The controversy surrounding the consideration of the Tax Reform Bill pending before the national assembly may not end anytime soon as a Federal Lawmaker from Kano Dr. Mustapha Ghali insisted Nigeria is not ripe for implementation of the new tax administration.

Besides, the legislator, representing Gaya, Ajingi, and Albasu Federal Constituency at the lower chamber revealed how he turned down persuasion to influence fellow lawmakers to support the executive bill.

Ghali disclosed that unlike developed nations where the implementation of the tax administration is workable because of the conducive atmosphere, the implementation in Nigeria at the period potent great danger to the citizens.

The member of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) revealed this while addressing journalists in Kano.

Ghali explained that though the proponent told him that Kano would gain more from the tax reform, he said he vehemently declined to buy into the idea because of the lopsidedness that would eventually affect states neighboring Kano.

According to him, “There was an influential member from the South that met me and said, Dr Ghali you are privileged to have the wherewithal to stand and speak and you usually get the support of your fellow members. We have come to strike a deal with you today. We want you to support these tax reform bills.

“He told me that their reason was that when it is passed, Kano will also benefit alongside Lagos. If Kano benefitted you will also benefit. I said to him he is right, but I want Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara Sokoto, Kebbi also to benefit.

“My reason was if today I have a problem in Kano, before you come to my rescue from Lagos, I have called one from Jigawa, I have called someone from Katsina, Kaduna and Niger. So, even if Kano will benefit what of my neighbours, those that I have always been at peace with.

“This indicates that these people have an ulterior motive. The good thing is all northern legislators have all sat and are working towards containing the issue. We all have our own priorities from our people that we are representing.

“Your interest should not be conflicting or against the other region. This is why we are telling people to stop fighting for political differences but for the success of our region.”

He however called on northerners at all levels to jettison political interest and speak in unity against issues that may cripple the economic survival of the region.

“Several countries across the world have implemented the tax reform bill and it is working for them. But at what point? You have to provide a conducive environment and development such as employment, hospitals, schools and other social amenities for the populace,” he said.

“Take for instance, England, United Arab Emirates, UAE and Saudi Arabia, where they implemented the bill and it is working for them. The government was able to do so based on the development provided and taxes collected from the well to do to ensure the sustainability of the developmental projects.

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“So what we are saying is Nigeria is not ripe for implementation of the proposed bill. It is not like we totally rejected it but the government has to provide the development and conducive environment before implementing the tax reform bill.

“I however appeal to northern lawmakers, governors, elders, businessmen and women, academicians, and all relevant stakeholders to put heads together to ensure that the bill is set aside.”

He revealed that he has so far sponsored about 10 bills on the floor of the house including the bill seeking the establishment of a Federal Medical College in Gaya which has scaled third reading and to be forwarded to the Senate and the President for their approval.

Ghali maintained that if the Medical College was established it would go a long way in addressing inadequate medical personnel and improve the well-being of citizens within the area and environs.