Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, clarified on Sunday the reasons behind the northern governors’ recommendation for President Bola Tinubu to retract the contentious tax reform bills. During his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, he noted that the Northern Governors Forum requires more time for further discussions.
“There are many misunderstandings regarding this tax matter. Our analysis suggests that only Lagos and Rivers States would gain from the value-added tax (VAT) provision in the tax legislation. Our research indicated a potential loss for us,” Zulum stated.
He questioned the urgency of the situation, suggesting that the Federal Government should pause and remove clauses detrimental not only to Northern Nigeria but to other regions as well. “We are asking for additional time to conduct a more thorough consultation to comprehend the complexities of this tax system before it becomes law,” he explained.
Zulum warned that if the bill is approved by the National Assembly, it could disadvantage other states as Lagos State would primarily benefit. He maintained that the northern governors are not opposed to President Tinubu’s administration despite some perceptions to the contrary.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, he mentioned that he was among the few governors advocating for power to shift to the south. He pointed out that the northern region played a significant role in Tinubu’s electoral success, contributing over 60 percent of his votes.
Zulum expressed disappointment over the negative narrative suggesting that the north opposes Tinubu’s government. “I am a dedicated member of APC. If you consider the two governors who supported Tinubu before 2019 and in 2023, I am among them. I was the first governor to publicly state that power should shift to the South,” he noted. He lamented that misinformation has led many to believe the north is against the president, despite the majority of his votes originating from that region.
Only Lagos, Rivers will benefit from Tinubu’s tax reform bills says Zulum
