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Senate Stands Firm on Tax Reform Bills, Dismisses Pressure and Misinformation

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 5th, 2024.

Senate Stands Firm on Tax Reform Bills, Dismisses Pressure and Misinformation

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, reaffirmed the upper chamber’s unwavering commitment to its legislative duties, stating during Thursday’s plenary that it would not be swayed by external pressures or attempts to intimidate it.

His comments followed a point of order raised by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, which addressed recent media reports suggesting that the Senate had suspended or withdrawn its deliberations on the controversial tax reform bills.

Senator Akpabio strongly rejected these claims, emphasizing that the Senate would not bow to any form of pressure. “The Senate cannot be bullied,” he said. “Any reform we deem to be in the best interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills are designed to benefit the public.”

He also urged the public to disregard misinformation circulating on social media and in some news outlets, encouraging them to focus on verified facts. “We have not withdrawn or suspended deliberations on the tax reform bills,” Akpabio stated. “Any efforts to intimidate the Senate are undemocratic. Only the executive has the power to withdraw these bills, as they were sent by the executive. We remain dedicated to our legislative role.”

The Senate President reinforced the independence of the legislature, asserting, “We do not take instructions from any person or office, regardless of their position.”

In response to concerns about the bills, Akpabio emphasized that the Senate would not rush its review process. He announced that a special committee, representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, would work closely with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious provisions.

The Senate President assured that public consultations and hearings, involving key stakeholders such as governors, religious leaders, and business figures, would be an essential part of the process. “If six weeks is not enough time, we are prepared to extend it,” he said. “Our priority is transparency and addressing every concern raised.”

On Wednesday, the Senate formed a committee to thoroughly review the Tax Reform Bills, which have faced considerable opposition, particularly from the northern region. Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who chaired Wednesday’s plenary, announced that the committee, led by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, would meet with the Attorney General to resolve outstanding issues before proceeding to public hearings.

Barau also confirmed that the executive had acknowledged the need for dialogue to resolve disputes surrounding the bills, which were presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed

Tinubu in October.