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Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by JAOS(m): 8:25am On Oct 31, 2024
The Arewa Civil Rights Movement (ACRM) has expressed disappointment over the Northern Governors Forum’s opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills before the National Assembly.

The bills, aimed at reforming tax collection, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

Speaking at a briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr. Agabi Emmanuel, National President of the group, said the Governors’ rejection of the bills is ill-conceived and would set the country back.

The movement argued that directing lawmakers to reject the bills due to issues with one is unjustified and oversteps the Governors’ authority.

The contentious issue lies in the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing template, which reduces the Federal Government’s share from 15% to 10%.

However, the allocation among States will consider the derivation principle, encouraging States to attract businesses.


The ACRM views the northern Governors’ claim that the North would be disadvantaged as disingenuous.

Instead, Emmanuel said it was an opportunity for northern States to create a more investment-friendly climate.

The movement disagreed with the Northern Governors Forum, stating that their rejection paints the North in a beggarly light and contradicts the region’s history of tax compliance.

It urged northern lawmakers to disregard the Governors’ directive, emphasising their responsibility to constituents. Rejecting the bills would confirm lawmakers’ inability to serve and potentially lead to recalls, he argued. 

The Arewa Civil Rights Movement called on northern Governors’ to focus on their duties and account for excess earnings from the Federation Account since assuming office.

The movement also advised Governors’ to reassess sectarian extremism, which harms revenue generation.

It said in part: “Our Movement is concerned with the far-reaching consequences of the ill-conceived directive to northern lawmakers to reject the bills. First, it is wrong to direct lawmakers to reject the four bills because they have issues with just one.

“This will set the country back as it is creating needless drama and distraction that is unnecessary at this point. Secondly, we are of the view that the governors overstepped their remit by directing federal lawmakers to reject the bills.

“These are not state lawmakers, and even if they were it would amount to validating the allegation of rubber-stamp parliaments that states are known for because of the overbearing attitude of these governors. But we are talking about federal lawmakers, who are employees of their constituents and sworn to protect the interests of the constituents.

“Additionally, the claim by the governors that the North would be disadvantaged by the VAT sharing formula on account of major companies being headquartered in southern states where their taxes would be captured is totally disingenuous.

“What we expect is that this is a wake-up call for us in the north to create a more investment-friendly climate. The governors cannot exploit sectarian extremism that discourages investments and expect profit-oriented organisations to site their headquarters in their states.

“Furthermore, we disagree with the Northern Governors Forum because their rejection of the proposed tax reforms paints the North in a beggarly light making it appear as if those of us from there are unwilling to be tax compliant.

“This is especially true when their opposition to the Tax Bills creates the impression that northerners are so impoverished that they cannot pay the associated taxes when the North has a rich history and tradition of being tax compliant.

“The Arewa Civil Rights Movement urges the northern lawmakers to disregard the directive from the state governors as they had no basis to issue such a directive. The lawmakers’ responsibility is to their constituents.

“Should the northern lawmakers reject the Bills based on the interference from the governors they would have confirmed to those who voted them into office that they are incapable of serving. Such disrespect for the wishes of their constituents will definitely result in a wave of recall as the people will not accept rubber stamp lawmakers.


“We urge the Northern Governors to get back to work while also preparing to account for what they did with the excess earnings that came into their states’ coffers from the Federation Account since they assumed office on May 29, 2023.

“They should also begin to explore how to walk back the sectarian extremism they adopted for their states that is now proving injurious to revenue generation.”
https://thenationonlineng.net/arewa-civil-society-hits-northern-govs-over-opposition-to-tax-bill/

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by Olamideayomide(m): 8:46am On Oct 31, 2024
Ok
Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by phemmie06(m): 9:41am On Oct 31, 2024
I am surprised to see sensible person speaking from North., but his name said it all.... Waiting for Mumuric to come and defend his kinsmen

9 Likes

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by iWasNotHere(m): 9:42am On Oct 31, 2024
Awon MAALU

5 Likes

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by nony43(m): 9:42am On Oct 31, 2024
I love this bill. You can not take allocations from beer or Pork meat if you don’t want it in your your state. But then again if this bill came under GEJ a Christian,your guess is as good as mine as violence will erupt in the North.

22 Likes

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by Bullfallo(m): 9:42am On Oct 31, 2024
Nigeria tax system is unfair.

Let assume we have two state. A and B.

State A. Have sane population who are productive. Because of their level of education they have 2 or 3 kids and while a hand full of the population refuses to settle down because of fear of the unknown and as they live on budget.

They pay tax and contribute immensely to the development of the country with a monthly IGR of 100 billions and their total population is 10 million.

Majority of this money is used to subsidize electricity and petroleum product for the general public.

While state B. Is the opposite of state A. they have a total population of 60 million, majority are in adject poverty. They contribute 5 billion to the country monthly IGR. They benefits from the electricity and petroleum subsidy.

They also benefits more for the civil and public employment ratio.

Now the country is left with 30 billions after other expense and need to be shared back to the state for projects and development.

State B need the lion share because of her population.

Does that make any sense to you?

It only means people from state A which chose not to have more kids in other to control their budget are now funding the kids of state B which choose to have dozens.

This unbalanced sharing formula can kill productivity and creativity

44 Likes 1 Share

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by flourish01(m): 9:43am On Oct 31, 2024
cheesy grin
Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by Tetrahedron(m): 9:45am On Oct 31, 2024
Send everybody back to their regions, definitely we CANNOT develop at the same rate!

The Almajiri govt is a clog in the wheel of progress

3 Likes

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by edogu(m): 9:47am On Oct 31, 2024
Nowadays, you don't know when an advice is borne out of altruism or serving the interest of the godfather/political interest.

2 Likes

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by DigitB: 9:48am On Oct 31, 2024
Leachy north
Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by Yello1(m): 9:49am On Oct 31, 2024
People cheating people has become a usual thing in naija, and wen u don't allow Dem to cheat, u immediately become their enemy of progress. They tag u wicked and even sing wen you retire from office. Upright peopl are endangered species in naija

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by Ewedegubbler: 9:50am On Oct 31, 2024
Are those people that have busy breaking bottles and destroying betting centres exempt from receiving these VAT money?

I Dey ask for on behalf of all the guys drinking whilst watching soccer in betting houses.

1 Like

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by JetStar: 9:52am On Oct 31, 2024
JAOS:

Should the northern lawmakers reject the Bills based on the interference from the governors they would have confirmed to those who voted them into office that they are incapable of serving. Such disrespect for the wishes of their constituents will definitely result in a wave of recall as the people will not accept rubber stamp lawmakers.

The truth is Nigerians don't know how to punish lawmakers or any politician who deviates from their mandate. So saying that their opposition to the bill will DEFINITELY result in a wave of recall is just wishful thinking at this point.

It's unfortunate that Nigerians are not willing to punish politicians. Hence the godfatherism and thuggery that have plagued our politics.

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by Meti99(m): 9:52am On Oct 31, 2024
First major stride to success if Tinubu can achieve this

4 Likes

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by WeddingParol: 9:56am On Oct 31, 2024
Beyond the pains that T-Pain is dishing to Nigerians, he is actually making some key reforms that will project the country on the path of growth.

A Nigeria with mentality of the northerners will turn the country to the likes of Somali, Sudan, Afghanistan etc.

Wait! Why are my even surprised? All the aforementioned countries are all propelled by the same force of the Arabs agenda to their slaves.

8 Likes 1 Share

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by Abbeytoy(m): 10:04am On Oct 31, 2024
Na wà o
Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by newoffer: 10:09am On Oct 31, 2024
[Tax will bring growth. Every body don't want to pay tax. If u know the value of tax u will not go and break bottles of beer in the name of religion. Continue playing righteousness when other nations are doing great strides yet they are muslim. Here you guys playing dirty religious politics. Pay tax and change the ways of your people. quote author=Meti99 post=132671996]First major stride to success if Tinubu can achieve this[/quote]

2 Likes

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by Thoughty2(m): 10:09am On Oct 31, 2024
Tetrahedron:
Send everybody back to their regions, definitely we CANNOT develop at the same rate!

The Almajiri govt is a clog in the wheel of progress

Don't assume that one tribe is smarter than the other.

Embrace diversity, it is what brings about healthy competition and growth.

1 Like

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by Mrexcell(m): 10:11am On Oct 31, 2024
Am sure the north the northern governors forum is talking about here will be just the north east and north west which don't even have enough lawmakers to stop the bill from being passed.
Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by amazingspiderma: 10:12am On Oct 31, 2024
It is a shame.

When people are asked to make their state business friendly and they frown at it.

5 Likes 1 Share

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by ChiefOkporghe: 10:19am On Oct 31, 2024
Bullfallo:
Nigeria tax system is unfair.

Let assume we have two state. A and B.

State A. Have sane population who are productive. Because of their level of education they have 2 or 3 kids and while a hand full of the population refuses to settle down because of fear of the unknown and as they live on budget.

They pay tax and contribute immensely to the development of the country with a monthly IGR of 100 billions and their total population is 10 million.

Majority of this money is used to subsidize electricity and petroleum product for the general public.

While state B. Is the opposite of state A. they have a total population of 60 million, majority are in adject poverty. They contribute 5 billion to the country monthly IGR. They benefits from the electricity and petroleum subsidy.

The also benefits more for the civil and public employment ratio.

Now the country is left with 30 billions after other expense and need to be shared back to the state for projects and development.

State B need the lion share because of her population.

Does that make any sense to you?

It only means people from state which chose not to have more kids in other to control their budget are not finding the kids of state B which choose to have dozens.

This unbalanced sharing formula can kill productivity and creativity
Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by bigdammyj: 10:38am On Oct 31, 2024
Noted.
Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by IMAliyu(m): 10:58am On Oct 31, 2024
Mm... It seems Northern governors are against the bill because it would mean a lower share in VAT revenue, especially in the economically inactive states.

Arewa Civil Society on the other hand are for the bill, but it seems their motive for supporting the bill is the potential of social reforms that some Northern states will have to do in order to generate revenue and welcome investments.
Like sharia states will be forced to be reevaluate their stances on Alcohol and pork, or the entertainment industries, or the value and standard of western education... potentially. Either allow it and tax it, or stay puritanical and suffer.

At least this is my understanding of the article.

1 Like

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by JAMO84: 11:12am On Oct 31, 2024
News that will delight children of gulder, star, Heineken and hero beer

1 Like

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by CodeTemplarr: 11:23am On Oct 31, 2024
The new formulae is one that puts more money back into the hands of whoever generates more money. Such a formulae is needed to kickstart the much needed production thats lacking and making the Naira tumble forever. By rejecting this obviously fair and productive sharing of VAT in favour of the old order, they have demonstrated they have no plans to boost local productivity. They are okay with the north versus south resource grabbing battle that has halted the growth of the country from the roots.
A state like Lagos and Ogun will have less and less motivation to grow value-addition and the supporting atmosphere it needs.

2 Likes

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by CodeTemplarr: 11:26am On Oct 31, 2024
IMAliyu:
Mm... It seems Northern governors are against the bill because it would mean a lower share in VAT revenue, especially in the economically inactive states.

Arewa Civil Society on the other hand are for the bill, but it seems their motive for supporting the bill is the potential of social reforms that some Northern states will have to do in order to generate revenue and welcome investments.
Like sharia states will be forced to be reevaluate their stances on Alcohol and pork, or the entertainment industries, or the value and standard of western education... potentially. Either allow it and tax it, or stay puritanical and suffer.

At least this is my understanding of the article.
The issue with the reality i bold up here is that for ages, these people have played the poverty and underdevelopment card to just flow of resources unto their regions but at the slighest chance, use the resources at their disposal for useless and unproductive things.
Hajj, employment based on connection and not competence or value. Wasteful and inflated projects.
90% of projects they end up doing are useless. Save for short roads and water rèlated or lighting related projects, the vast majority of what they do is uselesss.

These are just few of the useless things they engage in. They understand fully well that production is desirable but need to be sure the source of the current easy money is well exhausted. All out of hatred and bitter politics.
Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by Fortune109: 11:30am On Oct 31, 2024
Simple! You want it... Work for it!

1 Like

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by CodeTemplarr: 11:42am On Oct 31, 2024
DigitB:
Leachy north
Leachy northern leadership and elites rather. The alcohol is a small part of the big picture. They dont want their activities taxed. That will be a good selling point to brainwashed followers that they arenon their sides and a good starting point for brilliant followers to ask about what the free billions of petrodollar has been used for or to achieve over the years.

2 Likes

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by nnamdi640: 11:54am On Oct 31, 2024
This reform just dey sweet me, those states that thinks that they are saints by destroying alcoholic will have themselves to be blamed. Alcohol is not a sin but the abuse is a sin, this people should read their religion book properly before coming out to condem

1 Like

Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by ejieddy: 12:15pm On Oct 31, 2024
iWasNotHere:
Awon MAALU

It's bad to make derogatory comments about a group of people. Calling a group of human beings cows is very wrong, inhumane, hateful and racist. You can disagree with people without being racist or hateful.
Re: Arewa Civil Society Hits Northern Govs Over Opposition To Tax Bill by seguntijan(m): 12:19pm On Oct 31, 2024
President Tinubu's bold moves: Fuel & Forex subsidy gone, LGA autonomy in the pipeline much to the chagrin of the emperor-ish Governors, tax reform bill next; clear signs he's prioritizing Nigeria's progress over re-election threats.

He's tackling Nigeria's structural flaws head-on, re-election threats notwithstanding. Let's be honest, what we want is definitely different from what we need: people's president or the brave president?

Baba's got his eyes on the prize - a better Nigeria. No sentiments, just action!


We need tough and thoughtful laws to push state govts and LGs to work hard and smart to attain self reliance.

You can't be lazying around and using outrageous recurrent expenditures to feed fat on the hard work put together by some others.

That Tax Reform Bill is in order.

4 Likes 1 Share

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