The Bauchi State government has criticized the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, for his remarks against Governor Bala Mohammed’s position on the Federal Government’s tax reform policy.

Tuggar had reportedly lashed out at Mohammed for opposing the tax reforms. In response, the Chief of Staff to the Bauchi State Governor, Aminu Gamawa, issued a statement on Wednesday, dismissing the minister’s comments as a politically motivated attempt to stay relevant.

He described Tuggar’s remarks as “opportunistic and desperate,” accusing him of being disconnected from the realities of governance.

“Tuggar’s attack on Bala Mohammed is nothing but a bid to maintain political relevance by targeting the Governor, whose agricultural policies have turned Bauchi State into an economic hub,” Gamawa said.

He highlighted several of Mohammed’s initiatives, particularly in the agricultural sector, which he claimed had created thousands of jobs for farmers and youths. Among these, he pointed to the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme, which has provided training in fish farming, animal husbandry, and cash crop production to local residents.

“Tuggar, despite being from Bauchi State, seems completely unaware of these developments. If he spent more time in his home state instead of traveling across foreign capitals, he would have witnessed firsthand the transformation Bala Mohammed has brought to Bauchi,” the statement read.

The statement also dismissed Tuggar’s criticism of the Bauchi government’s land use policies, calling it an unfounded smear campaign. It defended Mohammed’s Tiamin Rice Project, emphasizing its role in creating thousands of jobs and significantly boosting the state’s economy.