Former Senator, Shehu Sani has called on Northerners not to reject economic reforms introduced by the federal government.

 

Recently, Governors of the 19 Northern States, under the platform of the Northern Governors’ Forum at a meeting in Kaduna, rejected the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax distribution in the new tax reform bills before the National Assembly.

 

However, in a reaction on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, Sani advised the Northern governors “not to be afraid of any economic reform, especially reforms that are pushing it to look inwards and develop and depend on its resources.”

 

He said, ”if you study the science of life generally, anyone pushing you to stand on your feet and not to lean on others is pushing you to greatness that you have been unwilling to embrace.

 

“Whether with good or mischievous intent, pushing you out of your comfort zone is directly propelling you to walk with pride, with confidence and with that independence you existentially and eternally need.

 

“The dignified and moral answer to anyone who challenges you to stand alone is to stand alone, there will be problems, huddles, storms and turbulence in the beginning, but with courage, tenacity and resilience you will learn to overcome them and emerge stronger.

 

“There are periods in our lives when we actually need that person who will starve us and tell us to walk out of his house for us to discover our hidden power, our hidden potential, our hidden wealth and our hidden greatness.

 

“The North is a treasure of hidden wealth waiting for its people to be frustrated with the sleepy dependence on manna and dig up their gold and diamonds in the depths of their endowed and blessed soil. When you are told that you can, your soul is encouraged. When you are told that you can’t, your spirit is challenge,” Sani told the forum.