Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill, currently before the National Assembly. In an interview with BBC News Hausa, Zulum expressed concerns that the North would not support the proposed legislation, which he believes could harm the region’s economy.
Zulum highlighted the potential negative impact the bill could have, including economic decline, increased poverty, hunger, and insecurity, particularly in the northern region. He also questioned the urgency with which the National Assembly is moving to pass the bill, contrasting it with the delayed passage of the Petroleum Bill.
The governor warned that the tax reforms would impose financial burdens that many regions, including the North, would struggle to bear. He pointed out that states like Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, and others have also raised concerns about the bill’s potential to hinder their economic progress.
Zulum appealed to President Tinubu to consider the North’s concerns, emphasizing the region’s crucial role in his electoral victory, contributing nearly 60% of the votes. He urged the president to address the issue with empathy, warning that if the bill passes, it could devastate the North and other parts of the country.
He further called on members of the National Assembly to protect the interests of their constituents by rejecting the bill, stressing that opposing the bill does not equate to opposing the government but rather standing up for regional interests.
