By Enyichukwu Enemanna
No aspect of the contentious Tax Reform Bills rejected by northern bloc and leaders has been suspended or withdrawn, the Nigerian Senate has announced, reiterating its commitment to advance the reforms being pushed by the executive.
“We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills.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,” Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele stated during plenary on Thursday.
Heritage Times HT reports that Northern senators had called for the suspension of further legislative action on the controversial Tax Reform Bills, which recently passed second reading in the upper legislative chamber.
The lawmakers cited potential adverse effects on northern states. Already, the House of Representatives had announced suspension of debate on the bills due to public outcry and resistance from some northern lawmakers.
Critics, including northern governors, traditional rulers, and lawmakers, had urged the president to withdraw the bills for broader consultation. The President insisted that the bills should be allowed to undergo legislative process.
Senator Buba Umaru Shehu from Bauchi said northern lawmakers strongly oppose the proposed “derivation” formula in the value added tax (VAT) distribution system, arguing that northern states would be unfairly impacted.
But against the backdrop of a point of order raised by the leader of the Senate, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio dismissed reports in the media suggesting that deliberations on the bills have been suspended or withdrawn.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.”
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 review the controversial Tax Reform Bills.
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 the Senate before public hearing.
