Gov. Bala To Presidency: I Merely Advised On Dangers Of Bad Policies, Not Threat
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has said that he only gave advise on the dangers of bad decisions and policies that could worsen the plight of the ordinary Nigerians and did not in any way threatened either the Presidency of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Mohammed, who stated this while reacting to the statement by the Presidency calling on him to retract his “threat” to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the controversial tax reforms, said that 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.
Mohammed also said that the position of the Presidency smacked of a disingenuous attempt at blackmail and a throwback to the insensitivity of the Government to single him out for inquisition, saying, could it be because he is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?
A statement signed by Muktar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Bauchi State titled; ‘Re-Presidency’s Misleading Statement on Governor Bala Mohammed’s Remarks on Tax Reforms’, stressed that it was 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.
The Governor said that his remarks were essentially precautionary, given the deep-seated frustrations caused by the prevailing economic situation, adding that they 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.
The statement further said; “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.
“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?
“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.
“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,” it stated.
While refuting the poverty rate allegation, the statement said that the Presidency’s assertion, juxtaposing the developmental challenges of Bauchi State against what it claims to be humongous federal allocations received under Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration is both misleading and unfair.
It said; “It is common knowledge that Bauchi State has faced systemic socio-economic challenges inherited over decades. Over time, these challenges have been compounded by our compatriots fleeing for their lives from the insecurity in other states as well as other existential challenges confronting them.
“Despite this, the Bala Mohammed administration has leveraged resources to deliver impactful development projects that have significantly improved the quality of life of the citizens. Contrary to the Presidency’s claims, Bauchi State under Governor Bala Mohammed has made remarkable progress in key sectors,” it stressed.
