The President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Shettima Yerima in this interview with Saturday Vanguard shares his insights on the perceived northern opposition to the tax reforms bill, highlighting the shortcomings in the government’s approach to the bill, the importance of proper consultation, and the need for transparency to gain public support.
He also addresses the broader dissatisfaction in the north, reflecting on the high expectations from the Tinubu-led government, emphasising the need to address insecurity and economic hardship to win back the trust of the northern populace.
Yerima also criticises some state governors for their lack of creativity and initiative in generating revenue within their states, but rely heavily on federal allocations, preferring to share federal funds with their cronies rather than investing in their states’ development. He argues that decentralizing the federal structure would force states to become more productive and self-sufficient, ultimately benefiting the entire country. Excerpts:
Why the Northern Opposition to the Tax Reforms Bills? What are your fears?
The tax reform bills depend on how individuals or certain interests perceive them. But for us, the government could have done better. The idea was fine, drawing inferences from the situation in the country. Even if we are doing fine, no country ignores taxation.
This is one major area where they can generate funds for development. The presentation was one of the problems. The managers of the bills did not do well, which is why you see the reactions coming from the north as if the region is anti-tax reforms. No. They brought the issue and politicised it, making it seem anti-north. The government can still do well by consulting, which is the first thing they should have done. Go through the National Assembly, and the elected representatives will now go back to their various constituencies to meet with their people.
This way, the bill will enjoy the deserved legitimacy. I am happy that, at the end of the day, there is an understanding between the executive arm of government and the lawmakers. The lawmakers have also agreed to go back to their constituencies for further consultation. There are only a few grey areas I think they will amend and pass the bill. Certainly, the trouble it generated was unnecessary.
What are the grey areas in your view that you will consider for amendment?
For me, I am looking at the VAT area, and I also know there are bigger areas. But the opinion of the people supersedes my interest. So, it is important they let it get down to the people, and they will look at it thoroughly and let all stakeholders make inputs before it is passed at the National Assembly.
