Northern Elders'Forum (NEF), Reject Tax Bill Reform proposal

 

The Northern Elders' Forum (NEF) has strongly opposed the proposed Tax Reform Bill, labeling it a policy "conceived in bad faith" and cautioning that it endangers Nigeria's unity and national cohesion. 

In a communique issued after their Board of Trustees' second bi-annual meeting in Abuja, the forum criticized the process of the bill's formulation and implementation, alleging that critical stakeholders, such as the National Economic Council, were deliberately excluded.

Professor Ango Abdullahi, the forum's convener, voiced concerns over the potential marginalization of the North's resource potential, calling the bill’s approach “dubious.” 

The NEF commended the Northern States Governors' Forum and the Northern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers for opposing the bill, deeming their stance “patriotic,” and called on Northern politicians in the National Assembly to actively reject it.

The NEF accused the promoters of the bill of having "sinister intentions" and criticized Northern lawmakers for their silence, warning that the region would no longer tolerate actions perceived as undermining its interests. 

The forum urged Northerners to remain vigilant in protecting their rights and advised against being manipulated by leaders with questionable motives, particularly during elections.