In an unfolding drama at the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed claims that legislative actions on the contentious tax reform bills have been suspended, directly countering Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau’s earlier announcement. The development has reignited debates on the bills’ implications for Nigeria’s fiscal framework and the political dynamics within the Senate.
On Wednesday, Barau, who presided over the plenary, declared the suspension of further legislative activities on the tax reform bills to allow for wider consultations with stakeholders, including the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. He emphasized the need to address contentious issues through dialogue and announced a 10-member committee, chaired by Senator Abba Moro, to lead these consultations.
However, Akpabio, speaking during Thursday’s plenary, refuted any suspension or withdrawal of the bills, asserting the Senate’s independence and commitment to advancing reforms. “The Senate cannot be bullied,” Akpabio declared. “Any reform we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills are critical to our nation’s economic future.”
Akpabio also clarified that while the Senate remains open to consultations, public hearings and legislative activities will continue uninterrupted. He commended Senator Moro for promptly initiating consultations and reiterated the Senate’s dedication to transparency and thorough evaluation of the bills.
South-South Senators Back Akpabio
Amid the controversy, senators from the South-South region, under the South-South Senators’ Forum, pledged their support for the tax reform bills and passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership. In a statement signed by Senator Seriake Dickson, the group emphasized the bills’ potential to enhance national revenue and foster economic stability, urging collaboration between South-South governors and lawmakers to fine-tune the reforms.
The forum, representing states like Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, and Rivers, rejected attempts to politicize the bills along regional or ethnic lines. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to standing by the Senate President in steering the legislature toward laws that serve the nation’s best interests,” the statement read.
Northern Opposition and Youth Endorsement
Conversely, northern elites, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Babagana Zulum, have expressed concerns over the bills. Leading the opposition, Shettima, chair of the National Economic Council (NEC), advised the Presidency to suspend the bills for further consultations. However, the Arewa Youth Movement dismissed these objections, urging the National Assembly to expedite the bills’ passage, emphasizing their potential to improve Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.
Calls for Broader Engagement
Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi weighed in, advocating for broader consultations to ensure political and technocratic acceptability of the bills. “Good intentions are not enough,” Fayemi noted during a keynote speech in Ibadan. “Reforms must resonate with stakeholders to succeed.”
Amid these diverse perspectives, the Senate remains a battleground for competing interests. While Akpabio champions the bills as essential for Nigeria’s economic transformation, dissenting voices call for a more inclusive approach to reform. As public hearings and stakeholder consultations proceed, the fate of the tax reform bills hangs in the balance, underscoring the intricate interplay of politics and governance in Nigeria.
Adapted from Abuja Network
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