Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central), has refuted report claiming that the Senate may have suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the 2024 Tax Reform Bills.
Bamdele spoke during plenary yesterday’,restating that the upper chamber remains fully committed to addressing the bills and warned against the misrepresentation of its legislative process.
The lawmaker explained that the Senate had, on Wednesday, constituted a special committee led by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro to address concerns surrounding the bills.
He said the committee is tasked with engaging key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi to resolve issues and ensure smooth legislative consideration.
He emphasised that such procedural step does not imply suspension or withdrawal, stating, “Nowhere in our votes and proceedings was it stated that deliberations on the Tax Reform Bills were suspended or withdrawn. Such claims reflect a misunderstanding of legislative processes.”*
Bamidele added that the Senate’s decision to temporarily pause the Committee on Finance’s public hearing on the bills until all “grey areas” are resolved was misinterpreted by some media outlets as a suspension of the legislative process.
According to him, these bills were transmitted by the Executive Arm of Government and can only be withdrawn by the same body, not by individual senators.
He also invoked Senate Rules and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to underline the Senate’s authority and independence, saying, “The Senate takes guidance from the Constitution, not from any individual or external institution. Attempts to intimidate the Parliament are undemocratic and will not deter us from performing our duties.”
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio also addressed the issue, commending Bamidele’s clarification and emphasising that the bills remain active.
He explained that the special committee chaired by Senator Moro is part of an internal mechanism to resolve misunderstandings and facilitate consultations with relevant executive bodies.
“The bills have passed second reading, which means they are alive. Further legislative actions are underway, including the work of the Ad Hoc Committee. There is no suspension or withdrawal,” Akpabio assured.
He further criticized the premature media reports, stating that legislative work is conducted within the chamber and not via social media or other external platforms.
He said the special committee already commenced consultations to address any confusion surrounding the bills.
Once resolved, the Committee on Finance, led by Senator Sani Musa, will resume its legislative duties, including public hearings, to gather stakeholder input and finalize recommendations.
