Tax reform bill will cause socioeconomic crisis –Northern Elders

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has expressed strong opposition to the Tax Reform Bill, describing it as a policy “conceived in bad faith” that could jeopardize Nigeria’s unity.

The forum, in a communiqué issued on Saturday, November 23, after its Board of Trustees’ second bi-annual meeting in Abuja, criticized the bill’s implementation process, accusing its proponents of sidelining critical stakeholders, including members of the National Economic Council.

Professor Ango Abdullahi, the convener of NEF, warned against policies that could marginalize the North’s resource potential, emphasizing the region’s importance to national stability.

“The meeting seriously maintained that, in its present form, the Tax Reform Bill is conceived in bad faith, poorly packaged and it is a palpable threat to our unity and national cohesion,” the communiqué read.

The NEF also questioned the manner in which the bill was introduced, suggesting ulterior motives behind its promotion.

“The meeting proceeded by drawing attention to the brazen cavalier way and suspicious manner in which the Tax Reform Bill was imposed on the nation, without allowing the in-puts of critical stakeholders, even as it kept members of the National Economic Council in the dark, thus; confirming the sinister intentions of those promoting this outrageous Bill.”

The forum commended the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers for opposing the bill, describing their stance as “patriotic.” It also urged Northern politicians in the National Assembly to break their silence on the matter and protect the region’s interests.

The Board-in-session, condemned in very strong terms, the conspicuous loss of voice on this burning issue by the overwhelming number of elected politicians in the National Assembly from the region, and fiercely warned, that indeed, the days are fast gone when such conspiratorial connivance against the vital and strategic interest of the region, either by those within or outside the region, would not be condoned or even tolerated,” the NEF added.

The forum called on Northerners to remain vigilant in safeguarding their rights, particularly during elections, and to resist manipulation by unscrupulous leaders.

It concluded with a warning against the adoption of policies that could further deepen the country’s existing divides, urging all stakeholders to prioritize fairness and inclusivity in national policymaking.