Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has firmly defended his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, responding to the Presidency’s demands for a retraction with a resolute statement.
“I cannot be threatened as a governor. I stand by my comments. It is not
meant to malign, insult, or to do anything to the contrary other than mean
well,” Mohammed said during Channels Television’s 2024 Year-End Review program
on Tuesday.
The governor, who also chairs the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’
Forum, criticized what he described as the Presidency’s “arrogance” and urged
federal authorities to heed the concerns of Nigerians. He warned that the
proposed tax reforms, if enacted, would have severe economic consequences for
sub-national governments and exacerbate poverty.
“We believe that as the leader of the federation and all other
federating units, they should listen to us, not to be arrogant and showing some
elements of impunity that whatever happens, they would go ahead,” Mohammed
said.
The governor also described the Presidency’s approach to the tax bills
as “undemocratic,” asserting that even leaders with military backgrounds would
have engaged with citizens and addressed “areas of suspicion and mistrust” in
such a contentious policy.
He further highlighted the regional disparity in the proposed tax
reforms, suggesting that they unfairly favor one part of the country over
others. “Some states should not be allowed to die because they do not have the
headquarters of companies in Nigeria,” he stated.
Governor Mohammed had previously criticized Tinubu’s tax bills in the
National Assembly, warning that they were effectively “calls for anarchy” and
threatened a strong response from northern leaders if the legislation was
passed. “They would see our real colour,” Mohammed said during his earlier
remarks.
In response, the Presidency accused Mohammed of engaging in
“inflammatory rhetoric” and issuing “direct threats toward the federal
government,” demanding that he retract his statements. However, Mohammed
remains steadfast, framing his comments as a call for equity and fairness.
The governor’s position is aligned with those of his 18 counterparts in
Northern Nigeria, who have unanimously rejected the proposed tax reforms.
Despite mounting opposition, President Tinubu has insisted that the reforms are
essential and will proceed as planned.
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