The presidency has condemned the remarks of Bauchi State Governor, Mr. Bala Mohammed on the Tax Reform Bills, advising him to resort to productive dialogue rather than threats.
Governor Mohammed during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Community at the Government House for the Annual Christmas homage some days ago condemned the Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly, stating that the policies are anti-North.
The governor argued that the proposed tax reforms would unfairly benefit certain section of the country at the expense of the Northern region, warning that if the bills are passed, ‘we will show our true colour’.
“We will show our true colour; we will fight for it. No policy should be imposed on the people because Nigeria does not operate an oligarchy system of government or a military rule.
“It is not a good policy for northern Nigeria because we are not going to get money to pay workers’ salaries, to do roads. The presidency and federal government must listen to our plights; otherwise, they are calling for anarchy. And that is not good,” he said.
Reacting to the governor’s comments in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare described the remarks as ‘unbecoming’ and enjoined the governor to retract the statements.
He wrote: “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 ₦144 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.”
He highlighted the benefits of the Tax Reform Act and increased federal allocations to the states.
On Federal Allocation Benefits, he said: “The ₦144 billion allocation represents one of the highest increases in federal disbursements to states, providing Bauchi with unprecedented fiscal resources. This includes the recent ₦2 billion special intervention fund given to each state for food security.
“The removal of fuel subsidy compensation payments have boosted state revenues. Special consideration for derivation funds protecting northern states’ interests.”
Similarly, the former Minister of Youth & Sports noted that the Tax Reform benefits include: “Streamlining of multiple taxation systems that currently burden small businesses in Bauchi. Enhanced revenue collection efficiency through digitalization. Protection of informal sector workers who form the backbone of Bauchi’s economy. Special provisions for agricultural businesses, which is crucial for Bauchi’s farming communities.”
The spokesperson stressed that the development opportunities which includes that the reforms create frameworks for attracting investments through tax incentives and capacity building for state revenue services.
He further said that the initiatives demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to supporting state development.
