The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), on Monday, vowed to mobilize against the Federal Government and those supporting the proposed Tax Reform Bills.
They commended Senator Ali Ndume for his courageous opposition to the controversial legislation.
The coalition noted that it is engaging citizens across Northern Nigeria through town hall meetings to raise awareness about the potential consequences of the bills.
In a statement issued after a courtesy visit to Senator Ndume, CNG National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, commended the senator’s bold stance and pledged the group’s continued backing in opposing the controversial bills.
Charanchi explained that the visit was an opportunity to strategise on effective ways to oppose the reforms.
The CNG warned that lawmakers who abandon their constituents would be treated as the enemies of the people whose political relevance must be decisively buried.
He said the goal is to empower constituents to reach out to their representatives and demand that they reject the proposed reforms.
“We will continue to utilize all available democratic tools to ensure these bills, which threaten the livelihood of millions, are rejected outright,” he said.
The CNG urged Northern lawmakers to remain true to their constituents and reject the bills they described as ill-timed and a tool to fulfill external demands like the World Bank.
According to the coalition, some legislators from the North have chickened out while others are scrambling for crumbs from the presidency which could lead them to support the unpopular bills for their personal aggrandisement.
He said: “We want to categorically warn any lawmaker from the North who supports these oppressive Tax Reform Bills: your betrayal will not go unnoticed. You simply sign to enslave the people who entrusted you with their mandate. CNG will practically lead campaigns against such betrayers who should be completely eliminated from the political landscape of northern Nigeria.
“Northern lawmakers must remember that they are in the National Assembly to serve the interests of their constituents, not to rubber-stamp policies dictated by external forces like the World Bank or any ethnic supremacist. Stand with the people, or face the consequences of their rejection.”
According to the group, any lawmakers who discard the interests of his people by “supporting the bills would be treated as dangerous outcasts that deserve our collective censure and opprobrium.
“Such despicable, mischievous and reckless rascality from legislators particularly those from the North is an all-out affront to the collective interest and dignity of the regions that we are determined to go any length to preserve and jealously guarded.
“Any senator from the region who supports these bills is betraying the trust of their people. We urge our lawmakers to critically assess the implications of these reforms and prioritize the interests of the common people over foreign influence or personal gains.”
The CNG urged members of the House of Representatives to make sure that the bills not only do not pass the second reading but are unanimously rejected and abandoned in the lower chamber.
CNG reiterated its commitment to holding public officials accountable and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard. The coalition vowed to intensify its advocacy until the proposed bills are completely rejected or outrightly withdrawn.
Ndume commended the CNG for its proactive role as a vibrant political pressure group dedicated to protecting the interests of the common people.
He assured the delegation of his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of his constituents in the National Assembly, pledging to act without fear or favour.
