Ex Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, and some notable northern elites who are members of the League of Northern Democrats, have on Friday, disclosed that they have set up a technical committee to review the four tax reform bills before the National Assembly.
This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja by the league spokesman, Ladan Salihu.
FUSION CHRONICLES NIGERIA NEWSPAPER recalled that the past few weeks, the controversial bills have placed the 36 state governors against the Federal Government, with the former calling for the withdrawal of the bills to create room for more consultation.
The Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum triggered the hit two days ago when he called on his colleagues and Northern stakeholders to reject the bills, maintaining that the bills will damage the region’s economy if implemented.
It could be recalled that former Vice President, and the People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has called for transparency and fairness in the ongoing review of the tax reform bills.
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.
He further explained that the committee members as Northern experts in law, accounting, legislation and academia, have 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.
It was gathered that 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.
