially given his strong support in the north.
Zulum reminded Tinubu that he secured 60% of his votes from northern Nigeria.
“Why all the rush?” Zulum questioned, calling for the bills’ withdrawal.
He also warned that the passage of the bills could lead to severe financial challenges for northern states.
“If these bills scale through, we will not be able to pay salaries,” he cautioned.
The governor painted a bleak picture, saying even if salaries were paid, they wouldn’t be sustainable in the long term.
Zulum highlighted that the bills could worsen hunger and poverty in the north.
“This will include security,” he added, linking the reforms to potential instability.
According to him, opposition to the bills is not limited to the north.
He pointed out that states like Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo also have concerns.
“We are against it. Lagos is against it,” Zulum noted, emphasising the broader discontent.
He clarified that his stance is not an attack on President Tinubu’s government.
“This doesn’t mean we are against the government,” he explained.
Zulum reiterated his support for Tinubu, saying northern leaders backed his election.
But he stressed that their concerns must be addressed.
The governor also addressed rumors about lawmakers being influenced by bribes to pass the bills.
“There are rumors, but we are not certain,” Zulum admitted.
He urged lawmakers to act patriotically and prioritise the country’s future.
“We have children, grandchildren, and relatives in villages,” he reminded them.
Zulum emphasized the need to avoid decisions that could harm future generations.
He concluded by appealing to President Tinubu to reconsider the reforms.
“We are appealing to the President to listen to us,” Zulum said passionately.
