Arewa Youth Condemn Northern Governors’ Support For Tax Reforms

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum has strongly condemned the Northern Governors’ sudden volte-face on the national tax reform bills, describing it as a “betrayal of the trust” placed in them by the Northern people.
THE WHISTLER reports that the regional governors had initially opposed the reforms, citing concerns about their potential negative impact on the Northern economy.
However, on Thursday, governors, including those of the North, under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, endorsed the reforms without providing any clear explanation or concessions.
“We view this reversal as a betrayal of the trust placed in the governors by the Northern people.
“Their actions demonstrate a lack of respect for the electorate and a disregard for the long-term welfare of the people they are elected to serve,” said Yerima Shettima, President General of the AYCF, in a statement released to journalists in Kaduna on Friday.
In a manner suggesting that AYCF is backing the tax reforms, Shettima argued that the regional governors’ initial opposition to the tax reforms was flawed and lacked substance.
He said, “The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) vehemently condemns the recent volte-face by Northern Governors regarding the national tax reform bills. After generating needless controversy and misleading the public, these governors have inexplicably capitulated to the reforms.
“The AYCF, from the outset, has maintained that these reforms, despite potential short-term challenges, are essential for Nigeria’s overall development.
“We view the governors’ actions as a betrayal of the trust placed in them, a demonstration of their incompetence in managing their states’ affairs, and ultimately, a disservice to the Northern people.
“The Northern Governors initially presented a united front against the proposed tax reforms, citing concerns about their potential negative impact on the already struggling Northern economy. This stance, while arguably understandable given the region’s socio-economic challenges, was fundamentally flawed.
“Their arguments lacked substance and failed to acknowledge the vital role of robust taxation in funding essential public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“Instead of engaging constructively with the government to address specific concerns and negotiate amendments, they chose to employ divisive rhetoric, fuelling public unrest and hindering national progress.
“This approach reveals a lack of foresight and strategic planning, highlighting their failure to effectively represent the interests of their constituents.
“The sudden and unexplained shift in their position, without any apparent concessions or amendments achieved, casts serious doubt on their integrity and raises questions about the motives behind their initial opposition.”
In a manner suggesting that AYCF is backing the contentious tax, Shettima argued that the regional governors’ initial opposition to the tax reforms was flawed and lacked substance.
“They failed to acknowledge the vital role of robust taxation in funding essential public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure,” he said.
The AYCF, he said, believes that effective taxation is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
According to Shettima, the governors’ sudden volte-face on the tax reforms raises more questions than answers.
Shettima said, “We recognise that effective taxation is the cornerstone of a functioning and prosperous nation. While we acknowledge the need for sensitive implementation to minimise hardship, particularly amongst vulnerable populations, we firmly believe that the benefits of these reforms significantly outweigh any potential drawbacks.
“Increased tax revenue will allow the government to invest heavily in critical sectors, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Nigerians, including those in the North.
“The AYCF calls upon the Northern Governors to provide a clear and transparent explanation for their change of heart. The people deserve to know the reasons behind this abrupt shift and whether any concessions were made that would compromise the effectiveness of the tax reforms.”