“Retract Your Confrontational Remarks” – Presidency Tells Bala Mohammed Over Tax Reform Criticism

The presidency has called on Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to withdraw his recent remarks directed at President Bola Tinubu over proposed tax reform bills.

Governor Mohammed, who also chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, had criticized the reforms, alleging they were designed to favor a particular region. He described the bills as “calls for anarchy” and warned that Tinubu would face resistance if they were enacted.

Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, issued a statement condemning Mohammed’s comments as inflammatory and unhelpful to constructive dialogue between states and the federal government. Dare emphasized that the remarks did not reflect the collective stance of Northern Nigeria, urging the governor to adopt a more statesmanlike approach.

The presidency highlighted Bauchi State’s receipt of N144 billion in federal allocations under the current administration, a notable increase compared to previous years. Despite this, Dare noted, the state continues to struggle with poverty and developmental challenges. He suggested the governor focus on addressing these issues through effective poverty alleviation programs and transparent management of federal resources.

Dare stressed that the North, like other regions, seeks collaborative governance and productive engagement with the federal government to tackle national challenges. He urged Mohammed to retract his confrontational statements and pursue dialogue to address any concerns with the Tax Reform Act.

The presidency reiterated the potential benefits of the reforms, emphasizing that unity and collaboration are essential for Nigeria’s progress. Dare noted that the Tax Reform Act and increased federal allocations could significantly benefit states, urging political leaders to rise above regional sentiments and political divisions to foster national prosperity.

Public officials, Dare concluded, must prioritize the welfare of their citizens by engaging in constructive dialogue, managing resources efficiently, and committing to national unity to address the country’s pressing challenges.