*Arewa Group abandons VP, Govs, natural rulers
By Abbanobi-Eku Onyekachi,
Abuja
There appears to be a major crack in Arewa’s opposition to the Tax Reform Bills as the Northern Coalition Group, a political pressure group stormed the National Assembly on Tuesday urging federal lawmakers to pass the Bills into law.
The Arewa (north) group in a peaceful protest, has clearly made its stand clear, saying that it has thrown its weight behind the Bills.
Their endorsement comes amidst controversy surrounding the bills, with some lawmakers from the North opposing the proposed legislation.
Speaking at a peaceful protest in front of the National Assembly complex in Abuja, the Chairman of the group, Malam Tijani Kabiru Mohammed, reiterated on the need for the federal lawmakers from the 19 northern states to support and ensure the speedy passage of the bills.
Mohammed argued that the Tax Reform Bills are necessary to address the decadence in the country’s tax system.
“For so long, we have lived on a tax system that has not produced anything good or meaningful for this nation. We from the North are totally in support of these bills,” he said.
The group’s endorsement is a significant boost to the bills, which have been opposed by some lawmakers from the North, led by Senator Ali Ndume. Ndume has called for the immediate withdrawal of the bills for further consultation, citing opposition from the Governors Forum and traditional rulers.
However, Mohammed advised those opposing the bills to reconsider their stand and look into the bills again to ensure their passage.
The group said it plans to canvass support for the tax reform bills across all 19 northern states.
The rally specifically applauded Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, also a northerner for supporting the Bills and warned those criticizing Senator Barau over his stance on the Bills.
According to the youths, Senator Barau’s leadership and vision for the country are exemplary, and his support for the Tax Reform Bills is a testament to his commitment to the nation’s economic development.
The youths maintained that Senator Barau’s support for the bills is in the best interest of the country and the Northern region in particular.
The rally was peaceful, with the youths carrying placards and banners praising Senator Barau and urging him to remain steadfast in his support for the Tax Reform Bills.
Senator Barau, who was not present at the rally, was said to have expressed his appreciation to the youths for their support and solidarity.
The Tax Reform Bills aim to overhaul the country’s tax system and increase revenue generation. While some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the bills, others argue that they are necessary to address the country’s economic challenges.
Even the National Economic Council, chaired by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, himself a northerner had rejected the Bills and called for their withdrawal but President Bola Tinubu ignored his deputy and insisted that the Bills should be passed.
