Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has reiterated his opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, asserting that he will not retract his comments despite pressure from the Presidency.
Speaking during Channels Television’s 2024 Year-End Review programme, Mohammed defended his position, stating that his remarks were made in good faith to protect Nigerians.
“I cannot be threatened as a governor. I stand by my comments. It is not meant to malign, insult, or do anything contrary other than mean well,” Mohammed said in response to calls from the Presidency to withdraw his remarks.
As the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, Mohammed urged the federal government to address the concerns of sub-national entities. He warned that passing the proposed tax bills without considering their implications could harm state governments and threaten their survival.
“We believe that as the leader of the federation and all other federating units, they should listen to us, not to be arrogant and show elements of impunity by insisting on their way,” he added.
The governor criticized the tax reform process, describing it as undemocratic and suggesting that even military governments would have been more considerate in addressing public concerns. He highlighted the plight of states without corporate headquarters, arguing that the reforms would leave them disadvantaged.
Earlier, Mohammed expressed his objections in the National Assembly, accusing the proposed bills of favoring one region over others. He warned that their passage could provoke unrest, stating that Nigerians would reveal “our real color.”
The Presidency responded by describing Mohammed’s comments as “inflammatory rhetoric” and accusing him of issuing direct threats against the federal government.
Despite resistance from Mohammed and other Northern governors, President Tinubu has insisted that the tax reforms are necessary and will proceed. The debate has intensified tensions, with critics questioning the reforms’ fairness and long-term implications for Nigeria’s federal structure.
The proposed tax reforms continue to generate controversy, with stakeholders calling for a more inclusive approach to governance and fiscal policy.
Leave a Reply