Tinubu’s Reforms Tear Northern Elders Apart In Fresh Claims

The Concerned Northern Elders Forum has officially distanced itself from recent statements attributed to the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) regarding the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the economic reforms proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Nasir Manguno, the Concerned Northern Elders Forum emphasized that the NEF’s position does not accurately reflect the true aspirations of the northern region.

They expressed the necessity to address what they perceive as distortions, asserting that silence in such matters could be seen as complicity.

The group clarified that the NEF’s criticism of the FIRS, its executive chairman, and Tinubu’s economic initiatives does not align with the collective views of northern elders.

They accused the NEF of losing moral authority and becoming “a platform for political grievances and sponsored opposition narratives”.

They praised the performance of the executive chairman of the FIRS, citing consistent revenue over-performance and improved non-oil revenue mobilisation.

They said the renewed emphasis on accountability has ensured that influence no longer guarantees exemption from taxation.

On Tinubu’s economic agenda, the group said the administration inherited an economy weakened by subsidy dependence, secrecy and selective compliance.

They commended the president for choosing what they described as difficult but necessary reforms, adding that revenue reform is central to nation-building and not punitive.

The group expressed support for the memorandum of understanding signed by FIRS to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and data harmonisation.

They warned against attempts to weaponise the north against reform for partisan interests, adding that the priorities of the region remain job creation, infrastructure development, education and accountability.

“The North is not against reform. The North is against failure, and it will not be dragged backward by voices sponsored to fear progress,” the statement said.