Tackle The Challenges And High Poverty Rates In Bauchi Before Attacking Tinubu – Presidency Replies Gov Mohammed

The presidency on Monday, urged Governor Bala Mohammed to focus on resolving the developmental and poverty challenges in his state rather than issuing threats against President Bola Tinubu.

The presidency cautioned the Bauchi State Governor against making inflammatory statements against the government and President Tinubu and urged him to retract his words.

The Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, who gave the word of caution, said the statements coming from the Bauchi State Governor are unbecoming of his office and public status.

Naija News reports the position of the presidency comes as a direct response to an earlier statement by the Bauchi State Governor, who described the Tax Reform Bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as anti-North and a threat to the unity of Nigeria.

The Governor argued that President Tinubu‘s reforms seemed designed to benefit specific regions of the country while leaving the North at a disadvantage.

Mohammed urged the Federal Government to review its policies to ensure they reflect the interests of all Nigerians.

He warned that ignoring the cries of the people could lead to unrest, emphasising that leadership requires listening and sensitivity to the needs of the masses.

However, in response, the presidency described the Governor’s statement as unfortunate, adding that his submissions does not represent the position of the Northern region.

“The recent inflammatory rhetoric of Governor Bala Mohammed regarding the Tax Reform Act and direct threats toward the Federal Government are unbecoming of his office as a state governor. His statement “We will show President Tinubu our true color” is particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between state and FG.

“It bears noting that Bauchi State has received N144 billion (State and LGA) in federal allocations under the current administration – a significant increase from previous disbursements. Yet his state continues to grapple with serious developmental challenges and high poverty rates. Rather than issuing threats, his energy might be better directed toward implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring transparent utilization of these federal resources.

“This unfortunate statement does not represent the collective voice of Northern Nigeria. The North, like other regions, seeks collaborative governance and constructive engagement with the Federal Government to address our nation’s challenges.

“As a state governor, he is called 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 FG regarding any concerns about the Tax Reform Act,” the response from the presidency stated.

In Defence Of Tinubu’s Tax Reforms

The statement further highlighted some of the benefits the proposed tax reforms would bring to the country and its citizens to include federal allocation benefits and development opportunities.

“The Tax Reform Act and increased federal allocations offer significant benefits to the States.

Federal Allocation Benefits:
1. The N144 billion allocation represents one of the highest increases in federal disbursements to states, providing Bauchi with unprecedented fiscal resources.

2. This includes the recent N2 billion special intervention fund given to each state for food security.

3. The removal of fuel subsidy compensation payments have boosted state revenues.

4. Special consideration for derivation funds protecting northern states’ interests.

Tax Reform Benefits:
1. Streamlining of multiple taxation systems that currently burden small businesses in Bauchi.

2. Enhanced revenue collection efficiency through digitalization.

3. Protection of informal sector workers who form the backbone of Bauchi’s economy.

4. Special provisions for agricultural businesses, which is crucial for Bauchi’s farming communities

Development Opportunities:
1. The reforms create frameworks for attracting investments through tax incentives
2. Capacity building for state revenue services

“These initiatives demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to supporting state development. Rather than antagonizing these efforts, he could leverage these resources by:

– Implementing transparent fiscal management systems
– Developing state-specific tax incentives to attract investments
– Investing in agricultural value chains.

Join Tinubu’s Moving Train

The presidency also urged Governor Mohammed and other public officials to rise above regional, religious and other sentiments to support the administration of President Tinubu in improving the lives of Nigerians.

The statement urged that collaboration, rather than confrontation, is the way forward.

“Nigeria’s journey toward prosperity demands unity of purpose, not divisive rhetoric. At this critical juncture in our national development, public officials must rise above regional sentiments and political grandstanding to embrace the collective vision of a stronger, more prosperous nation. The challenges we face – from poverty to security, from economic growth to social development – transcend state boundaries and political affiliations.

“Indeed, all political leaders must remember that their primary obligation is to improve the lives of their citizens, which is best achieved through constructive dialogue, efficient resource management, and unwavering commitment to national unity.

“The path forward lies not in confrontation but in collaboration, not in threats but in thoughtful engagement, and certainly not in divisive statements but in unified action toward our shared goals of development and progress. This is the true leadership Nigeria needs – one that builds bridges, not barriers, and prioritizes the collective good over individual or regional interests.

“Finally, this Hausa might soothe the political nerves of the governor -“Gyara kayanka baya zama sauke mu raba,” the statement concluded.