fbpx
Connect with us

News

Ambition or Betrayal? Senator Barau Jibrin’s Role in Tax Reform Bill

Published

2 weeks ago

on

 

Garba Ubale

The Senate’s passage of the controversial tax reform bill past its second reading has sparked widespread discontent, particularly regarding Senator Barau Jibrin’s role in the process. Many view his actions as a betrayal, raising concerns about his commitment to the interests of Northern Nigeria and the masses at large. The events at the Senate plenary on Wednesday and Thursday laid bare the deep divisions between senators prioritizing public welfare and those seemingly driven by personal ambitions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a known master strategist, has a reputation for using political surrogates to achieve his goals. In this case, Senator Barau played the role of Tinubu’s stooge, pushing the contentious tax reform bill forward despite vocal opposition from Senator Ali Ndume, who stood firm in defense of the people’s interests. Barau’s actions raise the specter of manipulation, where loyalty to political benefactors outweighs allegiance to the electorate.

Senator Ali Ndume’s lone battle on behalf of the masses highlighted the glaring contrast between the two senators. Ndume epitomized principled leadership, rejecting policies that would exacerbate the plight of Nigerians. Meanwhile, Barau aligned himself with an agenda many view as anti-people. The question looms: Is Barau willing to sacrifice the North’s interests for personal political gain?

Barau’s actions bring to mind the infamous third-term agenda during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. Then, influential Northern senators like Nasiru Ibrahim Mantu, Omar Abubakar Hambagda, and Jonathan Zwingina were instrumental in pushing the agenda, only to face public disgrace when the ploy failed. Barau risks treading the same path, where short-term gains lead to long-term repercussions. History teaches us that betraying one’s people for political expediency often ends in disgrace and irrelevance.

#

Speculation abounds that Barau’s support for the tax reform bill is tied to his ambitions to run for governor in Kano State. By aligning with Tinubu’s administration, Barau appears to be securing favor and resources for his future campaign. However, such political maneuvering comes at a high cost. The tax reform bill, widely regarded as an anti-masses policy, threatens to deepen the financial burdens on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardships. Barau’s willingness to prioritize his ambitions over the welfare of his constituents is a troubling indication of his political ethos.

This episode underscores a recurring theme in Nigerian politics: the North often sabotages its own interests. Barau’s actions are a stark reminder of this reality. By championing policies that undermine the economic well-being of the region, he has joined the ranks of Northern leaders who prioritize personal gain over collective progress. His betrayal is likened to selling the North for a “pot of porridge”—a short-sighted decision that will have lasting consequences for his people.

If it were Senate President Godswill Akpabio leading the charge for this tax reform bill, the narrative would likely have been different. Akpabio’s Southern roots and the optics of his leadership would have been scrutinized in ways Barau seems to have escaped. This double standard reveals an uncomfortable truth: the North’s political elite often fail to hold their own accountable, paving the way for continued exploitation and marginalization.

Senator Barau Jibrin’s actions in advancing the tax reform bill highlight a disturbing trend in Nigerian politics, where personal ambition supersedes public service. His role as a willing tool for Tinubu’s agenda casts doubt on his loyalty to his constituents and raises questions about his suitability for higher office. As Northern Nigeria grapples with poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment, leaders like Barau must be held accountable for their actions. The people deserve representatives who will stand firm against policies that harm the masses, not those who sell out their region for political expediency.

Garba Ubale Kankarofi wrote this piece from Kano – Nigeria

Related Topics:

News

President Tinubu Appoints Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as Acting Accountant General of the Federation

Published

5 hours ago

on

December 10, 2024

By

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF). This appointment will take effect immediately following the pre-retirement leave of the current AGF, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.

In a statement released by the Presidency, it was announced that Ogunjimi’s appointment is part of President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to ensure continuity and efficiency in the nation’s financial management. “YORUBA LOKAN: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation,” the statement read.

Mr. Ogunjimi, a seasoned financial expert, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has previously served in various capacities within the Ministry of Finance, demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency and accountability in public financial management. His appointment is expected to bolster the government’s efforts to enhance fiscal discipline and improve the management of public funds.

Dr. Madein, the outgoing AGF, has been commended for her service and contributions to the nation’s financial sector. Her tenure saw significant reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s financial management systems. “Her leadership has been instrumental in driving key financial reforms, and her legacy will continue to influence the sector positively,” the statement noted.

The transition is expected to be smooth, with Ogunjimi taking over the reins to continue the implementation of ongoing financial reforms. “His appointment will take effect immediately after the pre-retirement leave of the current Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein,” the statement confirmed.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ogunjimi’s ability to lead the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) effectively. “Mr. Ogunjimi’s extensive experience and dedication to public service make him well-suited for this critical role,” the President remarked.

The appointment has been well-received by stakeholders in the financial sector, who anticipate that Ogunjimi’s leadership will bring about further improvements in the management of the nation’s finances. “We look forward to continued progress under his stewardship,” a senior official in the Ministry of Finance commented.

 

#

Continue Reading

News

3 Brigade team wins Nigerian Navy logistics college sports competition

Published

6 hours ago

on

December 10, 2024

By

 

The 3rd Brigade Nigerian Army Team (3 Stallion) on Monday emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 Nigerian Navy Logistics College Sports Week in Kano.

The event, which was held at the Nigerian Navy Logistics College in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government featured teams from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Police, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The competition featured various sports such as football, volleyball, basketball, scrabble, chess, badminton, table tennis, tug-of-war, and track and field athletics.

This paper reports that at the conclusion of the competition, Three Stallion secured the top spot with an impressive haul of 10 gold, six silver, and four bronze medals.

Speaking at the event, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Tukur, Commander of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, expressed pride in the athletes’ perseverance, exceptional performance, and dedication.

He assured them of the Brigade’s continued support and presented a token of appreciation in recognition of their achievement.

Tukur also commended other participants for their performance and sportsmanship.

He further lauded the Nigerian Navy for organizing the competition.

#
Continue Reading

News

Minimum Wage: Kano Water Board Staff Embark on Indefinite Strike

Published

6 hours ago

on

December 10, 2024

By

 

Kano State Water Board staff have embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.

The Chairman of the Kano State Water Board Union, Comrade Najib Abdussalam, stated this during a chat with Nigerian Tracker.

Comrade Najib said all parastatals in Kano have received their minimum wage, with the exception of Kano Water Board staff. As such, they are embarking on the indefinite strike.

Comrade Najib added that they entered into an agreement with the Managing Director of the board, Engineer Ahmad Garba Bichi, to delay the payment in order to effect it on the 20th of December. However, they just woke up today and saw the old minimum wage.

When asked about the fact that Kano Water Board is a revenue-generating agency and there is no tariff water review, there is a way for the government to help them have the salary before the tariff review, but to no avail.

Comrade Najib added that if they are to wait to be paid the minimum wage from the revenue they generate, the majority of Kano residents are not consuming water from the Kano State Water Board.

 

#

Continue Reading

Trending