The Bauchi State Government has on Monday rejected a statement by the Presidency accusing Governor Bala Mohammed of describing the Federal Government’s tax reforms as “anti-North” and of unfairly criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a press release signed by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, the state government described the allegations as misleading and an attempt to misrepresent Governor Mohammed’s position on the tax reforms.
The statement clarified that Governor Mohammed’s remarks were precautionary and aimed at addressing the frustrations of Nigerians due to the prevailing economic situation.
“It is the height of mischief to suggest that Governor Bala Mohammed threatened the President or the presidency. His advice was aimed at ensuring the proposed tax reforms are equitable, inclusive, and sensitive to the unique socio-economic challenges of various regions,” Gidado said.
The statement added that Governor Mohammed’s concerns align with those of some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors who have warned against implementing the reforms in their current form.
Refuting Poverty Rate Claims
The Bauchi State Government also rejected claims by the Presidency that federal allocations to the state had not translated into development.
It outlined the governor’s achievements, including:
Construction of over 5,000 classrooms and recruitment of qualified teachers.
Establishment or refurbishment of more than 400 primary healthcare centres.
Rehabilitation of over 1,500 kilometres of roads and the provision of affordable housing in all six emirate council headquarters.
Expansion of access to potable water, including the upgrade of the Gubi Waterworks.
Youth and women empowerment programs benefiting over 100,000 individuals.
The government emphasized that Bauchi State had earned accolades, including awards for transparency, accountability, rural infrastructure, and urban renewal from APC-led federal administrations.
Call for Constructive Dialogue
Governor Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to national development and collaboration with the Federal Government but urged the Presidency to embrace constructive criticism.
“The Federal Government should engage stakeholders in dialogue rather than resort to selective profiling and name-calling,” the statement said.
The Bauchi State Government reiterated that Governor Mohammed remains focused on delivering people-oriented governance and advancing the development of the state.
