The Presidency has strongly criticized Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for his recent remarks regarding the Tax Reform plan introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Mohammed, in his statement last week, declared, “We will show President Tinubu our true color,” a comment which the Presidency described as divisive and counterproductive to national unity.
In a reaction posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communications, Sunday Dare, the Presidency condemned the rhetoric, emphasizing that such statements undermine the necessary collaboration between state and federal governments in addressing Nigeria’s challenges. “This kind of rhetoric is divisive and undermines the collaborative spirit needed between state governments and the Federal Government,” Dare stated.
The Presidency also highlighted Bauchi State’s substantial financial benefits under President Tinubu’s administration, including a record N144 billion in Federation Account Allocations—the highest in the state’s history. These funds, which encompass local government allocations and a special N2 billion intervention aimed at improving food security, are intended to help alleviate poverty and foster development in the state.
Despite these financial benefits, the Presidency noted that Bauchi continues to grapple with poverty and underdevelopment. “Instead of issuing threats, the governor should focus on using these resources to improve the lives of his people,” Dare urged.
Dare further underscored the positive aspects of the Tax Reform Bills, which aim to ease the burden on small businesses, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the tax collection process. He pointed out that these reforms would directly benefit states like Bauchi, particularly its small business owners and farming communities. “Governor Mohammed should embrace these reforms and leverage them to drive economic growth,” Dare suggested.
The Presidency has called for the retraction of Governor Mohammed’s statement and urged the governor to engage constructively with the Federal Government in addressing any concerns. “At this critical moment in Nigeria’s development, leaders must demonstrate unity and a commitment to the collective good. Statements like these are not just unhelpful; they erode the trust and collaboration needed to move the nation forward,” Dare concluded.
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