Tax Reform Bills
There was mild drama at the National Assembly on Wednesday as the Senate debated the admittance of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team into the chamber to discuss the proposed Tax Reform Bills.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved to suspend Order 12, which restricts access to plenary, to allow tax experts, consultants, the Director-General of the Budget Office, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacchaeus Adedeji, to address lawmakers on the bills.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that however, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) opposed the motion, citing Senate rules that limit plenary participation to specific individuals.
He argued that such discussions should occur at the committee level, suggesting the finance and appropriations committees should engage with the economic team instead.
In defense, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North) explained that suspending the rule aimed to promote transparency by enabling Nigerians to watch and listen to the debate live. Barau asked Bamidele to clarify his motion, prompting Bamidele to elaborate.
“My motion was for suspension, not invocation of Order 12. Additionally, I am invoking Order 1B, which allows the Senate to regulate its procedure in the absence of specific provisions,” Bamidele stated. He emphasized that the discussion was crucial for public understanding and Senate collaboration.
Following Bamidele’s clarification, Barau put the motion to a voice vote, and the Senate approved it.
Shortly after, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) raised concerns about the issue not being listed on the Order Paper, suggesting it should be postponed. Barau dismissed the objection, urging members to focus on substantive issues.
After the economic team was admitted, Ndume raised another Point of Order, claiming Barau’s reference to “rhetoric” during their exchange was insulting and demanded an apology.
Tax Reform Bills
Barau responded with laughter, clarifying that his comment was not directed at Ndume but was a general remark. He again ruled Ndume out of order, maintaining control of the session.
The session proceeded with the economic team addressing the Tax Reform Bills amid the tension.
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