Tax Bill: “You Are Misplacing Your Legislative Energy”, Northern Youths Scold Law Maker

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Northern youths have berated the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State at House of Representatives, Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin, over his support for the Tax Reforms Bill before the Legislators.

The Source reports that the Presidency had introduced the now controversial tax reforms bill to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

But the Bill has since been vehemently opposed by the Northern political spectrum, with the Region’s Governors jointly urging President Bola Tinubu to withdraw it

The Northern Governors and other stakeholders from the region alluded to the proposed tax reforms bill as not being  in the over all interests of the people.

But the Presidency has remained adamant, insisting on the controversial bill passing through legislative processes .

However, against the grain of majority opinions from the North, Hon Jibrin, in a recent interview, threw his weight behind the tax reforms bill, highlighting its potential advantages both to the North and the entire country.

But his independent thoughts are not sitting well with the Northern Youth Assembly NYA, which, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in a statement, chided the Kano Federal Lawmaker for endorsing an obviously anti-North piece of legislation.

In the statement signed by Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi, its spokesperson, the NYA expressed serious disappointment over the stand of Hon Jibrin on a matter it said is clearly inimical to the survival of the  people of the North.

According to the group, from all intents and purposes, the tax reforms bill, if passed and assented to in its present form, has the potentials to further relegate the North economically.

The NYA, described Hon Jibrin’s support for the bill as a gross act of disrespect to the Northern region and its people, more so, coming after Governors and many prominent individuals and groups from the region have voiced their unreserved opposition to the suffocating bill.

The group maintained that the Lawmaker’s position is a clear indication that he is completely out of touch with his constituents and their needs and aspirations.

“As representatives of Northern Nigeria Youth, we believe that this proposal, in its current form, will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people without considering the current economic reality in the country.

“While the proposed tax reforms may be of significant interest to those at the centre, your unwavering enthusiasm to champion this anti-North bill exposes a misguided commitment to the cause of those you represent.

“It is evident that the North faces a range of critical issues, including an acute shortage of electricity supply, ravaging insecurity, excruciating poverty, unemployment, and a dismal state of infrastructure, to name but just a few.

“We believe that these are some of the challenges your constituents suffer from and the purpose of your election was to address them through effective legislation and advocacy, rather than dedicating your legislative energy to serve an agenda that could further marginalize the North and its people.

“It would be wiser and more beneficial for you to prioritize your efforts towards addressing the disturbing socio-economic challenges ravaging the people of the North”, NYA stated.