The Director-General of Media to Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State, Maiwada Danmallam, has stated that the proposed VAT Reform Bill currently before the National Assembly was a collective decision of all 36 state governors, not an individual initiative......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Danmallam disclosed this in response to a question from our correspondent in Katsina on Sunday.
When asked about Governor Radda’s stance on ensuring that Katsina State is not shortchanged, given the Federal Government’s refusal to withdraw the bill for consultation, Danmallam clarified that any decision on the matter would be taken jointly by the governors.
He said, “This isn’t about one governor. It’s the decision of all governors to oppose the proposed tax reforms due to what they view as unfair provisions to certain regions.
“Any course of action they decide to take will likely be collective rather than individual.”
Danmallam hinted that if the Federal Government remains firm on its stance, the governors might work with their representatives in the National Assembly to secure their support against aspects of the bill they find disadvantageous.
“If the Federal Government won’t budge, the governors may seek to convince lawmakers from their regions to back their stance. Ultimately, I believe both sides will reach an amicable solution since they largely share the same party affiliation and aim to secure the best outcome for Nigeria, regardless of regional or political lines,” he added.
Danmallam assured that both the Federal Government and the states would seek to prevent any unfair disadvantage, saying, “In the end, I’m confident that neither the Federal Government nor the states will be shortchanged.”