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Tax Reform Controversy: Northern Redemption Coalition’s Call for Ndume’s Recall Questioned by Southern Borno Group
The Southern Borno Concerned Citizens (SBCC) have voiced strong disapproval of the Northern Redemption Coalition (NRC), led by Adamu Bashir, which has called for the recall of Senator Mohammed Ndume (APC Borno South) through a sponsored advertisement in national newspapers. This demand follows Ndume’s opposition to the Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu recently introduced four legislative proposals, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, aimed at overhauling the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act. These proposed changes have faced backlash from the Northern Governors Forum, youth groups, and stakeholders, including Senator Ndume, who argue that the VAT Bill could exacerbate economic difficulties and impoverish communities in the North.
Comrade Bulama Sawa, the National Chairman and Spokesperson for SBCC, issued a statement in Maiduguri criticizing Bashir’s call for Ndume’s recall, describing it as a misguided attack on a dedicated public servant who consistently advocates for the welfare of his constituents and Nigerians at large.
Sawa emphasized that while he typically would not engage with a faceless organization like the NRC, it was necessary to clarify the situation for the public. He reinforced Ndume’s commitment to denouncing the Tax Reforms and his readiness to offer constructive criticism of any policy that jeopardizes the electorate’s interests.
“We could easily dismiss the unfounded claims from the so-called ‘No. 1 Redemption Coalition’ and its unverifiable leader, Adamu Bashir, regarding our Senator’s stance,” Sawa stated. “We stand united with the Northern Governors, esteemed Northern Elders, the National Economic Council, and Senator Ndume in opposing these detrimental tax reforms.”
Sawa challenged Bashir to reveal his identity and provide clarity on how the citizens of Southern Borno have diverged from Ndume’s position. He asserted that Ndume’s remarks on Channels TV accurately reflect his constituents’ views, highlighting the negative implications of the proposed tax bills, especially for those already facing economic hardship in the North.
Instead of addressing Ndume’s legitimate concerns, Bashir opted to promote a poorly constructed argument for his unspecified supporters, suggesting an outrageous recall of the Senator. Sawa argued that Ndume’s position has only strengthened community support for his dedication to their well-being.
Sawa pointed out that this is a crucial time for tax relief, citing examples from neighboring countries like Ghana, which recently reduced its VAT rate significantly, and Kenya, where public protests erupted against proposed tax changes. He noted that many fiscal reforms seem disconnected from the daily realities faced by Nigerians.
The SBCC firmly supports Ndume, asserting that the people of Southern Borno are satisfied with his representation and will continue to back him. Sawa urged individuals like Bashir to recognize the importance of true leadership that defends the interests of the populace rather than promoting questionable policies.
Regarding allegations that Senator Ndume is out of touch with his constituents, Sawa described such claims as laughable. He highlighted Ndume’s open-door policy and his commitment to engaging with the community, regardless of class, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. This approach has earned him the trust of his constituents, allowing him to serve multiple terms in the National Assembly.
Sawa also noted Ndume’s role in sponsoring bills that established the Nigerian Army University in Biu and the Federal College of Education in Gwoza, along with numerous community-oriented projects, such as classroom construction, borehole drilling, agricultural support, and capacity-building initiatives for youth and women.
He concluded by urging media professionals to verify information, particularly from individuals like Bashir, to prevent misrepresentation in the public domain.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Friday for a high-level operational visit to Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the military’s counter-insurgency campaign in the North East.
The visit, according to a statement by Ahmad Dan Wudil, the minister’s media aide, aims to evaluate the troops’ operational readiness, boost morale among frontline personnel, and review strategies to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.
The statement underscored the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The trip comes amid growing concerns over resurgent attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
Earlier this month, Governor Babagana Zulum warned that the security situation was deteriorating, with insurgents dislodging military formations in areas such as Wulgo, Wajiroko, and Sabon Gari.
Zulum urged the federal government and security agencies to act decisively to prevent a reversal of the gains made in the fight against insurgency.
“While we appreciate the tremendous support from the federal government and the military, the current shift in focus away from the North East risks undermining our progress,” Zulum said, highlighting the need for renewed efforts to curb the escalating violence.
The minister’s visit signals a renewed commitment to addressing the security challenges in Borno, where sporadic attacks have raised fears among residents and displaced communities.
Operation HADIN KAI remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s efforts to combat insurgency and restore stability to the troubled region.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
As Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Malaria Day 2025, the Caleb Danladi Foundation has stepped up its efforts to combat the disease, with a special focus on protecting vulnerable populations.
Aligning with this year’s theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the Foundation facilitated the re-enrollment of hundreds of women, children, and other at-risk groups into the Kaduna State Health Insurance Scheme.
Founder of the Foundation, Captain Caleb Danladi, disclosed that the organisation fully funded the beneficiaries’ insurance premiums to enhance their access to malaria prevention and treatment services.
Speaking during Friday’s commemoration, Danladi lamented that malaria continues to claim countless lives, particularly in underserved communities.
“Healthcare is a right, not a privilege,” he said. “On this World Malaria Day, we reaffirm our commitment to saving lives through direct support, strong advocacy, and strategic investments in community health solutions.”
He emphasised the need for sustained investments in healthcare and a reimagined approach to delivering equitable services across communities.
Danladi also urged government agencies, healthcare workers, and development partners to strengthen collaboration efforts aimed at eradicating malaria, noting that safeguarding the health and dignity of Nigerians especially women and children is a shared responsibility.
The Director-General (D-G) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, stated that Africa would be minimally impacted by the tariffs imposed by the President of the United States of America (USA), Donald Trump.
Okonjo-Iweala made the remark during an interview with Nigerian journalists at the Spring Meetings of the World Bank in Washington D.C. on Friday.
She explained that only 6.5 per cent of Africa’s exports go to the USA, while 4.4 per cent of its imports come from the U.S., meaning that the impact on the continent would be minimal.
“The trade of the continent is very limited with the USA. We have done the analysis, and the impact on the continent as a whole is not significant,” she said.
However, she noted that Africa’s limited trade with the USA was also not ideal, as it hindered economic growth.
The D-G emphasised that Africa needed to focus on utilising its own resources to reach its full potential, as aid was declining, and the continent required more investment.
She pointed out that Africa must strengthen internal trade, citing Lesotho as an example.
In spite of Lesotho exporting 200 million dollars’ worth of textiles to the USA, the country faced challenges due to the shrinking U.S. market.
Okonjo-Iweala noted that Africa spent 7 billion dollars annually on importing textiles, suggesting that Lesotho should instead focus on selling textiles within African markets.
She also urged the USA to consider the effects of tariffs on least-developed countries, calling for a reassessment of the reciprocal tariffs in poorer nations.
Okonjo-Iweala concluded that Africa needed more investments and should work towards boosting intra-Africa trade, which remained underdeveloped.
“We cannot trade more externally, where our trade is only 3 per cent of world trade, or internally, where intra-Africa trade is 16 to 20 per cent at most,” she said.(NAN)