Governor Zulum clarifies his position on the controversial tax reform bills, stating they unfairly benefit Lagos and harm other states.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has clarified his stance on the controversial tax reform bills currently under review, asserting that he is not opposed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Zulum emphasised that his concerns stem from the impact the bills could have on Nigeria’s states, particularly their economic welfare.
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In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Governor Zulum expressed his support for President Tinubu’s leadership but voiced concerns about the way the tax reforms were being rushed through.
The governor revealed that if the four tax bills were passed into law in their current form, Lagos would be the primary beneficiary, to the detriment of other states across the country.
“As a strong member of the APC and a supporter of President Tinubu from 2019 to 2023, I am not an enemy of his administration,” Zulum said.
He recalled being among the first to publicly advocate for power to shift to the South during the 2023 elections, despite accusations that the northern governors were against Tinubu.
“Over 60% of the President’s votes came from the North, so there’s a lot of misconception about this tax issue,” he added.
Zulum explained that his opposition to the tax reform bills was not out of animosity towards the federal government, but rather due to a belief that the proposed changes would disproportionately benefit Lagos.
“Based on the calculations we did, only Lagos will benefit from this scheme,” he said, referencing discussions with the Lagos State government and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
He further clarified that the urgency with which the federal government is pushing the bills has sparked concerns among state governors.
According to Zulum, the current trajectory of the reforms could harm economies, especially in the northern, southeastern, and southwestern regions of Nigeria. He called for more time for deeper consultations, urging the federal government to pause and reassess the situation.
The governor also responded to critics who accused him of opposing the President’s reforms. “This is a democratic setting,” Zulum asserted.
“We are asking for the right to be consulted. That is central to democracy.” His call for transparency and consultation echoes concerns raised by other political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has called for fairness in the review process.
Zulum’s position has sparked significant debate among Nigerian political leaders, with many governors, particularly from the north, advocating for a delay in the passage of the bills.
Despite this, the federal government appears keen to proceed with the reforms, leaving the future of the tax bills uncertain.
The controversy surrounding the bills continues to highlight the delicate balance of power between the federal government and state leaders, as well as the need for inclusive governance and thorough consultation before enacting wide-reaching reforms.
