President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded four crucial tax reform bills to the National Assembly, marking a significant step in his administration’s economic agenda. Among the notable proposals is the renaming of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

The introduction of the bills has stirred debate, drawing attention to the Senate’s role in scrutinizing the reforms. Amid this atmosphere, thousands of youths from Nigeria’s 19 Northern states gathered at the National Assembly on a peaceful protest in support of Senator Barau Jibrin, APC-Kano North, the Deputy President of the Senate.

The protest, led by former National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President, Comrade Tijjani Kabiru Mohammed, showcased unwavering support for Senator Barau. Participants hailed him as the “Sardauna of our era” and displayed banners with messages such as “Senator Barau: The pro-masses lawmaker” and “Stop attacking Senator Barau.”

Kabiru Mohammed emphasized that the gathering aimed to counter criticism of the Senate’s approach to the tax reforms. He clarified that Senator Barau had neither endorsed nor rejected the bills but prioritized public education on their implications.

The protest followed Senator Barau’s recent advocacy for a more informed legislative process. He has urged the Senate to allow experts, including Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, to explain the proposed reforms during plenary sessions.

The protest participants also indicated Barau’s broader legislative contributions, notably his sponsorship of the North West Development Commission Bill. They lauded his efforts to address development challenges in the region, reinforcing his reputation as a champion of Northern interests.