The Bauchi governor last Thursday described President Bola Tinubu’s tax policies as anti-northern Nigerian and threatened that the region would show Tinubu government its true colours.
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has stated that the concerns raised by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, are a call for sincere and constructive dialogue with the Federal Government and not a threat.
The Bauchi governor last Thursday described President Bola Tinubu’s tax policies as anti-northern Nigerian and threatened that the region would show Tinubu government its true colours.
He said the Tax Reforms Bills are aimed at favouring just a section of the country and shortchanging northern Nigeria, threatening that “we would show our true colour, we will fight for it.”
Responding to Governor Mohammed’s threat, presidential aide Sunday Dare said the governor’s statement does not reflect the constructive dialogue needed between states and the federal government.
Dare said, “The recent inflammatory rhetoric of Governor Bala Mohammed regarding the Tax Reform Act and direct threats toward the Federal Government are unbecoming of his office as a state governor.”
But CNG in a statement signed by Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, National Coordinator, condemned the Presidency's response which labels Governor Mohammed's comments as inflammatory.
According to the statement, instead of addressing the valid concerns raised, the Presidency chose to deflect and criticise it. The CNG said the Presidency’s approach does not foster the constructive dialogue needed to address the pressing issues at hand.
The statement reads in part, "The CNG finds it imperative to address the statement made by the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, which unjustly attacked the Governor in a democratic setting over his stance on the controversial Tax Reforms Bills that is deeply unpopular with the majority of Nigerians.
"The Presidency's response, labeling Governor Mohammed's comments as inflammatory, is both dismissive and unhelpful. Instead of addressing the valid concerns raised, the Presidency has chosen to deflect and criticize. This approach does not foster the constructive dialogue needed to address the pressing issues at hand.
"We find it significant to remind all and sundry that Governor Mohammed's comments were completely acceptable and constructive in a democratic system that encourages dialogic conversations which he made in the spirit of advocating for the welfare of Bauchi State and the broader Northern region within the Nigerian political milieu.
"His statement, 'We will show President Tinubu our true color," was a call for sincere and constructive dialogue with the Federal Government, not a threat.
"Governor Mohammed's remarks echo the frustrations and concerns of countless Nigerians who believe that the Tax Reforms must not be implemented in a manner that is unjust, divisive and deliberately skewed to favour a few states over the majority.
"Regrettably, instead of heeding the Governor's wise counsel and constructive criticism that has been already echoed by vast majority of Nigerians, the Presidency snarled in response like an untamed beast at the heels of a fleeting traveler simply because of their unwillingness to swallow the pill of a bitter truth. Thus, the CNG seizes this opportunity to remind President Tinubu that his administration has, in less than two years, inflicted severe economic hardship on the populace.
"His anti-people policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, have led to a significant increase in fuel prices, triggering a ripple effect on transportation costs and the prices of goods. Additionally, the hike in electricity tariffs has compounded the difficulties faced by many Nigerians, making President Tinubu the foremost promoter of abject poverty across the nation.
"The CNG wishes to highlight that President Tinubu's disastrous economic policies have led to severe inflation and currency devaluation, causing significant financial hardship for Nigerians.
“Ongoing issues with insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts continue to jeopardize national security and stability. The government's inability to tackle these problems has left many Nigerians living in constant fear.
"We urge the Presidency to prioritize resolving the persistent issues of inadequate power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, which stifle economic growth and development. These challenges have disrupted businesses and daily life, further deepening the economic crisis.
"On a global scale, President Tinubu has been identified as one of the most corrupt individuals by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). This should prompt the Presidency to address its own failings before accusing others of corruption. Despite numerous allegations against President Tinubu, there have been no substantial efforts to combat corrupt practices within his administration.
"The CNG stands resolutely behind Governor Mohammed on this issue of tax reform and his unwavering dedication to advocating for the needs and interests of his people, exercising his constitutional freedom. For any democracy to thrive, open and honest dialogue is essential for achieving meaningful progress and fostering national cohesion.”
It continued, "We assert that if the Presidency harbors no ulterior motives in response to constructive criticism, it should engage with Governor Mohammed and other leaders in a manner that promotes mutual understanding and collaboration to refine the bills for the betterment of the Nigerian people.
"As an elected leader, Governor Mohammed's duty is to proactively voice the concerns of his people, especially when federal policies appear detrimental to their welfare. His comments should be viewed as part of his statesmanship, as he seeks to protect the interests of his state and the Northern region as a whole.”
"We urge the Federal Government to engage with Governor Mohammed and other Northern leaders constructively, rather than resorting to personal attacks or dismissive rhetoric," the statement added.