As against the Senate’s decision on Wednesday, 4 December, 2024 Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed yesterday 5 Wednesday 2024, that further legislative action on the four controversial tax reform bills has neither been suspended nor withdrawn.

Recall that Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary on Wednesday, had stated the lawmakers suspended public hearing and legislative work on the bills to allow for wider consultations.

He therefore set up a 10-man committee, led by Senator Abba Moro, to engage with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and Justice Minister, Lateef Fagbemi, to address the grey areas in the bills.

However, the Akpabio-led Senate reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Tax Reform Bills, yesterday, stressing that no aspect of the legislative process had been suspended or withdrawn.

This came on a day senators from the South-South geopolitical zone of the country, under the aegis of South- South Senators’ Forum, threw their weight behind the tax reform bills, passed a vote confidence in Akpabio; and urged South-South governors to synergise with lawmakers to fine tune the bills and to be on the same page.

Senator Ali Ndume and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno have been in the fore-front of the opposition to the bills.

Also Vice President Kashim Shettima, who also hails from Borno, chaired the National Economic Council (NEC), that advised the Presidency to suspend actions on the bills for wider consultations

However, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed at yesterday’s plenary that the upper chamber remained focused on its mandate to represent Nigerians’ interests and would not be intimidated by external influences.

Against the backdrop of a point of order raised by the leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Akpabio dismissed reports in the media suggesting that deliberations on the bills had been suspended or withdrawn.

Dismissing any attempts to pressure the chamber, the Senate President also stated: “The Senate cannot be bullied. Any reform we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills contain provisions that are in the best interest of the public.”

The Senate leader in his remarks, 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“We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills.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.”

He again emphasized the legislature’s independence, stating that “we don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.”

Senator Akpabio stated the fact that the Senate was not in a hurry and would do a thorough job on the bills before the house and had, therefore, taken further legislative actions on the bills, including the formation of a special committee, representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, to engage with the Attorney General of the Federation to address contentious issues.

The Senate President explained that public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, including governors, religious leaders, and business leaders, were 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.

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