Tax Reform Act Threat: Exemplify Statesmanship and Work Toward National Cohesion – Presidency Replies Bala Mohammed

..Charges him to retract his confrontational remarks and redirect his focus toward productive dialogue with the FG regarding any concerns about the Tax Reform Act

…Urges that, rather than issuing threats, his energy might be better directed toward implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring transparent utilization of federal resources

By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Presidency on Monday reacted to the alleged threat credited to the Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State directed at President Bola Timubu, urging him to exemplify statesmanship and work toward national cohesion and retract his confrontational remarks and redirect his focus toward productive dialogue with the Feder Government regarding any concerns about the Tax Reform Act.

Precise Post recalls that Governor Mohammed – a governor from northern extraction and Peoples Democratic Party’s governors’ Forum Chairman had recently, while reacting to President Tinubu’s stand on tax reform bills, said “We will show Tinubu our true colour.”

Reacting to this threat, Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication/Spokesperson to the President, described the threat as inflammatory rhetoric unbecoming of a state governor and does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between state and FG.

The Presidency further stated that this unfortunate statement does not represent the collective voice of Northern Nigeria, stressing that the Tax Reform Act and increased federal allocations offer significant benefits to the States.

The full reply reads:

*Re: “We’ll show Tinubu our True Color” *
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.

It bears noting that Bauchi State has received N144 billion (State and LGA) in federal allocations under the current administration – a significant increase from previous disbursements. Yet 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.

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.

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:

1. The N144 billion allocation represents one of the highest increases in federal disbursements to states, providing Bauchi with unprecedented fiscal resources.
2. This includes the recent N2 billion special intervention fund given to each state for food security.
3. The removal of fuel subsidy compensation payments have boosted state revenues.
4. Special consideration for derivation funds protecting northern states’ interests.

Tax Reform Benefits:

1. Streamlining of multiple taxation systems that currently burden small businesses in Bauchi.
2. Enhanced revenue collection efficiency through digitalization.
3. Protection of informal sector workers who form the backbone of Bauchi’s economy.
4. Special provisions for agricultural businesses, which is crucial for Bauchi’s farming communities

Development Opportunities:

1. The reforms create frameworks for attracting investments through tax incentives
2. Capacity building for state revenue services

These initiatives demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to supporting state development. Rather than antagonizing 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”.