Arewa

Northern group berates Reps member for endorsing tax reform bill

An association under the auspices of Northern Youth Assembly (NYA), has strongly condemned Honourable Abdulmumini Jibrin, member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency for endorsement of the controversial tax reform bill.

It will be recalled that the former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, during a recent TV interview he granted, where was alleged to have outrightly endorsed the “anti-north tax reform bill”.

This was contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi the NYA.
National Assistant Publicity Secretary on behalf of the 19 Northern States leadership of the Assembly, a copy made available on Tuesday to press in Kano

However, the forum expressed disappointment over the lawmaker’s position on issues that would allegedly further “relegate the region economically and commercially.”

He added that for Jibrin publicly supporting the proposed tax reform bill put forth by the Tinubu administration, is the highest order of disrespect to his constituents, Kano people, and the entire Northern Nigeria.

According to him, “As a representatives of the Northern Nigerian youth, we believe that this proposal, in its current form, will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, without taking into cognisance the current economic reality in the country”.

Comrade Hussaini Bauchi then emphasised; “While the proposed tax reform may be of so much interest to the people at the centre, however, your unwavering enthusiasm to champion the bill, that is clearly anti-North, exposes your misguided commitment to the course of protecting the interest of those you represent.”

This tax reform, in its current form, threatens to exacerbate the burdens of businesses and families in Northern Nigeria — businesses that are already struggling to survive due to unreliable power, inconsistent policy, Federal Government support, and poor access to essential services.”

“Northern Nigerian requires leaders who could speak in the interest of the region, and who wouldn’t do everything to misguide and deceive their people for some cheap political gains.”

“Practically, the North faces a barrage of critical issues such as: acute shortage of electricity supply, rampant insecurity across the region, naked poverty, unemployment and a dismal state of infrastructure, to name just a few.

“We believe that these are some of the challenges your constituents suffer from, and the purpose of your election was to fundamentally champion the course to address them through effective legislation and advocacy, rather than dedicating your legislative energy to serve some agenda that could further marginalise the Northern Nigerian people, the region where you come from.

“It would be wiser and more beneficial for you to prioritise your focus towards championing the course to alleviate the pressing socio-economic challenges ravaging the people in the North,” he said.

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