Senators from the South-South region of the country have backed President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, which are currently being debated at the national assembly.
On Wednesday, the South-South caucus of the Senate held an emergency meeting to bolster support for the Tax Bills which had divided the National Assembly following contentions over the VAT provisions in the proposed tax reform bills.
The development comes as the highly contentious bills continue to generate widespread attention nationwide.
The senators announced their decision in a communiqué on Thursday after the Wednesday meeting. They hailed the landmark tax reform bills, stating that they would enhance national revenue and foster economic stability.
Part of the communique signed by Senator Seriake Dickson (Balyesa West) read, “We, the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the South-South geopolitical Zone, met on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to deliberate on key national issues and the role of the Senate in advancing the collective interest of the country.
“Recognizing the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and fostering economic stability, we resolved to support the Tax Reforms Bills.
“This support will be anchored on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the content of the Bills to ensure they align with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.’’
The caucus called for restraint ‘’on the part of those bent on introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic or tribal to a national dialogue and looks forward to robust interactions and consultations as already commenced by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’’
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with our colleagues across the Senate and all stakeholders in fostering a legislative agenda that guarantees the peace, prosperity, and progress of our beloved nation,” the southern senators assured.
The communiqué was signed by 15 other Senators, including:
Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North), Secretary of the Forum;
Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South East),
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North),
Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South),
Senator Munir Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North),
Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (APC, Delta South), Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom South),
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South),
Senator Allwell Onyeso (PDP, Rivers East),
Senator Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West),
Senator Benson Agadaga (PDP, Bayelsa East),
Senator Konbowei Benson (PDP, Bayelsa Central),
Senator Eteng Jonah Williams (APC, Cross River Central),
Senator Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South),
Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central).
Meanwhile, there was confusion in the Senate on Thursday as Akpabio denied that the public hearing on the Tax Reform Bills had not been suspended.
This clarification is on the heels of the directive from Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau during Wednesday’s plenary.
Barau had instructed the Senate Committee on Finance to halt activities related to the bills and constituted a special committee to liaise with the Attorney-General of the Federation.
“Consequently, the Senate Committee on Finance has been directed to pause further actions on public hearings and other matters related to the tax reform bills until the issues are resolved,” he stated.
Barau also named a 10-man committee including the entire leadership of the Senate and specifically named the chief Whip, Tahir Monguno ( APC, Borno South) as one of the members.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele further dismissed rumours of the bill’s withdrawal, emphasizing that the decision of the Senate was misunderstood.
He said, “It was a misunderstanding of the legislative process for anyone to suggest that the bills were withdrawn. These are executive bills, and only the executive arm can withdraw them. The Senate remains committed to deliberating and addressing any concerns in the public interest.
“The bills were executive bills transmitted to us by the executive arm of government through the office of Mr. President. It’s only the executive arm that can withdraw these bills. They are not private member bills sponsored by any senator.
“So, no senator is going to withdraw the bill. And there is no reason for this bill to be withdrawn. In the legislative process, it is normal that some people have concerns.”
