We Won't Be Able To Pay Salaries if tax reform bills is passed - Zulum

Even as President Bola Tinubu's controversial tax reform bill scaled through the second reading at the Senate, more opposition continue to rise against it, particularly from the Northern region of the country.

Northern governors, traditional rulers, and Northern Elders Forum have rejected the proposed bills.

In a recent interview with BBC Hausa service, Babagana Zulum of Borno State also criticized the tax reformed bills.

Zulum was of the opinion that the development will drag the Northern region of the country backward, and urged lawmakers not to pass any bill that would impede progress of the North and other regions in the country.

He said, "There are rumours around but we are not certain. But you know we are in Nigeria. What I am saying is that let us all be patriotic. We have children, grandchildren and relatives who are in villages, therefore, we should be careful not to endorse anything that would impede the progress of the north and other regions. We are appealing to the President to listen to us and address our concerns.

“It is not opposition. This, based on our understanding, is something that will destroy the north in its entirety. Therefore, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others to review this decision. 

“He secured 60% of his votes in the north. He should not listen to those telling him that northerners are not supporting him. If our interest is served, that is all. What we need now is the withdrawal of the tax bills.

“Why all the rush. There’s a petroleum bill that was presented but it took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this one was transmitted and now receiving legislative attention within a week. What we are saying is that, let it be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children would reap the benefits. 

“How we see it is, if these bills scale through, we will not be able to even pay salaries. And if we paid, it won’t be sustainable the following year”

“This is our stand and doesn’t mean that we are against the government. We supported and voted for him (President Tinubu). But these bills will not mean good for us.”

Meanwhile, Senator Ali Ndume has also kicked against the bill saying it would be against the progress of the Northern region of the country.