December 6, 2024 -
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has clarified that legislative action on the controversial Tax Reform Bills has neither been suspended nor withdrawn, countering a previous announcement by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.
Barau, who presided over the Senate's plenary on Wednesday, stated that public hearings and legislative work on the bills were on hold to allow for broader consultations.
A 10-member committee, chaired by Senator Abba Moro, was formed to liaise with Attorney General and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi to resolve contentious issues.
However, Akpabio reaffirmed yesterday that the Senate remains committed to advancing the bills.
He emphasized that the legislative process is ongoing and underscored the Senate’s independence from external pressures.
Senate Realigns Committee Membership
In a move to restructure the 10-member committee, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele replaced Senator Mohammed Monguno with Senator Shehu Kaka. Monguno, along with other prominent figures from Borno State, including Governor Babagana Zulum and Vice President Kashim Shettima, has been vocal in opposing the bills.
Barau previously cited the need for national unity in addressing the bills’ issues, stressing collaboration between lawmakers and the executive to ensure comprehensive resolutions. He announced that the Attorney General would meet with the Senate leadership and committee members to address concerns.
Akpabio: Senate Will Not Be Intimidated
Addressing the chamber on Thursday, Akpabio dismissed reports of suspended deliberations, asserting that the Senate cannot be coerced. He maintained that any reforms benefiting Nigerians would proceed, saying:
“The Senate cannot be bullied. Any reform we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed.”
Senate Leader Bamidele also cautioned against misinformation, reiterating that the bills remain active and legislative actions are ongoing. He stressed that only the executive branch could withdraw the bills.
Akpabio further explained that public hearings and consultations with stakeholders—including governors, business leaders, and religious figures—are integral to the process. He assured Nigerians of the Senate’s dedication to transparency.
South-South Senators Back Tax Reform Bills
The South-South Senators’ Forum, comprising lawmakers from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States, expressed strong support for the Tax Reform Bills. In a statement led by Senator Seriake Dickson, the group emphasized the importance of tax reforms for national revenue and economic stability.
They also passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership.
The senators pledged a thorough evaluation of the bills to ensure alignment with national interests and the well-being of the South-South region. They urged regional governors to collaborate with lawmakers in fine-tuning the reforms.
Fayemi and Other Stakeholders Call for Wider Consultations
Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi highlighted the need for broader political acceptability of the reforms. Speaking at an event in Ibadan, Fayemi stressed that stakeholder engagement is critical to the bills’ success, cautioning against imposing reforms without adequate consensus.
The Arewa Youth Movement and the Nigerian Southern Senators Forum (NSSF) also endorsed the reforms.
While the Arewa group called for expedited passage to boost economic growth, the NSSF urged the federal government to provide data addressing concerns about potential impacts on state revenue.
As debates continue, the Senate remains steadfast in its approach. Akpabio assured Nigerians that further legislative action would be thorough, ensuring that the bills address all contentious issues transparently and equitably.
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