Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has firmly stood by his critique of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, asserting during Channels Television’s 2024 Year-End Review programme that he will not be intimidated.
“I cannot be threatened as a governor. I stand by my comments. It is not meant to malign, insult or to do anything to the contrary other than mean well,” Mohammed declared.
As the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, Mohammed urged the Presidency to avoid arrogance and listen to the concerns of the populace. He warned that the implementation of the proposed tax bills could have severe repercussions, potentially threatening the survival and economic stability of states, particularly those without significant corporate headquarters.
He criticized the “undemocratic” approach of the Presidency towards the tax legislation, suggesting that even leaders with military backgrounds would have engaged more democratically with public concerns. Mohammed emphasized the need to address the “areas of suspicion and mistrust” inherent in the bills.
Previously, Mohammed had labeled the tax bills as “calls for anarchy,” predicting regional backlash should they be enacted. This stance led to a rebuke from the Presidency, which demanded he retract his statements, labeling them as “inflammatory rhetoric” and “direct threats toward the federal government.”
Despite this, Mohammed, alongside 18 other Northern governors, has publicly rejected the reforms, highlighting the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding these tax proposals in the National Assembly. However, President Tinubu has stood firm, insisting on the permanence of these tax reforms.
