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Presidency To Bauchi Gov: Tackle poverty in your state first before attacking Tinubu
The presidency has responded sharply to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s recent comments, urging him to redirect his efforts toward addressing the developmental and poverty challenges in his state rather than issuing threats against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, cautioned Governor Mohammed against making inflammatory statements. He emphasized that the Governor’s remarks, particularly his comment about showing President Tinubu “our true color,” were inappropriate and unbecoming of someone in his position.
Governor Mohammed’s Criticism of Tax Reforms
The controversy began when Governor Mohammed criticized the Tax Reform Bills introduced by the Tinubu administration, labeling them as anti-North and threatening to harm the unity of Nigeria.
The Governor expressed concerns that the reforms disproportionately benefited certain regions while leaving the North at a disadvantage. He also urged the Federal Government to reassess its policies to reflect the interests of all Nigerians, warning that ignoring public grievances could lead to unrest.
Presidency Responds to Governor’s Remarks
In response, the presidency described Mohammed’s comments as unfortunate and not reflective of the collective sentiment of the Northern region.
The presidency pointed out that Bauchi State had received N144 billion in federal allocations, a substantial increase from previous allocations, yet the state continued to struggle with significant developmental challenges and high poverty rates.
The presidency stressed that rather than making confrontational statements, Governor Mohammed should focus on improving his state’s governance by utilizing the available federal resources effectively. They emphasized that his remarks did not align with the constructive dialogue needed for national progress and that such rhetoric could potentially undermine efforts toward national cohesion.
Details of Federal Allocations and Tax Reforms
The presidency also defended the Tax Reform Act, highlighting its potential benefits for states, including Bauchi. They pointed out that Bauchi had received one of the highest increases in federal disbursements, including a special N2 billion food security fund for each state. Other benefits include the removal of fuel subsidy compensation payments, which have boosted state revenues, and special provisions for northern states’ interests through derivation funds.
In terms of tax reforms, the presidency outlined several advantages, including the streamlining of multiple tax systems that burden small businesses, enhanced revenue collection through digitalization, and protections for informal sector workers. These reforms are seen as particularly beneficial for Bauchi’s agricultural communities, a vital part of the state’s economy.
Call for Collaboration Over Confrontation
The presidency called on Governor Mohammed and other public officials to rise above regional, religious, and political sentiments and support President Tinubu’s efforts to improve the country. The statement emphasized that Nigeria’s development requires unity of purpose, with collaboration between state and federal governments being essential for overcoming the country’s challenges.
Public officials were urged to focus on constructive dialogue, efficient resource management, and national unity rather than divisive rhetoric. The presidency concluded with a reminder that the primary responsibility of political leaders is to improve the lives of their citizens, and this can best be achieved through collaboration and shared goals.
A Final Word of Advice
In conclusion, the presidency shared a proverb in Hausa, “Gyara kayanka baya zama sauke mu raba,” suggesting that it is important for the Governor to focus on improving his state’s situation before engaging in unnecessary confrontations.
This response underscores the need for unity and productive collaboration as Nigeria strives toward a prosperous future.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Enugu Governor Peter Mbah has expressed deep grief over the passing away of former Super Eagles skipper and coach, Christian Chukwu, describing him as a football icon, titan, and phenomenon.
Reacting to the development on Saturday Mbah said: “I received with a deep sense of loss the passing away of Chairman Christian Chukwu. It is a personal loss to us as Ndi Enugu, his home state, and indeed to Nigeria as a nation and Africa as a continent.
“Christian Chukwu was a national icon, a football titan, field marshal, and phenomenon. His exploits as a footballer united the country across ethnic divides and creed.
He was patriotism personified, serving the nation and Africa unreservedly both as a player and coach of the highly successful Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and Super Eagles of Nigeria, which he captained to victory as Green Eagles at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. He also coached the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s senior male national team, among others.
“Chairman, as he was fondly called, gave his all not only to the nation but to the rest of Africa. He wrote his name in gold in the annals of the history of Nigerian and African football.
Our dear legend has gone the way of all mortals, but the fond memories and the pride he gave Ndi Igbo and Nigeria as a whole will be cherished forever.
“My heart goes out to his family, Ndi Enugu, the Nigerian sports community and the entire nation over this irreplaceable loss. May the good Lord grant his soul eternal repose.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
No fewer than seven people lost their lives on Saturday following the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
The deadly incident occurred along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road, a notorious route that cuts through the Sambisa Forest—an area long plagued by insurgent activities.
The victims were part of a convoy of vehicles being escorted by the military from Damboa to Maiduguri.
According to eyewitness accounts and local sources, the explosion struck as the convoy—organized to provide safe passage through the volatile region—was underway. Several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Maiduguri for urgent treatment.
The Maiduguri-Damboa Road serves as a vital link between the state capital and several local government areas in southern Borno, including Chibok and Gwoza.
For years, the route remained closed to civilian traffic due to persistent terrorist threats. However, under the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum, the road was reopened, with military escorts deployed to accompany travelers twice weekly after clearing the area for explosives.
Saturday’s attack raises fresh concerns about the safety of the corridor, despite consistent military presence. The blast also comes just days after Governor Zulum publicly raised alarm over renewed Boko Haram activity in the state, highlighting the persistent threat the group poses to peace and development in the region.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident, while investigations and security operations in the area continue.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has initiated a search following the theft of a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which was stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.
It was gathered that the vehicle was parked around 1:05pm opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while the official attended prayers at a nearby mosque.
Security source, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealing that the ONSA official returned from the mosque only to find the vehicle missing.
According to him, a sources said the theft was immediately reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m., leading to a swift response by law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command promptly activated a stop-and-search operation at various checkpoints and across all entry and exit points in the capital city.
Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and all efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits and recover the vehicle.
The Command said it had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen Hilux.
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