The Northern Redemption Coalition (NRC) has expressed strong disapproval of Borno South Senator Ali Ndume’s stance against the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly.
The proposed tax reforms include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill—which aims to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS)—and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
Northern leaders, including traditional rulers and members of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF), have voiced their opposition to the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, claiming it could further impoverish the northern region.
During a recent interview, Ndume asserted that the proposed bills are “dead on arrival” and urged the National Assembly to reject them outright.
He argued that the Federal Government should focus on alleviating the tax burden on Nigerians rather than increasing it. “If things continue this way, these bills will indeed be dead on arrival. We should let people live before imposing taxes on them,” he stated.
Ndume emphasized that while Nigerians are open to paying taxes, it must be when they are financially capable. “Currently, the people are struggling to survive. Let them live first before asking for taxes,” he added.
He insisted that the Tinubu administration needs reforms that do not impose additional tax burdens on citizens.
In response to Ndume’s remarks, NRC President Comrade Adamu Bashir cautioned the senator against overstating his political influence and support base. Bashir contended that Ndume’s opinions do not reflect the sentiments of Nigerians regarding the tax bills.
“It is leaders like Ndume who have failed to advance the North, leading to a fear of the tax bills, which President Tinubu has shown can revitalize the economy,” Bashir stated.
He criticized Ndume for failing to advocate effectively for his constituents during his years in the Senate, suggesting that his populist rhetoric does not align with the pressing realities faced by the North.
Bashir also pointed out that Ndume’s stance perpetuates a false narrative about the North being lazy or entitled. “For clarification, the North is not resistant to the new tax bills. Rather, it fears leaders like Ndume, who fail to promote wealth distribution, build educational facilities for our youth, and empower vulnerable women.”
He concluded by suggesting that the constituents of Borno South Senatorial District may soon recognize the need to recall Ndume, as he has consistently undermined their interests in favor of his populist image.
