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Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Presidency has called on Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to retract what it described as his “inflammatory” remarks regarding the Federal Government’s Tax Reform Bill. The statement, in which Mohammed threatened that the northern region would “show its true colours” in response to the reforms, was labelled by the Presidency as unconstructive and divisive.
The Governor made the comment during a Christmas event with the Christian community at the Bauchi Government House on December 25, 2024, where he strongly criticized the proposed tax reforms, alleging they were “anti-northern” and disproportionately favoured certain regions. He warned that such policies could lead to economic setbacks and exacerbate national divisions.
Responding to the statement on Monday, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, urged Governor Mohammed to retract the comment and engage in more productive dialogue with the Federal Government. “This unfortunate statement does not reflect the collective voice of Northern Nigeria,” Dare stated in a post on his official X handle.
Dare emphasized that the North, like other regions, seeks constructive engagement with the Federal Government to address national challenges. He noted that rather than issuing threats, the Governor’s focus should be on implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring transparency in the use of federal resources.
The Presidency also pointed out that Bauchi State has received a significant N144 billion in federal allocations under the current administration—a sharp increase from previous years. Despite this, the state continues to face developmental challenges and high poverty rates, which, the Presidency argued, should be a greater priority for the governor.
“The statement ‘We will show President Tinubu our true colours’ is unbecoming of a state governor,” Dare remarked, adding that it undermines the spirit of collaboration needed to address the country’s most pressing issues. He also highlighted that Bauchi has benefited from federal initiatives such as a N2 billion special intervention fund for food security, the removal of fuel subsidy compensation payments, and special consideration for northern states in derivation funds.
On the Tax Reform Bill itself, Dare defended the initiative, noting that the proposed reforms aim to streamline multiple taxation systems, which would ease the burden on small businesses in Bauchi.
The reforms also include provisions to support informal sector workers, who are integral to the state’s economy, and agricultural businesses, which are a key focus in the region.
Dare further emphasized that these reforms would benefit Bauchi by improving revenue collection, attracting investment, and creating opportunities for long-term economic development. Rather than opposing these efforts, the governor could better serve his state by implementing transparent fiscal management and promoting policies that attract investment, particularly in agriculture.
Governor Mohammed’s comments come amid growing controversy over the Tax Reform Bill, which has faced criticism from some northern leaders. Critics argue that changes to the VAT distribution formula could disadvantage northern states, while concerns have been raised about the impact of higher taxes on businesses and consumers. Despite these concerns, the Presidency has committed to continuing consultations with stakeholders, with the bill currently under review in the National Assembly.
As the debate over the tax reforms intensifies, the Presidency has urged all political leaders to rise above regional sentiments and prioritize national unity. “The path forward lies in collaboration, not confrontation,” Dare concluded, stressing that a united approach is key to overcoming the nation’s challenges and achieving sustained economic growth.
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