Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has dismissed claims of animosity towards President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the contentious tax reform bills, insisting that his concerns stem from a need for equitable policy outcomes.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Zulum reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while reiterating his reservations about the proposed tax reforms currently under review in the House of Representatives.
“If you count two governors who have supported Tinubu consistently from 2019 to 2023, you can mention me, Prof Zulum,” the governor stated. “I was the first governor to publicly advocate for power to shift to the South. About 60.2% of his votes came from the North. There are misconceptions about this tax issue. We are only asking for deeper consultation, not rejecting his policies.”
The proposed tax bills have stirred tensions between the Federal Government and state governors, with Zulum calling for their temporary suspension to address concerns about their potential impact on regional economies.
“We are not against the President or his administration,” Zulum said. “Our calculations show that if these reforms are passed into law, only Lagos will benefit significantly. Why the rush? Let’s pause and consult widely. This isn’t about opposition but about fairness in a democracy.”
Zulum disclosed that consultations with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Lagos State’s tax team revealed even Lagos had reservations about the reforms.
“Lagos admitted they would lose under this scheme, so why push it through so hastily? The North, Southeast, South-South, and even parts of the Southwest will face severe economic setbacks. These are the issues we want addressed,” he explained.
The Borno governor emphasised the need to balance regional interests, warning that the reforms could exacerbate inequality.
“This is not a dictatorship; we’re in a democracy,” he noted. “We need to examine these bills thoroughly. Most of the revenues will go to Lagos. That’s not equitable for other regions. Let’s take the time to get it right.”
Zulum’s concerns echo those of other northern leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has called for transparency in the reform process. The governor stressed that opposition to the bills should not be misconstrued as disloyalty to Tinubu but rather as a call for inclusive governance.
“Democracy thrives on consultation,” Zulum concluded. “This is about ensuring the reforms work for all Nigerians, not just a select few.”
