A Northern youth group has condemned a Kano lawmaker’s endorsement of tax reform, arguing it may impose additional burdens on citizens.
On Tuesday, the Northern Youth Assembly criticized House of Representatives member Abdulmumin Jibrin, who represents the Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano State, for supporting the contentious tax reform bill.
The former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation allegedly stirred controversy in the Assembly during a recent TV interview, where he was reported to have openly supported the “anti-North tax reform bill.”
A statement signed by Comrade Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi, the National Assistant Publicity Secretary, on behalf of the leadership representing the Assembly from all 19 Northern states, conveyed their dissatisfaction with a lawmaker’s position on matters that would reportedly “diminish the region economically and commercially.”
The Assembly emphasized that Jibrin’s public endorsement of the proposed tax reform bill, introduced by the Tinubu administration, is seen as a profound act of disrespect towards his constituents—specifically, the people of Kano State and Northern Nigeria in general.
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Bauchi expressed, “As representatives of Northern Nigerian youth, we feel that this proposal, as it stands now, will unfairly impact the economic livelihoods and ambitions of our people while ignoring the current economic situation in the country. Although those at the center may find value in the proposed tax reform, your persistent support for this anti-North bill reveals a misaligned dedication to serving those you represent.”
It is clear that the North confronts numerous urgent issues, such as a severe lack of electricity supply, widespread insecurity, extreme poverty, unemployment, and poor infrastructure. These are just some of the challenges faced by your constituents. Your election was aimed at addressing these problems through effective legislation and advocacy—not to pursue an agenda that might further marginalize Northern Nigeria or its people from your region.
“It would be more prudent and advantageous for you to focus on tackling the pressing socio-economic issues affecting the people of the North. As it stands, this tax reform risks worsening the challenges faced by businesses and families in Northern Nigeria—businesses already grappling with unreliable power supply, inconsistent policies, insufficient Federal Government support, and limited access to essential services.”
The Youth Assembly stressed that Northern Nigeria needs leaders who will advocate for the region’s interests and refrain from misleading or deceiving their people for short-term political advantage.
