In a surprising twist as the debate gets hotter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced on Thursday that the Senate will proceed with legislative action on the four contentious tax reform bills contrary to speculation that they had been suspended or withdrawn.
The decision comes on the heels of Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau’s announcement on Wednesday that public hearings and legislative work on the bills has been suspended to facilitate broader consultations and address contentious issues.
Persecondnews recalls that the Senate suspended debate on the bill amid intense backlash from both within and outside the legislative body, just a day after the bills had passed the second reading.
Barau formed a 10-man committee comprising the entire Senate leadership, with Sen. Tahir Monguno, the Chief Whip, as a member, to address contentious issues in the bills.
The Senate, however, replaced Monguno with Sen. Shehu Kaka on December 5, just a day after the committee’s formation.
Akpabio, who presided at Thursday’s plenary, stated categorically that the Senate would not be intimidated by external pressure or bullied, saying any reform that serves the interest of Nigerians will be considered.
“The Senate cannot be bullied. Any reform we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills contain provisions that are in the best interest of the public.
“We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills.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.
“If six weeks are insufficient, we will extend the time. We are committed to transparency and addressing all concerns.
“I want to thank the senior Senator, Abba Moro, the chairman of the committee, because as soon as that announcement was made yesterday (Wednesday), he immediately started consultation.
“In fact, he had a meeting today (yesterday) that he set up to enable him to abstract the process so that the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and members of the committee can commence public hearings either next week or as soon as practicable.
“And the item to be explained is that the bills are live, have not been suspended, the actions have not been suspended, the bills have not been withdrawn and the bills have passed second reading in the Senate and further legislative actions are taking place,” Akpabio said.
In a show of solidarity, senators from the South-South geopolitical zone have endorsed the tax reform bills and expressed confidence in Akpabio’s leadership.
The senators also urged their counterparts, the South-South governors, to collaborate with lawmakers in refining the bills, ensuring a unified stance.
In a statement by the Chairman of the Forum, Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), the South-South senators said that having recognized the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and fostering economic stability, the forum resolved to support the bills.
Dickson said the support would be based on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the content of the bills to ensure they aligned with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South.
Persecondnews reports that the communique was signed by Sen. Jarigbe A. Jarigbe, Sen. Barinada Mpigi Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, Sen. Neda Imasuen; Sen. Munir Ned Nwoko, PDP, Delta North, Sen. Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, Sen. Aniekan Bassey, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong and Sen. Allwell Onyeso.
Others are Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, Sen. Benson Agadaga, Sen. Konbowei Benson, Sen. Eteng Jonah Williams, APC, Sen. Ekong Sampson and Sen. Ede Dafinone, APC, Delta Central.
The statement said: “We, the senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the South-South Geopolitical Zone, met on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to deliberate on key national issues and the role of the Senate in advancing the collective interest of the country. After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were made:
“The South-South senators unanimously agreed and passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to standing by him and supporting his leadership in steering the Senate toward its constitutional mandate of making laws that serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
“We pledge our full support to the Senate president and the leadership of the National Assembly in their efforts to ensure the effective and timely passage of legislation aimed at promoting good governance, national unity, and economic development.
“Recognizing the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and fostering economic stability, we resolved to support the Tax Reforms Bills.
“This support will be anchored on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the content of the bills to ensure they align with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.
“The caucus calls for restraint on the part of those bent on introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic or tribal to a national dialogue and looks forward to robust interactions and consultations as already commenced by the Senate.”
Also, Southern senators under the banner of Nigerian Southern Senators Forum(NSSF), threw their weight behind the tax reform, which they said “will foster a fair, equitable and more inclusive tax system and therefore deserve the support of all Nigerians.”
In a joint statement by Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru, chairman; Sen. Victor Umeh, vice chairman; Sen. Barinada Mpigi, secretary; Sen. Olubiyi Fadeyi, assistant secretary; Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, Publicity Secretary; and Sen. Kenneth Eze, treasurer, they said: “What is required now is for the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Tax Committee, to demonstrate, using data, that no sub-national in Nigeria will be at risk of a lower VAT revenues post reforms.
“This will go a long way in allaying the fears currently being expressed by some states of the federation.”
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