Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, says his absence from the governors? New Year visit to the Lagos home of President, Bola Tinubu has nothing to do with his recent outbursts over the controversial Tax Reform Bill.

Governor Mohammed?s absence has sparked speculation, particularly given recent tensions between him and the Presidency over President Tinubu?s proposed tax reforms. However, the governor has clarified that his absence has no political undertone.

Responding to inquiries on Thursday, the governor?s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, dismissed rumours that the ongoing rancour over the tax bill may have triggered his absence from Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Gidado explained that the governor had been mourning the loss of his 102-year-old stepmother, Hauwa Duguri, who passed away on New Year?s Day.

Earlier in the week, the Presidency accused the governor of issuing threats against the President, while Mohammed countered by accusing the Presidency of blackmail and reiterating his opposition to the reforms.

?The stepmother of the governor, Hauwa Duguri, passed away on Wednesday, the same day as the New Year visit,? Gidado said.

?The governor has been restless. As I speak to you, we are in his country home in Duguri, mourning her loss.

?It is uncalled for to link the governor?s absence to his recent exchanges with the Presidency.?

The governors in attendance included Abba Yusuf (Kano), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Others were Babagana Zulum (Borno), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Usman Ododo (Kogi). Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party?s Governors? Forum, was notably absent from the visit. (Courtesy, excluding headline, The Guardian)

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