December 30, (THEWILL) – The Presidency has called on Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to withdraw his confrontational remarks directed at President Bola Tinubu over the proposed tax reform bills.
Governor Mohammed, while addressing the Christian community in Bauchi on Thursday, warned that the North would “show its true colours” if the bills, which he alleged were skewed to favour a particular region, are passed.
He claimed the reforms could lead to economic setbacks and accused the President of steering the nation toward anarchy.
In a swift response on Monday, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, described Mohammed’s remarks as “inflammatory” and “a direct threat to the Federal Government.”
Dare urged the governor to embrace dialogue, stressing that his statements do not represent the collective view of Northern Nigeria.
“This unfortunate statement does not reflect 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,” Dare stated.
He criticised the governor for issuing threats rather than focusing on poverty alleviation and transparent utilisation of federal allocations, noting that Bauchi State has received N144 billion in federal allocations under Tinubu’s administration.
Dare highlighted that the Tax Reform Act and increased federal allocations were designed to benefit states, including Bauchi, and called for a shift from divisive rhetoric to unity and productive governance.
He added, “Governor Mohammed’s statement, ‘We will show President Tinubu our true colours,’ is particularly concerning and undermines the constructive dialogue required between the state and the Federal Government
“As a state governor, he is called to exemplify statesmanship and work toward national cohesion. Public officials must rise above regional sentiments and political grandstanding to embrace the collective vision of a stronger, more prosperous nation.”
Dare urged all political leaders to prioritise their obligations to citizens through efficient resource management, constructive dialogue, and a commitment to national unity.
“At this critical juncture in our national development, Nigeria’s journey toward prosperity demands unity of purpose, not divisive rhetoric. The challenges we face — from poverty to security, from economic growth to social development — transcend state boundaries and political affiliations.”
He concluded by reiterating the need for collaborative efforts to address the nation’s challenges and improve the lives of all Nigerians.
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