The Presidency has issued a strong response to recent remarks by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, urging him to focus on addressing challenges within his state instead of engaging in what it described as “irresponsible politics.”
Governor Mohammed, earlier this week, had a discussion with Sheikh Sani Jingir, the National Chairman of the Council of Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah.
During the conversation, Mohammed criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating, “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.”
He further argued that Tinubu’s policies, particularly the proposed tax reforms, would disproportionately affect the northern region, worsening existing economic challenges.
Reacting to these comments, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Tinubu, issued a statement on Friday.
He accused Governor Mohammed of prioritizing personal political ambitions over his responsibilities as a governor.
“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,” said the Presidency.
“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.
“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 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,” the statement read.
The Presidency also defended Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as a listening and reform-driven leader. On the controversial tax reform, it suggested that critics engage constructively through legislative channels.
“How well are the people of his state who still rank as most impoverished among Nigerians faring under his leadership?” The Presidency querried in the statement.
“How well has he, as Governor, used the increased resources at his disposal to improve the quality of life of his people?”
The statement added that just like Tinubu has a duty to all Nigerians, “Governor Bala has a greater duty and responsibility to the people of his state,” therefore, “Constant blustering and playing irresponsible politics will not relieve him of his duty to the people of Bauchi State his leadership has impoverished.”
