Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made it clear that the Senate has not withdrawn the contentious tax reform bills currently going through legislative processing. Akpabio emphasized that the Senate remains committed to representing Nigerians’ interests and will not be intimidated by external pressures.
Akpabio’s statement was in response to the Point of Order raised by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, addressing media reports that the bills had been suspended or withdrawn. The Senate President reaffirmed that the Senate cannot be bullied and will proceed with any reform that serves Nigerians’ interests.
The Senate has taken further legislative actions, including forming a special committee to engage with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious issues. This committee, headed by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, will meet with the AGF to address grey areas in the bills and revert to the Senate before public hearing.
Public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, including governors, traditional and religious leaders, as well as business leaders, are also planned to resolve any uncertainties. Akpabio assured that the Senate is committed to transparency and addressing all concerns, and if necessary, will extend the time for deliberations beyond the initial six weeks.
Senator Bamidele also cautioned against misinformation, urging the public to focus on facts. “We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills. Any attempt to intimidate the Senate is undemocratic,” he said.
