Zulum: Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills Need More Consultation For Nationwide Fairness
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has clarified his stance on the controversial tax reform bills under review in the National Assembly, emphasizing that his concerns are rooted in fairness and not opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Zulum stressed his unwavering support for Tinubu, whom he backed publicly during the 2023 presidential election campaign. “I am a strong member of the APC. If you are to count two governors who have been in support of Tinubu from 2019 to 2023, you can mention Prof Zulum,” he stated.
Concerns Over the Tax Reform Bills
The governor’s remarks come amidst heated debate over four tax reform bills currently being considered by the National Assembly. These bills have faced resistance from state governors, who argue that they disproportionately benefit Lagos State while potentially harming other regions.
Zulum highlighted the economic imbalance that could result from the proposed reforms. “Based on the calculations we did, only Lagos will benefit from this scheme,” he said. “Not only Northern Nigeria but also the Southeast, South-South, and even the Southwest will be severely affected.”
He argued for a pause in the legislative process to allow for more extensive consultation with stakeholders, including state governments and tax experts. “Let us pause and have a deeper consultation because we are in a democracy. We should look at the nitty-gritty of these bills before passing them into law,” Zulum insisted.
A Call for Fairness
Zulum dismissed claims that his stance indicates hostility towards the president or his policies. He described the call for consultation as a democratic right and criticized narratives suggesting opposition to Tinubu. “People started saying that Prof Zulum and the governors were against the president. This is a democratic setting. People want us to run a garrison democracy,” he remarked.
The governor further revealed that Lagos State officials had privately expressed concerns about the reforms, stating that they might also incur losses under the proposed scheme. This contradiction, Zulum argued, underscores the need for careful deliberation.
Support from Other Stakeholders
Zulum’s call aligns with that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has also urged transparency and fairness in the tax reform process. Both leaders emphasize that rushing the bills could exacerbate economic disparities across Nigeria.
The Way Forward
While reaffirming his loyalty to the Tinubu administration, Zulum urged for collaborative dialogue to ensure that the tax reforms are equitable and beneficial for all regions. “We are not against the president; we are only asking for time to deliberate and consult. That is the essence of democracy,” he concluded.
As the debate continues, Zulum’s position underscores the importance of balancing federal initiatives with regional interests in a way that promotes unity and sustainable development across Nigeria.
