Dons Eze
YOU CAN’T BE ONLY PRESIDENT OF YORUBA – NORTHERN LEADERS OPPOSING TAX REFORM BILLS
Northern leaders, including members of the National Assembly, the League of Northern Democrats, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, have expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration on tax reform bills.
During his maiden media chat, Tinubu acknowledged that the bills might not be widely accepted, but maintained that there will be no reversal on the controversial bills.
The President emphasized that the tax reform bills were necessary to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in the nation’s tax environment.
Senator Mohammed Onawo, representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District, speaking with Punch, stated that the President must allow National Assembly members to perform their duties without undue interference.
“If the President, who was once a legislator, is passing judgment on bills that are before the National Assembly, it is unfortunate,” Onawo said.
Senator Ibrahim Gobir, who represented Sokoto East in the 9th Assembly, accused Tinubu of playing “politics of tribalism” with the tax reform bills.
Gobir criticized the proposed allocation of value-added tax revenue, saying, “You cannot be the President of only the Yoruba; he is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Elders’ Forum also expressed concerns, stating that Tinubu’s declaration undermines the principle of democracy.
The spokesman for the Forum, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, cautioned Tinubu against causing a “crisis” between the executive and legislative arms of government.
The Northern Democrats also advised the President against rigidity on issues affecting the general welfare of citizens.
Umar Sani, speaking on behalf of the group, said, “We know that the country requires tax reform. But there are areas we want the government to review, like the inheritance tax, which is against religion, and some other incidentals.”
