Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has made a passionate appeal to renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahya Jingir to prevail on President Bola Tinubu regarding the proposed tax reform bills.
Gov. Mohammed fears that these reforms will disproportionately harm the northern states, which rely heavily on federal taxes and allocations.
The governor made the appeal the cleric paid a condolence visit to the over the demise of his step-mother, Hauwa Duguri on Tuesday.
He acknowledged Jingir’s significant influence as a frontline proponent of the Muslim-Muslim Ticket that brought Tinubu to power.
“I believe that your advice may persuade the president to reconsider the policy. My concerns are rooted in the fact that northern states lack industries, making them vulnerable to poverty if the tax reforms bills are passed.
“As a respected Islamic scholar, your opinions carry significant weight. Your influence could be crucial in shaping the government’s decision on the tax reforms. I am vehemently criticising the president on it. If you ask me to be silent, I will because I hold you in high esteem. But you have to take the responsibility.”, the governor told the religious leader.
Northern leaders suspect that the proposed reforms will allocate a higher share of value-added tax to states with industries, giving southern states a significant advantage.
