News Editor
*Says documents not withdrawn
By Olu Balogun
Senate on Thursday declared that it will not be intimidated to suspend or withdraw the Tax Reform Bills forwarded by the executive arm of government, reiterating its commitment to advance legislative processes on the documents.
Speaking during plenary on the reported withdrawal of the bills, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio said the Red Chamber remains focused on its mandate to represent Nigerians’ interests and will not be intimidated by external pressures.
Akpabio, who was responding to the Point of Order raised by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), over the media reports that the bills have either been suspended or withdrawn, dismissed any attempts to pressure the chamber from taking such action, moreso when they are executive bills.
“The Senate cannot be bullied. Any reform that we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills contain provisions that are in the best interest of the public,” he said.
Akpabio informed that the Senate was not in a hurry and would do a thorough job on the bills, just as it has taken further legislative actions on them, including the formation of a special committee representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to engage with the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN to address contentious issues.
The Senate President explained that public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, including governors, traditional and religious leaders, as well as business leaders are imperative to resolve any uncertainties.
“If six weeks are insufficient, we will extend the time. We are committed to transparency and addressing all concerns,” he said.
Earlier, the Senate Leader had equally cautioned against misinformation from social media or media reports, urging the public to focus on facts.
“We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills. Any attempt to intimidate the Senate is undemocratic. These bills are executive communications, and only the executive arm can withdraw them. We remain steadfast in our legislative responsibilities,” Senator Bamidele said.
While underscoring the legislature’s independence, he said “we don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.”
The Senate had on Wednesday set up a committee to review the controversial Tax Reform Bills that are before the National Assembly.
According to Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary, the committee which is headed by Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP Benue South) would meet with the AGF Lateef Fagbemi, to address grey areas in the bills and revert to Senate before public hearing.
He disclosed that the executive arm of government agreed with the Senate that there is need to resolve all the issues causing disagreements in the bills.
