The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), a strong voice representing young people across the 19 Northern States, has taken a firm stand against Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin, the House of Representatives member for Kano’s Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency, due to his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill.
In a strongly worded open letter, the Assembly didn’t mince words in condemning the bill as “harmful” and expressing disappointment with Jibrin’s apparent disregard for Northern interests. Signed by Comrade Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi, the Assembly’s National Assistant Publicity Secretary, the letter went so far as to call Jibrin’s support a “misguided action” that “undermines the North economically and commercially.”
The Assembly highlighted the difficult economic terrain Northerners already navigate daily, warning that this tax reform could deepen the struggles of local businesses and families already dealing with “electricity shortages, insecurity, poverty, and poor infrastructure.”
They argued that Northern representatives like Jibrin should instead champion the resolution of these pressing socio-economic issues.
Continuing their critique, the letter accused Jibrin of aligning with a bill “not in the North’s best interest,” depicting him as a “political figure” more than a genuine representative of Northern needs.
The Assembly’s message was clear: “Northern Nigeria requires leaders who speak for the region’s interest, not those who prioritize personal gains.”
Declaring their resolve to oppose the proposed tax reform, the Assembly stated, “We are determined to challenge this policy and hold accountable those ready to jeopardize the North.”
The letter also pointed to the initial disapproval of the bill by the National Economic Advisory Council as an indication of the policy’s potential harm, cautioning that Jibrin’s continued support could dangerously “increase the burdens” on Northern communities.