The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) has issued a scathing open letter to Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Deputy Senate President and representative of Kano North Senatorial District, accusing him of betraying the interests of Kano State and Northern Nigeria. The letter, signed by leaders from the 19 Northern States, criticizes Jibrin for his support of a tax reform bill proposed by the Tinubu administration, which they claim will disproportionately harm the North.
The letter begins by expressing the assembly’s unequivocal disappointment in Jibrin’s actions, accusing him of manipulating the legislative process to support the passage of the tax reform bill. “Your shameful act of manipulating your way to systematically support the passage of the proposed evil tax reform bill put forth by the Tinubu administration is the highest order of your insensitivity to the economic and commercial plight of your constituency, Kano State, and the entire Northern Nigeria,” the letter states.
The Northern Youth Assembly argues that the proposed tax reform bill, in its current form, would disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of the people in the North. “Our disappointment is more on your dictatorial attitude at the senate plenary to impose your opinion and self-serving interest on behalf of your political God-fathers,” the letter continues, accusing Jibrin of prioritizing his political ambitions over the welfare of his constituents.
The assembly highlights the critical issues facing the North, such as acute electricity shortages, rampant insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and poor infrastructure. They argue that Jibrin’s support for the tax reform bill will exacerbate these problems. “It is very practical that the North faces a barrage of critical issues, but you have yet resolved to lead the war of further destroying the little prospects left of the North,” the letter asserts.
The letter also reminds Jibrin of his duty to address the development challenges facing his region through effective legislative engagement. “It would be wiser and more beneficial for you to prioritize your focus towards championing the course of alleviating the pressing socio-economic challenges ravaging the people in the North,” the assembly advises.
The Northern Youth Assembly concludes by warning Jibrin that they are committed to fighting against the tax reform bill and exposing those who support it. “We are committed to fight this course with our last drop of blood and to expose you and your likes, who are ready to auction the North and its future,” the letter declares.
The letter is signed by various representatives from the 19 Northern States, including Usman Alhaji Musa (Yobe State), Sulaiman Idris Yusuf (Kano State), and Aminu Shehu (Jigawa State), among others.
