From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Apparently angered by recent open support from some northerners for the new tax reform initiative, the Coalition of Northern Groups, known as the Forum for Growth and Development of Arewa (FGDA), has concluded plans to protest against bills they described as “anti-North.”
According to the coalition, the decision to embark on the protest is intended to send a strong message to President Bola Tinubu and members of the Senate and House of Representatives that the alleged “anti-North bills” are rejected and unacceptable.
President Tinubu has transmitted the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bill to the Senate. The proposed legislation aims to streamline tax collection, ensure compliance, and optimise revenue.
A press statement signed by the convener, Mal. Jibrin Mohammed, in Kaduna, said: “We have consulted widely and carried out investigations about the proposed tax reform bills and discovered that the implementation would relatively affect and relegate the northern region economically and commercially.”
The group condemned the stance of House of Representatives member Abdulmumin Jibrin, representing the Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, for his supportive position and endorsement of the controversial tax reform bill. They argued that his support was given without considering the development gap and economic backwardness between the South and North.
“We, therefore, submit that the tax reform will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, especially considering the current harsh economic reality in the country,” the statement read.
While acknowledging that the proposed tax reform could be of significant interest or benefit to those in the South, the group insisted: “We boldly inform those backing this anti-North bill that the average northerner is suffering now and cannot afford to be dragged further below the poverty line.
“The North is currently facing problems of insecurity, severe poverty, unemployment, and a lack of infrastructure. Any move to introduce policies that further impoverish us will be met with resistance.
“We are, therefore, calling on our youth and citizens from the region to join us in stopping further action on the tax reform bills,” the statement concluded.