Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, warning they could harm Northern Nigeria’s economy and disrupt national unity.

During a meeting with the Christian community at the Government House in Bauchi on Thursday, Governor Mohammed criticized the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly. As the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, he argued that the bills disproportionately benefit one section of the country, leaving the North at a disadvantage.

“These policies will not help Northern Nigeria,” Mohammed stated. “We will struggle to pay salaries and build essential infrastructure like roads. The presidency must listen to these concerns to avoid unrest.”

The governor emphasized that his objection isn’t based on religion or ethnicity but on fairness and national interest. “This is about good leadership, national unity, and ensuring that no region is left behind,” he added.

Despite resistance from Northern governors and the National Economic Council, President Tinubu has stood firm on implementing the tax reforms, arguing they are necessary to revitalize Nigeria’s struggling economy. However, the reforms have sparked widespread debate, with critics warning of deepening economic divides in the country.

As the discussion continues, Governor Mohammed has called on the presidency to reconsider its stance and adopt policies that promote fairness across all regions. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how these reforms shape Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.