BAUCHI STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE PRESS RELEASE RE - PRESIDENCY’S MISLEADING STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR BALA MOHAMMED’S REMARKS ON TAX REFORM The attention of the Bauchi State Government has been drawn to a statement issued by the Presidency, accusing Governor Bala Mohammed of branding the Federal Government’s tax reform as “anti-North” and unfairly criticizing the administration of President Bola Tinubu. We find it necessary to set the record straight and highlight the facts surrounding Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration and its unwavering commitment to the socio-economic development of Bauchi State and the nation. CLARIFYING THE REMARKS ON TAX REFORM To start with, it is the height of mischief that Governor Bala Mohammed’s candid advice on the dangers of proceeding with bad decisions or policies that could worsen the plight of the masses, has been taken out of context, as a threat on the presidency. It would have been out of character for him to threaten the President or the presidency, an institution for which he has the greatest respect. His remarks were essentially precautionary, given the deep-seated frustrations caused by the prevailing economic situation. and were aimed at ensuring that the proposed tax reforms are equitable, inclusive, and sensitive to the unique socio-economic challenges of the constituent parts of the country. His overall aim, as he has always done, was to foster dialogue and advocate for policies that protect the interests of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those in economically disadvantaged states. When Governor Bala Mohammed asserted that the Presidency’s attempt to shove the discredited tax reforms down the throat of Nigerians was a recipe for anarchy, he spoke from the position of someone who is closer to the populace and who carries the mandate of not only the over seven million people of Bauchi State but who also possesses an intimate knowledge of a very significant subregional group in the country. It is not by accident that his genuine reservation against the tax reforms coincides with those of some APC governors who have consistently warned against implementing the proposed reform in its present form. Therefore, it smacks of a disingenuous attempt at blackmail and a throwback to the insensitivity of the Government to single Bala Mohammed out for inquisition. Could it be because he is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)? If the Presidency had genuinely desired an all-inclusive tax reform that would command the buy-in of various stakeholder and subnational groups in the country, it could have subjected a draft to discussion before railroading it to the National Assembly. It did not. Even when it was given a soft landing by the National Economic Council, NEC, a body headed by the Vice President of the country and which, by that token, was expected to command the respect of the President, its advice that the reform be taken back was blatantly disregarded. So, who is against dialogue? To put it mildly, it is dishonest to accuse Governor Bala Mohammed, as the Presidency has done in its face-saving response, of adopting an anti-dialogue or unstatesmanlike posture. That is not the antecedent of Bala Mohammed who, at different times in his illustrious service to the nation, has stuck his neck out to uphold those principles that strengthen national cohesion, constitutionalism and good governance. It is on record that even in the life of this Administration, some mischievous elements across party lines have accused the Bauchi State Governor of pandering to the interests of the Tinubu Administration. Conscious that such is the fate of patriots, he is undeterred by these criticisms and remains resolute in pushing conversations and narratives that will deepen good governance and national unity. REFUTING THE POVERTY RATE ALLEGATION The Presidency’s assertion, juxtaposing the developmental challenges of Bauchi State Signed: Mukhtar Gidado Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor 31st December, 2024.