By Mubarak Aliyu kobi
BauchiState Governor, Bala Mohammed, has once again criticized President Bola Tinubu over the ongoing disagreement on the Tax Reform Bill.
Speaking as a guest on Channels TV’s programme “2024 in Review,” Mohammed emphasized the need for the Presidency to be open to constructive criticism.
He noted that President Tinubu himself had been a strong advocate for criticism and reform during his tenure as Governor of Lagos.
Governor Mohammed expressed his disappointment with the Presidency’s response to his criticism of the Tax Reform Bill and stated that he has no regrets for speaking out against parts of the bill, which he believes are not well-received by many Nigerians and states with no derivative earnings.
Bala Mohammed urged President Tinubu to accommodate more collaboration and listen to the concerns of Nigerians.
He noted that Tinubu had challenged the federal government during his time as Governor of Lagos and as a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
Mohammed expressed his surprise that the Presidency would view his criticism as an affront or insult, rather than a genuine intervention.
When asked about the potential benefits of the Tax Reform Bill, Governor Mohammed acknowledged that it could help states maximize their natural resources. However, he emphasized the need for wider consultation and the removal of contentious areas in the bill.
Mohammed clarified that he is not against the reform itself, but rather the manner in which it is being implemented.
The Governor urged President Tinubu to implement his policies using persuasion rather than force.
He emphasized that reform should promote good governance, but not at the detriment of the majority of federating states.
Senator Bala Mohammed reiterated his commitment to working with the federal government, but stressed the need for greater collaboration and accommodation.
