Bauchi Governor and Presidency Clash Over Tax Reform Bills

The ongoing war of words between Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and the Presidency has intensified, with fresh accusations and defiant responses from both sides over the controversial tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.

In December, Governor Mohammed, also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, condemned the tax bills, alleging they disproportionately favor one region. He warned that if passed, the legislation could lead to anarchy and would reveal the “real color” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This sparked an immediate rebuttal from the Presidency, which demanded that the governor retract his comments, accusing him of making inflammatory remarks and issuing threats against the Federal Government.

Not backing down, Governor Mohammed reaffirmed his stance, declaring he would not be intimidated by the President’s response. He further criticized the Presidency’s handling of the debate, urging the government to listen to the concerns of Nigerians rather than dismissing them with arrogance.

In a fresh statement on Friday, Sunday Dare, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, accused Governor Mohammed of playing “irresponsible politics” and called on him to focus on improving governance and poverty alleviation in Bauchi. Dare emphasized that President Tinubu’s administration is committed to development and strengthening collaboration with all stakeholders to improve the well-being of Nigerians.

The statement also reiterated that the President, who won a national mandate, would not compromise on his agenda to placate what Dare called “pseudo activists and later-day crusaders.” He further asserted that anyone opposed to the tax reform bills should engage with the legislative process, as attempts to derail it would be seen as undemocratic and self-serving.

The Presidency’s latest remarks have shifted the focus back to Governor Mohammed’s leadership in Bauchi, with the public eager to see how he plans to address the state’s challenges.