The presidency has lampooned Bauchi State Government, Bala Mohammed over his recent comments on the proposed tax reform bills forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 3, 2024.
The Matrix reports that Mohammed, who chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, had criticised the reforms, alleging they are skewed to favour one region.
He claimed the bills amounted to “calls for anarchy” and warned that Tinubu would see “the north’s real colour” if the legislation is passed.
Reacting, the Presidency in a statement on Monday, December 30, 2024, by Sunday Dare, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication asked the governor to withdraw his recent comments, describing it as “inflammatory rhetoric” and “direct threats toward the federal government”.
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He said the governor’s comments were “particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between state and FG”.
Dare also noted that Mohammed’s remarks did not reflect the collective views of Northern Nigeria.
He advised Mohammed to focus on addressing poverty and ensuring the effective use of federal resources rather than issuing threats.
“It bears noting that Bauchi State has received N144 billion (State and LGA) in federal allocations under the current administration — a significant increase from previous disbursements,” the statement reads.
“Yet his state continues to grapple with serious developmental challenges and high poverty rates. Rather than issuing threats, his energy might be better directed toward implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring transparent utilization of these federal resources.
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“This unfortunate statement does not represent the collective voice of Northern Nigeria. The North, like other regions, seeks collaborative governance and constructive engagement with the Federal Government to address our nation’s challenges.
“As a state governor, he is called to exemplify statesmanship and work toward national cohesion. I urge him to retract these confrontational remarks and redirect his focus toward productive dialogue with the FG regarding any concerns about the Tax Reform Act.”
