ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has stated that Northern governors will not turn against President Bola Tinubu, a leader they actively supported into office. This statement follows Northern governors’ recent opposition to the tax reform bill proposed by the Tinubu administration, citing concerns over VAT distribution fairness.
During an interview on Channels Television, Sule addressed the VAT controversy, emphasizing that Northern governors are not against the reform but seek fairer revenue-sharing terms. “We cannot bring President Tinubu as president… and then turn around and be against him,” Sule remarked. He highlighted that Northern governors’ primary concern lies with the VAT sharing formula, which they believe could be unfairly weighted toward Southern states.
The tax reform bill, submitted by Tinubu on October 3, proposes renaming the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and offers VAT exemptions for oil, gas exports, and humanitarian goods. On Monday, the Northern Governors’ Forum, led by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa, issued a communiqué urging the National Assembly to oppose any provisions that might “jeopardize the well-being” of Northern states.
