The Media Office of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has strongly condemned the recent unguarded and divisive comments made by Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication.
In a statement released on January 12, 2025, and signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the Governor’s office described Mr. Dare’s remarks as “ill-timed, unprofessional, and divisive,” and urged him to refrain from making further inflammatory statements.
According to the statement, Mr. Dare’s comments, which were strategically released during a sacred time of reflection during Jumat prayers and the commemoration of Armed Forces Remembrance Day, demonstrate a lack of respect for the gravity of national events. “By prioritizing political attacks over honouring Nigeria’s fallen heroes, Mr. Dare displayed poor judgment unbecoming of his office,” the statement read.
The Governor’s office also criticized Mr. Dare’s tone and substance, stating that his comments are unprofessional and fail to reflect the high standards expected of a presidential spokesperson. “Instead of fostering constructive dialogue, his statement pits the President against key stakeholders and democratic voices offering feedback and critique—essential components of participatory governance,” the statement added.
The Presidency, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been accused of demonstrating increasing intolerance toward feedback and criticism. Rather than welcoming constructive suggestions from patriotic Nigerians, including Governor Bala Mohammed, the President’s media team has chosen to antagonize and vilify dissenting voices. “Governor Bala Mohammed’s remarks were neither irresponsible nor political, but grounded in patriotism and an earnest desire to ensure that national policies are inclusive and reflect the voices of all Nigerians,” the statement emphasized.
At the heart of Mr. Dare’s tirade is Governor Bala Mohammed’s critique of the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly. The Governor’s office reiterated that his remarks are not an attack on the President but a legitimate call for greater consultation and inclusivity. “The Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee’s claims of conducting consultations are misleading, as these were mere briefings rather than genuine consultations,” the statement said.
The Governor’s office also emphasized that policies that affect the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians cannot be imposed without broad-based consultation. “In a constitutional democracy, the President is obligated to engage stakeholders, build consensus, and consider alternative views. Governor Mohammed’s comments are a reminder of this responsibility, not an attack on the President’s authority,” the statement added.
While Mr. Dare has questioned Governor Mohammed’s leadership, the Governor’s office highlighted Bauchi State’s track record under his administration, which speaks for itself. From transformative infrastructure projects to human capital development, Governor Mohammed has delivered measurable progress that has earned national and international recognition. “These achievements contrast sharply with Mr. Dare’s baseless accusations of ‘irresponsible politics,'” the statement said.
The Governor’s office also drew attention to Mr. Dare’s previous unprovoked attacks on Governor Bala Mohammed, stating that his role as a media adviser demands professionalism, diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to uniting Nigerians behind the President’s vision. “Instead, Mr. Dare has chosen to sow division and distract from critical national issues,” the statement added.
As Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor, emphasized, “A democracy thrives on dialogue, not intimidation. It is time for the President’s media team to embrace this principle and recognize that dissent is not a threat—it is an opportunity to build a better, stronger Nigeria.”
The Governor’s office concluded by urging Mr. Dare to channel his efforts toward promoting the President’s policies and achievements, rather than disparaging those offering constructive feedback.
“We reiterate that Governor Bala Mohammed respects the Office of the President and the responsibilities it entails. However, respect does not preclude critique in a democracy,” the statement said.
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