Monday, January 13, 2025 - Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare, for what he described as “unprofessional, disrespectful, and divisive rhetoric.”
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,
Mukhtar Gidado on Sunday, Bala Mohammed’s camp accused Dare of turning his role
into a platform for political attacks rather than fostering unity and promoting
constructive dialogue.
The statement issued on Sunday, titled “Enough is Enough”, did not hold
back in calling out the Presidency for its alleged intolerance to criticism.
Governor Mohammed’s team dragged Dare for releasing his remarks during
Juma’at prayers and Armed Forces Remembrance Day, calling it “poor timing” and
“a disgrace to the solemnity of the events.”
“Instead of focusing on honouring Nigeria’s fallen heroes, Dare chose to
prioritise political mudslinging. Is this what the Tinubu administration
represents?” the statement questioned.
The Bauchi governor accused the Presidency of fostering a toxic culture
that stifles criticism.
“This administration has shown increasing intolerance towards
constructive feedback,” the statement alleged.
“Instead of addressing Governor Bala Mohammed’s genuine concerns about
the tax reform bills, Sunday Dare chose personal attacks and diversionary
tactics. Is this how a democracy is supposed to work?”
The governor’s camp also threw a subtle jab at Tinubu, reminding
Nigerians of his days as a pro-democracy activist who boldly criticised
military dictators and even challenged President Obasanjo.
“If Tinubu could criticise the system and rise to power, why is his
administration trying to muzzle voices like Bala Mohammed who are only doing
the same?” the statement argued.
The statement ended with a warning to Sunday Dare: “We respect the
Office of the President, but respect does not mean silence. Governor Bala
Mohammed will continue to speak up for Nigerians, whether they like it or not.
Enough is enough.”
Mohammed and the presidency have been engaged in a heated exchange over
the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
In December, Mohammed, who chairs the Peoples Democratic Party
Governors’ Forum, criticised the bills, alleging that they favour one region.
The governor claimed the bills amounted to “calls for anarchy” and
warned that President Bola Tinubu would see “our real colour” if the
legislation were passed.
Subsequently, the presidency asked Mohammed to withdraw the comments
against the president.
Sunday Dare, the president’s special adviser on media and public
communication, said Mohammed’s remarks were “inflammatory” and “direct threats
toward the federal government.”
About 24 hours later, Mohammed fired back, saying he stood by his
comments and would not be threatened.
Mohammed criticised the presidency’s approach to the tax reform debate,
urging it to avoid arrogance and listen to the concerns of Nigerians.
In a statement issued last Friday, Dare asked the governor to stop
playing “irresponsible politics” and focus on governance and alleviating
poverty in Bauchi.
Dare said the Tinubu administration is focused on development and how to
improve the overall well-being of Nigerians.
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