- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Senate has denied withdrawal of the controversial tax reform bill proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
Reacting to reports of the bill’s withdrawal by the Upper Chamber, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, debunked the claims stating that the Senate remains committed to advancement of the Tax Reform Bills.
Akpabio stated during plenary on Thursday that the upper chamber remains focused on its mandate to represent Nigerians’ interests and will not be intimidated by external pressures as he stressed that no aspect of the legislative process has been suspended or withdrawn.
“We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills.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 said.
The Senate President also stated that, “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 maintained that the Chamber don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.
Meanwhile, Akpabio said that the Senate is not in a hurry and will do a thorough job on the bills before the house and has 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 (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious issues.