The war of words between Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, escalated on Saturday as Tuggar accused the governor of promoting a North-South divide through his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills. The minister also addressed concerns over US migration policies and delays in posting ambassadors to foreign missions.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS Channel, Tuggar criticized Governor Mohammed’s approach to opposing the Tinubu administration, accusing him of insincerity and stoking regional tensions. “The problem with him is not criticising President Tinubu but the manner he is doing it. He lacks sincerity of purpose and is creating a North-South divide,” Tuggar stated.
Tax Reforms and Regional Tensions
Tuggar dismissed claims that the North opposes Tinubu’s administration due to the tax bills, describing such narratives as dangerous and politically motivated. He argued that Governor Mohammed’s criticisms were driven by personal ambition rather than genuine concern for the people.
The minister also accused the governor of mismanaging Bauchi State’s resources, citing the expansion of the government house as an example of misplaced priorities. “Instead of focusing on social services, infrastructure, or education for out-of-school children, he is busy expanding the government house at a cost of over N16.6 billion. Is that our priority?” Tuggar queried.
He further criticized the governor for neglecting agrarian communities, leading to artificial flooding and hardship for residents. “Bauchi is full of agrarian communities. Blocking rivers has created disasters and unnatural flooding,” he added.
Governor Mohammed’s Allegations and Tuggar’s Response
Governor Mohammed had previously accused Tuggar of being distracted by his ambition to become governor. In response, Tuggar denied the claim, stating that his actions were driven by a desire to support Bauchi State’s development. He highlighted his efforts to facilitate partnerships between the state and German companies, including the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and the provision of mobility aids for the disabled.
“If it was about governorship, I wouldn’t have organised these initiatives. I wanted him to look good. But now, he is deliberately misleading people and sowing discord for his personal ambition,” Tuggar explained.
US Migration Policy and Contingency Plans
Tuggar also addressed concerns over US President Donald Trump’s migration policies, which could affect Nigerians. He revealed that the federal government is monitoring the situation and making contingency plans to handle potential deportations. “We are in constant touch with the US government and know the number of Nigerians being held. Thankfully, the figures are not as high as in other countries,” he said.
Delays in Posting Ambassadors
When asked about delays in posting ambassadors to foreign missions, Tuggar explained that logistical preparations, including providing vehicles and family support, were necessary before deployments could proceed. “The President knows best. He said he is not ready for that yet, and I’m going by what he said. Our missions are functioning, and we will continue to do our best,” he stated.
Tinubu’s Foreign Policy Pillars
Tuggar outlined the four pillars of Tinubu’s foreign policy, known as the “4 Ds”: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional governance and protecting the fundamental rights of individuals. “We support constitutional governance and will engage with all countries to protect and advance our national interests,” he added.
The ongoing dispute between Governor Bala Mohammed and Minister Yusuf Tuggar highlights the political and regional tensions surrounding Tinubu’s tax reforms and governance priorities. As the federal government addresses challenges in migration policy and diplomatic postings, the need for unity and focus on national development remains paramount.