The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), representing youth from the 19 Northern States, has criticized Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin, a member of the House of Representatives for Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency, Kano State, for his support to the proposed tax reform bill by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In an open letter, the Assembly expressed disapproval, calling the bill “harmful” and accusing Jibrin of neglecting Northern interests.

The letter, signed by Comrade Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi, National Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Assembly, labeled Jibrin’s endorsement of the tax reform bill as a “misguided action” and claimed it “undermines the North economically and commercially.”

Pointing to the economic challenges that Northerners already face, the Assembly argued that the proposed tax reform would worsen conditions for businesses and families in the region, which are already struggling with “electricity shortages, insecurity, poverty, and poor infrastructure.”

They criticized Jibrin’s support for the bill, emphasizing that Northern representatives should be focused on “addressing the pressing socio-economic challenges affecting the people in the North.”

The letter further criticized Jibrin’s commitment to a bill “not in the North’s best interest,” accusing him of acting as a “political figure” rather than a representative of the Northern people’s needs.

“Northern Nigeria requires leaders who speak for the region’s interest, not those who prioritize personal gains,” the letter stated.

Expressing their opposition to the proposed tax reform, the Northern Youth Assembly declared, “We are determined to challenge this policy and hold accountable those ready to jeopardize the North.”

The open letter also referenced the initial rejection of the tax reform bill by the National Economic Advisory Council, suggesting it highlighted the bill’s potential harm.

The Assembly claimed Jibrin continues to support a policy that “threatens to increase the burdens” on Northern communities.