Tax reform: Bauchi Govt insists on constructive engagement of stakeholders by FG
By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
The Government of Bauchi state has appealed to the Nigeria’s Presidency to constructively engage stakeholders on the controversial tax reform bills rather than profiling well-meaning Nigerians who have raised concerns just to distract the public from the unpopular move of the federal government.
The Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Mohammed Gidado stated this in a press release on Tuesday.
He 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.
The press release further noted that under Governor Mohammed, over 5000 classrooms have been constructed across the state to provide a conducive learning environment for students.
Comrade Gidado who took time to mentioned numerous developmental projects and programmes executed by Mohammed’s administration, recalled that thousands of qualified teachers have also been recruited, with regular capacity-building workshops to enhance the quality of education.
According to him, rather than resorting to selective profiling of some well-meaning Nigerians like Governor Bala Mohammed, and the unproductive name calling aimed at distracting the public from the unpopular Tax Reform agenda, the Presidency should engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholder groups.
The press release reminded 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 in rural infrastructure and 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”, Comrade Gidado pointed out.
The Bauchi state government advised the Federal Government to 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 Nigeria’s highly plural society.
Comrade Gidado noted that the Bauchi State Government is satisfied that the citizens stand firmly behind Governor Mohammed whose achievements speak volumes about his dedication to constitutionalism, progress and all-inclusive people-oriented service.