AKPABIO: Senate unmoved by pressure on tax reform bills
The ongoing discussions surrounding the Tax Reform Bills in Nigeria have sparked significant debate and controversy.
The Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, has firmly stated its commitment to advancing these bills despite external pressures and misinformation circulating in the media.
During a plenary session on Thursday, Senator Akpabio emphasized that the Senate would not be intimidated into suspending or withdrawing the proposed Tax Reform Bills. He asserted that the chamber is dedicated to representing the interests of Nigerians and will continue its legislative processes without yielding to external influences. This declaration comes in response to reports suggesting that deliberations on the bills had been halted, which Akpabio categorically denied.
Clarification on legislative proceedings
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also addressed concerns regarding misinformation, clarifying that there has been no suspension or withdrawal of the tax reform bills. He highlighted that these are executive bills transmitted from the President’s office, meaning only the executive can withdraw them. Bamidele stressed that it is normal for legislative processes to encounter concerns and debates but reiterated that the Senate remains steadfast in its responsibilities.
READ ALSO:Â Nigerian Senate, Attorney General to commence review of tax reform bills today
To ensure thorough consideration of the Tax Reform Bills, the Senate has established a special committee representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This committee is tasked with engaging stakeholders—including governors, traditional leaders, and business representatives—to address any contentious issues related to the bills. Public hearings and consultations are deemed essential for transparency and resolving uncertainties surrounding the proposed reforms.
Akpabio indicated that if six weeks are insufficient for reaching a consensus on these matters, they would extend this timeframe to ensure all concerns are adequately addressed. The Senate’s approach reflects a commitment to thoroughness over haste in legislative processes.
He reaffirmed the Senate’s dedication to advancing the bills without succumbing to intimidation or misinformation, emphasizing their role as representatives of public interest and their independence from external pressures.
