•Ibrahim Shekarau
A former Kano State governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, and some elite members of the League of Northern Democrats, today, announced that they have set up a technical committee to review the four tax reform bills before the National Assembly.
The move was revealed in a statement issued in Abuja by the league spokesman, Ladan Salihu.
In the past few weeks, the controversial bills have pitched the 36 state governors against the federal government, with the former calling for the withdrawal of the bills to create room for more consultation.
In the same vein, Borno Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum caused a stir two days ago when he called on his colleagues and Northern stakeholders to reject the bills, insisting that the bills will damage the region’s economy if implemented.
Similarly, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called for transparency and fairness in the ongoing review of the tax reform bills.
But Salihu explained that the position of the LND was taken following the outrage and allegations that have continued to trail the introduction of the bills.
The League spokesman who identified the committee members as Northern experts in law, accounting, legislation and academia, stated that they have been given one week to conclude a comprehensive review of the bills.
The statement partly read, “At the conclusion of its assignment, the committee will publicly present its findings in an electronic and tabular format, effectively communicating its recommendations to policymakers, legislators, the media and the Nigerian public.
“The LND assures the public of our confidence in the committee’s ability to produce thorough and well-reasoned recommendations. These will aim to maximize benefits for all Nigerians, ensuring that the tax reforms support sustainable development and equitable economic growth across the nation.
“We urge Nigerians to stay tuned for LND’s public presentation, which will provide clear insights into the bills and our proposed policy position. The League of Northern Democrats remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for policies that foster justice, prosperity and unity in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
The League of Northern Democrats was convened in early 2024 by an elder statesman, Dr Umar Ardo.
After it was launched at an event attended by critical Northern elites in Abuja, the group appointed Shekarau as its protem chairman and former House of Reps member, Emmanuel Jime as secretary amongst other eminent Northern Nigerians.
The League also invited a one-time Military Governor of Kwara State, Lieutenant General Alwali Kazir; a former Chief of Army Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (retd) and former Vice President Namadi Sambo into its fold.
