Wednesday’s Senate plenary session was thrown into a chaotic situation following a heated debate that erupted over the contentious Tax Reform Bills.
The Tax Reform Bills, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, seek to overhaul Nigeria’s tax framework.
While it is deemed a priority for national economic stability, it has faced resistance from various stakeholders, including state governors and the National Economic Council, over its implications.
The bill, which was not listed on the day’s Order Paper, sparked intense anger and shouting matches among lawmakers.
The Senate session, presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), took a dramatic turn when Senate Leader Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 12(1) of the Senate Standing Rules, sparking a heated debate.
He suggested inviting experts, including the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, to address the chamber on the bill.
After passing the two bills for a second reading and referring them to relevant committees, Sen. Bamidele moved a motion to invite tax experts into the chamber.
Sen. Barau seconded the motion and instructed the sergeant-at-arms to permit the visitors to enter.
However, Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) strongly opposed the move, citing Senate Rules that forbid visitors from addressing the Chamber on matters not included in the Order Paper.
Ndume argued that the Tax Reform Bill was too significant to be treated without following proper legislative procedure, stating, “This is a very important matter. We must follow known procedures. If this issue is to be addressed today, there must be a supplementary Order Paper to reflect it. Nigerians are watching, and this issue cannot be rushed.
“Mr. President, you can have your way, but I will have my say. Tax reform is sensitive, and our people are deeply affected by this matter. We must represent the interests of Nigerians as we swore to do.”
Deputy Senate President Barau responded, defending the decision to allow the experts into the chamber.
He dismissed Ndume’s objections, stating, “The Chamber has no time for rhetoric. We are here for facts.”
The comment sparked a fierce backlash, with Sen. Ndume accusing Barau of disregarding his concerns simply because of his position.
Ndume said: “Is it because you are sitting there that you are saying a senator is speaking rhetorics? You can rule me out of order, but I will speak for Nigerians.”
Ndume was eventually ruled out of order by the presiding officer, clearing the way for tax experts to brief the Chamber.
Persecondnews recalls that on October 29, 19 northern state governors strongly opposed the Tax Reform Bill, specifically rejecting the proposed shift to a derivation-based model for Value Added Tax distribution.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), in a communique issued after a strategic meeting in Kaduna, argued that the proposed derivation-based model for Value Added Tax distribution would unfairly disadvantage northern states and other less industrialized regions.
The communique was presented by the NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
The meeting, which aimed to address pressing regional issues, brought together esteemed attendees, including northern traditional rulers, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other influential stakeholders.
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