Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has voiced his strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, describing them as detrimental to national unity.
Represented by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo during the 2025 New Year celebrations at the Filin Mahaha, Kofar Naisa open theatre, Yusuf made his administration’s stance clear.
The statement, issued by the Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Shu’aibu, emphasized the government’s opposition to the reforms.
“This tax reform bill is not the solution to our economic challenges. Kano State stands firmly against any policy that negatively affects the welfare of our people,” Gwarzo said.
He praised the resilience of Kano residents amidst economic hardships and criticized the proposed tax policy as “ill-timed, lopsided, and inimical to the unity of the country.”
Highlighting the North’s struggles with hyperinflation and insecurity, he urged the federal government to prioritize tackling extreme poverty and hunger, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Yusuf also used the occasion to outline his administration’s successes in healthcare, education, road construction, and foreign scholarship programs.
Additionally, he reminded residents of the Supreme Court ruling in January 2024, which confirmed him as Kano State’s duly elected governor.
Meanwhile, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), has called on President Tinubu to prioritize public accountability before implementing any tax reforms.
In his New Year message, the monarch cautioned against policies that could exacerbate hardship.
“My New Year message is a better life for Nigerians. We don’t want hardship of any kind in our system, and therefore, the government must try to cushion the effects,” Azinge said.
He urged the government to focus on creating a prosperous economy, improving education and healthcare, and addressing internal challenges to curb the rising “Japa syndrome.”
Azinge further emphasized the importance of accountability in tax reform, stating, “Though I have not studied the tax reform bills, Nigerians don’t pay taxes, and this cuts across all sectors. But another point is that, when people pay taxes, they expect it to be judiciously used. The efficient usage of taxpayers’ money is very important, and that is the challenge the government is having. For us to have a meaningful tax reform, we must show, by example, that we are prepared to judiciously use the taxpayers’ money.”
On the legal dispute surrounding his ascension to the throne, Azinge assured readiness to face the former contenders in court.
“Asaba is very democratic and accommodating. When an exercise has been completed and unanimously concluded, it is still the prerogative of anybody who feels otherwise to exercise the next right of option,” he said.
Acknowledging the ongoing litigation, he added, “Indeed, after the host of other people (contenders) sent in their congratulatory messages, one or two persons opted to go to court. For me, that is acceptable and understandable. We will push that to the highest level as the case may be. We will engage them in court; we are prepared to do so because, as far as we are concerned, all the issues raised are very spurious.”
Azinge, who was among 10 contenders for the Asagba title, received his Staff of Office from Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on October 5, 2024.