Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has raised concerns over the proposed tax reform bills, warning that they are detrimental to northern Nigeria.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the reforms, stating they disproportionately favour a specific region of the country.
Governor Mohammed shared his views on Thursday while addressing the Christian community at the Government House in Bauchi.
He criticized the bills currently under review by the National Assembly, claiming they would hinder the northern region’s ability to generate sufficient revenue for essential needs like salary payments and infrastructure development.
As chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, Mohammed called on the presidency to heed the voices of northern leaders, cautioning that ignoring these concerns could lead to unrest.
“The presidency must listen to the cries about tax reform,” he said. “The proposed policies are not favourable to northern Nigeria. Without funds, we cannot pay salaries or build roads.
“Ignoring these realities could create anarchy, which is not in the nation’s interest.”
Mohammed emphasized that the issue transcends religion or ethnicity, focusing instead on fairness, national unity, and effective leadership.
He reminded the presidency of the support it received from northern states, urging it to adopt inclusive policies.
This criticism aligns with the rejection of the tax reform bills by northern governors, lawmakers, and the National Economic Council, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.