Withdraw your threat against TINUBU - Presidency tells Governor BALA MOHAMMED

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 - The Presidency has called on Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to retract his inflammatory remarks regarding President Bola Tinubu's tax reform bills.

 In a statement issued Monday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the Presidency described the governor’s comments as counterproductive and unrepresentative of Northern Nigeria.

Governor Mohammed had criticised the tax reforms during an address to the Christian community in Bauchi on Boxing Day, stating that President Tinubu’s policies were “calling for anarchy.” He warned that the North might “show its true colours” if the reforms continued. Mohammed also argued that the policies disproportionately favored one state, urging the federal government to adopt a more inclusive approach.

Responding, the Presidency said, “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.”

Dare further noted that Mohammed’s views do not reflect the sentiments of the Northern region. “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,” the statement read.

Dare also highlighted the significant federal allocations to Bauchi State, including N144 billion under the current administration, and suggested that the governor focus on addressing poverty and developmental challenges in his state.

“His statement ‘We will show President Tinubu our true colour’ is particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between the state and FG. It bears noting that Bauchi State has received N144bn (State and LGA) in federal allocations under the current administration – a significant increase from previous disbursements,” Dare said.

The statement added that Bauchi State had benefited from various federal initiatives, including a N2 billion special intervention fund for food security, increased revenues from subsidy removal compensations, and considerations for derivation funds aimed at supporting northern states.

Dare emphasized the advantages of the tax reforms, stating that they were designed to streamline taxation, boost efficiency, and attract investment. He urged Governor Mohammed to embrace transparent fiscal management and leverage the reforms to stimulate state-level development.

The reforms, introduced by President Tinubu in October 2024, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. These measures aim to consolidate tax laws, enhance revenue generation, and provide targeted relief for small businesses and agriculture-focused communities.

“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,” Dare stated.

Concluding, the Presidency called for unity and constructive leadership, reminding public officials of their primary obligation to improve the lives of Nigerians through dialogue and efficient resource management. “This is the true leadership Nigeria needs—one that builds bridges, not barriers, and prioritizes the collective good over individual or regional interests,” Dare added.