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Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has called on traditional rulers in his constituency to reject the tax reform bills which President Bola Tinubu sent to the federal lawmakers for consideration and approval.
Ndume made this plea during a visit to the palace of the Emir of Askira, Alhaji Mohammed Askirama, where he discussed the ongoing economic challenges facing the nation.
He emphasized the importance of returning to agriculture as a sustainable solution to the current hardship.
Highlighting his reasons for rejecting the proposed tax reforms, Ndume stated, “The economic hardship bedeviling the people is my major reason for rejecting the proposed Tinubu’s tax reform bills.
“I therefore urge emirs in my senatorial district to join hands in rejecting the tax reform bills.”
As part of his outreach, the senator visited nine local government areas and five emirate councils within Southern Borno to advocate for agricultural productivity.
He encouraged young people to embrace farming and other productive activities as a means of surviving the ongoing food crisis and rising living costs.
Ndume criticized the inadequacy of the current minimum wage of ₦70,000, which, according to him, cannot cover the cost of basic necessities such as a 50kg bag of rice priced at over ₦100,000 or a bag of beans costing ₦200,000.
The senator also pointed out the rising cost of fuel, now between ₦970 and ₦1200 per litre, and the significant depreciation of the Naira, with the exchange rate climbing from ₦600 to ₦1600 per US dollar.
In Gwoza, Ndume urged local youths to take responsibility for their community’s security by identifying and exposing Boko Haram collaborators.
He expressed confidence in the resilience of Gwoza’s residents and assured them that the government is committed to restoring peace and fostering development.
The senator praised Governor Babagana Zulum for his efforts in resettling displaced communities in Gwoza, including Ashigarsya, Hambagda, Wala, and Yamtake.
During his visit to the Emir of Uba’s palace, Ndume emphasized the importance of education, urging young people to acquire certifications that could support their agricultural or vocational pursuits.
Responding to the senator, Emir Alhaji Ismaila Manza commended Ndume for his efforts and pledged to support the rejection of the tax reform bills, describing the policy as potentially more damaging than the Boko Haram insurgency.
He said, “The tax reform policy is worse than the Boko Haram insurgency. I commend Senator Ndume for always speaking truth to power and defending the cause of ordinary Nigerians.”
The emir called on the government to establish a polytechnic in Askira to address educational gaps and to deploy more security personnel to protect the region from periodic Boko Haram attacks.
The monarch also appealed for government initiatives to train youths in vocational skills, enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency and prosperity through agriculture and entrepreneurship.
