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Senate dismisses claims of tax reform bills suspension, affirms progress
The Nigerian Senate has refuted reports that its plenary on Wednesday suspended the Tax Reform Bills, stating that the bills remain active and under consideration.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the bills, which are executive proposals, have not been withdrawn and are progressing through the legislative process.
Akpabio’s remarks came in response to a point of order raised by Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, who expressed concerns over media misreporting, particularly by Arise Television.
Opeyemi criticized a broadcast that suggested the Senate had suspended or withdrawn the bills. According to Opeyemi, the report inaccurately portrayed Senators as confused, stating that the bills had been “withdrawn.”
The news outlet further quoted Nasarawa State’s governor as expressing dissatisfaction with the supposed withdrawal, which Opeyemi contended was misleading.
“The media’s portrayal of our proceedings is damaging and confusing,” Opeyemi said. “We cannot move from one media station to another correcting misinformation. The public needs clarity on the matter, and we must set the record straight. The tax reform bills are still very much alive in the Senate.”
Opeyemi also emphasized that the Senate operates under the Constitution and should not be swayed by outside pressures or misinformation.
“No one can intimidate or bully us into adopting a certain procedure. We are committed to transparency and engagement with all relevant stakeholders, but the bills are under active consideration.”
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In response to Opeyemi’s comments, Senate President Akpabio reiterated that the tax reform bills are in the Senate’s custody and could only be withdrawn by the executive branch.
He reaffirmed that the bills, which are of significant public interest, have passed their second reading and are undergoing further legislative action.
“We will ensure that all geopolitical, political, and religious interests, as well as civil society, have a chance to contribute to the passage of these laws,” Akpabio added.
The Senate President also commended Senator Abba Moro, the chairman of the committee overseeing the bills, for promptly beginning consultations and setting up meetings to facilitate the legislative process. Moro is expected to initiate public hearings on the bills in the coming weeks.
The Senate concluded that the Tax Reform Bills are active and will continue through the legislative process, assuring the public that no suspension or withdrawal has taken place.