WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Forum for Northeast Development (FND) has strongly criticized Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, and former Chief Security Officer to late General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, for their vocal opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies. In a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Baba Mala Biu, and Secretary, Comrade Lawan Mohammed, the group expressed its support for Tinubu’s reform efforts, particularly his tax policies, which they believe will bring long-term benefits to the northern region. The FND emphasized that the reforms were necessary for a sustainable future, highlighting that the Northeast would greatly benefit from these changes. “We have no reason to complain because our son, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is from the Northeast. We trust him to advocate for our interests and know he won’t betray us,” the statement read. The Forum also stated that, despite criticism from prominent northern figures like Bala Mohammed and Major Al-Mustapha, Tinubu’s economic policies, including the tax reforms, are focused on restoring the country’s economy and driving growth and development. The FND urged residents of the Northeast and other parts of the North to remain hopeful and support the current administration. “We urge the people to have confidence in the Tinubu-Shettima leadership. These economic reforms are geared toward establishing a strong foundation for sustainable development, and it is unwise for anyone from the Northeast to criticize these efforts,” the statement concluded. The statement comes after Al-Mustapha criticized President Tinubu’s performance, accusing him of wasting his political goodwill, while Governor Bala Mohammed expressed concerns that the economic reforms were putting unnecessary strain on the North and the country as a whole. However, the Forum stated: “We ask the people of the Northeast to back President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima as they strive to take us to the next level of development.”