The Presidency has warned Bauchi State Governor Bala
Mohammed to retract his statement that the north will show President Tinubu its
true colour.
Bauchi Governor had made the remark while opposing the Tax
Reform Act proposed by President Bola Tinubu, which is currently under
consideration in the Senate.
In response, the Special Adviser to the President on Media
and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, stated that the governor’s inflammatory
rhetoric regarding the Tax Reform Act and direct threats toward the Federal
Government is inappropriate for someone in his position.
Dare pointed out that despite the Tinubu administration allocating N144 billion for State and LGA to Bauchi State under Mohammed’s leadership, the state still faces significant developmental challenges and high poverty rates.
“Instead of making threats, his efforts would be better
spent on implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring the
transparent use of these federal funds,” Dare remarked.
He added that 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 tackle the nation’s challenges.
“As a state governor, he should demonstrate statesmanship
and work towards national unity. I encourage him to withdraw these confrontational
comments and shift his attention to constructive discussions with the Federal
Government regarding concerns about the Tax Reform Act,” Dare stated.
He went on to highlight the significant advantages that
states will gain from the Tax Reform Act.
Dare stated that the Tax Reform Act would simplify the
multiple taxation systems that currently burden small businesses in Bauchi.
He urged public officials to rise above regional biases and
political posturing to embrace a collective vision for a stronger, more
prosperous nation.
“The challenges we face – from poverty to security, from
economic growth to social development – go beyond state lines and political
affiliations,” he remarked.
The spokesman reminded political leaders that their primary
duty is to enhance the lives of their citizens, best achieved through
constructive dialogue, effective resource management, and a steadfast
commitment to national unity.
“The way 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 requires – one that
constructs bridges, not barriers, and prioritizes the collective good over
individual or regional interests. Finally, this Hausa saying might ease the
political tensions of the governor – ‘Gyara kayanka baya zama sauke mu raba’,”
he concluded.