Governor slams Tinubu over Tax Reforms, condemns EFCC arraignment of his Commissioner
By OUR REPORTER, Bauchi
“You removed fuel subsidy and told Nigerians to endure. Now, instead of relief, you are introducing more taxes under the guise of reform. This is not reform; this is punishment,” the governor said.
One of few Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors (Bauchi State), Bala Mohammed, who have refused to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the Federal Government’s newly introduced tax reform laws and the recent arraignment of the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The governor described the tax reforms as punitive, insensitive, and economically destabilising, arguing that they would worsen the hardship already faced by Nigerians amid rising inflation, fuel price hikes, and a depreciating naira.
Speaking during a media interaction in Bauchi on Tuesday December 30, 2025, Governor Mohammed said the Tinubu administration’s tax reforms were ill-timed and poorly conceived, accusing the Federal Government of shifting the burden of economic mismanagement onto ordinary citizens and state governments.
“You removed fuel subsidy and told Nigerians to endure. Now, instead of relief, you are introducing more taxes under the guise of reform. This is not reform; this is punishment,” the governor said.
He warned that excessive taxation on businesses and individuals would ultimately cripple state economies, increase unemployment, and stifle investment.
Governor Mohammed also condemned the arraignment of Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance by the EFCC over an alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing charge, describing the move as politically motivated, suspicious, and designed to intimidate opposition-led states.
According to the governor, the allegations were “baseless and malicious,” insisting that the funds in question were part of legitimate state financial transactions that had already been documented and reported to relevant authorities.
“This is a dangerous precedent. When anti-corruption agencies are weaponised against perceived political opponents, democracy itself is under threat,” he stated.
The Bauchi governor urged the EFCC to respect due process and avoid actions that could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions. He stressed that while corruption must be fought, it should never be done selectively or used as a tool of political persecution.
He also called on the National Assembly to urgently review the tax reform laws and engage state governments, labour unions, and civil society groups to ensure policies reflect the realities on ground.
The latest remarks add to the growing tension between the Federal Government and several opposition governors, particularly over fiscal policies, revenue allocation, and the role of federal agencies in state affairs.
Political analysts warn that unless dialogue replaces confrontation, the widening rift could further strain Nigeria’s fragile economy and democratic stability.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency and the EFCC were yet to issue an official response to Governor Bala Mohammed’s comments.
