Youth Assembly Task Northern Mp’s To Kill Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill, Vow To Move Against Dissident
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) on Thursday urged northern parliamentarians to ensure Tinubu’s tax reform bill never seen the light of the day in the two chamber of the National Assembly.
In an open letter to National Assembly members from Northern Nigeria, the Assembly vowed to move against anyone that chooses to play politics with northern interest.
In a signed statement by Dr. Ali Idris Mohammed, President, and Dr. Garba Abduljafiz, Secretary General of the Assembly that was made available to newsmen in Kano expressed concerns that the bill would disproportionately affect low- and middle-income earners, further entrenching poverty and stifling economic growth.
The Northern Youth Assembly posited that, “The proposed tax reforms threaten to impose a greater financial strain on low- and middle-income earning citizens, who already grapple with economic challenges.”
They emphasized that the reforms would create further hardship for Nigerians, particularly in the North, where poverty rates remain high and economic development lags behind other regions.
The Assembly noted that “Nigerians are already at the pinnacle of poverty, angry and frustrated… We advise you to kill the proposed tax reform bill sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as it is evil, dangerous, anti-people, and anti-economic development.”
The Assembly further stated that the proposed tax reforms would impose additional financial strain on already vulnerable citizens, pointing out that the bill fails to address Nigeria’s pressing issue of youth unemployment.
The Group said Key stakeholders, including youth representatives and business owners, were not adequately engaged in the conversation, adding that the proposed bill lack of transparency and accountability.
The Group therefore appealed to the lawmakers to prioritize laws that “safeguard the future of the country, promote sustainable development, job creation, and economic empowerment.”
The Youth Assembly also called for an end to compliance with what they termed “destructive” policies advised by the IMF and World Bank.
The Assembly, warned, “We advise you to kill the proposed tax reform bill sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as it is evil, dangerous, anti-people, and anti-economic development, or we mobilize against any National Assembly member who supports the proposed bill, labeling them as “anti-Nigerians” and “agents of destruction.”