The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has accused Bauchi state Governor Bala Mohammed of launching attacks on the federal government in order to distract attention from his inability to live up to public expectations.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Ahmad Sajoh and Secretary Afolabi Josiah, TSF argued that there is little or nothing on ground in Bauchi state to justify improved federal allocations in the last 19 months.
“While comments by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State were ostensibly aimed at the federal government, they reveal not only a lack of understanding of ongoing reforms but also a troubling pattern of distraction from the pressing issues within the state.
“One of the Governor’s assertions, that tax reform bills would “block funds going to Northern States,” is not only false but sensational. Such claims, rather than fostering unity and progress, seek to misinform and incite.
” The reality is that these reforms are designed to promote transparency and fiscal discipline, ensuring that resources benefit all Nigerians, including Northern States. To suggest otherwise is to insult the intelligence of the citizens who are bearing the brunt of failed leadership.
“For Governor Mohammed to lament that governors “like himself” are suffering is an affront to the ordinary citizens of Bauchi who endure poverty, inadequate healthcare, and collapsing infrastructure under his administration.
“We must emphasize that the greatest beneficiaries of the subsidy removal policies championed by President Tinubu’s administration are state governors.
“It is a fact that increased allocations to states provide opportunities to invest in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture but unfortunately, in Bauchi, these funds appear to have been disproportionately directed toward projects of questionable priority, such as overpasses or “dry bridges” in the state capital, while rural development, agriculture, and livestock initiatives remain neglected.
“Governor Mohammed’s administration has presided over the collapse of agencies meant to support agriculture and animal husbandry, key drivers of Bauchi’s economy. Meanwhile, persistent allegations of financial impropriety and inflated contracts under his leadership continue to overshadow the lives of citizens who desperately need meaningful development.
“Let us not forget the visible indulgence in personal luxuries, including new personal properties springing up in Bauchi and beyond. If such practices represent his idea of “suffering,” then it is no wonder the citizens of Bauchi feel left behind.
“Moreover, Governor Mohammed’s rhetoric has reached an unacceptable low. His admission that he restrained himself from using foul language in the presence of a religious leader is a shocking reflection of his values as a leader.
“To even contemplate using such language in any setting is unbecoming of someone tasked with upholding the dignity of public office. At a time when the North is grappling with the erosion of societal values, including the scourge of drug abuse and political thuggery, leaders like Governor Mohammed must rise above cheap rhetoric and serve as role models for the younger generation,” it added.
TSF also urged Governor Mohammed to redirect his focus to the real issues confronting Bauchi State rather than playing to the gallery.
The group said: The citizens deserve more than rhetoric and theatrics; they deserve responsible leadership that prioritizes their welfare and development. Bauchi’s future lies in addressing poverty, revitalizing agriculture, improving education, and ensuring access to quality healthcare—not in constructing controversial projects or engaging in baseless attacks against a federal government committed to national progress.
“We encourage Governor Mohammed to carefully study the tax reform bills he seeks to criticize, as they are tools for creating a more equitable and sustainable economy. Rather than spreading misinformation, he should embrace these reforms and the opportunities they provide to advance his state.
“Bauchi deserves a leader who understands the responsibility of governance and rises above political grandstanding. It is time for Governor Mohammed to refocus his efforts on uplifting the people of Bauchi and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s collective progress.”
The group added that it remained steadfast in supporting the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which it insisted are rooted in transparency, accountability, and the commitment to creating a better future for all Nigerians.
