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.
