The presidency has asked Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State to desist from criticising the Tax Reform Bills before National Assembly.
Gatekeepers News reports that Mohammed and the presidency have been engaged in a heated exchange over the tax reform bills currently before the national assembly.
Recall that Mohammed who is the chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum in December 2024, criticised the bills, alleging that they favour one region.
The Governor claimed the bills amounted to “calls for anarchy” and warned the President not to pass the legislation.
Subsequently, Sunday Dare, the president’s special adviser on media and public communication asked Mohammed to withdraw the comments against President Tinubu, but he stood by his comments.
Mohammed criticised the presidency’s approach to the tax reform debate, urging it to avoid arrogance and listen to the concerns of Nigerians.
Replying in a statement, Dare said the Governor should rather focus on governance and improving the lives of his people.
The spokesman said attempts to stampede or abort the tax Reform Bills are undemocratic and self-serving.
He reiterated President Tinubu’s advice to those who felt strongly about the Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly, noting that they should take advantage of the legislative process.
Dare said, “The question to Governor Bala Mohammed by journalists is to know what he is doing to make life better for the people of Bauchi State.”
“How well has he as Governor used the increased resources at his disposal to improve the quality of life of his people?”
The spokesman urged the Governor to face governance and stop using President Tinubu to burnish his image.
Dare said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was focused on issues of development and how to improve the overall well-being of Nigerians.
He said, “The focus of this government is on how to build stronger collaborations with sub-nationals and other critical stakeholders on matters that affect the lives of Nigerians.”
“President Tinubu won an election and secured a national mandate from Nigerians and he will not surrender that to satisfy the palate of some pseudo activists and later day crusaders.”
“President Tinubu is a listening leader and also a leader that strongly believes in the institutions of state.”
Dare further said President Tinubu is focused on revamping the economy and working to turn the economic fortunes of the country around.
He said, “He has a four-year mandate to deliver on his promises.”
“Nigerians have started to see the real impact of reforms of the Tinubu administration and better outcomes will continue to manifest in the lives of the citizens in the weeks and months ahead.”
“Governor Bala Mohammed should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state. Ambition is made of sterner stuff.”
