By Abdul Kareem

The debate over President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills is heating up, with prominent political figures like Senator Ali Ndume and other northern stakeholders, including governors, expressing strong opposition. However, former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, urged a shift from criticism to constructive dialogue during a recent town hall meeting in Abuja.

Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South, had opposed the Tax Reform Bills that recently passed a second reading in the Senate. Speaking on national Televisions, Ndume criticized the timing, arguing for governance reforms before tax reforms. He emphasized that over 50% of Nigeria’s budget is spent on recurrent expenditure and debt servicing, suggesting a need to prioritize government reform.

Ndume raised concerns about the lack of consensus among Nigerians and criticized the Senate’s handling of the bills as overly compliant with the Executive, reinforcing a “rubber-stamp” perception. He stated, “Yes, reform. But even with reforms, you have to prioritise, time it correctly, and ensure the buy-in of Nigerians.”

In a very recent quoted event, the Senator alleged that some southern politicians who are supporting the bill have looked down at on him because of his background, He however, boasted about his educational background and his years of teaching at a higher institution before he joined politicss.

At the town hall meeting organised by Channels TV, a leading national television in Nigeria, Hon Dogara gave a table-shaking point view even as he took a jab at those condemning the bill which is largely anti -North.

“Intelligence is not about going to TV stations to tell us about the schools you attended or the grades you achieved. Intelligence is about providing solutions; otherwise, you are just a mere content creator,” Dogara remarked, ostensibly challenging public figures like Senator Ndume, to focus on actionable proposals rather than empty rhetoric.

Addressing the broader reactions from northern leaders, Dogara pointed to a significant initiative by President Tinubu’s administration—the establishment of a livestock ministry. “No northern leader will ever do what Tinubu has done by creating a livestock ministry for the north,” he stated, emphasizing its potential benefits for agricultural development and economic growth in the region.

While some northern leaders express alarm over the economic implications of the tax reforms, Dogara’s perspective highlights opportunities within Tinubu’s governance. He called for political leaders to leverage their platforms for the nation’s progress, asserting, “We need to focus on solutions rather than just highlighting problems. Constructive dialogue will lead to better policies for all Nigerians.”

As the discourse continues, Dogara’s call for pragmatism may resonate widely, shaping the conversation on addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges amidst the ongoing debate over the Tax Reform Bills.