By Yakubu Salisu, Kano
The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) have kicked against the proposed tax reform bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration.
The leadership of the Assembly from the 19 Northern States of Nigeria unanimously believe that the proposal, in its current form, will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of the people.
This, they said is without taking into cognisance the current economic reality in the country, or any clear or potential benefits that may justify the impacts of the proposed bill on the lives of Nigerian citizens.
In an open letter signed by its President Dr. Ali Idris Mohammed, and the Secretary General Dr. Garba Abduljafiz, the Assembly rejects the bill on the basis of;
The proposed tax reforms threaten to impose a greater financial strain on low- and middle-income earning citizens, who already grapple with economic challenges.
Secondly, that the bill does not provide viable solutions for any of Nigeria’s most pressing issues: youth unemployment which the Northern region suffers from particularly with high rates.
Others include; Impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), lack of adequate Stakeholder Consultation as well as lack of Transparency and Accountability on Government Revenue and Spending.
They beseech all the National Assembly members, especially from Northern Nigerian extraction, to as a matter of urgency and in the interest of humanity, national interest and development, peace and tranquillity halt the bill immediately it is presented before them.
Adding that, Nigerians are already at the pinnacle of poverty, angry and frustrated, therefore are susceptible to all forms of action which may trigger their emotions.
“We are set to mobilize against any member of the National Assembly, especially those from the North, who supports the proposed Tinubu Tax Reform Bill, as we shall identify and tag them as anti – Nigerians and agents of destruction”, they warned.