- Safiu Kehinde
The House of Representatives has bowed to the pressure of controversies mounting over the proposed tax reforms as it suspends the bill’s debate indefinitely.
The debate, slated to hold on Tuesday, was called off in a memo signed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, as 73 northern lawmakers kicked against the bills.
According to reports, those who rejected the bills include 48 Reps members from the North-East, 24 federal lawmakers from Kano and a former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South Senatorial District.
As contained in the memo dated November 30, 2024 and read by Danzaria, the House cited need for further consultation as reason for the suspension.
“I am directed by the House leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the special session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to discuss all the tax reform bills, has been postponed to a later date.
“This rescheduling is due to the need for further and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders. A new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.” the Green Chamber’s clerk read.
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Recall that NPO reported last week’s drama at the Senate following the invitation of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji to the Upper chamber alongside other tax experts.
The development was kicked against by several Senators who almost staged a walk out from the plenary.
The agitations around the bills brood over several provisions which the Northern leaders considered as detrimental to the region.
Amongst the provisions identified by Borno state governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, during an interview on Sunday was the plan to allocate Value Added Tax by derivation.