Zulum dares Tinubu, vows to rally northern lawmakers against president’s tax reform bills

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has declared his intention to mobilize northern lawmakers against President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Zulum criticized the bills as detrimental to the northern region’s economy, warning that their implementation would increase poverty, hunger, and hardship across the north.

Zulum expressed concern over the rapid pace at which the proposed legislation is being pushed through the National Assembly.

He said the reforms favour Lagos State, Tinubu’s political stronghold, at the expense of the economically vulnerable north.

The governor reminded the president of the pivotal role the north played in vting him during the 2023 presidential election.

“He should not ignore our concerns and the rumours that the north is not in his favour,” Zulum said.

Zulum also raised alarms about potential backroom dealings that might sway lawmakers to support the reforms.

“What we fear is that some lawmakers might secretly support the bills, and politicians might bribe or persuade their members to vote for them,” he said.