Tinubu’s tax reform will destroy Northern Nigeria — Gov. Zulum

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has said that the proposed tax reform of President Bola Tinubu will destroy Northern Nigeria.

The Borno State Governor made his position on the proposed tax reform known in an interview he granted BBC Hausa Service.

Zulum said: “We condemn these bills transmitted to the National Assembly. 

“They will drag the north backward, and not only the north, South East, South West and some states in the South West such as Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo will have problems with these bills.

“It is not opposition. 

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“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.

“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 pay, it won’t be sustainable the following year.”

When he was asked if the bills would further exacerbate hunger and poverty in the north, Zulum said: “Including security. 

“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.

“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.”

On whether members of the National Assembly would pass the bills when lobbied and given kickbacks, Zulum said: “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.”