Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has refuted claims that he threatened President Bola Tinubu, explaining that his comments were meant to be constructive critiques of policies he believes could negatively impact Nigerians.
This clarification came after the Presidency called for a retraction of Mohammed’s alleged “threat,” which followed his remark, “We will show President Tinubu our true colour.” The Presidency had described the comment as divisive and unbecoming of a leader.
Speaking during a Christmas event with the Christian community, Governor Mohammed criticized President Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, arguing that they could be harmful to northern Nigeria.
“If you ignore the cries of the people, you are inviting anarchy. These reforms are not helping northern Nigeria,” he stated.
In a press statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed insisted that his words had been misinterpreted and were intended as a warning about the negative effects of tax policies that may not be equitable or considerate of all regions.
“It is misleading to interpret Governor Bala Mohammed’s sincere warning about the potential dangers of poorly implemented policies as a threat to the Presidency,” the statement read.
Governor Mohammed reiterated his respect for the office of the President, stressing that he had no intention of issuing threats or engaging in antagonistic rhetoric.
He emphasized his desire for cooperation with the federal government to tackle the country’s challenges and work toward national development.
“We call on the Federal Government to prioritize open dialogue and inclusivity in addressing national issues,” the statement continued.
“Governor Bala Mohammed remains committed to collaborating with the Presidency to ensure Nigeria’s growth and prosperity.”
