President Bola Tinubu has said he “expressed appreciation” towards the Nigeria Governor’s Forum after their endorsement of the four tax reform bills while the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has accused the Northern governors of betraying the trust of the Northern people, mismanaging public perception, and failing to adequately represent their constituents’ interests.
A statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy reads, “President Bola Tinubu expresses his appreciation for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
“President Tinubu lauds the governors for their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide, transcending regional, ethnic, and political barriers to advance Nigeria’s development.
“Thursday’s productive consultation between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments.
“The President notes that the dialogue between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform highlights the power of constructive conversation in resolving differences.
“President Tinubu regards the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and affirms his commitment to partnering with them to promote economic growth, national harmony, peace and stability.”
In the statement, the President further urged stakeholders “with ideas and suggestions for refining the Tax Bills to engage with the ongoing legislative process at the National Assembly.”
Meanwhile, in a swift reaction to the governor’s endorsement of the four tax reform bills, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has accused the Northern governors of betraying the trust of the Northern people, mismanaging public perception, and failing to adequately represent their constituents’ interests for accepting Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills.
Arewa Youths in a statement released by its President General, Yerima Shettima, on Friday strongly criticised the Northern governors for their sudden change on the national tax reform bills noting that the governors had initially opposed the reforms, arguing they would harm the Northern economy.
AYCF statement maintained that “Their (governors’) arguments lacked substance and failed to acknowledge the vital role of robust taxation in funding essential public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure,
“Increased tax revenue will enable the government to invest in critical sectors, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians,
“Rather than addressing these pressing issues, the governors chose to focus on the tax reform debate as a distraction tactic,” with “misleading rhetorics”
The statement further said, “This manipulation undermines the democratic process and erodes public confidence in leadership,
“The hasty surrender to the tax reform bills without meaningful engagement or a transparent explanation constitutes a disservice to the North and a betrayal of the public’s trust,”
AYCF’s has always express frustrations with the Northern Governors’ handling of critical issues thereby demanding accountability and good governance that prioritises long-term development over political expediency.
