The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed claims by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not a leader who listens to the concerns of federating units.
It can be recalled that Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed recently criticized the proposed tax reform bills introduced by the Tinubu administration.
According to the governor, the reforms are biased and favour certain regions over others, calling the measures “calls for anarchy” and warning that the president would see “our real colour” if the bills are passed.
In response, the presidency urged Governor Mohammed to retract his statements, emphasizing that such rhetoric could destabilize the unity of the country.
On Tuesday, the Bauchi governor clarified that his statement was not an attack on the president but insisted that Tinubu should prioritize consultation with governors and other stakeholders.
“As the head of the federation, President Tinubu must listen to us as federating units. He should avoid an attitude of impunity that suggests the reforms will proceed no matter our concerns,” Mohammed said.
Meanwhile, Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, has described the governor’s remarks as inflammatory and a direct threat to the Nigerian government. Speaking on the matter, Bwala said the President is a listening leader who values dialogue. He said it is inappropriate for governors to resort to blackmail instead of engaging constructively with their lawmakers on these issues.
Governor Mohammed and 18 of his Northern colleagues rejected the tax reform bills.
The National Economic Committee, headed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also rejected the bills, which have sparked widespread debate since their introduction in the National Assembly.
Despite the pushback, President Tinubu has stood firm, stating that the reforms are necessary for Nigeria’s economic development and sustainability.
