☆☆☆Presidency Sways Public Opinion.
☆☆☆NAS caves In As Opposition Weakens.

• ☆☆☆Gov Zulum Denies Opposing Tinubu’s Administration
  By: Our Special Correspondent.
  Public discourse has been dominated by the prospects and disadvantages of four new bills, initiated by the presidency and submitted to the National Assembly for passage.
  In the Senate, the bills have controversially passed second reading and referred to the Senate Commuttee on Finance, for further legislative action.
  In the House of Representatives, however tempers are still flaring, as the leadership seems to have failed to Cajole members into accepting its passage.
  But feelers indicate that, despite the opposition mounted by key Northern figures and interest groups, against the four tax bills, they may still be passed.
  This, fact derives from an emergent narrative, from no less influential Northern voices and interest groups in favor of the four bills.
  Our. Correspondent reports that the presidency may have done her own homework by recruiting pundits and tax professionals to enter appearances on television and radio and to author newspaper columns arguing in favor of the bills.
  Trends in public discourse seem to counter earlier sentiments expressed by key Northern figures, that, the bills seek to estrange the northern region.
  Initial arguments suggest that, the North, may find herself locked in an “existential” threat, posed by a possible reduction in FAAC allocations, and disproportionate sharing of tax accruals if the bills, are passed.
  They also fear that the provissions of the bills could lead to the abolishment of certain agencies, from which the region enjoys comparative favors.
  Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and many others have been in the forefront of arguments against the bills.
  They separately re-echoed earlier positions canvassed by the Northern Elders Forum, the Northetn Governors Forum, and the National Economic Council, all of which called for the withdrawal of the bills.
  All three bodies had argued that the bills were ill timed, and wider consultations are required to allow their passage.
  But proponents of the bills on their parts argue that the fears being expressed are misplaced, stressing that Nigeria’s tax administration is flawed and at variance with global best practices.
  The arguments for and against are coming at a time the two chambers of the National Assembly are sharply divided over the bills.
  And just while the Presidency seems to be winning the battle, Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has explained that his call for a broader consultation on the proposed tax reform bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly was in good faith.
  A press statement by his special adviser on Media and Stategy, Dauda Iliya, on Monday, stated that the governor was not in any way opposed to the policies of the Tinubu administration.
  The release said, “Governor Zulum
  Spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. The Governor underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement to address concerns and misconceptions surrounding the bills.

“Consultation is a cardinal principle in any democratic society,” Governor Zulum argued. “We need to take the time to understand the nuances of the bill and ensure all contentious areas are addressed before implementation.”

The governor expressed particular concern over the provision that allocates 60% of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue based on derivation.

He warned that such a policy would disproportionately benefit states like Lagos and Rivers, potentially leaving other states at a disadvantage.

“The VAT provision, as currently proposed, suggests that only a few states will benefit significantly,” Governor Zulum explained. “This is why we should not rush the process. The goal is to ensure fairness and inclusivity in our tax reforms.”

Governor Zulum also advised that contentious aspects of the bill that could hinder national growth and development should be amended, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.

“Am not Against President Tinubu’s Administration”

Governor Zulum dismissed insinuations suggesting he is opposed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He clarified that his comments were intended to advocate for a more inclusive approach to the proposed bill.

“There is a misconception that the North is against the President,” Zulum said. “This is far from the truth. The North contributed 60.2% of his votes, which underscores our support. My appeal to the President is to consider the challenges faced by some states and work towards solutions that benefit the entire country.”

Advancing Agriculture in Borno State

On agricultural development, Governor Zulum highlighted his administration’s investments in modern irrigation farming, aimed at boosting food production in areas like Damasak, Baga, and other parts of Borno State.

“By the end of my tenure, Borno will be a net exporter of crops such as rice, wheat, sorghum, and maize,” the Governor announced.

He revealed that 16 kilometers of rice fields have been cultivated in Damasak, an area once severely impacted by insurgency.

“This progress was made possible through government support and collaboration with the military, resulting in a bumper harvest this year,” Zulum added.

He acknowledged the Federal Government’s provision of inputs and fertilizers, which further bolstered agricultural activities.

Commendation for Security Forces and Citizens

Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to the military, Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), hunters, vigilantes, and the resilient people of Borno State for their efforts in restoring peace.

“Insurgency in Borno has reduced by about 90%,” he remarked. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and gallantry of our security forces and the unwavering spirit of our citizens.”