Gov Sule: Northern Nigeria Backs Tinubu’s Vision on Tax Reform

Governor Sule dispels misconceptions about Northern Nigeria’s stance, confirming regional support for President Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill and his economic policies.

Abdullahi Sule, the governor of Nasarawa State, has refuted claims that the northern region is opposed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

During a meeting with traditional rulers and other stakeholders on Monday, the Northern Governors’ Forum opposed the proposed Tax Reform Bill submitted to the National Assembly.

Since then, there have been speculations suggesting that the northern region opposes President Tinubu.

However, Governor Sule stated that despite rumors to the contrary, President Tinubu continues to have the support of the North after receiving their backing in the 2023 presidential election.

“We cannot support President Tinubu’s rise to the presidency—especially with significant backing from the North—and then turn around and oppose him,” he stated during Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.

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He believes that the north opposes the proposed bill because it is unfair to their region.

“The Nasarawa governor stated that the states with minimal VAT currently will ultimately be at a disadvantage.”

“The 19 northern states are currently generating very little in terms of VAT.”

The governor stated, “We clearly expressed our desire for fairness in the allocation of VAT. Continuing with the current approach will result in unfairness. I mentioned that this would also be unjust to certain other states in the south.”

Governor Sule stated that Nigeria cannot stimulate growth through value-added tax (VAT) alone, but can achieve it through a strong manufacturing sector.

He stated, “How can the economy be stimulated by VAT? A thriving economy is propelled by manufacturing and production, not through VAT. You can’t expect overtaxing people to be a path towards growth.”