The Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum has alleged that it is only Lagos State that would benefit from the controversial Tax Reform Bills once they are passed into law.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Zulum noted that Northern governors have advised President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the bills and give parties involved time to consult on the issues so far raised.
He also expressed worry over the speed and rush for the passage of the bills that have raised concerns among governors especially those from the northern region of the country.
He said, “On this tax issue, there are a lot of misconceptions. We felt that the VAT provision in the tax law. Based on the calculations that we did, only Lagos and Rivers States will benefit from this scheme. We did our own research and conclude that we would lose.
“Why are we in a rush? We advised the Federal Government to take a pause, and expunge some of the clauses that are inimical to not only Northern Nigeria,” the Borno State governor state.
He added that should the law be passed only Lagos will become a major beneficiary will other states would be shortchanged massively.
He also said that it is unfortunate that many people are passing negative narrative that the north is against Tinubu’s government.
He added, “I am a strong member of APC. If you can count two governors before 2019 and 2023 that were in support of Tinubu, you can mention Governor Zulum. I was the first governor to come out publicly and say that power must go to the South.
“Unfortunately, the President was told by many that the north are against him. 60.2 per cent of his votes came from the north,” Zulum said.