Governor Bala Mohammed has decried that the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has become averse to constructive criticisms of the proposed tax reform bills.
The governor had, in a comment six days ago, argued that the proposed tax reform bills the presidency sent to the National Assembly for consideration are skewed to favour one part of the country over the others, the north in particular.
Governor Mohammed maintained that the dogged refusal of the federal government to withdraw the tax reform bills for moderation in the face of fierce criticisms from relevant stakeholders across the country might lead to anarchy.
But the presidency countered Governor Mohammed’s criticism of the bills. It argued that, on the contrary, that he threatened President Bola Tinubu. The presidency asked Governor Mohammed to retract the threats.
However, the governor in a statement yesterday signed by his special adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidador and made available to reporters in Bauchi said his comments were taken out of context.
“Despite the avoidable misunderstanding generated by the proposed tax reform due to its poor handling, we want to assure the Presidency that, in keeping with his reputation as a nationalist and statesman, Governor Bala Mohammed remains committed to collaborating with the Federal Government to address all national challenges, including the Tax Reform Bill in its present unacceptable form, for the overall growth and development of our dear Country.
“However, to achieve the much-needed consensus, the Federal Government should shed its present aversion to constructive criticism, an unhealthy and unhelpful posture that cannot foster either good governance or the much-needed stakeholder buy-in in our highly plural society.
“In this regard, rather than resorting to selective profiling of some well-meaning Nigerians like Governor Bala Mohammed, and unproductive name-calling aimed at distracting the public from the unpopular Tax Reform agenda, we urge the Presidency to engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholder groups,” he said.
Governor Mohammed noted that several governors belonging to the APC also criticised the presidency over the content of the Tax Reform Bills but were not greeted with a rejoinder from the federal government, as he was.
“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)?
“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.
“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,” he said.
