The caucus of the South-South of the Nigerian Senate has thrown its weight behind the Tax Reform Bills which had divided the National Assembly over disagreement on some parts of VAT Provision.
In a communiqué issued and available to journalists on Thursday in Abuja after a meeting behind closed doors, the senators lauded the landmark tax reform bills, adding that they would enhance national revenue and foster economic stability.
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The communiqué signed by Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) said “We, the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the South-South geopolitical Zone, met on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to deliberate on key national issues and the role of the Senate in advancing the collective interest of the country.
“Recognizing the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and fostering economic stability, we resolved to support the Tax Reforms Bills.
“This support will be anchored on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the content of the Bills to ensure they align with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.’’
The caucus called for restraint ‘’on the part of those bent on introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic or tribal to a national dialogue and looks forward to robust interactions and consultations as already commenced by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’’
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with our colleagues across the Senate and all stakeholders in fostering a legislative agenda that guarantees the peace, prosperity, and progress of our beloved nation,” the southern senators assured.
The lawmakers also passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
They said, “The South-South Senators unanimously agreed and passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to standing by him and supporting his leadership in steering the Senate toward its constitutional mandate of making laws that serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
“We pledge our full support to the Senate President and the leadership of the National Assembly in their efforts to ensure the effective and timely passage of legislation aimed at promoting good governance, national unity, and economic development.’’
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio had also dismissed the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau instruction that the public hearing on the tax reform bills be suspended.
Barau had directed the Senate Committee on Finance to halt activities related to the bills and constituted a special committee to liaise with the Attorney-General of the Federation.
“Consequently, the Senate Committee on Finance has been directed to pause further actions on public hearings and other matters related to the tax reform bills until the issues are resolved,” he stated.
Barau also named a 10-man committee including the entire leadership of the Senate and specifically named the chief Whip, Tahir Monguno ( APC, Borno South) as one of the members.
During Thursday’s sitting, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, read a letter from Monguno claiming that since he was the highest-ranking lawmaker in the special committee, he should be made the chairman.
In response to this, the Senate president ruled out anyone in the Senate leadership as a member of the committee.
He admitted the error in naming Monguno as the North-East representative and not as a principal officer.
Akpabio thereafter named Senator Kaka Shehu, SAN (APC, Borno South) as a replacement for Monguno.
The Senate retained Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) as the head of the special committee, which also includes Senators Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Titus Zam (APC, Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (PDP, Kebbi North), Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), and Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East).
Bamidele further denied the rumours of the bill’s withdrawal, saying the decision of the Senate was quoted out of the blue.
He said, “It was a misunderstanding of the legislative process for anyone to suggest that the bills were withdrawn. These are executive bills, and only the executive arm can withdraw them. The Senate remains committed to deliberating and addressing any concerns in the public interest.
“The bills were executive bills transmitted to us by the executive arm of government through the office of Mr. President. It’s only the executive arm that can withdraw these bills. They are not private member bills sponsored by any senator.
“So, no senator is going to withdraw the bill.
And there is no reason for this bill to be withdrawn. In the legislative process, it is normal that some people have concerns.”
He further explained that the ad-hoc committee was formed to interface with stakeholders and address grey areas while the Finance Committee continues its preparations for the public hearing.
The tax reform bills proposed by the federal government are facing stiff opposition from the Northern region of the country, especially the issue of sharing formula which the states under the region are alleged to have placed them at a high disadvantage if it becomes operational.
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