Dons Eze
AREWA FORUM LAMBASTS NORTHERN GOVERNORS, LABELS THEM BETRAYERS FOR ACCEPTING TINUBU’S TAX REFORM BILLS
The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has accused the Northern governors of betraying the trust of the Northern people, mismanaging public perception, and failing to adequately represent their constituents’ interests.
The Nigerian government’s proposed tax reform bill, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, had ignited a heated national debate, with significant opposition from influential northern leaders who fear its potential to exacerbate regional disparities.
Key critics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, have voiced concerns over the bill’s socioeconomic impact on the northern region, already struggling with economic challenges, high poverty rates, and security issues.
Amid growing pressure from northern governors and 73 northern lawmakers, the House of Representatives indefinitely suspended the debate on the bill.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in a twist on Thursday threw its weight behind the proposed tax legislation before the national assembly.
The NGF in a statement issued after its meeting with the presidential tax reform committee, proposed an “equitable” sharing formula for value-added tax (VAT).
The governors recommended that there should be no terminal clause for TETFUND, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in the sharing of development levies in the bills.
They also supported the continuation of the legislative process at the national assembly that will culminate in the eventual passage of the bills.
However, Arewa Youths in a statement released by its President General, Yerima Shettima, on Friday strongly criticised the Northern governors for their abrupt reversal on the national tax reform bills.
The AYCF noted that the governors had initially opposed the reforms, arguing they would harm the Northern economy.
However, the youth forum described this stance as “flawed” and lacking in substantive solutions to the region’s economic challenges.
The governors’ abrupt shift in position, according to AYCF, casts doubt on their integrity and raises concerns about the motives behind their earlier opposition.
“Their arguments lacked substance and failed to acknowledge the vital role of robust taxation in funding essential public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure,” the statement read.
The group argued that the governors’ approach fueled unnecessary division and delayed national progress.
The AYCF emphasised that taxation is essential for funding critical sectors and fostering national development. While acknowledging the need to implement reforms sensitively, especially for vulnerable populations, the group maintained that the benefits outweigh potential short-term drawbacks.
“Increased tax revenue will enable the government to invest in critical sectors, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians,” the statement continued. The AYCF contended that the governors’ initial opposition demonstrated a lack of foresight and commitment to the long-term welfare of the region.
The forum linked the governors’ handling of the tax reforms to a broader failure in governance within the Northern region. Persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and a lack of basic amenities were identified as symptoms of poor leadership, corruption, and ineffective resource management.
“Rather than addressing these pressing issues, the governors chose to focus on the tax reform debate as a distraction tactic,” the AYCF alleged. The group argued that the governors’ sudden reversal without achieving amendments or concessions further demonstrated their incompetence and short-sightedness.
The AYCF called on the governors to provide a clear and transparent explanation for their shift in position. The group criticized what it described as “misleading rhetoric” used by the governors to sway public opinion, only to abandon their stance without justification.
“This manipulation undermines the democratic process and erodes public confidence in leadership,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its support for the tax reform bills, the AYCF described them as crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth. The group pledged to continue advocating for policies that promote sustainable development and hold leaders accountable for their actions.
“The hasty surrender to the tax reform bills without meaningful engagement or a transparent explanation constitutes a disservice to the North and a betrayal of the public’s trust,” the AYCF concluded.
