“Intelligence is not about going to TV Stations… You’re just a mere content creator” – Dogara Tackles Ndume over Tax Reform Criticism

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has criticized Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South for his continued opposition to the administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly regarding the controversial Tax Reform Bills introduced by the government. Dogara’s comments came during a Town Hall meeting on Channels TV on Monday, where he responded to Ndume’s vocal criticism of the tax bills and other northern leaders’ stance on the matter.

Senator Ndume, who has been an outspoken critic of the bills, had recently defended himself on Channels TV, responding to accusations of ignorance from his detractors. He emphasized his educational background, having studied in both Nigeria and the United States, and his long tenure teaching at Nigerian polytechnics. He also pointed to his personal life, noting that he had married two of his daughters to Yoruba men. Despite his extensive experience, Ndume questioned why some individuals continue to label him as uninformed.

Dogara, however, took issue with Ndume’s response, arguing that intelligence is not defined by appearances or the number of interviews one gives. He stated, “Intelligence is not about going to TV Stations to be telling us the schools you went and grades you had. Intelligence is about providing solutions, otherwise, you’re just a mere content creator.”

Turning to the issue of the northern leaders’ objections to the tax bills, Dogara suggested that their stance was misinformed. He pointed out that President Tinubu’s creation of a livestock ministry for the north demonstrated a proactive effort to address regional concerns—something he believed no northern leader had ever done before. According to Dogara, such initiatives could ultimately help the north achieve greater self-sufficiency, reducing its reliance on VAT from other states.