Borno Governor Expresses Concerns Over Tax Reform Bills, Warns of Negative Impact on the North

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has expressed his strong disapproval of the tax reform bills recently transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In an interview with BBC Hausa service, Zulum warned that the proposed legislation would drag the northern part of the country backward and negatively impact other regions as well.

The governor questioned the swift passage of the bills, stating, “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.”

Zulum emphasized the potential consequences of the bills, saying, “How we see it is, if these bills scale through, we will not be able to even pay salaries. And if we paid, it won’t be sustainable the following year.” He also affirmed that the bills could exacerbate hunger, poverty, and security issues in the north.

Despite the governor’s objections, the Senate passed the bills for second reading on Thursday amid rowdiness at plenary. Zulum clarified that his criticism of the bills does not indicate opposition against the government, but rather a call to reverse the decision. “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,” he said.

When asked about rumors of lawmakers being lobbied and given kickbacks to pass the bills, Zulum responded, “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.”

The tax reform bills have faced significant opposition from various stakeholders in the north, including governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum. They argue that the proposed legislation is not in the interest of the nation and should be withdrawn.