According to Reports, The administration of President Bola Tinubu has reiterated its call for support for the controversial tax reform bills while urging state governors to adopt innovative strategies to improve investments in their states....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
The presidency emphasized the potential benefits of the bills and dismissed criticisms, particularly from Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, as lacking depth.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, issued a statement on Wednesday addressing the concerns and highlighting the expected gains from the reforms.
Governor Zulum had publicly criticized the tax reform bills, arguing that they are designed to disproportionately benefit Lagos and Rivers states while leaving northern states at a disadvantage. Speaking during an interview on a Channels TV program on Sunday, Zulum said his position was based on research and calculations conducted by northern governors.
He contended that the reforms failed to adequately address the diverse economic realities of different regions in Nigeria.
In response, Ajayi countered Zulum’s claims, suggesting that the governor may not have fully analyzed the bills’ content and potential. Ajayi stated that human beings naturally resist change, especially when it involves stepping out of their comfort zones.
He argued that the reforms, though challenging, represent a necessary step toward improving the nation’s fiscal framework and empowering states to generate more revenue.
“Human beings naturally resist change,” the statement read. “When comfortable where we are, we find it extremely difficult to embrace an uncharted path or seek greater glory. Those who are risk-averse often don’t want to venture out to embrace unfamiliar territories, no matter how tempting the possible reward may appear.”
Ajayi also urged state governors to adopt a more open-minded approach to the proposed reforms, suggesting that their success hinges on strategic implementation at the state level.
He highlighted that the tax reforms were not designed to benefit specific states but rather to provide a sustainable framework for increased revenue generation and equitable development across the country.
The presidency’s statement further called on stakeholders to rise above regional biases and focus on the broader national interest. Ajayi stressed the need for collaboration among federal and state governments to unlock the full potential of the tax reforms.
He maintained that the Tinubu administration is committed to creating a balanced and inclusive fiscal system that benefits all Nigerians, regardless of their state of residence.
The controversy surrounding the tax reform bills has underscored the longstanding challenges of balancing regional interests within Nigeria’s federal system. While some see the reforms as an opportunity to address structural inefficiencies, others remain skeptical about their implementation and fairness.
As the debate continues, the presidency’s appeal for dialogue and innovative thinking serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration in navigating complex national issues.
The statement reads in part; “Human beings naturally resist change. When comfortable where we are, we find it extremely difficult to embrace an uncharted path or seek greater glory.
Those who are risk averse often don’t want to venture out to embrace unfamiliar territories no matter how tempting the possible reward may appear. We should not, however, be so imprisoned by the fear of the unknown not to explore new possibilities because we find our present circumstances satisfying enough.…..For More READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
