Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected allegations that Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws were tampered with, stressing that the versions signed into law remain authentic and unchanged.
He addressed the issue during Wednesday’s plenary session, responding to reports that different versions of the tax legislation were being circulated.
“I understand that there is another version that was circulating around, which was not in compliance with what was contained in our votes and proceedings,” Akpabio said.
“There is no adulteration. So I mean at this stage now, you can feel bold enough to discard anything that is to the contrary.”
According to him, four separate Acts have been finalised, formally gazetted, signed by the President, and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly to prevent any misunderstanding.
“There are about four Acts. So the four Acts are ready and gazetted, and signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly to avoid confusion,” he stated.
Akpabio subsequently instructed the Clerk of the Senate to distribute the certified copies to lawmakers, warning that the documents must not be released to unauthorised individuals.
“So every senator is expected to go home with one today. And then those who are not here, we will distribute them directly to the senators,” he said.
“This Act should not be given to any other person. It must be given by the Clerk to the Senate and certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly to avoid any confusion.”
He added that the documents reflect the resolutions of both chambers of the National Assembly and the harmonisation committee, as well as presidential assent.
“So, you take it directly from us. This has taken cognisance of what happened in the House of Representatives, in the votes and proceedings. And also what happened in the Senate and what happened in the committee on harmonisation, and signed by Mr President,” Akpabio said.
Meanwhile, the Senate postponed deliberation on the report of its Committee on Electoral Matters to allow senators more time to review the document.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele explained that the committee chairman, Senator Simon Lalong, was unavailable, although copies of the report had already been distributed.
“But copies have been circulated. We will allow senators to go home with the report and study it, and when we come tomorrow, we will hold a brief closed-door session and debate the critical clauses of the bill and pass it,” Bamidele said.
In response, Akpabio assured that the Senate would not rush the process, saying the lawmakers “will take our time and do the needful, and ensure justice is done for all and sundry.”
