Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has strongly criticized the federal government’s tax reform bills, alleging that they unfairly favor a section of the country at the expense of northern Nigeria.
Speaking during a Christmas visit by the Christian community at the Government House in Bauchi, the governor warned that the reforms could lead to economic setbacks in the region.
Mohammed argued that since Bauchi supported President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections, the president has a duty to listen to the concerns of the north.
He accused the reforms of being “anti-northern Nigeria” and cautioned that continued disregard for northern interests might provoke resistance.
“The tax reforms are aimed at short-changing northern Nigeria. We voted for the presidency, and they must listen to us,” the governor stated. “We will remain loyal for now, but if the situation persists, they will see our real color. We will fight for our rights.”
Mohammed also criticized the federal government for imposing unpopular policies and called for leadership that prioritizes national unity and economic fairness.
“There is a lot of hardship, hunger, and suffering among the people,” he said. “Leadership is about listening to the people and addressing their needs. This is not a military rule or oligarchy. Policies must reflect the will of the people.”
He further urged the Tinubu administration to reconsider its stance on the tax reforms, warning that continued insensitivity could lead to political instability.
The governor also addressed recent tensions surrounding the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom and the siting of its headquarters in Tafawa Balewa town. He accused the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (SCIAN) of being unfair in their criticisms of his administration’s decisions.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure Bauchi remains peaceful, but there’s still mistrust and suspicion over the Sayawa Chiefdom issue,” Mohammed said. “We will continue to engage stakeholders to resolve these issues and maintain peace in the state.”
The governor concluded by calling on Nigerians to pray for the leadership and expressed hope that the federal government would adopt policies that alleviate hardship and promote unity.
“We must work together, across party lines, to provide relief to the people,” he said. “Our priority should be to address the pressing challenges of hunger, insecurity, and economic instability.”
