It is evident that the proposed tax reform bill submitted to the National Assembly by the Presidency has sparked widespread criticism and opposition from various societal groups, including academia, professionals, civil society organizations, students, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders. This time, the dissent is not limited to the governed; several Nigerian governors have also openly expressed their lack of confidence in the bill. Some criticized it for being biased against certain regions, while others rejected it entirely, citing its lack of merit or suggesting it reached the Assembly through questionable procedures. This situation clearly signals significant tension and dissatisfaction.

Distinguished Parliamentarians,

As representatives of the people, you are entrusted with the critical responsibility of safeguarding their interests and ensuring just governance. While the Executive may have its agenda on issues of national importance, your duty is to uphold the rule of law and protect democratic ideals by prioritizing the needs and demands of your constituents.

Following a detailed analysis of public opinion on the proposed tax reform bill—which appears to have been widely rejected—we have identified the following concerns:

1. Lack of Merit: The bill fails to reflect a nationalistic approach and does not align with the principles of fairness and equity.

2. Economic Priorities: In light of the nation’s fragile economic state, the immediate focus should be on implementing bailout programs to stabilize the economy. Introducing additional taxation, particularly on personal income and value-added tax (VAT), is ill-timed and could exacerbate economic hardship.

3. Exclusion of Stakeholders: The bill was drafted without adequate input from professionals and the general public. As a key democratic institution, the National Assembly must ensure that inclusive decision-making processes are upheld. The lack of broader consultation at the Executive level before presenting the bill is a significant oversight that must be addressed.

4. Redistribution Formula in Section 77: The proposed redistribution formula, which allocates 60% of VAT ownership to states based on consumption location, contradicts existing laws that emphasize revenue distribution based on equality and population rather than consumption location.

We urge the National Assembly to remember its constitutional mandate to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. It must resist any form of bias, sectionalism, or divisive policies that could widen economic disparities among regions.

As a patriotic and law-abiding organization committed to Nigeria’s unity, the Arewa Dignity Advancement Initiative reaffirms its dedication to democratic ideals and the principles of fairness, equity, and natural justice.
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Signatures:

Baheejah Mahmood. Abdullahi. Bauchi State.
Chairperson

Hon Musa Ibrahim Bere. Kebbi State.

Hon Ibrahim Mohammed Adamawa State.

Comrade Abdullahi Wadata Isa Bauchi State.

Hon. Abubakar Muhammad. Kano State.
Secretary.

Our attention has been drawn to false and misleading reports circulating on social media regarding the wedding of our daughter, Maryam Nasir Ado Bayero, to Jibrin (Abba) Barau I Jibrin, the son of the Deputy President of the Senate.

These reports claim that the wedding has been relocated from Kano to Abuja due to tensions surrounding the Tax Reform Bills.

I, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba of Kano, wish to clearly state as follows, on behalf of the bride’s families;

* That the decision to change the location of our daughter’s wedding from Kano to Abuja was purely and solely the decision of our families and not that of our daughter’s would-be husband’s family – the Deputy President of the Senate. Based on our tradition, the responsibility of picking the venue or location of the wedding rests on the shoulders of the bride’s family.

* The relocation of the wedding venue, slated for Friday, 13th of December this year, from Kano to Abuja, has no connection with issues generated by the Tax Reform Bills.

* That the wedding was relocated from Kano to Abuja weeks ago to make it convenient for personalities who have indicated interest in attending the wedding from across the country and abroad..

Therefore, we urge all those linking the change of the location of our daughter’s wedding with the Tax Reform Bills issue to desist forthwith.

As we all know, marriage is a significant matter in our religion and is part of the Sunnah of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and it should not be politicised.

Signed:
Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi,
Sarkin Dawaki Babba of Kano
Chairman of the organising committee of the bride’s families
December 2, 2024

The State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Kano Command, Kazeem Sholadoye, has cautioned that failure to address climate change effectively could lead to a surge in fire incidents and floods.

He issued this warning during the 2nd Kano Fire Summit organized by the Federal Fire Service Kano Command in collaboration with Northwest University, held at the university’s City Campus.

Sholadoye emphasized the summit’s role as a platform to raise awareness, educate the public, and foster partnerships among key stakeholders in the fight against fire disasters.

“This summit is a platform to enhance awareness, educate the public, and strengthen collaborations among key stakeholders in the fight against fire disasters.”

The Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Prof. Atiku Kurawa, represented by Prof. Abubakar Garba, reiterated the institution’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle climate-related challenges.

He highlighted the university’s proactive efforts to educate students about climate change and disaster mitigation.

“At YUMSUK, we are doing our best to enlighten our students about climate change, its implications, and the steps they can take to contribute to a safer and more sustainable environment.”

The 2nd Fire Summit served as a clarion call for Nigerians to prioritize fire safety and disaster management amid the growing risks posed by climate change.

The event underscored the urgency of collective action to safeguard lives and property in an era of mounting environmental challenges.