Retract your statement against Tinubu, Presidency tells Bala Mohammed

The Presidency has called on the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, to retract the statement that the north “will show Tinubu our true color,” saying it is particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between states and the Federal Government.

The governor made the statement while kicking against the Tax Reform Act of President Bola Tinubu which is before the Senate.

Reacting, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the inflammatory rhetoric of the governor regarding the Tax Reform Act and direct threats toward the Federal Government are unbecoming of his office as a state governor.

Dare revealed that despite the Tinubu administration giving N144 billion (State and LGA) in federal allocations to Bauchi State under Mohammed’s leadership, the 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 utilisation of these federal resources,” Dare said.

He said Mohammed’s unfortunate statement does not represent the collective voice of Northern Nigeria, which, like other regions, seeks collaborative governance and constructive engagement with the Federal Government to address the 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,” Dare said.

He went ahead to list the significant benefits states will enjoy as a result of the Tax Reform Act.

On Federal Allocation, he said the N144 billion allocation represents one of the highest increases in federal disbursements to states, providing Bauchi with unprecedented fiscal resources.

“This includes the recent N2 billion special intervention fund given to each state for food security,” he said.

He further stated that the removal of fuel subsidy compensation payments have boosted state revenues, adding that there is a “special consideration for derivation funds protecting northern states’ interests.”

On the benefits of Tax Reform, the presidential spokesman said there will be a streamlining of multiple taxation systems that currently burden small businesses in Bauchi.

The reform also comes with enhanced revenue collection efficiency through digitalisation, protection of informal sector workers who form the backbone of Bauchi’s economy, and special provisions for agricultural businesses, which is crucial for Bauchi’s farming communities.

He said the development opportunities that accompany the reforms will create frameworks for attracting investments through tax incentives and also provide capacity building for state revenue services.

“These initiatives demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to supporting state development. Rather than antagonising these efforts, he could leverage these resources by Implementing transparent fiscal management systems, developing state-specific tax incentives to attract investments and investing in agricultural value chains,” Dare urged the governor.

Calling for unity of purpose and an end to divisive rhetorics, Dare urged public officials to 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,” he noted.

He reminded political leaders 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’,” he concluded.