Tax reform bill: Presidency hits back at Bauchi Governor over ‘inflammatory rhetoric’

…Warns Gov Bala to focus on poverty, not threats    

…Tells him to retract statement, redirect  focus toward productive dialogue with FG

The Presidency has responded to comments by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who threatened the federal government over the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.

Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare accused Governor Mohammed of resorting to “inflammatory rhetoric” and direct threats, which he described as unbecoming of a state governor.

He warned Governor Mohammed to direct his focus on tackling the challenges of poverty and ensuring transparent utilisation of the increased allocation from the federal purse rather than issuing threats against the President.

Dare said this while reacting to recent assertion by the Bauchi State Governor against President Tinubu over the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.

Mohammed had while receiving a delegation of Christians in his state said the Northern part of the country will show the President its true colour except the tax bills are withdrawn from the National Assembly.

However, Dare in a statement published on his X, formerly Twitter, handle on Monday said the “inflammatory rhetoric” and direct threats towards the Federal Government are unbecoming. 

He also warned the Governor that his statement “We will show President Tinubu our true color” was particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between state and FG.

“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,” the presidential adviser said.

He further noted that while Bauchi has received N144 billion (State and LGA) in federal allocations under Bala’s administration – a significant increase from previous disbursements, his state continues to grapple with serious developmental challenges and high poverty rates.

“Rather than issuing threats, his energy might be better directed toward implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring transparent utilization of these federal resources.

“As a state governor, he is called to exemplify statesmanship and work toward national cohesion. 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,” he said.

Dare further argued that contrary to the argument of Bala, the Reform Act and increased federal allocations offer significant benefits to the States.

According to him, the tax refom bills will lead to streamlining of multiple taxation systems that currently burden small businesses in Bauchi, enhanced revenue collection efficiency through digitalisation, protection of informal sector workers who form the backbone of Bauchi’s economy and special provisions for agricultural businesses, which is crucial for Bauchi’s farming communities

The statement read in part, “The recent inflammatory rhetoric of Governor Bala Mohammed regarding the Tax Reform Act and direct threats toward the Federal Government are unbecoming of his office as a state governor. His statement ‘We will show President Tinubu our true color’ is particularly concerning and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between state and FG.

“As a state governor, he is called to exemplify statesmanship and work toward national cohesion. 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 Tax Reform Act and increased federal allocations offer significant benefits to the States.

“Federal Allocation Benefits: The N144 billion allocation represents one of the highest increases in federal disbursements to states, providing Bauchi with unprecedented fiscal resources.

“This includes the recent N2 billion special intervention fund given to each state for food security.

“The removal of fuel subsidy compensation payments have boosted state revenues; Special consideration for derivation funds protecting northern states’ interests.

“Tax Reform Benefits: Streamlining of multiple taxation systems that currently burden small businesses in Bauchi.

“Enhanced revenue collection efficiency through digitalisation; Protection of informal sector workers who form the backbone of Bauchi’s economy.

“Special provisions for agricultural businesses, which is crucial for Bauchi’s farming communities

“Development Opportunities include  reforms that create frameworks for attracting investments through tax incentives; Capacity building for state revenue services.

“These initiatives demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to supporting state development. Rather than antagonising these efforts, he could leverage these resources by: Implementing transparent fiscal management systems; developing state-specific tax incentives to attract investments; Investing in agricultural value chains.

“Nigeria’s journey toward prosperity demands unity of purpose, not divisive rhetoric. At this critical juncture in our national development, public officials must rise above regional sentiments and political grandstanding to embrace the collective vision of a stronger, more prosperous nation. The challenges we face – from poverty to security, from economic growth to social development – transcend state boundaries and political affiliations.

“Indeed, all political leaders must remember that their primary obligation is to improve the lives of their citizens, which is best achieved through constructive dialogue, efficient resource management, and unwavering commitment to national unity.

“The path 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 needs – one that builds bridges, not barriers, and prioritizes the collective good over individual or regional interests.

Finally, this Hausa might soothe the political nerves of the governor – ‘Gyara kayanka baya zama sauke mu raba’,” the statement read.