THE Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Tax Reform Bills, stressing that no aspect of the legislative process has been suspended or withdrawn.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio stated during plenary on Thursday that the upper chamber remains focused on its mandate to represent Nigerians’ interests and will not be intimidated by external pressures.
Against the backdrop of a point of order raised by the leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Akpabio dismissed reports in the media suggesting that deliberations on the bills have been suspended or withdrawn.
Dismissing any attempts to pressure the chamber, the Senate President also stated 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 in his 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“We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills.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.”
He again underscored the legislature’s independence, stating that, “We don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.”
Senator Akpabio underscored that the Senate is 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 which is 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 is 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.