The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has accused Northern governors of betraying the trust of their people by endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills. The group criticized the governors for failing to protect the interests of the Northern region and accused them of political expediency over effective leadership.
The tax reform bills, championed by Tinubu’s administration, have sparked nationwide debate. Prominent Northern figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, have raised concerns about the potential socioeconomic impact on the North. The region already faces significant challenges, including widespread poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
Amid this opposition, pressure from Northern lawmakers and governors led the House of Representatives to indefinitely suspend the debate on the bill. However, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) surprised many by throwing its support behind the tax reforms. Following a meeting with the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, the NGF recommended an “equitable” VAT-sharing formula and endorsed the continuation of the legislative process.
In a statement issued Friday, AYCF President General Yerima Shettima strongly criticized the Northern governors for reversing their earlier opposition to the tax bills. According to the group, the governors initially argued that the reforms would harm the Northern economy but later abandoned this stance without providing tangible solutions.
“Their initial arguments lacked depth and failed to address the region’s pressing economic challenges. This abrupt reversal casts serious doubt on their integrity and motives,” the AYCF said.
The group highlighted the importance of taxation in funding critical public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. While acknowledging the need for reforms to be implemented with sensitivity, particularly for vulnerable populations, the AYCF argued that the long-term benefits of the reforms outweigh the short-term drawbacks.
“Increased tax revenue will empower the government to invest in critical sectors, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians,” the statement continued. The AYCF accused the governors of lacking foresight and prioritizing political distractions over meaningful governance.
The forum also linked the governors’ handling of the tax reform debate to broader governance failures in the Northern region. Persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and lack of basic amenities were described as symptoms of poor leadership, corruption, and ineffective resource management.
“Rather than addressing these urgent issues, the governors chose to exploit the tax reform debate as a diversion tactic,” the group alleged. The AYCF added that the governors’ sudden endorsement of the bills without securing amendments or concessions further demonstrated their incompetence.
The forum demanded a transparent explanation from the governors regarding their change of position. It criticized the “misleading rhetoric” used by the governors to influence public opinion, only for them to abandon their stance without justification.
“This manipulation undermines democracy and erodes public trust in leadership,” the statement said.
Reiterating its support for the tax reform bills, the AYCF described them as essential for Nigeria’s economic development. The group pledged to continue advocating for policies that promote sustainable growth and to hold leaders accountable for their actions.
“The governors’ hasty approval of the tax reform bills without meaningful engagement or transparency is a betrayal of public trust and a disservice to the Northern region,” the AYCF concluded.
The group’s strong criticism reflects growing frustration with the Northern governors’ approach to critical issues. It also underscores a broader call for leadership that prioritizes long-term development over political convenience.
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