Reps in rowdy session over tax reform bills

The house of representatives was thrown into a rowdy session on Tuesday after Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the green chamber, referenced the tax reform bills.

Rotimi had risen to move a motion for the consideration of two reports on behalf of Boma Goodhead, a lawmaker from Rivers state, who was absent at plenary.

The report was on a bill for an act to repeal the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act 2010, and enact the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act.

“My name is Akin Rotimi Jr. I represent the people of Ekiti north, comprising Ikole and Oye local governments. Mr Speaker, I am from Ekiti state, the first state, whose national assembly caucus, has unanimously endorsed the tax bills,” he said.

Rotimi was still speaking when he was boisterously interrupted by his colleagues.

Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker, who presided over the session, attempted to restore calm, saying Rotimi was expressing his personal opinion.

“He was just talking on a lighter note. Let us not take it seriously,” Abbas said.

The lawmakers remained unappeased, repeatedly shouting, “no, no, no”.

At this point, Rotimi apologised and withdrew his comment on the tax reform bills.

“Mr speaker, I withdraw the introduction. I will introduce myself properly. Mr speaker, can I have the opportunity to speak? Colleagues, I would like to withdraw that introduction and restrict myself to the Order Paper,” Rotimi said.

The speaker responded, advising Rotimi to issues relevant to the subject matter. 

“Mr Rotimi, you know this is a controversial issue. I don’t want you to be mentioning things that are not relevant to the subject matter. On your behalf, I withdraw that statement that you have made,” Abbas said. 

Rotimi reintroduced the report, but it was not seconded as lawmakers continued to protest, prompting him to withdraw it.

THE TAX BILLS

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

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

On October 28, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) opposed the bills, saying 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 will 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.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano, said the bills are an attempt to “colonise the north”.

The bills passed second reading at the senate last Thursday.