The Presidency has condemned recent remarks by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, regarding the Tax Reforms Act, describing them as inflammatory and counterproductive.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, expressed concern over Mohammed’s statement, particularly his comment, “We will show President Tinubu our true color.”
Dare labeled the remarks a direct threat to the Federal Government and called for more constructive dialogue between the state and the center.
In a statement shared via his official X handle on Monday, December 30, Dare said, “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.”
Dare highlighted that Bauchi State has received a significant federal allocation of N144 billion under the Tinubu administration but continues to face persistent developmental challenges.
“Rather than issuing threats, his energy might be better directed toward implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring transparent utilization of these federal resources,” the statement added.
The Presidency also emphasized that Mohammed’s remarks do not represent the collective perspective of Northern Nigeria, a region it said seeks collaborative governance.
“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,” Dare said.
Calling for statesmanship, Dare urged Mohammed to retract his comments and engage in productive discussions with the Federal Government over any concerns regarding the Tax Reform Act.
“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 concluded.
