Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has voiced concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to implementing tax reforms, despite widespread criticism from northern leaders. Speaking during a meeting with members of the Christian community in Bauchi, Governor Mohammed expressed fears that the proposed reforms could exacerbate economic hardships, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, urged the Federal Government to reconsider its economic policies in response to the growing challenges faced by Nigerians. He argued that the reforms appear to favor certain regions at the expense of Northern Nigeria, potentially leading to significant financial and infrastructural challenges in the region.
The governor emphasized the importance of responsive leadership, stating that policies lacking popular support should be re-evaluated. “Whenever a policy is not popular, leaders must listen to the people. This is not a military rule; good leadership requires humility and attentiveness,” he remarked. He warned that failure to address public discontent could lead to social unrest and called for collaboration across party lines and tiers of government to alleviate the nation’s hardships.
Governor Mohammed criticized the proposed tax reforms for their potential to cripple the region’s financial capacity, including the inability to fund critical infrastructure and pay salaries. “It is not a good policy for Northern Nigeria because we will struggle to meet basic obligations. The presidency must listen to the cries about the tax reform, or they risk inciting discontent,” he warned.
The governor appealed to Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or political affiliations, to pray for the nation and its leaders. “There is a lot of hunger and suffering in the land. We need to pray for divine intervention. Leadership must be about compassion, not ego,” he added.
Governor Mohammed also used the occasion to express gratitude to the Christian community for their unwavering support of his administration. He acknowledged their role in his political journey, from his time in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to his re-election as governor under the PDP. “Your support transcends religion and politics. You have stood by me through challenges, and I deeply appreciate it,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity, emphasizing that religion should not divide the people of Bauchi State. Governor Mohammed reassured the Christian community of his government’s dedication to justice and equity for all residents, regardless of faith or ethnicity. “Our actions are driven by a sense of duty, not a desire for praise. Leadership demands that we serve everyone fairly, and that remains our commitment,” he concluded.
The governor’s remarks come at a time of heightened economic challenges in Nigeria, underscoring the need for inclusive policies that address the diverse needs of its citizens.
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