Borno gov criticises tax reform bills

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed strong concerns over the proposed tax reform bill, warning that it could have devastating consequences for the northern region and other parts of the country.

 In an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Zulum criticised the speed with which the bill had progressed through the legislative process, drawing comparisons to the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took nearly two decades to be passed.

Zulum 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 backwards and also affect the South East, and some South-Western states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.

“This is not opposition. Based on our understanding, this bill will destroy the North entirely. We call on President Tinubu to review this decision. He secured 60 per cent of his votes from the North. He should not listen to those telling him the North is not supporting him. What we need is the withdrawal of these tax bills.”

The governor warned that if the bill was passed, northern states would struggle to implement developmental projects, including paying salaries.

Also commenting on the new tax bill, the revered Falakin Shinkafi, Yunusa Hamza, expressed deep worries about the bill, stating that it has the potential to wreak havoc on the northern economy.

According to Hamza in a news message obtained by Saturday PUNCH, “the bill, if passed into law, will only serve to cripple the economies of northern states, favouring only one or two southern states.

“As the debate over the bill continues, it remains to be seen whether the concerns of the masses would be considered. With this bill when passed, the fate of the northern economy hangs in the balance.”