Zulum Warns Against Tax Reform Bill as Northern Opposition Grows

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s authority to push for the passage of the controversial tax reform bill, despite widespread opposition.

The bill, which has passed its second reading in the Senate, has drawn resistance, particularly from Northern elites and organizations such as the Northern Governors Forum, Northern Elders Forum, the National Economic Council, and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume. Critics argue that the proposed reforms fail to address the region’s interests.

Governor Zulum, speaking with *Channels Television* on Sunday, warned of the potential negative impact of the bill, both for Northern Nigeria and the country at large. He stated:

 “We know the power of the president. I’m a system man; I respect him. If the president wants to use his power to pass the tax bill, he may have his way, but it has its consequences for the people.”

Zulum also revealed that support for the bill among governors is nearly nonexistent, adding:

 “As of now, you cannot get three governors in Nigeria that are in support of this tax law.”

His remarks follow a backlash faced by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who defended the Senate’s decision to allow the bill’s second reading. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Jibrin explained that the move was intended to facilitate broader discussions among experts and Nigerians.

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