By Abubakar Muhammad, (9NEWS NIGERIA, NORTHEAST)
The Bauchi State Government has condemned the recent comments made by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication.
It says Dare’s comments were unprofessional and a lack of respect for national events, emphasizing that it was made at the wrong time.
This was made known through a statement by Mukhtar Gidado, the spokesman of the state governor, Bala Muhammad in the weekend.
“Instead of honoring Nigeria’s fallen heroes, Dare chose to make political attacks,” Gidado said, adding that the move was a disservice to the President, who he said deserves better representation.
He explained that the Presidency has shown increasing intolerance towards feedback and criticism and rather than welcoming constructive suggestions, the President’s media team has chosen to attack and discredit those who offer criticism.
“Governor Bala Mohammed’s comments were not an attack on the President, but a call for greater consultation and inclusivity on national policies, such as the proposed Tax Reform Bills.
“The government demands that the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee release detailed consultation reports with stakeholder inputs.”Governor Mohammed has consistently supported policies that benefit the nation and provided constructive feedback on those that need improvement,” the statement said.
Governor Muhammad has recieved a backlash from the presidency over his consistent criticism of the Tax Reforms Bills, a move he alledges is against the interest of Northern Nigeria.
He reiterated his concerned last week Wednesday, while receiving a delegation of Islamic clerics led by Sani Jingir on a courtesy visit, during which he added that the federal government policies are not yielding the desired results.
Responding to the governor, Dare said the he should focus on building his state rather than criticizing federal government policies.
The bill is still under consideration at the National Assembly.According to Gidado, his principal’s critique of the Tax Reform Bills stems from his experience as a former minister and current governor.
However, Bauchi government urges Sunday Dare to focus on promoting the President’s policies and achievements rather than attacking critiques, noting that “a democracy thrives on dialogue, not intimidation.”
