Presidency urges Bauchi Governor to retract tax reform remarks, focus on dialogue

By Kunle Sanni

The Presidency has urged Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to retract his recent comments criticizing the Federal Government’s Tax Reform Bill currently before the National Assembly. Sunday Dare, Senior Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, described the governor’s remarks as “inflammatory” and called for a shift toward productive dialogue.

In a statement shared on Monday via his X account, Dare responded to Mohammed’s controversial statement last week, where he reportedly said, “We will show Tinubu our true colour.”

Governor Mohammed had criticized the tax reforms, labeling them as “hasty” and “unfair,” claiming they risked centralizing revenue at the expense of states like Bauchi. He warned of potential resistance, saying, “If this continues, we will have no choice but to show our true colours.”

Dare described the remarks as unbecoming of a state governor, emphasizing that such rhetoric undermines the collaborative governance necessary for national progress.

“Governor Mohammed’s recent rhetoric is troubling. 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 Federal Government regarding any concerns about the Tax Reform Act,” Dare said.

President Tinubu, in a recent statement, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the tax reforms, ruling out their withdrawal despite opposition from some governors.

Dare also highlighted the substantial federal allocations received by Bauchi State under Tinubu’s administration, totaling N144 billion—a significant increase compared to previous disbursements. He pointed to special interventions, such as a N2 billion fund for food security and additional revenues from fuel subsidy removal, as evidence of the Federal Government’s efforts to support states.

“Rather than issuing threats, Governor Mohammed’s energy might be better directed toward addressing developmental challenges and implementing effective poverty alleviation programs in his state,” Dare added, noting Bauchi’s ongoing struggles with poverty and underdevelopment despite increased federal funding.

The presidential aide outlined the potential benefits of the Tax Reform Act for Bauchi State, including:

Streamlining taxation systems to ease the burden on small businesses.

Enhanced revenue collection through digitalization.

Protection for informal sector workers.

Special provisions for agricultural businesses and investment incentives.

Dare urged Governor Mohammed to leverage these reforms to drive economic growth in Bauchi, particularly by strengthening agricultural value chains, encouraging investment, and improving fiscal management.

“Nigeria’s development requires unity and collaboration, not divisive rhetoric,” Dare emphasized. “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.”

Concluding his remarks, Dare cited a Hausa proverb, “Gyara kayanka baya zama sauke mu raba” (Fix your house without dividing it), calling on the governor to prioritize constructive dialogue and cooperation with the Federal Government.