Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare, for what he described as “unprofessional, disrespectful, and divisive rhetoric.” The accusation stems from Dare’s public remarks, which Mohammed’s camp claims are politically motivated and detract from the unity-building role expected of such an office.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed’s team expressed their discontent, calling Dare’s behavior a departure from the principles of constructive dialogue. The statement, titled “Enough is Enough,” specifically condemned Dare’s decision to issue political comments during Juma’at prayers and Armed Forces Remembrance Day, labeling it as “poor timing” and “a disgrace” to the solemnity of the occasions.
Rather than focusing on honoring Nigeria’s fallen heroes, the statement pointed out, Dare chose to engage in political mudslinging, a move that the governor’s camp deemed reflective of the current administration’s intolerance towards criticism. The statement further accused the presidency of fostering a toxic environment that suppresses constructive feedback from leaders like Governor Mohammed.
“The Tinubu administration has shown increasing intolerance to criticism,” the statement read. “Governor Mohammed’s concerns about the tax reform bills, which are currently under consideration in the National Assembly, have been met with personal attacks rather than thoughtful responses.”
Governor Mohammed also used the opportunity to remind Nigerians of President Tinubu’s history as a pro-democracy activist who once boldly criticized military regimes. The statement questioned why, under Tinubu’s leadership, the government appears to be stifling dissent from voices like his own, who are simply raising concerns on behalf of the people.
“Tinubu criticized the system to rise to power, so why is his administration trying to muzzle those who do the same?” the statement contended.
The heated exchange between Governor Mohammed and the presidency erupted over the controversial tax reform bills. In December, the Bauchi governor, who chairs the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, accused the bills of disproportionately benefiting one region, going as far as warning that their passage would incite unrest.
In response, Sunday Dare dismissed Mohammed’s comments as “inflammatory” and “direct threats to the federal government,” urging him to withdraw his remarks. Despite this, Governor Mohammed stood by his comments and refused to be intimidated, vowing to continue advocating for the people.
Dare, meanwhile, had called on the governor to focus on improving governance in Bauchi and alleviating poverty, reminding him that the Tinubu administration is committed to national development.
The ongoing back-and-forth between the two leaders has added a new layer to the contentious debate over the future of Nigeria’s tax reforms and the broader political climate.
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