NORTHERN GOVERNORS ARE COWARDS, SAYS AREWA YOUTHS
The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has accused the Northern governors of betraying the trust of the Northern people, mismanaging public perception, and failing to adequately represent their constituents' interests.
The Nigerian government’s proposed tax reform bill, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, had ignited a heated national debate, with significant opposition from influential northern leaders who fear its potential to exacerbate regional disparities.
Key critics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, have voiced concerns over the bill’s socio-economic impact on the northern region, already struggling with economic challenges, high poverty rates, and security issues.
Amid growing pressure from northern governors and 73 northern lawmakers, the House of Representatives indefinitely suspended the debate on the bill.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in a twist on Thursday throwed its weight behind the proposed tax legislation before the national assembly.
Nigerians,” the statement continued. The AYCF contended that the governors’ initial opposition demonstrated a lack of foresight and commitment to the long-term welfare of the region.
The forum linked the governors’ handling of the tax reforms to a broader failure in governance within the Northern region. Persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and a lack of basic amenities were identified as symptoms of poor leadership, corruption, and ineffective resource management.
“Rather than addressing these pressing issues, the governors chose to focus on the tax reform debate as a distraction tactic,” the AYCF alleged. The group argued that the governors’ sudden reversal without achieving amendments or concessions further demonstrated their incompetence and short-sightedness.
The AYCF called on the governors to provide a clear and transparent explanation for their shift in position. The group criticized what it described as “misleading rhetoric” used by the governors to sway public opinion, only to abandon their stance without justification.
“This manipulation undermines the democratic process and erodes public confidence in leadership,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its support for the tax reform bills, the AYCF described them as crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth. The group pledged to continue advocating for policies that promote sustainable development and hold leaders accountable for their actions.
“The hasty surrender to the tax reform bills without meaningful engagement or a transparent explanation constitutes a disservice to the North and a betrayal of the public's trust,” the AYCF concluded.
The AYCF’s strong stance underscores growing frustrations with the Northern Governors’ handling of critical issues.
The forum's demand for accountability and good governance reflects wider calls for leadership that prioritises long-term development over political expediency.
SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS
