Northern Youth Assembly Slams Jibrin Kofa Over Tax Reform Bill Endorsement
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), on Tuesday condemned
Abdulmumini Jibrin, member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency for endorsement of the controversial tax reform bill.
The former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations drew the slack during a recent TV interview he granted, where he was alleged 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 19 Northern States leadership of the Assembly, that was made available to newsmen in Kano expressed disappointment over the lawmaker’s position on issues that would allegedly further “relegate the region economically and commercially.”
The Group stressed that Jibrin publicly supporting the proposed tax reform bill put forth by the Tinubu administration, is the highest order of disrespect to his constituents, Kano State people and the entire Northern Nigeria.
Comrade Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi said that “As a representatives of the Northern Nigerian youth, we believe that this proposal, in its current form, will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, without taking into cognisance the current economic reality in the country”.
He explained that, “While the proposed tax reform may be of so much interest to the people at the centre, however, your unwavering enthusiasm to champion the bill, that is clearly anti-North, exposes your misguided commitment to the course of protecting the interest of those you represent.”
The signed statement reads in part: “It is very practical that the North faces a barrage of critical issues such as: acute shortage of electricity supply, rampant insecurity across the region, naked poverty, unemployment and a dismal state of infrastructure, to name just a few”.
“It is our belief that these are some of the challenges your constituents suffer from, and the purpose of your election was to fundamentally champion the course to address them through effective legislation and advocacy, rather than dedicating your legislative energy to serve some agenda that could further marginalize the Northern Nigerian people, the region where you come from. It would be wiser and more beneficial for you to prioritize your focus towards championing the course to alleviating the pressing socio-economic challenges ravaging the people in the North.”
“This tax reform, in its current form, threatens to exacerbate the burdens of businesses and families in Northern Nigeria—businesses that are already struggling to survive due to unreliable power, inconsistent policy, Federal Government support and poor access to essential services.”
The Youth Assembly stressed that “Northern Nigerian requires leaders who could speak in the interest of the region, and who wouldn’t do everything to misguide and deceive their people for some cheap political gains.”