Northern Group Attacks Senator Monguno for Not Endorsing Ndume in Tax Reform Bills

Southern Borno Concerned Citizens (SBCCs), a non-political organization, has expressed its surprise and displeasure with Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC Borno North) for endorsing the contentious Tax Reform Bills that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted to the National Assembly.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>

The proposed bills, namely the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill (which aims to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act with the Nigeria Revenue Service), and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, have already passed the second reading in the National Assembly.

These bills have faced criticism from prominent bodies, including the Nigerian Governors Forum, the National Economic Council, the North East Governors Forum chaired by Governor Babagana Zulum, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC Borno South), and several senators, who argue that the reforms are detrimental to the public and could exacerbate economic hardship.

Senator Monguno, the Chief Whip, has defended the bills during plenary, asserting that they aim to alleviate economic and tax burdens for Nigerians. He highlighted exemptions from Value Added Tax (VAT) for essential sectors such as food, education, electricity, and pharmaceutical companies as key benefits. However, this position has drawn the ire of SBCCs and other stakeholders.

The National Chairman and Spokesperson of SBCCs, Comrade Bulama Sawa, released a statement in Maiduguri commending President Tinubu for his efforts in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda through measures such as the removal of fuel subsidies, currency reforms, and improvements to the business climate. Nevertheless, Sawa criticized Senator Monguno for backing the controversial bills, describing his support as a betrayal of his constituents and Nigerians, as reported by Vanguard.

Sawa praised Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume for his consistent opposition to the Tax Reform Bills during plenary debates. He also commended other senators, including Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN) of Borno Central, Abdul Ningi (PDP Bauchi Central), and traditional leaders, for their resistance to the bills.

The group’s statement highlighted widespread opposition to the bills from various forums, including the Nigerian Governors Forum, North East Governors Forum, traditional rulers, and the Area Consultative Forum (ACF). SBCCs expressed concerns that the reforms, if passed, would compound the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

In his statement, Sawa urged President Tinubu to reconsider the bills, emphasizing the adverse implications for ordinary Nigerians. He reiterated that many stakeholders view the proposed legislation as an additional burden rather than a solution.

Governor Zulum has also criticized the hasty approach to passing the bills. In a recent BBC Hausa interview, he called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to reconsider their stance, stressing that 60% of the votes that brought Tinubu to power came from the North, where economic hardships are particularly severe.

The SBCCs concluded by calling for more inclusive and people-oriented reforms, emphasizing that public welfare should be prioritized over fiscal measures that may further strain struggling Nigerians.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>