Tax Bills Not Withdrawn; Senate Not Intimidated—Akpabio.
The Senate has restated its commitment to pushing forward with the tax reform proposals, emphasizing that they have not delayed or withdrawn any portion of the legislative process.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, declared in plenary on Thursday that the upper house will not be intimidated by external influences as it continues to focus on its responsibility to serve Nigerians’ interests.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate’s leader, raised a point of order, forcing Akpabio to deny media claims of a halt or withdrawal of the bills’ debates.
The Senate President dismissed any attempts to exert pressure on the chamber, stating that “the Senate cannot be bullied.” We would pursue any reform that we feel is in the best interests of Nigerians. These measures have provisions that benefit the public.”
The Senate leader also warned against disinformation from social media or media stories, encouraging the people to focus on facts.
“We have neither halted or abandoned discussions on the tax reform measures. An attempt to frighten the Senate is undemocratic. These legislation are executive communications, and only the executive branch may remove them. We remain committed to our legislative obligations.”
He emphasised the legislature’s independence once more, saying, “We don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.”
Senator Akpabio emphasised that the Senate will take its time and properly analyse the measures before the House. As a result, the Senate has taken additional legislative moves, including establishing a special committee to represent Nigeria’s six geographic zones. This committee will meet with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to discuss controversial topics.
The Senate President stated that public hearings and meetings with stakeholders, such as governors, religious leaders, and business leaders, are critical to resolving any ambiguities.
“If six weeks is inadequate, we will extend the period. “We are committed to transparency and addressing all concerns,” he stated.
On Wednesday, the Senate established a committee to evaluate the contentious tax reform legislation now before the National Assembly.
According to Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary on Wednesday, the committee, led by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), will meet with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to discuss grey areas in the bills and report back to the Senate before the public hearing.
Barau stated that the executive branch of government agreed with the Senate that it is necessary to settle all problems generating disputes in the legislation.
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted four tax reform measures to the National Assembly in October, they have faced strong opposition, particularly in the country’s north.