Zulum: Tinubu’s tax bills will cripple north — we’ll reject them

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, says he will rally lawmakers from the north to reject the tax bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking with BBC, Zulum said previous laws took years of debate, wondering why the proposed legislations are being rushed.

He said the bills would cripple the north and boost the economy of Lagos state.

The governor added that the reforms would lead to poverty, hunger, and hardship in the north.

Zulum said Tinubu should remember that the north handed him a chunk of the votes in the 2023 presidential election.

“He should not ignore our concerns and the rumours that the north is not in his favour,” he said.

He also asked the government not to pressure lawmakers into passing the bills.

“What we fear is that some lawmakers might secretly support the bills, and politicians might bribe or persuade their members to vote for them,” he said.

Zulum urged lawmakers from the north to remain vigilant and protect their interests, as the laws will harm them if passed.

Ali Ndume, who represents Borno south in the upper legislative chamber, has also vehemently opposed the tax reform bills at every opportunity — including on the floor of the senate.

BACKGROUND

In October, Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills.

They include the Nigeria tax bill, the tax administration bill, and the joint revenue board establishment bill.

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) opposed the bills, while the national economic council (NEC) asked Tinubu to withdraw them for further consultations.

However, the president said the bills would not be withdrawn, adding that the national assembly could make amendments as they deemed necessary.

On Thursday, the senate passed the tax reform bills for a second reading.