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Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed that as an opposition governor during the 2023 general elections, he celebrated President Bola Tinubu’s victory, believing it would lead to progress. However, he now believes that “freedom and development are eluding us.” Speaking to journalists during a visit from Apostle Johnson Suleiman, Founder and General Overseer of
Tax reform: I celebrated Tinubu’s victory but freedom has now eluded us – Bala Mohammed

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed that as an opposition governor during the 2023 general elections, he celebrated President Bola Tinubu’s victory, believing it would lead to progress.

However, he now believes that “freedom and development are eluding us.”

Speaking to journalists during a visit from Apostle Johnson Suleiman, Founder and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, at the Government House in Bauchi, Mohammed criticized Tinubu’s approach to governance. He stated that Tinubu assumed power without a clear blueprint or manifesto and is surrounded by “misfits.”

“I hold President Tinubu in high regard, but someone must speak up and tell him that he is surrounded by misfits. I can now see, from the perspective of the Man of God, that Tinubu entered governance unprepared, without an agenda or a manifesto,” Mohammed remarked.

The governor further explained that he initially supported Tinubu due to his record as Lagos State Governor, believing his success in Lagos would translate to national progress. “I celebrated when he became President, despite belonging to a different party. I thought freedom had arrived, but now I see that both freedom and development are slipping away.”

Mohammed stressed that his criticism was not personal but centered on the policies of the current administration, which he believes may harm the people.

“I want to make it clear, in the presence of Apostle Johnson Suleiman, that I have no personal grudge against the President. I respect the office of the President, as I have always respected leadership. I have consistently supported actions that dignify leadership, including my role in the Senate during the Doctrine of Necessity when I supported the elevation of Goodluck Jonathan to the Presidency.”

He emphasized that Nigeria should treat its citizens as such, not as customers, and that policies should unite rather than divide the nation. “We should not enact policies that lead to division or impunity. We must respect our diversity and practice inclusivity, just as Prophet Suleiman exemplifies by spreading his message globally.”

Governor Mohammed concluded by urging the President to consider his advice in the spirit of goodwill, suggesting that governance would be more effective through inclusivity and clear vision.

“Leadership should not be reactive or based on foreign policies that are poorly understood. Without a clear vision, we risk heading down a path of destruction,” he said.

“I advocate for reforms that benefit us all, not because I oppose change, but because I want positive reforms that make a real difference.”

Tax reform: I celebrated Tinubu’s victory but freedom has now eluded us – Bala Mohammed