NEWS
Tax Bills Will Cripple Northern States’ Ability To Pay Workers – Gov Zulum
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has voiced strong opposition to the tax reform bills currently under review in Nigeria’s National Assembly, arguing that their passage could severely hinder the development of the northern region and exacerbate economic difficulties nationwide.
The tax reform bills, which were presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September, have sparked significant backlash, particularly from northern leaders.
Northern governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum have all expressed concern, claiming the reforms do not serve the nation’s interests.
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In an interview with BBC Hausa, Governor Zulum criticized the rapid progression of the bills, pointing out that they have received expedited attention in contrast to other pieces of legislation that have taken years to pass.
“We condemn these bills transmitted to the National Assembly. They will drag the north backward,” Zulum stated.
He also highlighted that the negative impact would not be confined to the north but would extend to other regions, including parts of the South West and South East.
The governor also questioned the urgency behind the bills, recalling the protracted timeline for the passage of other significant legislation.
“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 is already receiving legislative attention within a week,” Zulum noted.
He called for a more cautious approach to ensure long-term benefits for future generations.
Zulum warned that the bills could lead to severe fiscal challenges, particularly for northern states, with the potential to hinder their ability to pay civil servants.
“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 said.
When asked whether the tax reforms would worsen poverty, hunger, and insecurity in the north, the governor answered in the affirmative, stating that the proposals would have detrimental effects on the entire country.
“Yes, including security,” Zulum added. He also pointed out that opposition to the bills is not only coming from the north but also from southern regions such as Lagos, which has voiced similar concerns.
Despite his strong objections, Zulum clarified that his position was not a political attack on President Tinubu, whom he supported in the recent elections.
“This is not against the government. We supported and voted for him. But these bills will not mean good for us,” he said.
The governor also addressed rumors that lawmakers could be influenced by lobbying or kickbacks to support the bills, though he refrained from making direct allegations.
“There are rumors around, but we are not certain. But you know we are in Nigeria!” Zulum said. He urged fellow Nigerians to act with patriotism, emphasizing the importance of considering the welfare of future generations.
In addition, Governor Zulum appealed directly to President Tinubu to reconsider the tax reform bills, urging him to listen to the concerns raised by northern leaders and ensure that any legislation passed benefits the nation as a whole.
“We are appealing to the President to listen to us and address our concerns,” he added
The Kogi State government’s recent policy requiring students to present verifiable tax clearance certificates from their parents before being allowed to register for school has triggered widespread criticism.
Parents, human rights activists, and education stakeholders across the state have denounced the move, calling it discriminatory and a violation of children’s right to education.
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The directive, issued in late November 2024 by Sule Enehe, Chairman of the Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue Services, instructed schools to enforce the policy. Since then, it has faced mounting opposition.
Prominent Kogi-based legal practitioner and rights activist, Arome Odoma, has taken legal steps to challenge the policy.
In a pre-action notice addressed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Sule Enehe, Odoma criticized the policy as “repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience.”
Citing constitutional rights, Odoma stated, “Education is not a privilege but a right. This policy deprives future leaders of their fundamental right to education and imposes undue hardship on children for the financial shortcomings of their parents.”
He further argued that the policy undermines the state’s commitment to education, warning that it could reduce the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of educational institutions by discouraging student enrollment.
Odoma gave the state government until January 10, 2025, to reverse the policy or face litigation.
Parents and education advocates have also condemned the policy. Elesho Emmanuel, a concerned parent, described it as “anti-education and anti-human,” questioning the fairness of punishing children for their parents’ tax status.
“Governor Ododo must have been misled by advisers focused solely on revenue generation. This policy is unjust and unprecedented. It must be reversed immediately,” Emmanuel stated.
Sir Agabaidu Jideani, National Commissioner for the Right to Education at the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (NHRC), urged the government to reconsider its approach.
“While tax compliance is essential, policies should not inadvertently deny children their right to education,” he remarked, calling for a more balanced solution.
Critics have emphasized the need for the state government to uphold its responsibility to protect the right to education, especially for vulnerable children.
They argue that such a policy risks exacerbating poverty and inequality in the state.
Sokoto State is in mourning following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of the daughter and three grandchildren of Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Sifawa, the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government.
The tragic incident occurred at the residence of the Secretary’s daughter, who was married to Alhaji Muhammadu Yusuf Bello, the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Sports and Youths Development.
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According to reports, the fire broke out in the late hours of the night while the family was asleep, quickly engulfing the entire house.
Tragically, the fire claimed the lives of the wife and three children, leaving Alhaji Muhammadu Yusuf Bello as the sole survivor.
The burial of the victims is scheduled to take place at the Sheikh Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo Mosque in Sifawa, with interment planned at the family home of Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Sifawa.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the tragedy has prompted an outpouring of condolences across the state. Deputy Governor Eng.
Idris Mohammed Gobir, alongside other dignitaries and well-wishers, visited Sifawa to express their sympathies and support to the grieving family.
Governor Bassey Otu has approved the suspension of Chief Okon Archibong, the Village Head of Esuk Utan, alongside his council members, over allegations of abuse of power.
The suspension, announced in a statement on Monday by Mr. Nsa Gil, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, follows multiple petitions accusing the traditional ruler and his council of misusing their authority, which has reportedly caused growing discontent within the community.
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“The government remains committed to upholding accountability and addressing grievances raised by citizens to ensure harmony and justice in traditional leadership,” the statement read.
To address the allegations, Governor Otu directed the Calabar Municipal Traditional Rulers Council to investigate the matter and submit a report with recommendations to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs within one week.
In the interim, the Obutong Clan Council has been instructed to set up a five-member committee to manage the affairs of Esuk Utan.
This committee will oversee administrative duties until the investigation is concluded.
“The Obutong Clan Council is mandated to set up a five-man committee to manage the affairs of Esuk Utan Village pending the outcome of the investigation,” the statement added.
Governor Otu has called on residents and business operators in Esuk Utan to continue their normal activities without interference.
He also emphasized that all dealings with the suspended village head and his council should cease immediately.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice and resolving conflicts in traditional leadership structures for the benefit of the community.
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