Akpabio: Senate will not be bullied… tax reform bills not withdrawn

Senate President Goodwill Akpabio says the national assembly has not suspended legislative actions on the tax reform bills.

On Wednesday, Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, constituted a special committee to meet with a federal government delegation to discuss the tax reform bills.

However, there have been reports that the senate had suspended legislative actions on the bills.

Speaking during the plenary on Thursday, Akpabio said the upper legislative chamber will not be “bullied” to suspend consideration of the proposed legislation.

“The senate cannot be bullied. Any reform that we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed,” the senate president said.

“These bills contain provisions that are in the best interest of the public.”

Akpabio said consultations on the bills are ongoing with stakeholders, including governors, and religious leaders, to resolve the grey areas.

He said the senate would extend the six weeks earmarked for consultations on the bills.

“We will extend the time. We are committed to transparency and addressing all concerns,” he said.

Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader, said the bills have not been suspended or withdrawn.

“We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills. Any attempt to intimidate the senate is undemocratic,” Bamidele said.

“These bills are executive communications, and only the executive arm can withdraw them.

“We remain steadfast in our legislative responsibilities. We don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.”

THE TAX BILLS

On October 3, President Bola Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills.

The bills—the Nigeria tax bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—have become a subject of controversy.

On October 28, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) opposed the bills, arguing that the proposed legislations would harm the region’s interests.

The governors asked the national assembly to reject the bills, demanding equitable and fair implementation of national policies and programmes across all regions.

The national economic council (NEC) also asked Tinubu to withdraw the bills to give room for consultations.

On November 1, Tinubu said the bills would not be withdrawn from the national assembly, noting that the proposed laws were designed to improve the lives of Nigerians and optimise existing tax frameworks.

The bills passed second reading at the senate last week.