Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the growing hardships faced by Nigerians, asserting that the administration’s policies are not delivering the desired results.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Islamic scholars led by Sani Yahaya Jingir, Mohammed expressed concern over the impact of federal policies on both citizens and state governments.

“I am not here to insult anyone or act arrogantly, but as leaders, we have a duty to speak the truth to one another,” he said. “Nigerians are suffering, and we governors are also struggling due to the president’s policies, which are clearly not working. The president must listen to the people and correct his mistakes.”

The governor pointed specifically to the federal government’s tax reforms, stating that while revenue generation is essential for governance, the current approach is exacerbating challenges for ordinary citizens and the economy.

“No government can survive without revenue, but blocking critical revenue sources and implementing poorly designed policies is unsustainable,” Mohammed explained.

A Call for Dialogue and Solutions

Mohammed also admitted to tensions between state governors and the presidency, adding that disagreements have arisen from the federal government’s perceived indifference to the plight of citizens.

“You’ve probably heard that we’re at odds with the president. It’s true. Our people are suffering, and the president has not been receptive to our concerns,” he said.

Addressing Jingir, the governor appealed for intervention, noting the scholar’s influence with the president. “You are one of the few individuals the president listens to. I was planning to meet with you personally to seek your assistance in conveying this message to him,” Mohammed said.