Senate refutes suspension of tax reform bills, vows not to be intimidated

December 05, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Nigerian Senate has denied reports that it suspended deliberations on the tax reform bills, emphasizing that it will not be intimidated or bullied into abandoning its legislative duties.

Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, clarified when he raised Senate Point of Order 42 during plenary.

Bamidele said that it was reported by Arise TV that “the hallowed chamber suspended further consideration of the tax reform bills before the Senate.”

According to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, “Nowhere in our votes and proceedings was it stated that we suspended further deliberations on the tax reform bills, because we did not.”

He clarified that the Senate remains committed to addressing the tax reform bills, which were transmitted by the executive arm of government through the office of the President.

Bamidele explained that the bills cannot be withdrawn by any senator, as they are executive bills. “It is only the executive arm that can withdraw these bills. They are not private member bills sponsored by any senator,” he said.

The Senate has referred the matter to the Committee on Finance, giving them six weeks to submit a report. Bamidele emphasized the importance of patience and understanding from the public, stating that “six weeks is long enough in a country that wants progress for a consensus to be reached for anybody who has concern to sit down and allow such concern to be addressed in overriding public interest.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio reassured that the Senate will not be intimidated or distracted from its legislative duties.

“Any attempt from any quarter to intimidate the parliament will be undemocratic, and we will not allow ourselves to be distracted,” he said.

Akpabio emphasized that the Senate’s work is done in the overall interest of Nigeria, according to their conscience and the Constitution.

“We will encourage consensus. We will encourage discussions and engagement at all levels,” he said.

The Senate’s decision to continue deliberations on the tax reform bills demonstrates its commitment to fulfilling its legislative responsibilities, despite external pressures or misinformation.