Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has raised concerns over the proposed tax reform bills, criticizing the rapid pace at which they are advancing in the legislature.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Governor Zulum expressed fears that the bills could have severe repercussions for the northern region and other parts of the country.
He expressed unease over the swift legislative process, asking, “Why the rush?”
He compared the speed of the tax reform bills’ passage to the prolonged 20-year journey of the Petroleum Industry Bill, noting that such important legislation should be treated with more caution and careful consideration to avoid negative long-term effects.
“The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years to pass, but these tax bills are being pushed through within a week. They must be handled thoughtfully so that future generations, including our children, will benefit,” Zulum said.
The governor opposed the bills, warning that they would set back the northern region and negatively impact other areas, including the South East, South West, and some southwestern states such as Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.
Governor Zulum called on President Tinubu to reconsider the bills, asserting that his opposition does not equate to opposition to the government itself.
He said, “These bills, as they are currently framed, would devastate the North. We urge President Tinubu to review them. He won 60% of his votes from the North, and we ask him to listen to our concerns. What we want is the withdrawal of these bills.”
He further warned that if the bills are passed, the financial stability of northern states could be jeopardized, stating, “We may not even be able to pay salaries, and if we do, it won’t be sustainable in the following years.”
Zulum reaffirmed his opposition to the bills, pointing out that even Lagos State is against them.
“If this bill is harming regional progress, why shouldn’t it be reconsidered?” he said.
He also noted that several National Assembly members, including some from the South, are not in favor of the bills.
The governor concluded by emphasizing that his stance is not against President Tinubu or the government but rather an effort to protect the interests of the northern region and other affected states.
“We supported and voted for President Tinubu, but these tax bills, in their current form, will not benefit us,” he said.
