Galadima Claims Northern Opposition to Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Stems from Their Anti-People Nature

Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, describing them as anti-people.

In an interview published on Sunday, Galadima expressed concern over the reforms, particularly the proposed 1% increase in value-added tax (VAT), which he believes will disproportionately burden ordinary Nigerians.

He argued that while the business community can adjust by passing on costs to consumers, it is the struggling masses who will bear the brunt of rising prices for essential goods.

“It’s not about the business community; they don’t lose anything. But for the ordinary man who can barely feed, the impact will be devastating,” Galadima said.

He also lamented the divisive nature of public discourse on the reforms, noting that some Nigerians support the president’s decisions even when they are detrimental, simply to oppose certain individuals.

“We should advocate for the collective good, not blindly support policies because of personal biases against others,” Galadima emphasized.

He further explained that the strong opposition to the reforms in the North stems from their potential to exacerbate poverty and hardship among the people. While acknowledging that not all aspects of the bills are bad, Galadima maintained that the overall impact on the vulnerable population is deeply concerning.