The Presidency has demanded that the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, retract his recent comments attacking President Bola Tinubu over the proposed tax reform, describing them as inflammatory and counterproductive.
In a post on Monday on his verified to the Tax Reform Law, calling it inappropriate for a state governor.
The presidential spokesperson emphasized to his more than 105,200 followers that such rhetoric undermines the spirit of constructive dialogue necessary to address national challenges.
Dare highlighted that Bauchi State has received significant financial support under the current administration, including N144 billion in federal allocations for the state and local government areas.
This, he noted, is a substantial increase over previous disbursements.
“Despite these allocations, Bauchi continues to face serious development challenges and high poverty rates,” Dare said, urging Governor Mohammed to channel his energy into addressing these issues.
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He noted that the state had also received a N2 billion special intervention fund for food security and benefited from the removal of fuel subsidy compensation payments.
“These resources provide Bauchi with unprecedented fiscal opportunities. “It is discouraging to see these efforts met with antagonistic rhetoric rather than constructive engagement,” he added.
Dare highlighted the potential benefits of the Tax Reform Act for states like Bauchi, particularly in rationalizing taxes and improving revenue collection.
He listed the following benefits: reducing the burden on small businesses in Bauchi, improving efficiency and transparency, ensuring better economic inclusion and providing special provisions for farming communities.
He also emphasized the potential of the Act to attract investment through tax incentives, build capacity in state revenue services and strengthen agricultural value chains, key areas for Bauchi's economic growth.
The Special Adviser rejected the confrontational stance taken by Mohammed, stating that it does not represent the collective voice of Northern Nigeria seeking unity and collaboration with the Federal Government.
“As state governor, he is called upon to exemplify his political skill and work for national cohesion. Public officials must rise above regional sentiments and political grandstanding to embrace the collective vision of a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” Dare said.
He urged the governor to prioritize effective management of federal resources, develop targeted state tax incentives to attract investments and focus on development programs that would alleviate poverty in Bauchi.
Dare emphasized that the nation's pressing challenges, including poverty, insecurity and economic growth, require collaborative efforts rather than threats and antagonism.
“At this critical juncture, the way forward is not through confrontation but through collaboration, not through threats but through thoughtful commitment. This is the true leadership Nigeria needs, one that builds bridges, not barriers,” Dare said.
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