The Presidency has lashed out at Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Mohammed recently said Tinubu’s economic reform policies are causing more hardship in the North and Nigeria at large.

The governor added that he is not on good terms with Tinubu, whom he accused of not listening to the people.

“It is true that we are not on good terms with him [President Tinubu] because our brothers and sisters are suffering. Even we, the governors, are suffering. Aside from his policies, he does not listen to us,” Mohammed had said.

Reacting via a statement on Friday, January 10, 2025, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said Tinubu “is a listening leader and also a leader that strongly believes in the institutions of state.”

Dare stated that Tinubu’s administration “is one that is laser-focused on issues of development and how to improve on the overall well-being of Nigerians.”

He added: “The focus of this government is on how to build stronger collaborations with sub-nationals and other critical stakeholders on matters that affect the lives of Nigerians.

“President Tinubu won an election and secured a national mandate from Nigerians and he will not surrender that to satisfy the palate of some psuedo activists and later day crusaders.

“On the Tax Reform Bills, the President was clear that anyone and groups that feel strongly about this matter now before the National Assembly should take advantage of the legislative process. Attempts to stampede or abort this process must be regarded as undemocratic and self serving.

Bala Mohammed sacks 5 Bauchi commissioners

“The question to Governor Bala Mohammed by journalists is to know what he is doing to make life better for the people of Bauchi State. How well are the people of his state who still rank as most impoverished among Nigerians fairing under his leadership? How well has he as Governor used the increased resources at his disposal to improve the quality of life of his people.

“Just like President Tinubu has a duty to all Nigerians, Governor Bala has greater duty and responsibility to the people of his state. Constant blustering and playing irresponsible politics will not relieve him of his duty to the people of Bauchi State his leadership has impoverished.

“Governor Bala should face governance and stop using President Tinubu to burnish is vanishing image.

“President Tinubu is focused on revamping the economy and his is working to turn the economic fortunes of the country around.

“He has a four-year mandate to deliver on his promises. Nigerians have started to see the real impact of reforms of the Tinubu administration and better outcomes will continue to manifest in the lives of the citizens in the weeks and months ahead.

“Governor Bala is playing Irresponsible Politics. Rather, he should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state. Ambition is made of sterner stuff.”

The Star