The Presidency has demanded that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed retracts his recent comments attacking President Bola Tinubu over the proposed tax reform, describing them as inflammatory and counterproductive.
In a post on Monday on his verified X account (@SundayDareSD), Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Tinubu, criticised Mohammed’s statement, “We will show President Tinubu our true color,” made in response to the Tax Reform Act, labeling it unbecoming of a state governor.
The presidential spokesman emphasized to his over 105,200 followers that such rhetoric undermines the spirit of constructive dialogue required for addressing national challenges.
Dare highlighted that Bauchi State has received significant financial support under the current administration, including N144 billion in federal allocations to the state and local government areas.
This, he pointed out, is a substantial increase compared to previous disbursements.
“Despite these allocations, Bauchi continues to grapple with severe developmental challenges and high poverty rates,” Dare said, urging Governor Mohammed to channel his energy toward addressing these issues.
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He noted that the state had also received a N2 billion special intervention fund for food security and benefits from the removal of fuel subsidy compensation payments.
“These resources provide Bauchi with unprecedented fiscal opportunities. It is disheartening to see these efforts met with antagonistic rhetoric instead of constructive engagement,” he added.
Dare underscored the potential advantages of the Tax Reform Act for states like Bauchi, particularly in streamlining taxation and enhancing revenue collection.
He listed the following benefits: Reducing the burden on small businesses in Bauchi, improving efficiency and transparency, ensuring better economic inclusion, and providing special provisions for farming communities.
He also emphasized the Act’s potential to attract investments through tax incentives, build capacity in state revenue services, and strengthen agricultural value chains—key areas for Bauchi’s economic growth.
The special adviser rejected the confrontational stance taken by Mohammed, asserting that it does not represent the collective voice of Northern Nigeria, which seeks unity and collaboration with 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 Nigeria,” Dare stated.
He urged the governor to prioritize the effective management of federal resources, develop state-specific tax incentives to attract investments, and focus on developmental programs that would alleviate poverty in Bauchi.
Dare stressed that the nation’s pressing challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and economic growth, require collaborative efforts rather than threats and antagonism.
“At this critical juncture, the path forward lies not in confrontation but in collaboration, not in threats but in thoughtful engagement. This is the true leadership Nigeria needs, one that builds bridges, not barriers,” Dare stated.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE