“Your comments on tax reform bills inflammatory” – Presidency warns Bauchi governor

The Presidency has issued a stern warning to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed over his recent remarks criticizing the Federal Government’s Tax Reform Bill currently before the National Assembly.

In a statement on Monday, Sunday Dare, Senior Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, condemned the governor’s comments as “inflammatory” and urged him to adopt a more constructive approach to addressing concerns.

Governor Mohammed had criticized the tax reforms, calling them “hasty” and “unfair.” He further warned that if the bill proceeds as planned, states like Bauchi could suffer, and his government would be forced to “show our true colours.”

Dare stated that such rhetoric from a state governor undermines national unity and the collaborative spirit necessary for progress. He urged Governor Mohammed to retract his confrontational remarks and engage in a more productive dialogue with the Federal Government.

“Governor Mohammed’s recent rhetoric is troubling. As a state governor, he is expected to exemplify statesmanship and work toward national cohesion.

I urge him to retract these confrontational remarks and redirect his focus toward productive dialogue with the Federal Government regarding any concerns about the Tax Reform Act,” Dare said.

The Senior Special Adviser also noted the substantial federal allocations received by Bauchi State under President Tinubu’s administration, which he said have reached N144 billion, an increase from previous years.

Additionally, he pointed to special interventions like a N2 billion fund for food security and the benefits of the fuel subsidy removal, which have aimed to support states, including Bauchi.

“Instead of issuing threats, Governor Mohammed should focus his energy on addressing the developmental challenges in Bauchi, where poverty and underdevelopment persist despite increased federal funding,” Dare added.

Dare also outlined the potential benefits of the Tax Reform Bill for Bauchi State, such as streamlined taxation for small businesses, enhanced revenue collection through digitalization, protection for informal sector workers, and provisions to support agricultural businesses.

He encouraged Governor Mohammed to see the reforms as an opportunity to drive economic growth in Bauchi, particularly by boosting the agricultural sector and attracting investment.

“Unity and collaboration are essential for Nigeria’s progress, not divisive rhetoric. At this critical moment in our national development, public officials must prioritize the collective good and work together for a prosperous future,” Dare concluded.