Tax Reform: Barau Will Always Stand by the North – Arewa Group
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — Northern Youth Forum has risen to the defense of Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, stating that he would never work against the collective interest of the North.
The reaction by Pan Arewa Group came after the senator faced criticism for his alleged stance on the proposed tax reform bills, which some argue would disproportionately affect the North.
The Northern Youth Forum’s statement aims to quell concerns that Senator Jibrin would betray the trust of his constituents. The forum’s defense of the senator highlights the complexities of the tax reform debate, which has sparked intense discussion across the country.
The proposed tax reform bills, which have passed the second reading in the Senate, aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system. However, critics argue that the bills would exacerbate economic hardship in the North. The Northern Youth Forum’s statement seeks to reassure the public that Senator Jibrin remains committed to protecting the interests of the North.
The group’s Chairman, Yahaya Usman while addressing newsmen in Kano, vehemently rejected false allegations leveled against him for role played in supporting the passage of the bill, saying it is unbelievable and impossible for the Deputy Senate President to work against the growth of the North.
Usman said the Deputy Senate President who facilitated and championed the establishment of Northwest Development Commission in his effort to boost socio economic development in the region cannot partake in the cohort of destroying the North.
According to him, “Sequel to the controversy surrounding tax reform bills originated from the National Assembly after the issuance of the President’s request; Northern Youth Forum, strongly exonerates the Deputy President of the 10th Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin Maliya regarding the matter in question and vehemently rejects the false allegations made by his distractors.
“Northern people should understand the fact that it’s DSP Barau I Jibrin’s duty to presides over the plenary in the absence of the Senate President, and he neither campaigned for nor advocated for the proposed tax reform bills; he only read the bills, quickly passed them to allow the public to make commitments.
“Besides, how come Sen. Barau I Jibrin who facilitated and championed the establishment of Northwest Development Commission in his effort to boost socio economic development in the region, partakes in the cohort of destroying the North? This’s impossible and unbelievable.
“Lastly, we call on the publics who are victims of this misconception, orchestrated by the enemies of Kano and the North just to undermine Barau I Jibrin’s integrity in the eyes of his supporters to kindly disregard it,” Usman however stated.