By Abdulhamid Sani

12th November,2024

The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), representing the leadership of the 19 Northern states, has issued a scathing open letter addressed to Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin, the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano State. The Assembly strongly condemned Hon. Jibrin’s recent public endorsement of the proposed tax reform bill introduced by the Tinubu administration, calling his stance “a grave disappointment and betrayal to the Northern people.”

The Assembly’s open letter, signed by Comrade Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi, National Assistant Publicity Secretary, criticized Hon. Jibrin’s enthusiasm for championing a tax reform that they argue would exacerbate the region’s economic challenges. According to the statement, Hon. Jibrin’s backing of this “anti-North” tax reform bill disregards the urgent needs of his constituents and Northern Nigeria as a whole, which continues to grapple with a host of socioeconomic issues.

✓Key Points of the Assembly’s Argument

The Northern Youth Assembly highlighted their concerns about the reform’s potential impacts on the region’s already struggling economy, particularly in light of the current economic realities. The letter emphasized several critical issues facing Northern Nigeria, including:

✓Rampant Insecurity: The North has seen prolonged challenges with insecurity, with violence affecting communities and businesses.

✓Widespread Poverty: Poverty rates remain among the highest in the region, with a lack of substantial federal support.

✓Inadequate Infrastructure:
Many communities continue to suffer from poor infrastructure and limited access to essential services.

✓Electricity Shortages: Chronic power shortages impact both businesses and daily life, hampering economic growth.

✓”Misguided Priorities and Disregard for Constituents”

The Assembly pointed out that Hon. Jibrin’s endorsement of the tax reform bill shows a misalignment with the needs and priorities of his constituency, which faces pressing issues such as poverty, high unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure. They argued that instead of promoting a bill that they perceive as harmful, the legislator should focus on addressing these critical needs and advocating for policies that uplift Northern Nigeria’s economic and social landscape.

✓”We Will Stand Against This Bill”

In their letter, the Northern Youth Assembly declared their commitment to opposing the bill, which they believe risks deepening the region’s economic woes. They also warned against what they termed “political hypocrisy” and “political merchants” who would allegedly undermine the North’s interests for personal or political gain.

“The Northern Youth Assembly is committed to resisting any efforts to impose further economic hardships on our region,” said Comrade Hussaini. “We can no longer allow our future to be jeopardized by those who would sell out Northern interests for temporary political advantage.”

✓Call for Action

Northern Youth Assembly Slams Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin Over Support for “Anti-North” Tax Reform BillThe Assembly urged Hon. Jibrin and other Northern lawmakers to reconsider their support for the bill, which they argue could “further marginalize” the Northern people. They called on leaders across Northern Nigeria to unify against policies they believe could harm the region’s economic stability.

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