In the context of leadership, “The Burden of Truth” refers to the challenges and responsibilities that come with making difficult decisions, confronting harsh realities, and being accountable for one’s actions. A true leader can confront difficult issues, make tough decisions, and take responsibility for their actions.
The contentious scene unfolded when Senator Ali Ndume protested the entry of Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), into the Senate chamber. Adedeji was scheduled to brief lawmakers on the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
However, his appearance was not listed on the Senate’s order paper, prompting Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to move a motion to suspend the chamber’s rules.
Ndume cited Senate regulations, arguing that visitors cannot address the chamber unless their appearance is included in the order paper. He insisted that a supplementary order paper should have been prepared to reflect the briefing by Adedeji and other tax experts.
Senator Barau Jibrin, exercising his power as Deputy Senate President, overruled Ndume’s prayer, allowing Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, and other experts to make a presentation to the Senate on the Tax Reform Bills. The same presentation had been made to the House of Representatives and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
Currently Barau Jibril is navigating a complex web of constitutional duties and moral obligations, as he confronts the burden of truth and rises to the challenge of leadership. This transformative experience demands courage, resilience, and a willingness to tackle uncomfortable realities head-on.
The recent controversy surrounding the tax reform bills has sparked unfair criticisms, with some self-centered individuals wrongly linking the bill to Senator Barau Jibril. This has made it challenging for public opinion to remain objective. Despite this, Senator Jibril remains resolute, emphasising that no public officeholder would intentionally harm their people.
However, critics argue that the proposed changes will exacerbate economic inequality and favour the wealthy, while others believe the bills will disproportionately benefit FCT, Rivers and Lagos states, leaving other states in a precarious situation. In fairness, Senator Jibril neither introduced the bill nor expressed personal opinions on it.
In response to the backlash, Jibril explained in an interview with BBC Hausa that the speedy passage of the bill was intended to allow Nigerians to comment on the legislation before the Senate considers its next step.
He emphasised that no leader would intentionally take actions that will harm his people, and that the primary concern is understanding the provisions of the bill, which many people, including lawmakers, are still unfamiliar with.
Unknown to some people, Barau Jibril has advocated nationwide awareness campaigns in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, to ensure Nigerians understand the bill and its implications. This demonstrates his commitment to transparency and inclusivity. But some individual chose to attack Senator Jibril, misleading the public into believing that he was anti- masses and the anti-North.
It’s essential for stakeholders to have accurate information about the tax reform bill before forming opinions. The bill is still under review, and further clarifications will be made during subsequent Senate sessions.
Those in support and those against the bills need to engage in constructive dialogue and focus on the best interests of Nigeria. The current political climate must be treated with maturity and responsibility. Divisive tendencies and misinformation hinder progress.
For certain reasons, Senator Jibril should not be made a scapegoat on this bill and no one heard him publicly supporting the so-called anti-masses and anti-North bill.
Let’s not forget that the Holy Qur’an admonishes us to always arbitrate every matter with justice and to remove every bias in upholding justice even if it requires taking a stance against one’s own interests (Qur’an, 4:58),
Therefore, it is the concept of al-‘adl or justice rather than favouritism or partiality that should be the basis of all human activities. It should prevail in every aspect of our life be it the comments we make, the judgement we pass, the way we handle our responsibilities and obligations to others and the way we treat others whether they are our friends or foes.
Despite the mortification against his office and person, the deputy senate president remains committed to serving humanity and ensuring the well-being of his senatorial district and Kano state, undeterred by unfair criticisms and persecution.
