Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has clarified that his absence from the New Year visit by governors to President Bola Tinubu’s Lagos residence on Wednesday should not be misconstrued as politically motivated.

On New Year’s Day, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum visited the President at his home on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. 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 present 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 Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, was noticeably absent, fueling speculation.

This absence was seen by some as significant, especially in light of recent tensions between the governor and the Presidency over proposed tax reforms.

Earlier in the week, the Presidency accused Mohammed of issuing threats against President Tinubu, while Mohammed accused the Presidency of blackmail and reaffirmed his opposition to the reforms.

However, on Thursday, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, dismissed any political interpretations of Mohammed’s absence. Gidado explained that the governor had been grieving the loss of his 102-year-old stepmother, Hauwa Duguri, who passed away on New Year’s Day.

“The governor’s stepmother, Hauwa Duguri, passed away on Wednesday, the same day as the New Year visit,” Gidado said. “The governor has been deeply affected by the loss. As we speak, he is in his hometown of Duguri, receiving sympathisers and mourning her passing.”

He added, “It is inappropriate to link the governor’s absence to his recent disagreements with the Presidency. Governor Mohammed remains focused on mourning and honoring his late stepmother.”