The Presidency has responded to recent comments by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who accused President Bola Tinubu of not listening to the people, urging the governor to focus on governance in his state and stop engaging in “irresponsible politics.”
Earlier in the week, Governor Mohammed met with the National Chairman of the Council of Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah, Sheikh Sani Jingir, to discuss national issues. Jingir had been a vocal supporter of the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought Tinubu to power in May 2023.
During the meeting, Mohammed criticised Tinubu, saying, “It is true that we are not on good terms with him (Tinubu) because our brothers and sisters are suffering. Even we, the governors, are suffering. Aside from his policies, he does not listen to us.”
The governor claimed that the northern region had been disproportionately affected by Tinubu’s policies and argued that the proposed tax reforms would worsen poverty in the area.
In a statement on Friday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, condemned Mohammed’s remarks, describing them as “irresponsible politics.”
“Governor Bala should face governance and stop using President Tinubu to burnish his vanishing image. Governor Bala is playing irresponsible politics. Rather, he should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state. Ambition is made of sterner stuff,” the statement read.
Dare highlighted Tinubu’s focus on economic reforms and development, stating, “President Tinubu is focused on revamping the economy, and he is working to turn the economic fortunes of the country around. He has a four-year mandate to deliver on his promises.”
He added, “Nigerians have started to see the real impact of reforms of the Tinubu administration, and better outcomes will continue to manifest in the lives of the citizens in the weeks and months ahead.”
The statement further noted that the administration is committed to fostering collaboration with sub-nationals and other stakeholders to address issues affecting Nigerians.
“The focus of this government is on how to build stronger collaborations with sub-nationals and other critical stakeholders on matters that affect the lives of Nigerians,” it stated.
Dismissing Mohammed’s claims, the Presidency emphasised Tinubu’s leadership qualities: “President Tinubu is a listening leader and also a leader who firmly believes in the institutions of state.”
On the proposed Tax Reform Bills, the Presidency urged concerned individuals or groups to engage with the legislative process rather than resort to baseless criticisms.
The statement also questioned Mohammed’s governance in Bauchi, challenging him to address the state’s persistent poverty and underdevelopment.
“How well are the people of his state who still rank as most impoverished among Nigerians faring under his leadership?” the statement queried. “How well has he, as Governor, used the increased resources at his disposal to improve the quality of life of his people?”
It concluded by reminding Mohammed of his responsibility to Bauchi State residents: “Governor Bala has a greater duty and responsibility to the people of his state. Constant blustering and playing irresponsible politics will not relieve him of his duty to the people of Bauchi State his leadership has impoverished.”
