BY NONYELUM JULIET
Kaduna
The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has expressed disappointment and outrage at the recent actions of the Northern Governors’ Forum regarding the proposed tax reform bills.
NAN in a statement issued by its Chairman Salihu Suleiman also condemned in the strongest possible terms the governors’ blatant disregard for the democratic principles of consultation and transparency.
“Their unilateral decision to proceed with these bills, after previously assuring the populace of their opposition, constitutes a profound betrayal of public trust and a grave abuse of power.
“NAN demands a full and transparent explanation of the governors’ decision-making process, along with a clear accounting of how they arrived at their conclusions without any demonstrable evidence of consultation with the very people they misled.
“The Northern Governors’ initially presented a united front against the proposed tax reforms, leveraging public sentiment and concerns to seemingly champion the interests of the Northern region. They actively campaigned against the bills, portraying them as detrimental to the economic wellbeing of Northerners.
“This strategic positioning skillfully gained the trust and confidence of the populace, who overwhelmingly rejected the reforms based on the governors’ assurances”.
“However, the recent shift in stance demonstrates a cynical manipulation of public opinion, a calculated ploy to win popular support only to subsequently abandon it for reasons yet to be explained. This calculated deception is not merely a political misstep; it is a profound breach of the social contract between the governors and the people they represent.
“The subsequent adoption of the bills without prior notice or meaningful consultation reveals a disregard for democratic processes and a contempt for the will of the people.
“The Northern Governors’ Forum has failed to provide any credible evidence of consultation with relevant stakeholders before endorsing the tax reform bills. This omission is unacceptable. A crucial element of good governance involves transparent and inclusive decision-making processes.
“Meaningful engagement with communities, civil society organizations, and other representatives of the populace is paramount before enacting legislation with such potentially significant implications. The absence of any public consultation renders the governors’ decision arbitrary and illegitimate. It undermines the democratic foundation upon which their authority rests.
The Northern Awareness Network demands a comprehensive explanation for this lack of consultation, including the identification of all individuals and groups who were involved in the decision-making process. We also demand the release of all documentation relating to the decision to support the bills, including any internal memos, correspondence, and analyses that informed the governors’ change of heart.
“The Governors’ attempt to justify their sudden change of heart by suggesting that the tax reforms will ultimately benefit the Northern region rings hollow in the absence of concrete evidence. Their claim that the previously condemned bills will now somehow have a positive impact on the region lacks credibility and smacks of desperation.
“This assertion appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to buy time and deflect criticism for their about-face. It is a blatant attempt to mask their failures and avoid accountability for their actions. The Northern Awareness Network challenges the governors to present compelling evidence, backed by rigorous data and independent analysis, to substantiate their claims”.
“We demand a detailed breakdown of how these reforms will specifically improve the economic conditions in the Northern region, addressing concerns about potential negative impacts on vulnerable populations. Without such evidence, the governors’ justification remains unconvincing and further fuels public distrust.
“The Northern Awareness Network demands immediate and concrete action from the Northern Governors’ Forum. We call upon them to Publicly apologize for the deception and betrayal of public trust, Provide a full and transparent explanation of the decision-making process that led to the endorsement of the tax reform bills, including the identification of all individuals and organizations involved, release all relevant documentation pertaining to the decision”.
NAN also urged the governors to conduct a thorough and independent review of the potential impact of the tax reforms on the Northern region, involving representatives from civil society, academia, and other relevant stakeholders, engage in meaningful and inclusive consultations with the people of the North before proceeding with the implementation of the reforms.
“The Northern Governors’ Forum’s actions represent a grave threat to democratic governance in the Northern region. Their blatant disregard for the principles of consultation, transparency, and accountability has eroded public trust and undermined the legitimacy of their authority.
“The Northern Awareness Network will not stand idly by while our elected officials engage in such deceitful and manipulative tactics. We will continue to advocate for good governance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the voices of the Northern people are heard and respected. We will closely monitor the governors’ response to our demands and take further action if necessary to ensure that justice is served and the interests of the people are protected. We call on all Northerners to demand accountability from their leaders and actively participate in the fight for a more just and transparent governance system”.