Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has admitted that President Bola Tinubu holds the power to push through the controversial tax reform bills despite the stiff opposition they are facing.
The tax reform bill, which has already passed its second reading in the Senate, is creating a storm of resistance across various parts of Nigeria.
A vocal critic of the bill, Zulum has expressed concerns that the tax reforms could lead to economic setbacks for the North and Nigeria as a whole.
During a recent interview with Channels Television, Zulum spoke candidly about the ongoing debate surrounding the bill.
“I know the power of the president,” Zulum said. “I’m a system man; I respect him.”
The Borno Governor acknowledged that if President Tinubu wishes to use his authority to push the tax bill through, he likely can, but he also cautioned that it could bring severe consequences for the people, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The tax reform bill has faced strong resistance from key political figures in the Northern region.
The Northern Governors Forum, Northern Elders Forum, and influential senators, including Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, have all called for the withdrawal of the bill. Their main argument is that the reforms do not reflect the region’s interests or economic needs.
As the controversy rages on, Zulum has been particularly vocal about the impact he believes the tax reforms will have on Northern Nigeria.
“This bill will cause backwardness in the North and Nigeria as a whole,” Zulum stated last week. He has consistently warned that the tax reforms would negatively affect the region’s development and economic stability.
Although the bill has gained some support from certain quarters, Zulum insists that very few governors are in favor of the law.
He emphasized that not even three governors in the country are currently supporting the bill. “As of now, you cannot get three governors in Nigeria that are in support of this tax law,” he added, underlining the widespread dissatisfaction with the proposed reforms.
Despite the growing opposition, the tax reform bill continues to make its way through the legislative process. It passed its second reading in the Senate last week, but the debate is far from over.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has also come under fire for his comments regarding the bill.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Jibrin explained that the Senate’s decision to pass the bill for a second reading was to allow for more discussions with experts and the Nigerian public. His remarks were met with criticism, especially from Northern youths who have voiced strong objections to the bill’s passage.
The tax reform bills are intended to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, with the goal of improving government revenue and economic growth. However, critics argue that the proposed changes will disproportionately affect the Northern region, where economic conditions are already challenging.
Governor Zulum’s concerns reflect a broader unease about the potential effects of the bill on Nigeria’s federal system. Many believe the bill could centralize power and limit the autonomy of states in economic matters.
The Northern Governors Forum, which includes Zulum, has argued that the bill does not align with the economic realities of the North. They claim that the reforms would place an undue burden on the region’s already struggling economy.
One of the main points of contention is the proposed increase in tax rates, which critics argue would place a heavy financial strain on businesses and individuals in the North. The region has long struggled with poverty and underdevelopment, and many believe the new tax laws would worsen these issues.
However, supporters of the bill argue that the tax reforms are necessary for Nigeria’s economic growth and development. They contend that the country’s current tax system is outdated and needs significant reform to boost revenue and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil exports.
In recent days, several Northern politicians have joined the chorus of voices calling for the withdrawal of the bill. Some have warned that if the bill is not revisited and revised, it could lead to further divisions within Nigeria.
Zulum’s position on the matter highlights the growing divide between the North and the South over economic policies and development priorities. While the South generally supports the tax reforms, the North remains skeptical of their potential impact.
