BORNO State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has made clarification on his Tax Reform Bills statement, saying he only called for broader consultation on the proposed bill.
The governor also added that he is not against President Bola Tinubu’s tax policies.
Recall Zulum had alleged that only Lagos and Rivers states stand the chance of benefitting from Tinubu’s tax reform bills when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, adding that the position was based on research and calculations by northern governors.
He also explained why the northern governors advised President Tinubu to hold on before pushing the controversial bills.
“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 concluded that we would lose,” Zulum had said.
But in a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum said he only advocated for “Consultation, which is a cardinal principle in any democratic society.”
“We need to take the time to understand the nuances of the bill and ensure all contentious areas are addressed before implementation,” he added.
The governor expressed particular concern over the provision that allocates 60% of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue based on derivation.
“The VAT provision, as currently proposed, suggests that only a few states will benefit significantly,” Governor Zulum explained. “This is why we should not rush the process. The goal is to ensure fairness and inclusivity in our tax reforms.”
Governor Zulum also advised that contentious aspects of the bill that could hinder national growth and development should be amended, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
Zulum dismissed insinuations suggesting he is opposed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and tax policies.
He clarified that his comments were intended to advocate only for a more inclusive approach to the proposed bill and not undermine Tinubu’s tax policies.
“There is a misconception that the North is against the President,” Zulum said. “This is far from the truth. The North contributed 60.2% of his votes, which underscores our support. My appeal to the President is to consider the challenges faced by some states and work towards solutions that benefit the entire country.”
On agricultural development, Governor Zulum highlighted his administration’s investments in modern irrigation farming, aimed at boosting food production in areas like Damasak, Baga, and other parts of Borno State.
“By the end of my tenure, Borno will be a net exporter of crops such as rice, wheat, sorghum, and maize,” he said.
He revealed that 16 kilometers of rice fields had been cultivated in Damasak, an area once severely impacted by insurgency.
“This progress was made possible through government support and collaboration with the military, resulting in a bumper harvest this year,” Zulum added.
He acknowledged the Federal Government’s provision of inputs and fertilizers, which further bolstered agricultural activities.
Zulum expressed gratitude to the military, Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), hunters, vigilantes, and the resilient people of Borno State for their efforts in restoring peace.
“Insurgency in Borno has reduced by about 90%,” he remarked. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and gallantry of our security forces and the unwavering spirit of our citizens.”