‘I can’t be threatened’ — Bala Mohammed fires back at presidency over tax reform remarks

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, says he stands by his comments against President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms.

On December 26, during his critique of the reforms, Mohammed, also the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, alleged that the reforms are skewed to favour one region.

He claimed the bills amounted to “calls for anarchy” and warned that Tinubu would see “our real colour” if the legislations were passed.

The presidency in response, asked Mohammed to retract his statement, describing it as “inflammatory rhetoric” and “direct threats toward the federal government”.

However, speaking on Channels Television’s 2024 year-end review programme on Tuesday, the Bauchi governor insisted that his statements were made in good faith.

“I cannot be threatened as a governor. I stand by my comments. They are not meant to malign, insult, or do anything to the contrary other than mean well,” he said.

Mohammed criticised the presidency’s approach to the tax reform debate, urging it to avoid arrogance and listen to the concerns of Nigerians.

He warned that the proposed tax bills if passed, could have “concomitant effects” that could threaten the survival of states and further impoverish citizens.

“We believe that as the leader of the federation and all other federating units, they should listen to us, not act arrogantly, or show impunity as though they can proceed regardless,” he added.

He described the presidency’s stance as “undemocratic” and noted that “even those with military backgrounds have historically addressed public concerns on contentious policies”.

Mohammed argued that the proposed reforms neglect economically disadvantaged states and prioritise those with corporate headquarters.

Earlier, Mohammed denied threatening the president, asserting that his statements were misconstrued.

In a five-page statement, Mukhtar Gidado, his media aide, said the governor’s comments were taken out of context in “the height of mischief”.

“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,” Gidado said.

“It is the height of mischief that Governor Bala Mohammed’s candid advice on the dangers of bad decisions or policies worsening the plight of the masses has been misconstrued 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 precautionary, given the frustrations caused by the prevailing economic situation, and aimed at ensuring the proposed tax reforms are inclusive and sensitive to Nigeria’s diverse socio-economic challenges.”

Gidado noted that Mohammed’s concerns align with those of some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, who, he noted, have also raised concerns about the reforms.

“It is disingenuous to single out Bala Mohammed for criticism while others across party lines share similar concerns,” he added.