Northern Governor Warns Against Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, Predicts Possible Anarchy

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has raised concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, warning that the legislation could lead to regional imbalance and unrest in Nigeria. He described the reforms as unfavorable to northern Nigeria and urged the presidency to reconsider.

Speaking on Thursday at the Government House in Bauchi while addressing the Christian community, Mohammed expressed his dissatisfaction with the bills currently being debated in the National Assembly. He argued that the proposed reforms are disproportionately designed to benefit a specific part of the country while neglecting the needs of the northern region.

Key Concerns Highlighted by Governor Bala Mohammed

Imbalanced Revenue Allocation: Mohammed pointed out that the reforms would leave northern Nigeria unable to generate adequate funds for critical infrastructure, such as roads, and essential services like salary payments.
Call for National Unity: The governor emphasized that the reforms should prioritize fairness, national unity, and inclusive development rather than favoring one section of the country.

Warning to the Presidency

Governor Mohammed, who also serves as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, cautioned that if the presidency ignores the concerns raised by northern stakeholders, it risks fostering an environment of discontent and potential anarchy.

He stated, “The presidency must pay attention to these cries about tax reform. This policy is not good for northern Nigeria. Without adequate funding, we cannot build roads or pay salaries. Policies must promote national unity, not division.”

Regional Opposition to the Reform

The proposed tax bills have faced rejection from northern governors, lawmakers, and the National Economic Council, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Critics argue that the reforms threaten to deepen economic disparities between regions and undermine the principle of equitable development.

Governor Mohammed concluded his address by reaffirming the need for policies that serve the interests of all Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or regional affiliation.