The North Central Citizens Council (NCCC), yesterday, declared its support for Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, amid the ongoing debate on the tax reform bills.

The group expressed solidarity with Mohammed?s call for President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the controversial bill, warning that the North might be compelled to ?show its true colour? if their concerns were ignored.

Also, the Kano State government said the tax reform bill is not the solution to the country?s economic challenges, insisting that his state stands firmly against any policy that negatively affects the welfare of our people.

However, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) strongly condemned the recent threats issued by the Presidency against the Bauchi governor, following his remarks on the proposed tax reform bills.

It slammed the response from the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, describing it as unjust and dismissive.

The NCCC Coordinator, Mohammed Eneji, in a statement, yesterday, emphasised that the governor?s remarks reflected the sentiments of the average Northerner, particularly in the North Central region, disproportionately affected by the administration?s economic policies.

The council urged the Presidency to view Mohammed?s comments as a constructive warning rather than a threat, emphasising that frustration among citizens was rising due to harsh economic conditions.

Eneji said: ?We hereby show our solidarity and support to Governor Bala Mohammed from the North Central Zone. These tax reforms are anti-people. The government cannot continue to borrow with nothing to show for it. This is the position of our council.

?Governor Mohammed has the right to speak for his people as a governor, who forms a subnational under the Tinubu-led government, and as such deserves to be heard. Instead of Sunday Dare calling his comments a threat, the government should rather listen to the voice of reasoning, which is the voice of the general North.?

The group urged the Federal Government to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASC) to perform at full capacity, develop other solid mineral resources in the entire northern region, open all our land borders so that the region can be open for business again, and develop all the sea and dry ports and so on.

It added, ?If all of the above is put into consideration, then the region may be ready to accept any form of reform about our tax system and the government will be seen as being just to all regions in Nigeria.?

THE Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, strongly expressed opposition to the proposed tax reform bills before the National Assembly. Yusuf, who spoke through his Deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, declared the government?s position during the New Year celebration at the Filin Mahaha, Kofar Naisa open theatre.

A statement issued by the deputy governor?s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Shu?aibu, lauded the resilience of Kano residents amid economic challenges, describing the proposed tax hike as ?ill-timed, lopsided and inimical to the unity of the country. Nigerians in general, and the North in particular are growing under hyperinflation and unprecedented insecurity; therefore, the Presidency should pay more attention to tackling extreme poverty and hunger, especially in the northern part of the country.?

The National Coordinator of CNG, Jamilu Charanchi, in a statement, yesterday, emphasised that Mohammed?s remarks were made in good faith within a democratic framework and represented the legitimate concerns of his constituents.

Charanchi said: ?We find it significant to remind all and sundry that Governor Mohammed?s comments were completely acceptable and constructive in a democratic system that encourages dialogic conversations, which he made in the spirit of advocating the welfare of Bauchi and the broader Northern region.?

?His statement, ?We will show President Tinubu our true colour,? was a call for sincere and constructive dialogue with the Federal Government, not a threat.?

According to him, Mohammed?s remarks echo the frustrations and concerns of countless Nigerians who believe that the tax reforms must not be implemented in an unjust, divisive manner and deliberately skewed to favour a few states over the majority.

The group urged Tinubu to prioritise addressing the country?s economic and security challenges, instead of resorting to personal attacks and dismissive rhetoric.

It added, ?The CNG stands resolutely behind Governor Mohammed on this issue of tax reform and his unwavering dedication to the needs and interests of his people, exercising his constitutional freedom. For any democracy to thrive, open and honest dialogue is essential for achieving meaningful progress and fostering national cohesion.

?We assert that if the Presidency harbours no ulterior motives in response to constructive criticism, it should engage with Governor Mohammed and other leaders in a manner that promotes mutual understanding and collaboration to refine the bills for the betterment of the Nigerian people.? (The Guardian, excluding headline)

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