Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has acknowledged that while President Bola Tinubu holds the power to push through the controversial tax reform bill, it could come at a significant cost to the people of Nigeria, especially in the Northern region.
In an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, Zulum expressed respect for the President’s authority but warned that the tax bill, currently making its way through the Senate after passing its second reading, could have negative consequences for the country.
“The president has the power. I’m a system man; I respect him,” Zulum said. “If the president wants to use his power to pass the tax bill, he may have his way, but it has its consequences for the people.”
The bill, which has sparked considerable debate, faces strong resistance from key Northern Nigerian groups, including the Northern Governors Forum, the Northern Elders Forum, the National Economic Council, and notable figures like Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume. These factions argue that the bill does not adequately reflect the interests of the Northern region and could lead to economic setbacks.
Zulum, who previously warned that the tax reforms could hinder progress in both the North and the country at large, reiterated that the current level of support for the bill among governors is minimal. “As of now, you cannot get 3 governors in Nigeria that are in support of this Tax law,” he stated, underscoring the deep opposition within the leadership ranks of the country.
The controversy surrounding the bill has also intensified following remarks from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. Jibrin faced backlash from Northern youths after he revealed in a BBC Hausa interview that the Senate allowed the bill to proceed to the second reading to facilitate further discussions and input from experts and the public.
As the debate continues, the question remains whether the President will push forward with his tax reform agenda despite the mounting resistance from key political and regional stakeholders.
