The Presidency has lambasted the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed over his recent comment on the proposed tax reform Bills, currently before the National Assembly.
Governor Bala Mohammed was quoted to have said that the tax reforms bills were crafted to Favour a section of the country at the detriment of northern Nigeria, consequently, threatened that the region would show President Bola Tinubu its true colour.
“We will show our true colour; we will fight for it. No policy should be imposed on the people because Nigeria does not operate an oligarchy system of government or a military rule.
“It is not a good policy for northern Nigeria because we are not going to get money to pay workers’ salaries, to do roads. The presidency and federal government must listen to our plights; otherwise, they are calling for anarchy. And that is not good,” he said.
Responding to the threat, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, Sunday Dare, said the recent inflammatory rhetoric of Governor Bala Mohammed regarding the Tax Reform Act and direct threats toward the Federal Government are unbecoming of his office as a state governor.
Dare said his statement “We will show President Tinubu our true color” is particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between state and Federal
He said it bears noting that Bauchi State has received N144 billion (State and LGA) in federal allocations under the current administration – a significant increase from previous disbursements.
Yet, he said, his state continues to grapple with serious developmental challenges and high poverty rates.
Dare said “Rather than issuing threats, his energy might be better directed toward implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring transparent utilization of these federal resources.
“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.
“As a state governor, he is called to exemplify statesmanship and work toward national cohesion.
“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”, he said.
Dare explained that the Tax Reform Act and increased federal allocations offer significant benefits to the States.
According to him, the N144 billion allocation represents one of the highest increases in federal disbursements to states, providing Bauchi with unprecedented fiscal resources.
“This includes the recent N2 billion special intervention fund given to each state for food security.
“The removal of fuel subsidy compensation payments have boosted state revenues.
“Special consideration for derivation funds protecting northern states’ interests,” he said.
Speaking on the tax reform benefits, the SA said, the “streamlining of multiple taxation systems that currently burden small businesses in Bauchi.
“Enhanced revenue collection efficiency through digitalization.
“Protection of informal sector workers who form the backbone of Bauchi’s economy, and Special provisions for agricultural businesses, which is crucial for Bauchi’s farming communities Development.”
On opportunities, he said “the reforms create frameworks for attracting investments through tax incentives . Capacity building for state revenue services. These initiatives demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to supporting state development.”
Dare said rather than antagonizing these efforts, he could leverage these resources by: – Implementing transparent fiscal management systems – Developing state-specific tax incentives to attract investments – Investing in agricultural value chains Nigeria’s journey toward prosperity demands unity of purpose, not divisive rhetoric.
He noted that at this critical juncture in our national development, public officials must rise above regional sentiments and political grandstanding to embrace the collective vision of a stronger, more prosperous nation.
“The challenges we face – from poverty to security, from economic growth to social development – transcend state boundaries and political affiliations.
“Indeed, all political leaders must remember that their primary obligation is to improve the lives of their citizens, which is best achieved through constructive dialogue, efficient resource management, and unwavering commitment to national unity.
“The path forward lies not in confrontation but in collaboration, not in threats but in thoughtful engagement, and certainly not in divisive statements but in unified action toward our shared goals of development and progress.
“This is the true leadership Nigeria needs – one that builds bridges, not barriers, and prioritizes the collective good over individual or regional interests,” he said.
