Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has confirmed that he is not on good terms with President Bola Tinubu, citing disagreements over key policies.
He also criticized the president for being stubborn and failing to listen to the concerns of the people, particularly regarding the ongoing tax reforms.
The governor made these remarks during discussions National Chairman of the Ulama Council of JIBWIS, Fadilatu Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir when the latter condoled with him over the passing of his stepmother, Hajja Aisha Mohammed at Ramat House, Government House, Bauchi.
In a short Hausa video that has since gone viral on social media, Mohammed openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposed tax bill.
“We thank God for your life, and we’re grateful that you’re able to speak to them, as they will listen to you. By now, you must have heard about the issues between us and President Tinubu. It’s true, we are not on good terms with him, because our people, as well as the governors, are suffering.
“One of the main reasons for this is that he doesn’t listen to the people and fails to see that his harsh policies are creating problems, not just in the north, but across Nigeria. Take, for example, the tax reforms—they require careful consideration. A government can’t function without revenue, and if there are obstacles in generating that revenue, even the government itself won’t be able to operate.
“Here in the north, we recognize that we’ve neglected tax revenue. With oil revenue no longer coming in as it’s being used to service debt, continuing with the tax reforms could be disastrous for us.-
“I want you to know, it is not that we are scared or something, we only respect him because of the regard we have for you, Sheikh. We know you work for him, just as you did for us in Bauchi, Kano, and other places. Maybe if you speak to him, he will listen. Tell him this tax bill is unacceptable. If it is passed, none of us can serve our people effectively. Neither I nor my people are in support of it.”
The governor also expressed gratitude to Sheikh Jingir and his delegation for coming to condole with him over the passing of his stepmother.
Since the tax reforms bills was submited to the national assembly in October 2024, it has faced opposition from stakeholders in the north especially the northern governors forum.
The governors particularly rejected the proposed shift to a Derivation-based Model for Value Added Tax distribution.
They claim that the proposed model would be at the disadvantage of the northern states and other less industrial regions.
However, the federal government has insisted that the tax reforms bills are not against the northern part of the country.
The maintained that the overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system was long overdue.
