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 to 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 sub regional 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 against what it claims to be humongous federal allocations received under Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration is both misleading and unfair.

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:

Construction and Rehabilitation of Schools: Over 5000 classrooms have been constructed across the state to provide a conducive learning environment for students. Thousands of qualified teachers have also been recruited, with regular capacity-building workshops to enhance the quality of education.

Over 400 new primary healthcare centres have been established or refurbished in rural areas to ensure access to quality healthcare.

Construction and modernization of some General Hospitals across the State with the provision of the state-of-the-art facility in the Specialist Hospital Bauchi and General Hospitals in Azare, Misau, and Dambam among others. We have no doubt that the Presidency is aware of the award to Governor Bala Mohammed by UNICEF, for his intervention in primary healthcare delivery in the state in 2024.

To boost access to healthcare, the state has introduced a functional health insurance scheme that now covers all Civil Servants as beneficiaries.

In the area of Agriculture, farmers across the state have benefited from subsidized fertilizers, improved seeds, and mechanization support, resulting in increased agricultural productivity.

On road infrastructure, over 1,500 kilometres of urban and rural roads have been constructed or rehabilitated, connecting communities and boosting economic activities.

In the area of shelter, affordable housing schemes have been completed in all the Six Emirate Councils Headquarters of Bauchi, Azare, Misau, Jama’are, Ningi and Dass, providing shelter for low-income earners.

The administration has expanded access to potable water through the rehabilitation and upgrade of Gubi Water waterworks and drilling of boreholes in rural areas across the State. The Presidency should be reminded that, while commissioning the Bauchi water scheme in 2022, President Tinubu’s predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari had commended Governor Bala Mohammed to others as a role model in project execution, worthy of emulation by others.

On youth employment, through the Kaura Economic Employment Program (KEEP), the administration has launched multiple empowerment programs targeting over 100,000 youths and women with skills training, grants, and startup capital to enhance economic self-reliance.

Conscious that the security of lives and property is the first primary responsibility of government, in collaboration with the security agencies in the state, the Bala Mohammed Administration has spared no effort in time, funding, equipment and investment in human capital, to create a security architecture that has substantially checkmated the activities of terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and sundry criminals. To have earned the reputation of the safest state in the North East, despite sharing borders with seven other states, belies the suggestion of non performance by the Federal Government.

GOVERNOR BALA MOHAMMED’S ACCOUNTABILITY

Governor Bala Mohammed has maintained transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. It is on record that under his leadership, the Bauchi State Government has consistently sought to uphold the integrity of the payroll system and other financial obligations while not sparing any public servant found wanting in this regard. We assert without any fear of contradiction that Bauchi State’s federal allocations have been prudently utilized for impactful projects, with the results visible across all sectors.

In recognition of the above, the Institute of chartered accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) bestowed on Governor Bala Mohammed the award of the best Governor in Transparency and Accountability in 2022. We would also like to remind the Presidency that there could not have been any stronger recognition of the Bala Mohammed Administration’s achievements than the awards of best performing governor first, in rural infrastructure and later, in urban renewal, bestowed on him by two APC-led federal administrations, in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

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.

Finally, the Bauchi State Government is satisfied that the people of Bauchi State stand firmly behind their governor, whose achievements speak volumes about his dedication to constitutionalism, progress and all-inclusive people-oriented service.

Signed:
Mukhtar Gidado
Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor
31st December, 2024.