Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s insistence on proceeding with tax reforms, despite strong opposition from northern leaders. Speaking while addressing members of the Christian community in Bauchi yesterday, the governor warned that the proposed tax reforms could lead to economic challenges, particularly for Northern Nigeria. As Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, he urged the Federal Government to reconsider its economic policies, given the growing hardships faced by Nigerians. Governor Mohammed criticized the tax reform bills, claiming they primarily benefit one region at the expense of northern Nigeria, and called on President Tinubu and his administration to listen to the concerns of the people.
“I call on you to pray for Nigeria and pray for all the leaders of Nigeria, including my humble self, because Nigeria needs prayers. We are facing difficulties. There is a lot of wahala, there is a lot of hunger, and it is something that we have to pray for God to obliterate. We have to say it, but certainly, we are not insulting anybody.
“We are calling on the presidency and the Federal Government to change their style. Whenever a policy is not popular, they should listen to the people. They should not be arrogant and think that whatever they bring must be. This is not an oligarchy; this is not a military rule; they must listen to the people, and that is what makes a good leader.
“And we pledge to be loyal to them, but anything they are doing contrary to that, they are calling for anarchy; they are calling for intransigence, and it is unacceptable. There is a lot of wahala; we must work together across party lines and across the tiers of government to provide succour and solace to the Nigerian people,” he said.
He further said, “It is not about pride or ego; we must be able to do things that people will be assisted because whatever it is, the situation was not like this before. If the situation was bad before I came, tell me! And I must change, and that is why the presidency must listen to the cries about the tax reform.
“It is not a good policy for Northern Nigeria because we are not going to get money to pay salaries or to do roads. They must listen; otherwise, they are calling for anarchy. And that is not good.”
On the purpose of the visit, the governor expressed appreciation to the Christian community in Bauchi State for their support of his government.
“I wish to thank the Christians for their support over the years, especially for my dear party, the PDP, and my humble self. Even when I was in ANPP, the Christians helped me and voted for me, and they believe in me despite my limitations and inadequacies. I really appreciate your support all through this difficult time that we came back for the second term.
“Whatever we are doing that you are appreciating, we are appreciating more because it is something that you deserve, it is something that you earned, and it is something that befits you because you are all my brothers and sisters.
“I am a special breed of person. Most of you are my blood brothers and sisters, and most of you are my tribesmen; we come from the same source; we only believe differently. My wife has said it all: You are free to practice your religion; I am free to practice my own—there is no compulsion in religion, so it should not be a dividing factor.
“And you have demonstrated this; you have shown support, you have shown appreciation, you have shown humility, especially the Chairman of CAN and his executive members. The little things we are doing are appreciated; that will give us a lot of encouragement.
“Our Christian brothers and sisters, we are grateful for the support and cooperation that you keep giving us and our government; we will continue to be just and fair to you and everyone. And whatever we do, we don’t do it so that you praise us; we do it because it is compulsory for us, and it is our training in leadership,” he noted.
