Gov Mohammed_Tinubu | Combo
The Presidency has asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, to withdraw his threat to President Bola Tinubu over the tax reform bills.
Governor Mohammed threatened recently that the North would show Tinubu their true colour if he fails to withdraw the tax reform bill.
But, on Monday December 30, 2024, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, via his X handle, expressed bitterness over Mohammed’s statement.
In the statement titled, ‘‘RE: We’ll show Tinubu our True Colour’’, the Special Adviser described Mohammed’s threat as “inflammatory”.
This was after the governor in a statement said President Tinubu was “calling for anarchy” if he went ahead with the tax reforms.
Gov Mohammed made the statement while addressing the Christian community on Boxing Day in Bauchi.
He warned that if these policies continued, the northern region would “show its true colours” in response.
Mohammed also emphasised that such reforms could lead to economic setbacks, adding that the reforms favoured just one state of the federation.
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He urged the federal government to reconsider and adopt more inclusive policies.
However, the Presidency said, “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.”
The statement added that Mohammed’s view did not reflect the view of the entire north.
“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.
“Rather than issuing threats, his energy might be better directed toward implementing effective poverty alleviation programmes and ensuring transparent utilisation of these federal resources [N144bn received from FG]. The Tax Reform Act and increased federal allocations significantly benefit the states.
“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 FG.
“It bears noting that Bauchi State has received N144 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. As a state governor, he is called to exemplify statesmanship and work toward national cohesion.”
The Presidency however explained that the N144bn federal allocation to Bauchi State marks one of the most significant increases in federal disbursements, providing the state with substantial fiscal resources.
This, it said included a recent N2bn special intervention fund allocated to each state to enhance food security.
Additionally, removing fuel subsidy compensation payments has significantly boosted state revenues, along with special considerations for derivation funds aimed at protecting the interests of northern states, it argued.
Dare said that streamlining multiple taxation systems would alleviate the burden on small businesses in Bauchi.
He added that improvements in revenue collection efficiency through digitalisation, protection for informal sector workers—who form the backbone of the state’s economy—and targeted provisions for agricultural businesses highlight the reforms’ focus on supporting Bauchi’s farming communities.
The Presidency further pointed out that the reforms open doors for development by creating frameworks to attract investments through tax incentives and building capacity within state revenue services.
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