The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has responded to the presidency’s criticism of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed over his remarks on proposed tax reforms,Daily Trust reports.
Governor Mohammed, speaking during a visit by the Christian community in Bauchi over the Christmas holiday, criticized the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, claiming they were biased to favor one part of the country. He urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the tax policy reforms, warning they could lead to unrest.
In response, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, described Mohammed’s comments as “inflammatory rhetoric” and “direct threats to the federal government.” Dare stated that such remarks were concerning and counterproductive to fostering constructive dialogue between states and the federal government.
Dare also emphasized that Mohammed’s views did not represent the collective perspective of Northern Nigeria and advised the governor to focus on addressing poverty and effectively utilizing federal resources. “Bauchi State has received N144 billion (State and LGA) in federal allocations under this administration—a significant increase from prior disbursements,” Dare said. He argued that Mohammed should channel his energy into tackling poverty and ensuring transparency in resource utilization rather than making divisive statements.
In a counterstatement, Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Mohammed, rejected the presidency’s accusations, calling them a misinterpretation of the governor’s concerns. Gidado said Mohammed’s comments were a candid warning about the risks of pursuing policies that might worsen conditions for the masses and were not meant as a threat to the presidency, which he deeply respects.
Adding their voice, the CNG, through a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, criticized the presidency’s reaction as dismissive and unconstructive. The group argued that instead of addressing the valid concerns raised by the governor, the presidency deflected and criticized, which undermines the constructive dialogue needed to resolve pressing national issues.
CNG’s statement read, in part: “Governor Mohammed’s remarks were appropriate and constructive within a democratic framework that values open dialogue. His comments reflect the frustrations of many Nigerians who fear the tax reforms may be unfairly skewed to benefit a few states at the expense of the majority.”
The coalition urged the presidency to focus on resolving critical national challenges such as inadequate power infrastructure, which hampers economic growth and deepens the country’s economic crisis. It called for mutual understanding and collaboration between the federal government and Northern leaders to refine the tax reform bills for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“We stand firmly with Governor Mohammed on this issue and commend his commitment to advocating for the welfare of his people. A thriving democracy depends on open, honest dialogue to achieve meaningful progress and foster national unity,” the statement concluded.
