Tax Reform: Presidency Responds to Governor Bala of Bauchi State
The presidency has reacted to Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State regarding his comments about President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the ongoing push for the controversial tax reform bill.
On December 25, 2024, during a Christmas event held for the Christian community at the Government House in Bauchi, Governor Mohammed criticized President Tinubu’s tax reform policies, labeling them as “anti-northern.” He accused the reforms of benefiting only a specific section of the country while neglecting the interests of the northern region. The governor warned that if these policies continued, the northern region would feel compelled to “show its true colours” in response.
In a post on X on Monday titled “RE: We’ll Show Tinubu Our True Colour,” President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, countered Governor Mohammed’s statements, insisting that they do not represent the North’s perspective or the constructive dialogue needed between states and the federal government.
Dare urged the governor to retract his confrontational remarks and to focus on productive dialogue regarding the Tax Reform Act. He stated, “This unfortunate statement does not reflect 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.”
Dare suggested that instead of issuing threats, Governor Mohammed should concentrate on implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring the transparent use of the N144 billion received from the federal government. He emphasized that the Tax Reform Act and increased federal allocations would significantly benefit the states.
The post also criticized Governor Mohammed’s comments as inappropriate for someone in his position. “His statement, ‘We will show President Tinubu our true colour,’ is particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between the state and the federal government,” Dare noted.
He pointed out that Bauchi State has received N144 billion (for both state and local government areas) in federal allocations under the current administration, which is a substantial increase from previous disbursements. Despite this, the state continues to face serious developmental challenges and high poverty rates. As a state governor, he is expected to demonstrate statesmanship and work toward national cohesion.
Dare highlighted that the Tax Reform Act would help simplify the complex taxation systems burdening small businesses in Bauchi, offering significant benefits to the state. He emphasized that Nigeria’s path to prosperity requires a unified purpose and called on public officials to move beyond regional sentiments and political grandstanding to support a stronger, more prosperous nation.
“The challenges we face—ranging from poverty to security, and from economic growth to social development—transcend state boundaries and political affiliations. All political leaders must remember that their primary obligation is to improve the lives of their citizens, and this is best achieved through constructive dialogue, efficient resource management, and a steadfast commitment to national unity.”
Dare concluded by stating, “The way 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—leadership that builds bridges, not barriers, and prioritizes the collective good over individual or regional interests.
Finally, he added a Hausa proverb to ease the political tensions: “Gyara kayanka baya zama sauke mu raba.”
