Kano political critic and commentator Bashir Hayatu Gentile expressed sturdy opposition to Abdulmumini Jibrin Kofa, the consultant for Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency, over his latest assist for controversial tax reform payments launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Talking in a radio interview in Kano, Gentile referred to as Kofa’s stance a direct menace to the welfare of northern Nigeria.
“I urge Honorable Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso to distance himself from Abdulmumini Jibrin Kofa’s actions throughout the occasion,” Gentile acknowledged. “The NNPP has additionally distanced itself from Kofa’s actions, recognizing the potential points this might trigger.”
Gentile criticized Kofa’s assist of the tax proposals, warning it may result in hardship throughout the northern area.
“Kofa helps one thing that might devastate the north, resulting in widespread hardship. If this tax regulation passes, the north may face extreme difficulties.”
Gentile additionally warned that the tax regulation may disrupt regional unity and stability. “If enacted, this proposed tax regulation will undermine the north’s safety and unity, erasing any progress made,” he added.
He described Kofa’s determination as a betrayal of the north. “We condemn Kofa’s assist for this tax regulation, viewing it as an act in opposition to northern Nigeria,” he declared.
Kano Instances stories that Abdulmumin Jibrin urged the general public and stakeholders to method the proposed tax reform invoice with persistence and open-mindedness.
The payments have generated important controversy, assembly resistance from the northern a part of the nation, with the Nationwide Government Council additionally advising the president to withdraw the payments.
Jibrin Kofa expressed assist for the invoice, emphasizing that opposition from his area is commonly based mostly on misunderstandings and fast conclusions reasonably than a consensus view.
The lawmaker mentioned, “There’s a disaster of notion right here. Folks hear ‘tax reform’ and instantly assume it can negatively influence them with out ever taking the time really to overview the main points of the invoice. Lots of the critics haven’t even appeared on the invoice intently. President Tinubu is seen as a tax and revenue-focused individual, and due to that, whenever you hear discussions in regards to the invoice, individuals bounce to conclusions.
“I urge everybody, together with lawmakers, the media, and the general public, to have interaction with the precise content material of the invoice earlier than making judgments. It’s simple to imagine, however when you take a look at the invoice, you’ll see that it’s not about imposing new taxes on the frequent man. As a substitute, it addresses systemic points and proposes reforms that profit the broader society.”
