Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has once again spoken out against President Bola Tinubu, particularly criticizing the Tax Reforms Bills introduced by his administration, labeling them as detrimental to northern Nigeria.
Governor Mohammed claims that these tax reforms are designed to benefit only a specific region of the country, thereby marginalizing northern Nigeria. This marks the second occasion on which the governor has publicly condemned President Tinubu’s policies, asserting that they do not serve the interests of the Nigerian populace.
In August 2024, during the State Executive Council Meeting, Governor Mohammed expressed similar concerns about the Tinubu administration’s policies, stating that they have only led to increased hunger and poverty among Nigerians.
While addressing members of the Christian Community in Bauchi State during their annual Christmas visit to the Government House, the governor emphasized the need for the president and his administration to heed public feedback regarding policy changes. He asserted that no policy should be enforced without consideration of the people’s sentiments, highlighting that Nigeria does not operate under an oligarchic or military regime.
Governor Mohammed stated, “I urge you to pray for Nigeria and its leaders, including myself, as we navigate these challenging times. There is significant suffering, and we must seek divine intervention to alleviate our struggles. We are not intending to offend anyone; rather, we are calling for a change in approach from the presidency and the federal government. When a policy is unpopular, it is crucial to listen to the voices of the people. Arrogance has no place in governance.”
He further warned, “Imposing unpopular policies could lead to chaos and is unacceptable. We must collaborate across party lines and levels of government to provide relief to the Nigerian people.”
He stressed the importance of humility in leadership, asserting that effective governance requires understanding and addressing the needs of the populace.