Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, has harshly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying that he has implemented policies that hinder the nation’s development and make already difficult situations worse.
The governor voiced his mounting dissatisfaction with the federal government’s strategy during a courtesy call to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, a well-known individual and important Muslim-Muslim ticket supporter.
Governor Mohammed was blunt when he said that the detrimental effects of the administration’s policies on the populace had caused his relationship with President Tinubu to deteriorate.
He warned that recent tax measures will disproportionately affect northern Nigeria and singled them out as particularly detrimental.
“Tinubu and I are not on good terms because his policies are causing severe hardship for the people. The northern region, in particular, is facing the brunt of these changes,” Mohammed declared, adding that many northern states rely heavily on federal allocations for survival.
The governor warned that these proposed tax reforms could push the region into deeper economic distress, worsening the vulnerability of states that are already financially strained.
“The North is already dependent on federal allocations to survive, and these reforms will only worsen our situation,” he explained.
“It’s going to put the region under even more strain, and we cannot afford that.”
In his remarks, the governor appealed to Sheikh Jingir, urging him to use his influence and respected voice to reach out to President Tinubu. Mohammed expressed hope that the Sheikh could help sway the president’s stance on the issue, given his wisdom and stature within the Muslim community.
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“Thank God you are here today, as your words carry weight,” Governor Mohammed said.
“We, as politicians, sometimes speak harshly, but I believe your influence can bring about the change we need. Please speak to the president and help us redirect these policies.”
Governor Mohammed called for a more inclusive governance approach—one that prioritizes the needs of all Nigerians, especially those in economically disadvantaged regions.
He stressed that policies should be crafted with the well-being of the entire nation in mind, not just the more affluent parts of the country.
His remarks reflect growing discontent within some quarters of the political elite about the direction of President Tinubu’s administration, particularly in how policies are affecting the northern states.
