Tax Reform Bills: Nobody Can Stampede Senate-Akpbio

The Senate, Thursday, dismissed the soaring notion that the Tax Reforms Bills have been withdrawn, declaring that nobody or group can intimidate members of the upper chamber.

Dismissing the notion during plenary, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said apart from being executive bills which only the President can withdraw, the Senate is irrevocable committed to advancing them.

No aspect of the legislative process on the bills has been suspended or withdrawn, Akpabio declared, adding that the upper chamber remains focused on its mandate to represent Nigerians’ interests and will not be intimidated by external pressures.

Speaking after a point of order raised by the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Akpabio dismissed media reports
suggesting that deliberations on the bills have been suspended or withdrawn.

Dismissing any attempts to pressure the chamber, the Senate President declared that, “the Senate cannot be bullied. Any reform that we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills contain provisions that are in the best interest of the public.”

The Senate leader against remarks, equally cautioned against misinformation from social media or media reports, urging the public to focus on facts.

“We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills. Any attempt to intimidate the Senate is undemocratic. These bills are executive communications, and only the executive arm can withdraw them. We remain steadfast in our legislative responsibilities.”

Akpabio, again, ⁴underscored the legislature’s independence, stating that, “We do what 41qeeeeé we qéqn’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.”

Akpabio underscored that the Senate was not in a hurry and will do a thorough job on the bills before the house and has therefore taken further legislative actions on the bills, including the formation of a special committee representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to engage with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious issues.

The Senate President explained that public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, including governors, religious leaders, and business leaders are imperative to resolve any uncertainties.

“If six weeks are insufficient, we will extend the time. We are committed to transparency and addressing all concerns,” he said.

On Wednesday, the Senate set up a committee to to review the controversial Tax Reform Bills that are before the National Assembly.

According to Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary on Wednesday, the Committee, headed by Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), will meet with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to address grey areas in the bills and revert to Senate before public hearing.

Barau noted that the executive arm of the government agreed with the Senate that there was need to resolve all the issues causing disagreements in the bills.

Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu forwarded four Tax Reform Bills to the National Assembly in October, it has met serious resistance especially from the Northern part of the country.