Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, Monday, backed Senator Ali Ndume over stance against the proposed Tax Reform Bills at the Senate. The Coalition said the courage of Sen Ndume is what they expect from other lawmakers on the Tax Reform Bills in order to safeguard Nigerians against taxes that would further impoverish them. CNG also 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 The coalition vowed to intensify its advocacy until the proposed Bills are completely rejected or outrightly withdrawn. In a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, the Coalition during a courtesy visit to Sen Ndume, expressed strong commitment, therefore, threw its weight behind the lawmaker’s efforts to challenge the controversial bills, and also they exchanged ideas on effective strategies to oppose the reforms at various levels, which he also revealed that the Coalition is actively engaging with citizens across Northern Nigeria through town-hall meetings to raise awareness about the bills. He maintained that the engagement with citizens in the northern part of the country is basically to empower them and also for them to reach out to their representatives and demand they reject the proposed reforms. He said “we will continue to utilise all available democratic tools to ensure these bills, which threaten the livelihood of millions, are rejected outright.”
However, the Coalition threatened to take lawmakers at the National Assembly as enemies of the north if they abandon interests of their constituents, therefore, such lawmakers should immediately destroy such move political relevance they seek at the detriment of their people. “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. 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.” Meanwhile, Senator 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. The CNG added 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. The group stressed that this is not the time for policies that could further cripple the already struggling economy and increase the burden on Nigerians. “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 charges members of the house of representatives to make sure that the bills not only do not pass the second reading but also, they 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. Senator 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.
Tax Reform Bills, we’ll mobilise against it—Northern Group
