The Presidency has asked that the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, withdraw his threat to President Bola Tinubu over the tax reform bills.
A Monday statement titled ‘RE: We’ll show Tinubu our True Colour’ by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare shared on his X handle, described Mohammed’s threat as “inflammatory”.
This was after the governor in a statement said President Tinubu was “calling for anarchy” if he went ahead with the tax reforms.
Gov Mohammed made the statement while addressing the Christian community on Boxing Day in Bauchi.
He warned that if these policies continued, the northern region would “show its true colours” in response.
Mohammed also emphasised that such reforms could lead to economic setbacks, adding that the reforms favoured just one state of the federation.
He urged the federal government to reconsider and adopt more inclusive policies.
However, the Presidency said, “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.”
The statement said Mohammed’s view does not reflect the view of the entire north.
“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.
“Rather than issuing threats, his energy might be better directed toward implementing effective poverty alleviation programmes and ensuring transparent utilisation of these federal resources [N144bn received from FG]. The Tax Reform Act and increased federal allocations significantly benefit the States.”
“His statement ‘We will show President Tinubu our true colour’ is particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between the state and FG.
“It bears noting that Bauchi State has received N144bn (State and LGA) in federal allocations under the current administration – a significant increase from previous disbursements.
“Yet his state continues to grapple with serious developmental challenges and high poverty rates. As a state governor, he is called to exemplify statesmanship and work toward national cohesion,” Dare said.
