Anastasia John E.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has publicly acknowledged a rift between his administration and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the discord to disagreements over significant policy decisions.
During a recent meeting with Fadilatu Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, the National Chairman of the Ulama Council of JIBWIS, who offered condolences for the passing of his stepmother, Hajja Aisha Mohammed, the governor expressed his frustration with the president’s approach to governance.
In a widely circulated Hausa video, Governor Mohammed voiced his concerns about the proposed tax reforms, stating, “We thank God for your life, and we’re grateful that you’re able to speak to them, as they will listen to you. By now, you must have heard about the issues between us and President Tinubu. It’s true, we are not on good terms with him, because our people, as well as the governors, are suffering.”
He criticized the president for being unyielding and for disregarding the voices of the populace, particularly regarding the ongoing tax reforms. “A government can’t function without revenue, and if there are obstacles in generating that revenue, even the government itself won’t be able to operate,” he said.
Governor Mohammed highlighted the challenges faced by northern states, noting, “With oil revenue dwindling as it is being used to service debt, continuing with the tax reforms could be disastrous for us.” He urged Sheikh Jingir to communicate these concerns to the president, emphasizing that the proposed tax bill is unacceptable and would hinder effective governance.
Since the tax reform bills were submitted to the National Assembly in October 2024, they have encountered significant opposition, particularly from the Northern Governors Forum. The governors have specifically rejected a proposed shift to a derivation-based model for Value Added Tax distribution, arguing it would disadvantage northern states and less industrialized regions. However, the federal government maintains that the reforms are not targeted against the northern part of the country, asserting that an overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system is long overdue.
In a related event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressed the need for tax reform during a public lecture in Kaduna. He acknowledged the flaws in Nigeria’s tax administration system and called for constructive dialogue to support the president’s reform efforts. Idris stated, “Effective taxation is important as a source of financial power for governments to provide social services for their citizens.”
The Senate has also formed a committee, led by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, to review the contentious tax reform bills and engage with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to clarify any ambiguities before the public hearing.
As discussions continue, stakeholders await further developments on the proposed reforms and their potential impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape.
