Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) recently countered the assertion made by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin (APC, Kano North) regarding the status of the tax reform bills. On Thursday, Bamidele clarified that the Senate has not suspended discussions on these important pieces of legislation. This statement comes in response to Barau’s announcement during Wednesday’s plenary, where he indicated that the Senate finance committee, chaired by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), would “put on hold further action on its public hearing and other issues until we resolve these issues.”
In addition to this, Barau revealed that the newly formed Senate Committee, led by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), is scheduled to meet with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to address contentious matters related to the tax reform bills. This meeting is intended to facilitate discussions and ensure that all viewpoints are considered before any decisions are made.
Barau emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the process, stating, “All parties will have the chance to speak, and we will resolve the issues before any further actions are taken.” His comments underscore a commitment to thorough deliberation and consensus-building within the Senate.
Meanwhile, in a related development, retired military officers demonstrated at the Finance Ministry headquarters, demanding the payment of their unpaid entitlements. This protest highlights ongoing issues within the government regarding financial obligations to veterans, drawing attention to the need for timely resolutions.
However, Senator Bamidele expressed his shock at the circulating news claiming the Senate had halted discussions on the tax reform bills. He noted that he was particularly surprised after watching a television interview with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who discussed the supposed “suspension.” Bamidele questioned the validity of such claims, asserting, “Where is it indicated that we have halted our discussions on tax reform bills? We have not.”
Bamidele further clarified that the tax reform bills are executive proposals that can only be withdrawn by the President. He emphasized that there is no justification for their withdrawal and reaffirmed that the Senate Committee on Finance is actively working to meet its six-week deadline for legislative action on the bills, including conducting a public hearing.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, supported Bamidele’s assertions. He stated, “Once a bill passes its second reading in the Senate, it is considered active. It is now the responsibility of the finance committee to initiate consultations and public hearings.” His remarks reinforce the notion that the legislative process is ongoing and that these bills remain a priority.
Read also: Some lawmakers are unaware of the contents of tax reform bills – Barau
Akpabio also pointed out that the committee led by Senator Moro is an internal mechanism of the Senate, emphasizing the Senate’s role in serving the interests of Nigerians. This statement reflects a commitment to legislative transparency and accountability. The tax reform bills have sparked considerable debate since they were submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 3, 2024, highlighting the contentious nature of tax policy discussions in the country.
