Northern youth group slams Kano lawmaker over support for tax reform

The Northern Youth Assembly, on Tuesday, condemned House of Representatives member Abdulmumin Jibrin, representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, for endorsing the controversial tax reform bill.

The former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation allegedly provoked the Assembly during a recent TV interview, where he was reported to have outrightly endorsed the “anti-North tax reform bill.”

A statement signed by Comrade Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi, the National Assistant Publicity Secretary, on behalf of the leadership of the Assembly from the 19 Northern states, expressed disappointment over the lawmaker’s stance on issues that would allegedly further “relegate the region economically and commercially.”

The Assembly stressed that Jibrin has publicly supported the proposed tax reform bill introduced by the Tinubu administration, describing it as an ultimate display of disrespect to his constituents, the people of Kano State, and Northern Nigeria as a whole.

Bauchi said, “As representatives of Northern Nigerian youth, we believe that this proposal, in its current form, will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, without considering the current economic reality in the country. While the proposed tax reform may be of significant interest to those at the centre, your unwavering enthusiasm to champion this anti-North bill exposes a misguided commitment to the cause of those you represent.

“It is evident that the North faces a range of critical issues, including an acute shortage of electricity supply, rampant insecurity, severe 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 address them through effective legislation and advocacy, rather than dedicating your legislative energy to serve an agenda that could further marginalise the Northern Nigerian people, the region from which you come.

“It would be wiser and more beneficial for you to prioritise your efforts towards addressing the disturbing socio-economic challenges ravaging the people of the North. This tax reform, in its current form, threatens to exacerbate the burdens on businesses and families in Northern Nigeria—businesses that are already struggling to survive due to unreliable power, inconsistent policy, lack of Federal Government support, and poor access to essential services.”

The Youth Assembly emphasised that Northern Nigeria requires leaders who promote the region’s interests and would not mislead or deceive their people for cheap political gains.