Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare, for what he described as “unprofessional, disrespectful, and divisive rhetoric.”

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado on Sunday, Bala Mohammed’s camp accused Dare of turning his role into a platform for political attacks rather than fostering unity and promoting constructive dialogue.

The statement issued on Sunday, titled “Enough is Enough”, did not hold back in calling out the Presidency for its alleged intolerance to criticism.

Governor Mohammed’s team dragged Dare for releasing his remarks during Juma’at prayers and Armed Forces Remembrance Day, calling it “poor timing” and “a disgrace to the solemnity of the events.”

“Instead of focusing on honouring Nigeria’s fallen heroes, Dare chose to prioritise political mudslinging. Is this what the Tinubu administration represents?” the statement questioned.

The Bauchi governor accused the Presidency of fostering a toxic culture that stifles criticism.

“This administration has shown increasing intolerance towards constructive feedback,” the statement alleged.

“Instead of addressing Governor Bala Mohammed’s genuine concerns about the tax reform bills, Sunday Dare chose personal attacks and diversionary tactics. Is this how a democracy is supposed to work?”

The governor’s camp also threw a subtle jab at Tinubu, reminding Nigerians of his days as a pro-democracy activist who boldly criticised military dictators and even challenged President Obasanjo.

“If Tinubu could criticise the system and rise to power, why is his administration trying to muzzle voices like Bala Mohammed who are only doing the same?” the statement argued.

The statement ended with a warning to Sunday Dare: “We respect the Office of the President, but respect does not mean silence. Governor Bala Mohammed will continue to speak up for Nigerians, whether they like it or not. Enough is enough.”

DAILY POST reports that Mohammed and the presidency have been engaged in a heated exchange over the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.

In December, Mohammed, who chairs the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, criticised the bills, alleging that they favour one region.

The governor claimed the bills amounted to “calls for anarchy” and warned that President Bola Tinubu would see “our real colour” if the legislation were passed.

Subsequently, the presidency asked Mohammed to withdraw the comments against the president.

Sunday Dare, the president’s special adviser on media and public communication, said Mohammed’s remarks were “inflammatory ” and “direct threats toward the federal government.”

About 24 hours later, Mohammed fired back, saying he stood by his comments and would not be threatened.

Mohammed criticised the presidency’s approach to the tax reform debate, urging it to avoid arrogance and listen to the concerns of Nigerians.

In a statement issued last Friday, Dare asked the governor to stop playing “irresponsible politics” and focus on governance and alleviating poverty in Bauchi.

Dare said the Tinubu administration is focused on development and how to improve the overall well-being of Nigerians.